COUNTY CENTRES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXIII, Issue 8725, 26 November 1913, Page 7

COUNTY CENTRES.

NEWS AND NOTES.

(l 4rom Our Travelling Reporter).

CHERTSEY

Agricultural and Pastoral.

Seldom has the country in the Ohertsey district looked better than it does at the present time, and one resident of 35 years'" standing, fully endorses that opinion to your reporter. From the farmer's point of view; ideal weather has prevailed for some time past, with rain falling during the - night hours, followed by bright sunny days. The consequence is that the country is clothed with a healthy greenness that is extremely pleasing to the eye of the beholder. The, abundant rain has caused feed to, grow luscious and sweet, and stock has benefited accordingly. Sheep in some paddocks stand 1 up to their knees in grass!, and dairy cows are showing the effect of the richness of their feed through, the milk tests. There is ample moisture in the subsoil to'•keep things fresh for some time to come.' '■• . '; ■'■•■' :," ■ f'" ■ .' ■ '

There are additional signs in the Ohertsey district that cropping is not being carried on to the same extent as formerly, and,that farmers are going in more for sheep. It is estimated by one-.district farmer that the area under cultivation this year is .not so large as that of the previous season, but he states that the crops that are in are looking well. The fat lamb season has not yet commenced, but will do so in the course of a week or two. ,'

The rain has somewhat retarded 'shearing, but the local men are only waiting for-a spell ,of fine, unbroken weather to go ahead"once more. The public shearing shed here gives employment, to six shearers, and these have already' put through about 12,000 to 13,000.' The "number generally shorn at the sheds each season is about 33,000. Dairying does not find favour among farmers to any great extent, and the number of suppliers to the factory is only three. ■ • ' ■ New Public Hall. A start is to be made shortly to erect a public meeting and entertainment hall-at Chertsey.-.-A good, section has been acquired, and the money for the construction of the building is to be borrowed from the Grand Lodge of the 1.0.0. F. Plans of the hall are expected to arrive shortly. The School. The attendance at the . Chertsey School has been somewhat interfered with through a number of children suffering from whooping cougjh. Most of those who were prevented from attending school have now resumed their studies, and a good average attendance is recorded. The Education Board's Inspector recently paid a visit to the school,,, and his report was very satisfactory. , Chertsey Tennis Club. The Ohertsey Tennis Club recently opened its season. The cfub possesses two clay courts, and play is indulged in on almost every fine evening. On the occasion of the opening ceremony, afternoon tea was, provided by the ladies belonging to the club.

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