COUNTRY NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18959, 4 January 1930, Page 6

COUNTRY NEWS.

ITEMS FROM VARIOUS DISTRICTS. (Special to the “Star.”) KILLINCHY. On the occasion of their recent marriage, Mr and Mrs G. Allen were entertained by the Library Committee and Killinchy residents in the Public Hall. Music for the dance was supplied by Messrs C. Mercer, M. T. O’Brien and W. Chappell. Items which were much appreciated were given by Misses C. Allen, M. Millar and N. Millar, Messrs M. O’Brien and C. 11. Isles. Mr W. Chappell, on behalf of the residents, presented the guests with a travelling rug in appreciation of Mr Allen’s connection with the Library Committee. He welcomed Mrs Allen to the district and conveyed the good wishes of all present. Mr M. O’Brien also spoke of the good work of Mr Allen, and extended the hand of friendship to Mrs Allen. Mr Allen, in replying on behalf of his wife and himself, thanked the people for arranging the evening in. their honour, snd also for the gift. LEESTON. Up to a few weeks ago cars could i cross the Selwyn River at Coe’s Ford quite easily, the water level having been low for many weeks. In addition the river bottom was fairly firm, much of the loose shingle having ed away. The recent rains, however, caused a flood, which had not subsidecjl by the week-end. A car attempting to cross to the Ellesmere County side became stuck two or three yards from the bank, and assistance had to be secured to get it out. WILLOWBY. The meteorological report at Wil-low-by for December is as follows: Rain fell on fifteen occasions, the maximum fall occurring on December 23, when 81 points was recorded. The total precipitation was 2.43 in, while that of December, 1928, was 4.86 in. The average rainfall per month for 1929 was 228 in, the wettest months being 1 June, July and August, and the driest months February and October, when less than a quarter of an inch was recorded. The average rainfall for_ the last six months of 1928 was 2.67 in. and for the corresponding period in 1929 the average fall was 2.42 in per month. WAIPARA. The annual prize-giving took place recently at the Waipara School. Special prizes were awarded to Betty Barsons, Edward Whyte, Joan Potton, Nola Fuchs and Keith Taylor. Proficiency certificates were gained by Betty Parsons and Edward Whyte. The school picnic was this year held at Corsair Bay, where a delightful time was spent. A launch trip was taken round the bay and sports were held. Mrs and Miss Morris, of Mornington, Dunedin, are the guests of Mr and Mrs F. J. Quigley, Waipara. The countryside is very dry, as the rain that fell in many other parts on New \ car’s Day did not reach this district, although it was badly wanted. Harvesting is becoming more general, but it will be some weeks before the first wheat crops will be readv for reaping.