COUNTRY NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16938, 12 January 1923, Page 4

COUNTRY NEWS.

(From Our Correspondents.) LAURISTON. A special meeting of the Lauriston bra licit of the Presbvterian Women’s Missionary Union was held in the church vestry on Wednesday afternoon, proceedings taking the form of a social afternoon as a farewell to Mrs T. Hickman, who has been a member of the branch for twelve years, and for the last seven years has capably filled tho position of secretary. 'i he president. Mrs AY. AY. Goodwin, expressed tho regret of the members at the .departure of Airs Hickman from the district, and presented her with a Royal Doulton salad bowl. The recipient suitably responded. An amusing competition was held, prizes being won by Miss Gunn and Mrs AY. M’Phail. Afternoon tea was provided by the members. Tho weather*conditions recently prevailing have been very favourable for the crops. Tn many instances, early oats are being harvested, though tho general harvest will not be in full swing until about the end of tho present month. Farmers are more optimistic than they have been for severs.] seasons, owing to the prospect of a good yield this 7.-ear. and to the higher prices obtainable for wool and lambs several successful deals having lately bee n recorded.

OXFORD. The weather since the beginning of ] the month has been very variable and patchy, rain having already fallen on seven day-. Farming operations are much hindered, ha 3' making, grass seeding and turnip sowing being retarded. The heavy rainfall of last Friday was peculiar in the line it took. At View Hill! a farmer was sowing turnips, and before lie cofild cover up the drill he was wot through, while a neighbour was not affected. At Bosley the rain came on so suddenly and heavily that a farmer who was cutting grass seed had to hurriedly cease operations, while his neighbour in the next paddock was able to carry on with his coat off. The monthly meeting of the Oxford ■ Benevolent and Improvement League j was hold on Monday night. Mr R, F. Henderson presided and there were twelve me mb Vi vs present. Correspondence was received from various sources thanking the league for picture entertainments. It was decided to grant tlit Navy League the use of the picture plant for a special meeting on January ! 21. It was also decided to grant the r quest of the Oxford District High School Committee for a picture night on tho second Saturday in February, .mi uv the Oxford Bowling Club for a jurinl picture on Faster Monday. Air i... Watson was elected secretary of the league, and it was decided to forward letter of appreciation tn the late ■ •cretary, Mr R. H. Gainsford. and t a bonus of £5 os. K V L APOJ. The Kaiapoi Fire Board met at the Borough Council! Chambers, Kaiapoi. yesterday: present.--" Messrs T. H. Leithead (chairman'. 11. M’lntosh. J. Buchan. 11. <*. Rogers and J. Hutchins. The Under-Secretary, Department of Internal Affairs, wrote advising that tho by-laws adopted by the board had been approved and published in the New Zealand Gazette. The appointment of five firemen as recommended by the superintendent was confirmed, tiie appointments io date from December 1. 1b22. The question of the services of the brigade to those residing outside the borough was discussed, and the advisability of opening a guarantee list was considered, ns at present the brigade may not be taken outside the borough boundary. It was decided that the superintendent be asked to report to the next meeting on the condition of the fire sumps and fire appliances. BARR HILL. The children of the Barr Hill School held their treat; in the school grounds and spent a most enjoyable time. Messrs Campion and Dixon superintended the racmg and sports. Messrs J. M’Cabe and 11. AT Lean acted as judges, and Mr Rat M’Cabe was handicapper and starter. Borne of tlio chief events were:—Running high jump, seniors--!!. Penney 1. Gordon Collison 2. Running high Jump, juniors—Max Collison. 1. Jock Campbell 2. Running high jump, infants— Willie Holmes U Teddy Hurst 2. Sack race. seniors C. Gordon 1. Gordon Collison 2. Sack race, juniors AA'illio Holmes 1. Todd., Hurst 2. Obstacle race—Gordon Collison 1. Stanley Leaman 2. Young ladies’ race—Miss Gemmell and Miss Ross (equal) 1, Miss Rose Leamnn 2. Married ladies’ race—Mrs B. Gordon 1. Airs Lee 2. Married men’s race—R. Graham 1, R. Gemmell 2. Old boys’ race--I. Collison 1. J. Cairns 2, R Blain 3. Committee’s race—P. M’Cabe and J. Collison (equal) 1. The prizes were :—Standard A'. : Robert Penney, merit 1. plasticene 1, Navy League essay (equal) 1 : Ilene M’llwraitb, Navy League essay (equal) 1, merit 2, sewing 1, attendance (seven years without missing one day) 1 : Ivy Leaman, merit 3, sewing 2. Standard IV. : Gordon Collison. merit I, plasticene 2, attendance (outside m:ie) 1. Standard III.: AY in nie Leamnn merit 1, sewing 1. attendance 2: Nina At’Hwraith, merit 2. darning 1, attendance (five years without missing one day) 1. Standard IJ. : Horace Leaman, merit 1, plasticene 1, attendance 2. Standard I.; Jock Campbell, merit 1 ; Teddy Hurst, merit 2; Max Collison, merit 3. plasticene 2. P : AAullie Holmes 1, Stanley Leaman 2. Winnie Collison 3.