RICCARTON RECORDS

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17729, 26 December 1925, Page 23 (Supplement)

RICCARTON RECORDS

BOROUGH NOTES AND NEWS

By Our SjKtcial Correspondent.

COUNCILLORS’ CHRISTMAS GREETINGS. The Riccarton Borough Council, with the year “ fading fast away,” had a special meeting on Monday as a final clean-up, definitely handling various matters which had from time to time been deferred—or rather, referred to special committees and the like. The>- forgot all minor municipal misunderstandings, and wished each other “ A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year ” with much gusto. Then, following in the trail of ancient customs, the councillors and officials hied themselves into the home of the Chief Magistrate, where his Worship and the Mayoress provided supper and “ mony ither guid things ” with which to usher in the season of peace and goodwill. “THE ROSE OF JOY.” Tuesday evening’s cantata by the young people of St James’s, Riccarton, was an evening of joy for many, and hearty congratulations were tendered to Mrs Wright for the excellent training of those who took part in a delightful entertainment. TOO MANY TINS. Every motor-car owner is faced with the problem of parting with petrol tins. Solving it makes another one for the garbage collectors. The Borough Council now notifies that the dustmen will take no tins of this kind unless these are first flattened. THE WESLEY GUILD. On Friday evening, at the Riccarton Town Hall, the members of the Clarence Road Wesley Guild entertained the Riccarton Village and Masham Bible Class members at a social. There was a good gathering, and a capital programme had been arranged, comprising musical items, competitions, games, and a debate. Rev B. J. James adjudicated in this item, the subject being, “ Are the Girls of To-day as Good as their Grandmothers?” The girls took the affirmative against the boys—and won, despite the fact that one. of the defenders nut up a powerful pica for mother and grandmother, and declaimed against “ the frying-pan brigade ” of to-day, with accompanying cold teas and neglected households! DRAINAGE WORKS. Ricearton s share of the Christchurch Drainage Board's huge extension programme is now getting fairly well under way. The huge excavation in Matai Street cast has been a thing of interest for weeks past, the pipes here being buried about twenty feet deep. One of the pumping stations is close by. The mountain of spoil in Deans’ Avenue reduces the thoroughfare and adds to the dust. The Borough Council on Monday night decided to write to the Drainage Board, objecting to roads being closed without due notice being given, and to two roads being closed at once.

It is understood that trenches in Riccarton Road will be opened up shortly. UPPER RICCARTON SCHOOL. The annual break-up ceremony, prize distribution and Christmas Tree of the Riccarton School were this year combined in one function, which was held at the Racecourse tearooms last Wednesday evening, Mr P. G. Clements presiding. The proceedings opened with the advance of Father Christmas, not in his sleigh (now relegated to the limbo of forgotten things), but in an up-to-date motor-car, from Church Corner to the racecourse. Attendant pages, mounted on four white ponies, Father Christmas himself, in crimson robe, the gay colours of the children’s dresses, with the beautiful main drive of the racecourse for the setting, made a scene both unique and picturesque. Father Christmas was speedily enthroned. and formally welcomed by Mr Clements, the speech in reply being both a happy and instructive one. Mr H. S. S. Kyle, M.P., upon whom devolved the pleasant duty of presenting the prizes, after a brief address, in which he congratulated the householders upon having an energetic committee, made generous provision for the dux medals for the next three years. The dux medal for 1925, presented by Air G. Witty, was won by Lisle Beale, the runner-up being Jack bake. The function was very successful, the decorating and lighting of the Christmas Tree reflecting great credit on those responsible, and Mr P. D. M'Nab in particular. THE SEASON’S GREETINGS. And now, Air Editor, the compiler of the “ Riccarton Records ” desires to tender his hearty thanks to the many folks who during the past year have assisted in the furnishing of the news of the district to our own people and the many thousands of others who, by reason of former residence here or other association, are interested in our doings in the oldest-established part of Christchurch. May the New Year be a happy and prosperous one to every reader of and contributor to this column.