THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 15464, 17 December 1915, Page 10

THE COUNTRY.

j NEWS AND NOTES. OXFORD. The weather dnrinj; the last, week or two has been anything but favourable to the host farming prospect*. Though there have been occasional showers, their benefit, lias been more than neutralised by the siicocedinß hot nor'westers. The absence of moisture in the .soil is being felt in the thin iwstur«\> and light crops. At on 0 time there was a prospert of good pasturage, but dry weather coming on, the grass run to seed, nnd no bottom was seen rod t<> prevent excessive, evaporation, and provide a prospect of permanence. The crops nro thin, and though they present a fair appearance, they give every indication of being light. Tho recent hard frost did some damage. The rainfall for November was 2.71 inches, atid since the beginuing of the year .'1.03 inches. TAI TAPr. The Tai Tanu Committee met on Saturday night, all the members being present. A circular was received from the Minister of Education, pointing out the need for committees to insist on groat care being taken by people using kerosene heaters in schools. The master's report showed the roll nnmber to be 07, and the average? attendance 90. The annual examination had taken place on November Bth. and the result had proved very satisfactory indeed, particularly as there had been an entire change of staff during the year. It was resolved that the school break up for the Christmils holidays on tho, 23rd inst., when the prize-giving will take place. ASHBrRTOX. Anniversay Day was observed as a close holiday. The weather was tine, but the heat mado matters very oppressive until three. o*clock in the afternoon, when +br» wind changed to the south-west. Tho chief event in the country ,was tho Queen Carnival at Mothven, held in conjunction with the, -MethveJi Caledonian Society's annual gathering. A large number left Ashbnrton during the earl.v morning to attend the gathering, while many went to Christchurch to attend tho fiiver Carnival and the New Brighton Trotting Meeting. The j*«bburton Bowling Club participated in a progressive doubles tournament, and tho Ashburton Cricket Association sent <a team to Timaru to olay tho Sonth End Club. The Afihburton Volunteer Fir© Brigade hold their annual picnio at Ashton Beach where sports were held. and. tho Baptist Sunday. School held their annual treat at Mr T. Bullock's residence. Tho Baring square Junior Endeavour Society also held their; picnic, and many visited the Wakanui Beach and the mouth of the river. GERAXDINE. The recent north-westers and continued absence of sufficient rain, to do good, have had a bad effect on the crops generally in this district, though there are some exceptions. Shearing has been completed in a number of cases, but tho wool is light, and the opinion is that tho advanced prices will riot mean larger cheques this year than last.