COUNTY CENTRES

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 303, 5 October 1935, Page 8

COUNTY CENTRES

(From Our Own Correspondents.)

RAKAIA. A meeting of the committee of the Rakaia Bowling Club was held in the library on Thursday evening, the president (Mr O. Garrigan) presiding. The president referred to the death of the patron, Mr J. Connolly, M.P., and all present stood in silence as a mark of respect. It was decided to clcse the entries for the Labour Day tournament on October 21. Arrangements were made for opening day.

Rain fell on eight days in Rakaia during September for a total of 2.29 inches', compared with 2.83 inches for the corresponding month of last year. The heaviest fall was on September 9, when 1.63 inches were recorded. The total fall to date is 18.22 inches, compared with 27.63 inches for the same period last year. The Rakaia. Horticultural Society’s spring show, which was continued on Thursday evening, attracted a good attendance. The bouquet-making class for children resulted:—Girls under 12 : Doris Mead 1, Betty Carmichael 2. Under 16 and over 12: Daphne Cromie 1, June Shannon 2. Boys: Norman Greenaway 1, George Stevenson 2. The judges were Mrs Me Anility and Miss Edgington.

RUAPUNA. The dry weather in August continued into September, vditli ia remarkable! absence of southerly storms. Easterly winds predominated. The sun shone on every day during the month except one. A total of 2.25 niches of rain, which fell on three days, was recorded, the heaviest fall occurring on September 9 and 10, when there were 1.85 inches. The average fall for September over the six years preceding this year is 3.19 inches.

. The weather up till the present has been favourable for lambing, and percentages promise to he satisfactory. One Ruapuna farmer has tailed the firstmob of his flock, and reports the very satisfactory figure of 147 per cent. The dry weather- has not been favourable for the growth: of pastures, and feed is not so plentiful as could be desired. Turnip crops in most instances feed remarkably well, however, and this has saved the pastures considerably. Large numbers of sheep and cattle from outside districts, particularly from south of the Rangitata, were wintered on turnips in the district tin's season.

MAYFIELD The total rainfall in Mayfield for September was 1.97 inches, the fall for the corresponding month last year being 2.71 inches. Rain fell on four days, the maximum fall being on October 9, when 1.61 inches fell. The month has been cold, easterly winds greatly retarding the growth of feed. A good day’s rain would be welcome. The lambing season is well advanced and good results are assured._ The flocks are almost without exception in splendid condition, and, should feed prospects impro.ve, there should he u clip of wool.