RANGIORA NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18643, 24 December 1928, Page 11

RANGIORA NEWS.

CHRISTMASTIDE SERVICES. There was a large congregation at St John’s Church last evening, when a special musical service was held. Besides appropriate to the season carols were sung and the choir sang the anthem “Nazareth,” Mr G. E. March taking the solo part. During the service Mr S. O. Thrower played several organ selections. Christmas services were also held at John Knox Church, the Rev W. R. Hutchison occupying the pulpit. In the evening the choir rendered a number of carols, and Mr C. J. Keir sang the solo “The Holy Shrine,” Mr C. E. Bell “The Holy City” and Mr Gordon Blake “Nazareth.” Mr G. Gibbs Jordan presided at the organ and Mrs C. E. Bell at the piano, and they closed the service by playing the “Hallelujah Chorus.” At other places of worship the services were appropriate to the season. FRUITGROWERS’ ASSOCIATION. The last meeting of the LoburnRangiora Fruitgrowers’ Association was exceptionally well attended. The president, Mr J. W. M’Leod, w r as in the chair. There were also present—Messrs G. Wilkinson, F. W. Cone and Napier members of the Fruitgrowers’ Federation and the Government Orchardist, Mr L. Paynter. Matters in connection with the export of fruit were discussed, and 5000 cases for export were guaranteed by the Rangiora and Loburn growers. The orchardists reported that there was a good showing for fruit this year. R.S.A. CHRISTMAS TREE./ On Saturday evening the children of members of the Returned Soldiers’ Association were treated to a delightsome Christmastide party at the Agricultural Hall. About seventy were present and many of them were accompanied by their parents. In the centre of the hall there was a large Christmas tree with its branches laden with a great variety of toys and other articles calculated to make glad the hearts of the young folks. Father Christmas arrived by car. and had a very busy half-hour in distributing the gifts from the tree, in which pleasant duty he was assisted by Mr J. W. M’Leod. president of the association. Each child also received a packet of sweets. The proceedings closed with three cheers for Father Christmas.

PERSONAL. Mr and Mrs J. V. Rowland and Mr and Mrs R. S. Smith are spending a holiday at Hanging Rock, Pleasant Point.

Mr S. O. Thrower has resigned his appointment as organist at St John’s Church.

Mr and Mrs G. C. Beattie leave today on a holiday visit to Gore. WAIKUKU GALA. Very complete arrangements have been made by the members of the Waikuku Beach Improvement Association for the gala to be held on Boxing Day. Apart from the natural attractions of this popular resort there will be many amusement devices, and all the proceeds are to be expended in making the Domain still more attractive to visitors. Given fine weather, a record crowd is expected. PRIZE-GIVING. The annual prize distribution to pupils attending St John’s Sunday School took place in the vicarage grounds on Saturday afternoon. Father Christmas paid a visit and presented a gift from the Christmas tree to every child under the age of eight years, and the children were entertained at afternoon tea in the Parish Hall. FUNERAL.

The funeral of the late Mr John Catherwood took place in the Roman Catholic cemetery on Saturday morning. There were a considerable number of friends present, including the Mayor (Mr W. A. Rowse) and members of the Borough Council. The Rev Father Leen said Requiem Mass and conducted the service at the graveside.