THE COUNT RY.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15728, 23 October 1916, Page 4

THE COUNT RY.

NOTES AND NEWS. AMBERLEY BREEDERS' SHOW. Entries for the annual Show of the Amberley Breeders' Association, closed on Wednesday last, and total 207, which is 20 entries short of the previous year, the principal shortage being noticeable in the home produce classes. Tho following are the entries, with those of the previous year:— lOlu. 1010. Draughts ... 75 -IS Light horses ... 32 53 Ponies and cobs ... 25 21 Home produce ... 75 10-l Totals ... 207 223 HA WARDEN A. AND. P. ASSOCIATION. A meeting of ihc General Commuter; of the Hawarden A. and P. Association was held on Friday night. Mr J. Skurr presided over n fair attendance. It was decided to discontinue tho practice of giving prize-money for championships, but to give ribbons and certificates instead. The 1917 show schedule wa sreviewed. the principal alterations being the inclusion of classes for Romney sheep. The revision of tho house and dairy produce section was left to a lady committee. Mr T. Shields wrote, resigning his membership of the. Association, but the resignation was not accepted. The secretary reported that £40 had already been promised for . prizes for next year's show. ASHBURTON A. AND P. ASSOCIATION. A meeting of the -General Committee of the Ashburton A. and P. Association was held on Saturday afternoon, the president, Mr J. Bruce, in the chair. The chairman, before commencing the ordinary business, said since their last meeting there had l»on killed in action in France, Major A. J. Childs (a member of the Association), Private J. M. Hampton (sou of a valued member of tho committee), Lieut. Olive Upton (son of Mr T. 15. Upton), and Corporal Geo. Smith (a class steward). They had also lost a valued citizen by the death of Mr W. H. Collins. He moved that tho committee expresses its sincere sympathy with the relatives and friends of the above. The motion was carried in silence, the members standing. A letter was read from the. Ilampstead Town Board, regretting that it could not see its way to remit the rates on tliq Association's Show Grounds. ' The secretary submitted a balancesheet, showing thai the last horse parade had resulted in a profit ol £3* 19s 3d. Tho chairman and Mr D. G. "Wright and Mr C. Reid expressed the opinion that the Association could be heartily congratulated on the success of its horse parades, both as regards the number of entries and the all-round quality of tho horses paraded. The total entries compared more- than favourably with a number of other parades held in tho South Island, while the quality of the horses paraded wag quite equal to that seen at any other parade. The offers of Mr TV. T. Lill and Mr O. Reid for plots of ground for experimental purposes under the supervision of Mr J. Brown, Fields Supervisor, were accepted, and it was stated Mr Brown would supervise the experimental plot of lucerne to bo grown on the Association's ground. The various sub-committccs submitted reports in connexion with the catalogue for the next autumn Show, which, with a few minor alterations, was practically the same'as for tho last Show. . The Sheep Committee rocommended that Mr George'Gould be asked to send a pen of his Suffolk Downs for exhibition only. The HoLstoin-Fricsian Association's offer of a special prize of £3. 3s for the best fat Holstein bullock was accepted with thanks, as wa s also Mr J. Bland's prize of £2 2s for a crossbred heifer up to two years suitable for dairying purposes. It was decided to increase tho prize money in the hunters' classes, in tho light-horse sections, and to ask the Ashburton County Racing Club to allow their special .•prizes Of £15 !•">« to be used for !thej purpose. Tli" offer of special prizes by Messr* "W. Croy and W. G. Gallagher for a home-made bread class, for those who had.never won a first prize, was r.ccepted with thanks. The use of tho Show -Grounds was granted the Defence Authorities for a Toncentration camp from October 27th to November 3rd. The dates for the next Autumn Show wer« fixed for March llth and 15 th, 1017. JOTTINGS FOB FARMERS. The Department of Agriculture intends making a comprehensive exhibitat the Canterbury A. and P. Association's Metropolitan Show next, month. It will consist, chiefly, of .specimens of cereals and forage plants, the last-men-tioned including lucerne, the department's honours roll of successful New Zealand exhibitors at the PacificPanama Exposition, and also the New Zealand hemp trophy, which received the highest award at tho exposition. Charts will bo exhibited showing the results of wheat, oats, and barley, and of mangel, swede, and turnip manurial and variety tests. The final meeting for the financial year of ihe directors of the Nelson; Freezing Company, Ltd., was held last week, when the statement of accounts for the year's transactions was placed before the Board. The result disclosed was beyond all expectations. The "Colonist" states that tho directors purpose, declaring a substantial dividend. and also making a rebate. on freezing charges to shareholders who supplied stock to the works. Tho total quantity put through tho works during the .period was 16,810 sheep, 22.220 iambs, and 1.220 head of cattle, which shows a very considerable increase over any previous year. Commenting on the stock market in the South Island, the Southern correspondent of the "Farmers' Union Advocate" says:—"The outstanding feature of the stock market is the big speculation that is taking place in lambs for forward delivery. Buyers are very numerous indeed, and bigger forward sale.; than have ever been known before havo been effected. Delivery, for tho most- part, is to take place in February. Prices commenccd at about lis per head, but thev rapidly soared to 16s and 17s. and have touched as , high as ISs. Station lambs are running from 14s to 10s apiece. Thcso prices are all very tempting, and no wonder that farmers havo been quite ready to do forward business at such j riees. Hoggets are still being placed at high values, up to as high as 30s and 325. These, prices seem incredible, j but I have no reason to doubt my an-; thority in the matter. Fat stock" is ' very good property. Fat wethers are • bringing up to two guineas, while fat j bullocks, not very heavy in weight. | are easily bringing £15. and fat cows £12 a head. Dairy cows are in good demand, and there are practically no sellers. A very successful demonstration of ploughing with the Emereon 12-20h.p. Farm Tractor was given at Mr R- F. Henderson's farm, Oxford, on Friday. The old racecourse was the sight fleeted for operations, and: was an ideal paddock for demonstrating th© value of tractors for ploughing. The land was practically a solid bed of twitch, ; and the Emerson plough, turning over three 15 inch furrows, 7inehes deep, did remarkably good work. About three

,ICves v,-as ploughed to the general satisfaction of several well-known farmers who "were present. After ploughing, a demonstration was given of the tractor running on the ploughed ground, and frood work -was shown with disc harrows and cultivator. Surprise was expressed at the easv wav in which the tractor can be handled.' Mr It. F. Henderson and other farmers who had never driven a tractor before, ploughed several rounds, showing liow very easy it is to become expert in the handling of these machines. KAIKOURA. Lasi, Tuesdav two "right"' whales v. ere sighted by the local whalers, and a cood chase was made, but tho monsters got away. The flaxmil! lately erected by Messrs Watson Bros., on Mr G. Smith's proportv is now in full swing, and is giving employment- to a good number of hands. It is an up-to-date mill and covers an area of 60 feet in length. HANMER SPRINGS. A social evening was held in the Queen Marv Hospital 011 Wednesday last. There* was a large gathering. 111 rpite of the inclemency of the weather. Songs, recitations, music, and competitions filled in the eveuing. Tho entertainment was organised by the ladies <•[ Hanmc, who also provided the supper. Tho prizes for tho competitions were donated !>v Mr M. S. Brown, Cbristchurch. The competitions, which provVied great amusement, resulted as follows: —Song competition. Corporal Harding 1, Miss Davis 2; twisted animal competition. Mrs Hardham 1, Corporal Haden 2; before breakfast competition, Miss Patterson 1, Miss Ren--11 ell 2. During an interval prizes for the following events held during the wec-k were presented by Captain Hardham, V.C.: —Patients' swimming rac-c, .Sapper Smith 1 ; staff swimming race. Corporal Laurie 1, Private Whitfield 2; plate diving, Farrier Ellen 1, Sapper Smith 2; walking race. Sapper Smith 1, Private Jeffries 2; pillow fight on polo over water. Private Jeffries 1, Private Whitfield 2: progressive euchre tournament, Mr Rcicl 1, Sergeant- Hiley 2. booby prize. R. Wansbone; progressive euchre, Mrs Walters 1. Trooper Anderson 2. booby prize Miss Patterson : nail-driving, Mrs Peters: storytelling competition. Private Kenny 1, Sergeant-Major Webb 2; penny answer competition. Miss Rennel] 1, Miss Cuthherfc 2. Mr Raphael's party will give concerts in the Queen Mary Hospital next Friday and Saturday nights. A collection will be taken :ij» to help the local Red Cross. EAIAPOI. At a recent meeting of the Northern Building and Lean Society the directors passed a resolution expressing regret at the death of Mr A. T. Clark, for nine years one of the auditors, adding that hi« services had been invaluable to the Society and his connexion with tho audit added confidcnce 011 the part of the shareholders in the affairs of the Society. ft was decided to ask Mr A. Blakely to fill the vacancy, which he consented to do. MARSHLAND. On Friday afternoon twenty-four of tho senior boys of tho Marshland School had their agricultural lesson on the property of Mr George Cox, of Walter"., road, Marshland. On their arrival, they set to work to hoa and vced his onion and lucerne crops. Five Planet Juniors and many willing hands in a few hours worked wonders. Mr Cox is a helpless invalid, and of his two sons, one was quite recently killed in action, while the other is in a training camp in tho North Island. When their work was finished, the lads were regaled with refreshments, and they wont home tired, but happy, having made good practical use of their patriotism, and diffused some sunshino in the hearts of a sorrowing couple. SOUTHBROOK. The fifty-first anniversary of the Southbrook Sunday school was celebrated -by special services. The Rev. J. fcuy prcached in the morning, and the Rev. J. F. Martin in the evening. Mr Guy reviewed the history of ihe school, stating that it was established in December, 18(5-5. Mr J. V. • Chattorton, who was Gupcrinfowdont for 38 years till he removed to Tcmple- ' ton, was present. In the afternoon, ihc Rev. J. F. Martin gave an address, and prizes were distributed to the RunI day school scholars. The children f,aii£ special music during the day. The anniversary celebration w?s continued on Thursday last, when a social gathering was held. There was a crowded attendance, and tho Rev. J. Guy presided. Tho programme consisted of solos- and - choruses, recitations, and an address by the Rev. J. R. Clark. Advantage was taken of' the occasion to bid farewell to Corporal A. J. T. Withers who, after a furlough, is leaving with the hospital ship Marama. Mr I". B. Lane, on behalf of Rangiora and Southbrook friends, presented Corporal Withers with a writing outfit and fountain pen, and wished him a safe return. The Revs. Gujr and Clark, and Mr C. Thwaitcs added their good wishes. Refreshments wore handeel round by the tcachcrs and senior scholars. A K All-OA. Taking advantage of a couplo of days' holiday from school, after tho Inspector's annual examination., the Akaroa Boy .Scouts havo gone into camp. Under-the leadership of Scoutmaster Daly and Sergeants D. Dodds •and R. Yoiiugmaii, .some, twenty of them were seen on Friday morning, fully equipped, making their way in military formation up one of the valley roads. A visit to the camp in the evening, only ten minutes' walk from j the town, found it pitched in an open glade in the bush among ideal surroundings. The camp is run under strict Scout disciplineLYNNFORD. The residents of Lynnford met in the school 011 Wednesday evening to welcome' home Mr A. A. Moore, eldest son of Mr Nr J. Moore, who had been invalided home from H.M.S. Pyramus. •Mr F. Evans presided, and presented Mr Moore with a luminous-faced silver , wristlet watch, suitably inscribed. An enjoyable programme was submitted, which included many items by the school children. LOWCLIFFE. The proceeds of the annual concert of tho Lowcliffc School were devoted to the Red Cross Fund.Mr J- Brown, on behalf of tho residents, presented Lance-Corporal McKcage, who was home on final leave, with a set of military brushes. The singing of "Please Give Me a Penny," by a number of school children, brought- in nearly £5, while sweets, sold by Miss Mclnncs , realised £1 Is. Altogether tho proceeds' amounted to £'14. RAKAIA. Another meeting to consider tho formation of a tennis and croquet club in ltakaia was _ held in the Library on , Friday evening. Mr J. Penny presid- ■ ed over a gathering of about twenty : ladies and gentlemen. The various • subscription lists were handed in, and i showed that some sixty-five subscribers I had given a total of close on £60,. I on© list accounting for £23 12s. The chairman stated that tho result of the canvass was most gratifying. They had really collected more than had been anticipated, and the success of the project was assured. It wag unanimously resolved to proceed with the scheme, and the following officers were electod: —Patron, Mrs C. A. C. Hardy; president, Mrs J- Sowden; vico-president, Mrs Roberts; secretary and treasurer, Mr J. Penny; committee, Mrs E. Brit- ' tenden. Misses C. Edgington, Emms, and Messrs J. Sowden A. Shannon, ; and A. Morland. The chairman stated that by making a slight deviation of ' the water-race an -improved site could he obtained. He had been securing in-

! formation concerning the laying down of tho asphalt, and ho thought that, the lime was now opportune, to approach the Domain Board for asyist- , ance. as thev had now definitely launch--j' ed tho scheme. The following wotc ap- [ pointed a deputation to wait on tho . I Board to lay the matter boforo them: I —Mrs Sowden, Miss Emms, nnd Messrs J J. Pennv. H. Haddock, and J. Sow- [ den. Tlie general committee were , authorised to choose tho si to for the • two tennU courts and a croquet lawn, and to let contracts for the work. During the past week a liakain. resident- suffered from a nocturnal raid on his meat-safe- The thief, not content ! with purloining tho breakfast bacon. . added insult to injury D>" taking 2l1 ?0 " j tho coal to cook it- with. I Anglers report increased catches at ' | the southern Dank of the Rakaia river. * j but tho fish are in most cases in very '■poor condition. i Tho examination for proficiency cerI tificates of children from the schools ' in tho Rakaia district is to be held at Rakaia School 011 November Bth. For the. improvemonfc of the road leading from the north end of the Rn- : kaia Isrid.ee towards Mr J. Stnbbss farm, the Sehvyn County Council is in--1 debtcd to Mr J. Sawden. who Juv? had jit rolled with his large_ twelve-ton roller. Something of the kind seems to be required in Rakaia. On Thursday night Constable Edwards arrested a man named William Baker. whom he found in a disreputable condition, sleeping in 0 disused shed in the township. On Friday before. Messrs C. A. C. Hardy and L. Oxley, J.P.'s, the prisoner was sentenced to fourteen days' imprisonment on a charge of vagrancyThe rain on Saturday night was welcome. The recenfc dry weather has been disconcerting to those dependent on tank supplies for'water, especially as the large windmill connected with the Road Board well was for .1 time out of commission. Taken on tho whole, the weather we have had this winter and spring lias been very favourable to plant growth. There has not yet been an over-ahundance of parching nor-westers to dry up the soil, and there is a plentiful suppty of green feed. THRESHING lUTES AND WAGES. IO the KDITOIt or "THE rP.ESS." Sir, —Will you kindly giant me space to reply to Mr Kennedy's ietter regarding tho rates and wages for threshing in North Canterbury district. I can -safely say that for the past few years there are very few owners who have made a fair wage, to say nothing about interest of capital invested. It- is easily seen that Mr Kennedy is r.ot in touch with the coal, oil, and repair prices that are ruling to-day, to say nothing about insurance (labour and fire), and breakages. 1 suppose Mr Kennedy imagines that tßese extras are of no consequence; but let him run one of these plants for a- ; few years, and he will find out what the cost amounts t-o.

Then, what about bad debts? I expect they don't- exist. It is al] very line for a layman who is not a practical man to count the cost or, I should say, the profits; but when profits do not exist, what then ? __ Who pays the coal merchant, etc. ? Very likely Mi* Kennedy can explain. No man runs a business for the fun of the thing: if lie does or attempts to do so, the end is not far off.

But why all this correspondence, which is in reality about nothing? Is it not a pity in these abnormal times, when dissension should at all costs be avoided, and I am sure, that tho mill-owners know quite well how to treat their employees better than Mr Kennedy can tell them? Tho letter of Sir Kennedy's can'have only one result-, that is, to" cause dissension between worker and mill-owner, and mill-owner and farmer, which is a most undesirable nosition for any Britisher to take up just now.— Yours, etc., FRED LILL. Secretary North' Canterbury Millowners' "Association. Dunsandel, October 21st, 191 G.