COUNTY CENTRES

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 70, 4 January 1936, Page 8

COUNTY CENTRES

(From Our Own Correspondent.) RUAPUNA. There was a large attendance at the fancy dress hall held under the auspices of the Ruapuna Tennis Club. The prize for the best fancy dress costume was awarded to Miss M. Tasker (Egyptian Princess) and Mr H. R. Tasker (Sheik). The Monte Carlo (one-step), was won by Miss J. Ross and Mr F. W. Allan. A here a dart and there a dart waltz was won by Miss N. Taylor and Mr C. Trass. The music was supplied by Mitchell’s Orchestra, and an extra was played by Mr Bert Olaughton. Mr S : . A. Clifford and Air K. L. Moore were masters of ceremonies. Those in fancy dress were: Air F. AY. Allan (Jester), Air K. H. Bastian (Lady), Afr H. R, Tasker (Sheik), Mr C. Trass (Tourist), A'lr K. L. Aloore (Driver), Miss M. Moore (Russian Lady), Aliss L. Aloore (Eastern), Airs J. Ross (Shepherdess), Air S. A. Clifford (Parson), Mr J. H. Patter,son( Alexican), Air I. Anderson (Alannican), Aliss Al. Tasker (Egyptian Princess), Aliss AT. Allan (Old English Lady), Aliss 13. Anderson .(Keep off the Grass), Aliss Al. Anderson (Night), Alis 9 EL Galletly (Buy British Goods), Air D. Johnston (Nigger Boy), Air A. Sewell Johnston (Cowboy), Air I>. Anderson (Pirate). The weather during December was exceptionally hot, with very little rain. The dry conditions were becoming increasingly serious toward the end of the month, but on December 29 a very welcome rain of an inch and a half saved the situation. Before the rain, pastures, rape and turnip crops were showing serious signs of the dry spell. Cereal crops, however, are looking ■well. Although the rain was a heavy one, the crops, being shorter and sturdier than usual, were able to withstand the strain, and very little was bent down. Stock is looking well, and it is expected that fair percentages of lambs will be sent away fat off the mothers.

The sun shone on 29 days during the month, 16 of which, were sunny all day. A total of 221 points of rain, which fell on six days, was recorded, the heaviest fall occurring on December 29, when there were 150 points. The total is well below that which is usually expected for the month, the average over the previous six years being 359 points. The weather during the year was variable. Conditions at the end of 1934 were dry, and a, further spell of dry weather in January caused considerable concern, pastures being very parched. By the middle of February, when the drought come to an end, the lack of green growth became very apparent in the condition of stock, lambs particularly showing the pinch. Cereal crops threshed out reasonably well, but were not as good as usual. Although the rainfall was not very abundant in the autumn, the moisture and overcast weather following on the dry spell encouraged a rapid growth, and turnip crops were exceptionally good. June was exceptionally wet, more than five inches of rain falling, including nearly a fcot of snow on one occasion. , RAKAIA. Rain fell in Rakaia on four days during December for a total of 875 prints, compared with .085 inches in December, 1934. The total fall for the year was 26.125 inches, compared with 30.065 inches in 1934. MOUNT SOMERS. The annual dance of the Hakatere shed hands, held in the Alount Somers Alemorial Hall, was largely attended, the function again proving very popular. The proceeds are being handed over to the carnival committee that is raising funds for the addition of a supper-room to the hall. Alusic was supplied by Cook’s orchestra (Lyndliurst), and extras were played by Alesdaraes L. M. Goodrich, G. Porteous and Air T. Morgan. Alessrs W. Alorgan, G. Bland and S'. Johnson were joint M.C.’s. Supper arrangements were capably supervised by Alesdames G. J. Foreman, AY. J. Comyns and R. Edgar. To raise funds for the liquidation of the debt on its now range, the Alount Somers Aliniature Rifle Club held a successful dance in the Memorial Hall on New Year’s fc Night. There was a large attendance, and about £l2 was netted. Music was supplied by Cook’s orchestra (Lyndhurst), extras being played by Mrs L. Al. Goodrich and Mr T. Morgan. Messrs AV. and G. Alorgan were Al.C.’s. A lucky spot waltz was won by Air E. Donan and Aliss Al. Alorgan. The supper arrangements were ably supervised by Alesdames -EL H. Elood, S. Reveley, J. T. Bull and the Alisses D. and C. Hood. Rain fell on 13 days during December, totalling 249 points, against 494 points in the corresponding month of the previous year. A maximum of 148 points fell on the 29th. The total fall at Buccleugh was 247 points, and at “Evandale” 198 points. The total for the year was 34.84 inches, compared with 39.73 inches in the previous year, while the average for the last 10 years is 37.69 inches. The year’s total fall at Buccleugh was 28.87 indies, compared with 35.84 inches in 1934, and at “Evandale” 27.58 inches was recorded. In striking contrast to that of Christmas week, the weather for the New Year was cool and unsettled. Although beneficial to root c-rcps, the damp conditions are causing further delay with shearing.