THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 15268, 3 May 1915, Page 10

THE COUNTRY.

NEWS AND NOTES.

CONDITIONS IN HAWKED BAY

Mr John Stuart Sim, a well-known Canterbury sheep-farmer, who left for Hawke's Bay cloven months ago, and who is now on a flying visit to Christ-, church, states that during the past eleven months the Hawked Bay district experienced an unprecedented drought. The stock, however, wintered well, aud afeo got through tho spring weil. hut as the season advanced the effects of the drought became more marked. Practically no rain fell from tho end-of May of iast year to March of tho present year. "As far as lie knew, however, no serious loss resulted. When tho rain came again the country and stock recovered in a marvellous way, and at -'the i>rosenfc timfe the greater portion of tho district is looking remarkably well. Some fears were hein<T entertained as to the prospects for the coming winter, but his opinion was that although there might be a shortage of feed for cattle, yet the grass would continue to grow well during the winter months, provided there was not too much rain, which would cause the ground to become sodden and enable the frosts to take effect. WAIAU. A meeting was held in Waiau on Wednesday evening for the purpose of forming a Gun Club, to be called tho Amuri Gun Club. The following officers were elected:—Patron, .Mr D. Rutherford : president. Mr F. S. Xortheote ;■ vice-presidents, Messrs G. Fulton. G. W. Forbes. M.P., G. H. Bailey, H. Henderson. G. Anderson. H. D. Crosbv, Thos Chapman. Jos. Lee L». J. Pulley, It. Nealo. M. O'Keiley, l>. l>alziel and C VI. Cboniley: treasurer. Mr C. Ft. Derrctt: secretary. Mr E. Mitchell: committee. Messrs" G. H. Bailey, H. Henderson T. K. Oldman, L. Hoff." W. G. Pearce, R. J. Lewis, and l'\ Forbes. It was unanimously agreed that the club should join the New Zealand Gun C'tub Association. Tho first shoot will bo held on the Bth inst. LE BOX'S BAY. Tho following wero elected members of the Le Bon's Bay school committee: — Mp=.srs T. W. Barker (chairman). G. W. Crotty. G. Mould. C. Pcttersen. and P. Barnetl. .Ai?HRrRTOX. Following are the vital statist ice for Ashburton for .April-. — Births 29, deaths 1!, rn.irriaecs 7. Tho figures for April. 1914, were:—Binks" i>o, deaths 16. marriages 6.