COUNTRY NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17229, 21 December 1923, Page 8

COUNTRY NEWS.

(Special to the “ Star.”). CHEVIOT The Cheviot Public Hall Committee, which was appointed by the Mackenzie Domain Board for the control of the hall, is making a special effort on January 2 to raise sufficient funds with the object of completing the hall buildings before the coming winter. The required additions comprise two anterooms, a picture operating room and lounge. It is expected that, with the present funds in hand, the amount raised will enable the committee to let the contract for th© work immediately. A swimming test in the Botanical Gardens bathing pool was held by the Mackenzie School for the Life-Saving Society’s certificates. Ten children qualified for learners’ certificates, and five for the two hundred and fifty yards distance. The rain which set in heavily on Wednesday morning suddenly ceased shortly after mid-day, and the wind again veered to the north-west. The total fall registered, 80 points, was taken by Mr A- D. Anderson, at Monica, and f 59 points, by Mr Athol Wilkinson, at Gore Bay. GREENDALE. The effect of the long-continued absence of rain in the district was beginning to awaken anxiety. Everything was looking in a dried up condition. Tn some instances oats are being reaped in poor condition, aud the hay in several cases has not reached its proper maturity. The rain of yesterday was thoroughly apreciated, and will prove beneficial to root crops. The rainfall for Wednesday was 1.38 inches. MOUNT SOMERS. A large gathering of residents from the Mount Somers and surrounding districts assembled in the Memorial Hall on JkLmday evening, when occasion was sought to bid farewell to the station master and his wife (Mr and Mrs G. Brim ton), who have been transferred to Rangiora after several years’ residence in the district; also to Mr and Mrs E. Meachem, who are departing to Christchurch. The function took the form of a dance, the music being supplied by Mrs and Miss W r ood, and extras by Misses G. Morgan and S. Robertson. During an interval a presentation was made to Mr Brunton by Mr G. L. Nell, who paid eloquent testimony to the many qualities of their departing guest. Mr J. Bull, in making the presentation to Mr Meachem. briefly referred to that guest’s many public-spirited efforts, especially with the Men’s Club and as secretary of the Springbum-Mayfield Football Club. Both guests suitably replied. Supper was then provided by the ladies, and dancing resumed till tho early hours. Tlie function was concluded by the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.”

The school was visited bv the physical instructor, Mr Webb, who expressed himself as well pleasqd with the progress made by the pupils in their drill. A gang of men is busily engaged effecting telephone communication between Mount Somers and Mayfield. The combined Sunday Schools"have arranged a picnic at the Caves for New Year’s Day. AMBERLEY. There was a fair attendance of members of the North Canterbury Caledonian Society in the Amber ley Domain yesterday making preparations for the sports to be held on Boxing Day. Tbe grass cycle, track had been mowed, rolled' and levelled, and after Tuesday’s rain is now in tip-top order. The various running distances were taped and pegged out, and one feature specially worth mentioning was the fact that they were enabled to maik out a straight 220yds course. Given a fine day the sports should prove very successful. From inquiries received by the various officials the entries for the dancing and piping events, which arc post entry, promise to be numerous. Arrangements for a special train to Amberley from Christchurch on sport-: day have been definitely made. Resulting from the splendid rain ou Tuesday the Amberley and surrounding districts already show an improvement from a farming point of view. To-day farmers may be seen busily drilling rape and turnip seeds or preparing the ground for pasture. Rape crops that were a week ago showing blue ard parched resulting from the dry weather, are now turning to a green, healthy colour, and given suitable weather will be ready for feeding very soon. CHERTSEY. Miss Lucy Carney, only daughter of Mr and Mrs M. Carney, is at present spending her vacation at Chertsey. Miss Carney for the past two years hs.s been a pupil at the Villa Maria Convent, where she has recently gained her proficiency, and has received special mention from her examiners for elocution. Miss Kathie Ridle3*, whose home is now in Sydney, is visiting friends in Chertsey. Miss Annie M’Kee is spending her Christmas holidays with her parents. Miss May Wilkinson, of Christchurch, is at present staying with Mrs 11. R. Wilkinson, of “ Higham.” Miss Muriel Smart has also returned home for Christmas. BROOMFIELD. On Wednesday evening a concert and dance in connection with the annual presentation of prizes was held in the Broomfield School. There was a good attendance of parents and residents of the district, and Mr R. Hunter, who presided during the evening, presented the prizes to the children. During the evening items were rendered by Misses Chamberlain. Rhodes, M. Belcher. D. Retallick and Joan Croft. Mr A. Burke, and Master Douglas Coleman. Miss Fitzgibbon, who danced the Highland fling. Irish jig and sailor’s hornpipe, received well merited applause. After Mr Hunter (chairman of tho School Committee) and Mr Prebble (school master) had returned thanks to the parents for their support during the past year, supper was handed round, followed by dancing. which was indulged in until an early hour, Mr J. C Croft acting as M.O. Accompaniments during the evening were played bv Mrs Belcher, Miss Rhodes and Mr B. State. The dance music was supplied bv Mrs B. Stace. HANMER. SPRINGS. A tablet- in memory of boys who attended TTanrner School and fell in the Great. War was unveiled on Wednesday afternoon by Mr George Forbes. M.P The Arrmri County Council was represented by Mr G. O Rutherford and W. Hanmer Atkinson, and the Queen Mary Hospital by Drs Chisholm and Elmslie. as well as a. number of patients and staff. Tlie chairman of th© Memorial Committee. Mr J. Dodds, read letters of apology

from Mr Marmaduk© Bethel! and Canon Smith, both bring unable to ho present- owing to prior engagements. A hymn was then sung by those as sembled, followed hr- a. short- but able address by the Re-r James Gemrnell Mr Forbes then spoke in the highest terms of the manner in which New Zea.la.nd soldiers had acquitted themselves at the front, and at. th© conclusion of an excellent address he unveiled the tablet, when after a few minutes’ silence tlie National Anthem was Ming, relatives and friends placing wreaths round the base of the tablet.