THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15648, 21 July 1916, Page 5

THE COUNTRY.

NEWS AND NOTES.

WHEAT YIELDS.

EXI'ERIMENTAL WOEK,

(special to "the press.'*)

WELLINGTON, July 20.

Tlie advisability of improving the wheat yield of the South Island was raised in the Houso of Representatives last week by Mr Payne, who quoted a paragraph from a Dunedin paper recording substantial yields of wheat.

To-day the Hon. W. D. S. Mac Donald replied as follows: The statement in tho newspaper is not based on any official report. Few yields of 60 bushels or over have been recorded in the Department's trials. The Department is continuine; the work of acclimatisation of imported varieties of wheat at the Ashburton experimental area, and has taken steps to produce pure lines of high yielding strains of established varieties. Other cultural and fertilising means of increasing yields are also being tested. The results of experiments with nitrates conducted in the wheat-growing districts of the South Island indicate almost without exception that yields cannot be improved in this way. SEFTON DAIRY COMPANY. A general meeting of the suppliers and shareholders of the Sefton Mutual Dairy Produce Association, Ltd., was held yesterday in tho Sefton Town Hall. Mr J. Barclay presided over an attendance of about 40. \ The chairman explained that the directors had called the meeting in conseouence of the agitation throughout the Dominion for dairy factories to go in for the manufacture of cheese in place of batter. The directors had heard very glowing accounts of the prosperity of cheese factories in the North Island and in the Otago province, and he would like to hear an expression of opinion from the suppliers on the subject. The secretary said that the main point for the suppliers to consider was whether the extra price paid by cheese factories for butterrfat would compensate the farmer for the difference in the value of whey and skim milk, added to the ej&ra cost of carting milk to the factory, in place of separating and having the cream carted by the company. • It was estimated that, the cost of converting the Sefton factory into a cheese factory would be about £800. and it would cost a further sum of £2000 or more to erect a factory at "Woodend.

Many questions wore asked and answered by the chairman and Mr G. Clayton, of the Government Dairy Department. Mr R. Borland moved, and Mr A. J. Parkinson seconded: "That no action bo taken at present by the company, and that, the manufacture of butter be proceeded with.'' The general feeling of the meeting was in favour of the motion, and it was carried by an overwhelming majority. JOTTINGS FOR FARMERS, In order to wean some calves Mr J. Reid, manager of the Knapdale Estate, senfc the animals with other cattle to a farm on the Mataura-Ferrdale road last week (says the "Southland Times")- In the earlv hours of Monday morning Mr Reid was awakened by the noise made by cattle in a paddock adjoining the homestead. On investigation he found that two of the calves had returned from Mataura and were being suckled by their mothers through the fence. The calyes had travelled a distance of about 15 miles.

The Gore stocV sale on Monday was probably one of the dearest ever experienced by purchasers of stock (says the "Southland Times"). The vendor was the man with the ball at his foot. As far as fat stock was concerned, the prices realised were according to quality, and ruled much the same as at the previous sale. Values had not receded anything in this respect. The demand was for good-woolled breeding ewes and forward-conditionod lambs. Such prices as 33s 6d, 29s 9d, and 29s Sd for breeding ewes and 235, 22s 9d, 21s 6d, 21s. and 20s 4d for store or forward-conditioned hoggets have probably never been realised at tlio Gore yards. The same sheep less than three months ago would have sold well at less than 10s per head less. The winter has been mild, however, and stock have not gone back owing to climatic conditions. Many farmers had made provision for winter feed in the form of turnios -and now, as the winter season is nearly over and turnips are plentiful, there is a demand for good, sound, store sheep for topping off for the market. Several farmers have disposed of their fat lines during the past week, and are buyinz replace lines to fatten. One line of sound-mouthed ewes was sold at 19s; part °f the same lot were bought m the Gore yards less than two months asa> at 11a.

• CHEVIOT. Under the auspices of the Cheviot Soldiers' Committee a farewell social was given to a number of soldiers on their final leave, in the Town Hall, on Wednesday. Over two hundred residents from all parts of the district were present, including a number of returned soldiers. The Rev. F. Sampson explained the district- generally was rather late in taking up the matter of giving some public recognition to those men in the district who were leaving for the front, although he was very pleased to say that Spotswood had /.n organisation for the purpose. There was ? he the more reason why the remissness of the past should 'not be perpetuated, and the Soldiers' Committee now formed would give the people an opportunity to say farewell to those meii leaving in the future, and a sujtabla welcome to those returning. Ho wished to inform the men that the church 'was with them, and would remember them. Mr C. Barnes, chairman of The committee, presented Privates J. Barnes. McLaughlin, J. McAdam, T. Archcr, and Con Coffey, with soldiers' writing outfits, and apologised for the non-attendanc© of Privates 3>. Stewart, S. McPherson, and W, Murphy, who were absent under doctor's orders, and -whose presentations would be forwarded on. Private J. McAdam, on behalf of the men, replied. During the evening songs were given by Mrs Ford and Mrs Butler, Messrs Opie, Davidson, a nd Skinner, and a recita'tion by Miss M. Sturgess. Miss Saunders acted as accompanist, and music was supplied by Messrs Murgatroyd a n d Elliott and Mr Ross Smith.

WAIAU. A special meeting bi the Library Committee wa« held on Tuesday night. Mi- H. Rogers presided over a full attendance. Tenders for the position of caretaker were received, and that, of Mrs Woodall was accepted. The scale of charges for the use of the hall was fixed as follows: Day meetings 2s night meetings ss, socials and dances 12s 6d up to 11 p.m., and 3s an hour afterwards, functions of Patriotic Committee 7s 6d up to 11 p.m., and 2s 6d an hour after, elections £1. Oddfellows £4 4s per year. Mr V. Oldman kindly offered to cart shingle to fill up a low ■spot in front of the building. The ordinary meeting of the committee was fixed for the first Tuesday in each month.

The annual soiree in connexion with the Presbyterian Church was held in the Coronation Hall on Wednesday night. There was a large attendance, thoy building being well filled. The Rev. J. H. Thomson occupied the chair, and gave the session report, also the report on the Sunday-school. Mr Dunbar, treasurer, read the report of the Management Committee, which showed the church to be in a flourishing state. The programme consisted of musical selections by Miss Lander, trios by Mr and Mrs Burrows and Mr Dower, recitations by Miss Rogers, songs by Miss Crampton, Mrs Burrows, and Mr. Tea-sdill, Masters Burrows*, Douglas, .and Mcßryde, a boat song by a number of boys, an exhibition of drill by Misses Cone, Creed, Douglas. Morgan, and Webster, and a humorous dialogue by a number of young people. Supper was provided by the ladies of the district, and the function was brought* to a close by the singing of the National Anthem.

CULVERDEN. On Wednesday evening a farewell social and dance was tendered to Mr D. Hampton, one of tlie original Culverden settlers, who has disposed of liis farm and is now leaving the district to take up his residence in Riccarton. Tlie Drill Hall was well filled, as MiHampton and family were well-known and very popular in the district, and Mr Hampton was activelv associated with everything that tended to the welfare of the community. A very pleasant evening was spent." Items were contributed by jVfesdames G. Thomson, W. H. Jones, and Messrs Mockett, Campbell. McGowan. Parker, and Randrup. Miss C. Dalziel supplied music for the dancing, assisted by Mesdames Davison and Hunter. During the evening Mr Hampton was presented with a liqueur stand and Mrs Hampton with a' dinner service. Mr H. R. Davison made the presentations on behalf of the residents of Culverden and Amuri. Mr W. D. Lewis and others spoke in appreciation of their guests' many good aualities both in public and private life. Hr Hampton feeling responded. _ A presentation was also made to Miss Eva Hampton of a travelling bag and lady's companion: This presentation was made by Mr W. A. Scaife. who referred to Miss Hampton's services in connexion with social events in the district.

BALCAIRN. A succcssful concert and dance was held on Friday evening in aid of the new school shelter shed. In the absence of the chairman of the School Committee (Mr Fleming), Mr J. Noble, headmaster, presided. Songs were given bv Miss Fawcett and Messrs Eyles and Ellen (Kaiapoi), Miss Mehrtens, and Messrs A. Cooper and Mehrtens (Rangiora), Miss &. Smith. (Christchurch), Mr McKay (Sefton) : and Mr Rhodes (Amberley). Recitations were given by Misses Cunningham (Rangiora) and S. Smith, Highland dances by Miss D Ford (Christchurch), and sketches by Mr Ejlcs. Misg Eder, of Woodend, played the accompaniments, and also the music for the dance. The shelter shed funds will benefit to the extent of £7 7s 6d.

KAIAPOI. The annual meeting of St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, held on Wednesday evening, was very well attended.' The Rev. A. Laishley presided. Mr T. Dowdg (session clerk) gave a resume of the work of the church during the year, and expressed regret at the death of Mr Thomas Miller, one of the mosfc earnest and useful members of the Session. ' Sympathy was expressed with Mr W. Richardson in his illness, . and regret afc the inability of Mr R. j Wilson to take part in church matters, i A satisfactory Sunday-school report j ■was presented bv Miss M. Laishley. j Miss M. Stark read the Bible-class re- i port, which was adopted as satisfac- j tory. An entertaining report on the eradle roll gathering was. presented by j Mrs A. Green. Messrs G. Bradley and R. J. Corbett were elected elders. The choir sang "I Did Extol Thee" and "Lead Me to the Rock," and several solos were given by Misses McRobie. Laishley. lisk, and McGregor. Votes of thanks were accorded to the | office-bearers, choir, and the" secretaries ; for their admirable and cheering reports. A social gathering followed. BELFAST. For tiie purpose of helping the institute fund, the members of the Presbyterian Church at Belfast held a con- j ccrt. Mr Aitchison's party from Papanui supplied the programme. There was a crowded house, and the sum of £17 was raised. Half of this amount will be handed to the local Red Cross branch.

DARFIELD. At the fortnightly meeting of the Darfield Soldiers' Sewing Guild, held on Tuesday, it was decided that in future the Guild would meet weekly, instead of fortnightly, and that eveiy second meeting would be devoted to work for the Belgians. A canvass of the district is to bo made for old clothes and material of any kind suitable for making up. Mrs Knight, president of the Guild, was appointed district representative, on the Women's Central Belgian Committee in Christchurch. AKAROA. The fortnightly meeting of the Loyal Good Intent Lodge was held on Monday night, when the N.G., Bro. C. W. Leete presided over a fair attendance. Word was received of the death of another old member. Bro. John Currv, and the sympathy of the lodge was extended to the deceased's family, and the usual funeral allowance was passed for payment. A claim for sick pay was received from Bro. Trooper Percy Arnold, who had been severely wounded in the second landing on Gallipoli in June, 1915, and who had since received his discharge as unfit for further military service. The claim, £48, was passed, members present expressing gratification that the disi)bWl soldier could reap the benefits of O-.dfollowship Bro. L. F. Haylonk was duly installed as V.G. for tho current lialf-vear. Bro. Robert Bruce acted as Lecture faster. The trustees of the lodge were" empower or) to transfer certain funds from the Post Office Savings Bank to the B.N.Z. current account.

The annual general meeting of the Barry's Bay Co-op. Dairy Co., Ltd., was held on Saturdav night. Tlie chairman of directors, Mr S. J." Vosjan. presided • over an excellent attendance of shareholders. The report and bal-ance-sheet disclosed a very satisfactory year's workinc- The -credit balance on tho profit and loss account was £2953 lis lOd. The outlet of cheese for the season had been 170 tons. The directors proposed to pay a dividend of 7 per cent., to pav a bonus of £2478 2s 4d to suppliers, to write off £200 as depreciation on plant and buildings, and to carry forward a balance of £111 14s 7d. The average test for the season had been 3.57. On the motion of the chairman, seenrdod -by Mr R. Stewart, the report and balancesheet were adopted. Messrs T. E. MeKenzifi. W. C. Giddens. and R. Stewart, directors, who were retiring by effluxion of time, were re-elected, while Mr T. Wakelin was elected to a seat on the directorate rendered vacant bv the j-emoval from the district of Mr W. Hawkirs, who had enlisted for active service. _Mr O. W. Leete was re-elected auditor, and the secretary's salary was raised to £52. The directors were recommended to move in the direction of having a Cow-Testing Association formed on the Peninsula. It was decided to sicn tlie petition promoted by the Dairy Factory Managers' Association, asking the Government to take measures to prevent the adulteration of cream or milk for deliverv at any dairy factory. Mr SL Vogan was re-elected chairman of directors for the ensuing vear.

The annual general ipeeting of the Akaroa Rifle Club was held on Tuesday evening. The captain, the Rev. J. W. Hayward, presided ovor a. good attendance of members. The report said balance-sheet were adopted. The report referred to the matches that had been fired during the past year, and stated that the membership was 21 and the credit balance £7. The election of officers resulted as follows: Patron, Hon. R. Heaton Rhodes and Mr _ Geo. Armstrong; president. Mr A. Whitley; vice-presidents, Messrs J. R. Newton, J. D. Bruce, Geo. Cbeckley. and Dr. Cantrell: captain, the Rev. J. W. Hay. ward; secretary aDd treasurer. Constable W. Boyle. It was decided to hold the opening shoot on Thursday, July 27th. The captain and Mr P. Westerns were suzDointed delegates to.

' attend the meeting of Peninsula rifle clubs, to be held at Duvaucbelles. A social gathering was held in the Catholic schoolroom, Akaroa, on Tuesday last. Its object was to raise funds in aid of the splendid work being done among our troops at Homo and abroad by the New Zealand Catholic Field Service Association. Father Bonnetto. president of the Akaroa branch of the Catholic Federation, and Mr Martin Daly, secretary, saw to it j that the programme # was successfully i carried out. Apologies were made on i behalf of the vice-presidents, Messrs I M. Kearney and A. Kotlowski, whom | family bereavements had kept away. I Among those present were two soldiers ! down from Trentham on final leave. < Trooper A. Hunt, who contributed i several songs, and Private P. McGuire. ASHBURTON. There was a very large gathering in the Tinwald Public Hall on l evening at a farewell social to departI ing soldiers, and Mr" James Cow, on t benalf of the residents, made suitable presentations to Messrs "W. _ Stalker, Baunton. Simpson, D. McMillan, J. Ainslie, Woolley, and J. Bird. He also, on behalf of himself and family, made a presentation to Mr D. McMillan, and on behalf of Mr Stalker and family he ! presented Mr J. Bird with a wristlet j watch.

At a meeting of tlie Hampstead Town Board, it was unanimously resolved to support the Ash burton Borough Council in its endeavour to get a revision of railway freights to Ashburton. At a farewell function to soldiers at Tinwald, Mr James Cow announced that Mrs C. J. Harper had composed a patriotic song, which had been published. and would be sold in aid of the Red Cross Fund or some other pa-1 triotic fund. The piece, "The Boys of j the Southern Cross" was then sung byMrs H. J. Chapman, who was loudly applauded. Tho production is the composition of a lady 76 years of age. Mr \V. Nosworthy, M.P.. has received a replv from the Minister of Railways to til* effect, chat he could not accede to a request thafc fish should be carried from Timaru to Ashburton by the second express instead of the after- j noon slow mixed train. _ • I At a concert given by the Elgin school-children in aid of the Belgian j

Fund, the proceeds amounted to £28, which makes up a total of over £50 contributed by the people of Elgin, and it averages over £2 for each pupil. TEMTTKA. The monthly meeting of the Teriraka Borough Council was held on Wednesday evening. Before the business of the meetins was dealt with, a vote of sympathy and condolence was passed to Cr. T. Gunnion, who had recently suffered a bereavement bv the death of his mother. Cr. T. Gunnion presented a petition signed bv 21 residents, in Davie street arid adjoining street, requesting that asphalt paths be laid down in the paid streets. After discussion it was decided to refer the petition to the Standing Committee to report to the next Courcil meeting. Cr. Blytii introdnecd a deputation comprising Messrs J. Proudlock. T. E. Shiels, R. Colville. and H. T. Houghton, who asked that Hamilton and Alexander streets be put in good order. _ It was agreed that-, a committee, corsisting of Ors. Mclnnes, Gunnion, Cartwright, and Blvth, and the foreman, inspcct the ground and report to the next meeting of the Council, the demitation to be present and explain what was required. Messrs AV. C. Benbow and C. ~ Burtensliaw. of the Temuka Municipal Brass Band, waited on the Council with regard to the new band-room. They wanted some idea of the requirements of the Council. It was agreed that the proposed band-room be built in brick and concrete, the plans to meet with the approval of the Council. It was to vote £15 to the Mechanics' Institute.