THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 15895, 8 May 1917, Page 5

THE COUNTRY.

NEWS AND NOTES.

OXFORD A. AND P. ASSOCIATION. A meeting of the general committee of the Oxford A. and P. Association was held on Saturday. Present—Messrs J. Budge (president), J. O'Halloran, D. Hiiwke, E. Skurr, J. Weils, P. H. Thompson Alex. Baxter, G. Winter, R. Davis W.' Rvde, H. L. Ancail, J. McGrath', G. J. Leech, T. Cooper. T. Horn, and F. J. Frame. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs A. Meyers and H. G. Parish. _ On the motion of the president, a resolution of condolence was carried ith. Jar A. -Meyers, in tho death of his wile. Tho action of the president in appointing Messrs D. itawko .and W . >Veld to represent the Association at a conference with Mr J. Frostick, of the National Efficiency Board, and of the secretary in giving reasons why agricultural and pastoral shows should not be suspended, was approved. The president was appointed to represent the Association at tho annual conference of the Is'ew Zealand Council of Agriculture, and the following remit was approved:—"That, wherever practicable, the agricultural instructors in district high schools be residential, and that their duties consist, besides thoso pertaining to their school, in acting as fields instructor for a specified district ill which the school is situated— a combination of a part of the Agricultural and .Education Departments to take place to secure that end." Tho secretary presented an interim balance-sheet, which showed an estimated income for tho year, including the balance brought forward, of £554 '2s od, aud an estimated expenditure of ±.410 4s lOd, leaving an estimated credit balance of £137 17s 7d. The estimated credit balanc-o on tho year's working was £23 17s !>d. Permanent improvements had been effected at a cost of £25 14s 3d. The balance-shoot was considered satisfactory, and prize money to the amount of £210, .and accounts to the amount of £122, were passed for payment.

The secretary asked for .a ruling in regard to points in a "most points" prize, it having been claimed by an exhibitor 'that ho was entitled to first prize points for a special prize he secured in a special class. It was decided that no points be counted for anj special prize. The following new members wore elected: —Mr W. Dobson (Burnt Hill) and Mr S. Smith (Cust). It was decided that in future, when outstanding excellencc is shown in a particular exhibit in the roots or fruit section, ■> a special award of merit be given. It was also decided to request the judges in fruit to correct the naming before judging, and not penalise an exhibitor on account of a. fruit being wrongly named, seeing that experts sometimes found difficulty in correctly identifying certain kinds.

OXFORD FARMERS' UNION'.

At the annual meeting of the Oxford branch of tho Farmers' Union there were present: —Messrs John O'Halloran (chairman), Brown, Hawke, Weld, Doody, Wells, McGrath, H. Parish, and Clarke, members of committee, seventeen others, and the secretary (Mr Jas. McCormack). Apologies were received from Messrs Cooper and Lucrs. A vote of sympathy was acoorded Mr August Meyers and family in the death of Mrs Meyers. The treasurer read the balance-sheet, showing receipts £63 Qs Id, and expenditure £59 os od, leaving a credit balance of £3 14s BtL

The chairman, in moving the adoption of the balance-sheet, referred to the outstanding subscriptions, somo of which wejje promised, and steps would be taken to remedy an unsatisfactory position. He referred to the prominent part the Oxford branch had taken in union matters, and the advancement of the district, pointing out that it was next to Ashburton in standing, and even superior when population was considered. He believed there was every possibility of the freezing works closing down soon, and recommended farmers to ..send down their lambs as soon as possible. He considerfed that on every Efficiency Board a farmer from the district should have a seat thereon. A resolution to that effect had gone to the Dominion Conference from the Provincial ' Executive. He referred to the opening up of the Lee's Valley block of 33,000 acres, and mentioned that if any returned soldier in the Oxford district was desirous of settling on the only block not taken up, the Farmers' Union would help I him. He also asked the members of the County Council present to make enquiries as to the "thirds" on this land. The Snowdale run, of 54,600 acres, would be open for selection in February nc-xt. He made special reference to an important conference in Wellington in regard to a Dominion shipping company, at which he was present as delegate, and stated it was to be run on independent lines, and on behalf of the people of New Zea-1 land.

Mr Stephen Weld seconded the motion, which was adopted. The following officers were elected: — President, Mr John O'Halloran; vicepresident, Mr Jas. Brown; secretary and treasurer, Mr James McCormack (14th year); auditor, Mr Percy Fisher; delegate to Provincial Conference, Mr John O'Halloran; committee, Messrs D. Hawke, S. Weld. H. Parish, John Wells, John McGrath, H. Luers. Edward Skurr, R. Judson, W T . Doody, Wm. Reed. H. T. Cooper, A. Meyers, and Jas. Clarke.

Votes of thanks were accorded the Water Board for the use of their office, and the president, secrctarv, and auditor. OXFORD. For the month of April the total rainfall recorded wa s 2.81 inches. Rain fell almost continuously on Saturday, with a low temperature, Go points being recorded. Fortunately there was no wind. A meeting of the Oxford Board of Advice of the National Efficiency Board was held on Thursday night, when the whole Board, consisting of Messrs Alex. Baxter (chairman), R. F. Henderson, H. F. Luers t T. C. Horn, and G. Smith were present. Mr L. W r atson was appointed secretary. It was decided to appoint the chairman and Mr Hi. F. Lucr s to act on the Central Committee. The question of county trustees was considered, and three gentlemen were chosen to act, subject to their consent. Correspondence was received from the National Efficiency Board, and the duties of the Board of Advice carefully considered. It was decided that the chairman and secretary confer in regard to the next meeting. MARSHLAND. Some the senior girls of the Marshland fcfchool conceived the idea of holding a children's concert to augment the fund for purchasing material for making soldiers' handkerchiefs. A committee was formed to mako the neccsarrangements. Miss K. Moore beJPS appointed chairwoman and Miss E. Basher secretary. On Friday afternoon last their efforts were crowned with success. The main room was packed with pupils and adults, a number being unable to obtain admittance. The items of a lengthy miscellaneous programme were with one exception, provided by the* scholars, and were well roceived. The pennies from the children and the silver coins from the adults netted tbo very respectable sum of i' 4 Ss 9d. Last Friday night a patriotic gatherarranged by the Church Guild,

was held in the Methodist Church. Mr J. o?s occupied the chair. Musical items were given by Mrs Southon, Miss Dobby, and,Mr J. Wilson. A 6tirring patriotic address was delivered by the Rev. A. Liversedge, who also unveiled tho church roll of honour, to which two names had recently been added, namely, Privates G. James and C. Markham. Reference was made to the fact that two members of the congregation — Messrs A. Dobby and J. Crawford — would shortly be leaving for the Feathers ton training camp. For some time past there lias been considerable unrest, not to say irritation, in the district concerning the leakage of matter from the sanitary carts passing along the main road on six nights of the week. Some. *wo months ago the Marshland School Committee communicated with the Waimairi County Council on the subject, and roceivcd a reply that the contractor had been instructed 'to abate tho nuisance at once. At the recent householders" meeting it was alleged that tie trouble still existed, and it was decided to forward a strongly-worded resolution on the matter to the Waimairi County Council, the local health authority. If this does not have the desired effect, other measures were recommended by various speakers at the meeting.

AKAROA. Tile gas suction plant which tho Borougn Council purchaser! in the early summer is at last in working trim. A trial run on Saturday under the supervision of an expert tram the city, proved very satisfactory. With it as a standby tho Council will now bn r.ble to supply all the electrical power our littlo town may require. It is again a- coincidence that tho gas suction plant is ready to cany out its duty just wh.cn a heavy rainfall happens along. A s Jlr AJan Mncdonald was driving home to Wamui last Friday from the Duvauchcllc sale, his horse slipped and broke its The animal had to be shot. The same day Mr J as. Wright, jun., of French Farm, had just mounted his horse at the sale preparatory to riding home, and was busy fixing some parcels, when a barking dog, snapping at the horse, caused it to rear so suddenly that, in the, general mix-up, the rider bad' otic of his thumbs badly broken in two placcs. WALNUT. Tho following a.re the names of the Wainui School Committee: —Messrs A. D. A. McDonald (chairman). R. Hunt, C. L. Hopkins. J. W . I. McGnrry. and W. J. Warner. ASH BURTON. Last week Mr Edwin Bull, of Mount Somcrs, forwarded -II # l«vc hares to Hamilton and -lo to kelson for the coursiug clubs there. •Special missionary services were held at the Ashburton Baptist Church on Sunday, when the Rev. F. Oldrieve occupied the pulpit. At the evening service Mr Oldrieve cave an address on "India: Some of its Problems Today." Mr George Scott, on severing his connexion with Friedlandcr Bros., Ltd., Ashburton, was presented by Mr Hugo Friedlandcr, 'on behalf of the firm, with a cheque, .and on behalf of the staff with a case of pipes. Mr Scott left on Saturday evening for Wellington. _At the monthly meeting of the Upper Ashburton Road Board, Mr C. J. Harper was rc-electcd chairman for the ensuing year. The chairman and Mr Joshua Tucker were appointed a committee to deal with sanitary and drainage matters. The Board decided to attend to various small works in the Dromore and Winehmore wards.

The pupils of the Fairton School and their parents met on Friday and made a presentation of a silver tea-service to Miss A. H. Andrews, on the eve of her approaching marriage. The monthly meeting of the Ashburton Red Cross Committee was held on Saturday. A motion of sympathy with Miss Shearer in her recent bereavement was passed. Mrs J. D. Dent wrote tendering bcr resignation owing to leaving the district. Members spoke in high praise of the work dono Dy Mrs Dent, especially in the cuttir.g-out department. The secretary was instructed to thank Mrs Dent for the splendid services she had. rendered during the past two years, and wish her happiness in her new home. On Sunday afternoon the members of the Ashburton St. Andrew's Young Women's Junior Bible Class met at the residence of their leader, Mrs W. K. Watson. During the afternoon Mrs W. C. Blair gave an address on "Music," and a presentation of four handsomely-bound volumes was made to Miss Dent.

At a meeting of the Anama Road Board Mr A. McKenzie presided. The returning officer reported that Messrs A. McKenzio and B. Witlie 11 had been re-elected members of $ie Board. . Jt was resolved to have a mile at each end of Carter's road put into shape and metalled; to proceed with the lading of pipes in water-races; to apply for 30 feet more piping for the race at Lismore, and a motor bridge over a racc at Ruapuna, near Mr Taker's; and to have a mile of road above Hackthorne road rolled where it had recently been levelled. Mr F. B. Askin wrote askintr for an exchange of roads at Shepherd's Bush, and the clerk was instructed to ask Mr Askin to furnish a sketch of locality. The annual meeting lapsed for want of a quorum. The monthly, meeting of the Ashburton Hospital and Charitable Aid Board was held yesterday. Present Messrs H. Friedlander (chairman), W. J. Dickie, J. Cairns, H. J. Harrison, C. J., Harper, C. Reid. C. W. Nicoll, F. W. "Watt. The chairman reported that sincc the last meeting there had been a sharp outbreak of scarlet feve.r near the hills, and there had been one case of diphtheria in the horough. The health inspector reported that there had been thirteen ,cases

of infectious disease 'duringf tlio month. He had inspected many private dwellings, in addition to factories, bakehouses, etc. The Bankside and Alford Forest schools had been closed, and scarlet fever had spread in those districts owing to patients not having been isolated rnd children attending school while suffering from the_ effects of scarlet fever. It was decided to institute legal proceedings in one case. He reported adversely on the sanitary arrangements of the* populous suburb of Allenton, and condemned tho present system of disposing of sewage .and nigntsoil. Mr Harper remarked that the sanitary arrangements were very primitive, and whrrt applied to Allonton also applied to many other parts of the county. A return was received from tlie Valuation Department stating that the capital rateable value on which contributing local bodies would oav levios for Hospital and Charitable Aid purposes were: —Ashburton County £5,054,864. Ashburton Borough -C 428.577. Hampstead Town Board £106,451, Tinwald Town Board £53,482. It, was reported that the total estimated levies from these bodicr. for 1917-18 would bo £1865, with a probable additional levy for new ■works and repairs at the Hospital. ROLLESTOX. Tho following school committee has been elected for the Rolloston district: —Messrs Thomas Pearco, Joseph Henry, Deed, Andrew Scott. Vincent. Clark, Parker, John Stewart, and Wallace. LABOUR FOIT FAR INFERS. TO THE EDITOR OK "TILK TEKSS." Sir, —I have born for the past tew weeks on a tour of inspection among the farmers of Marlborough and Canterbury. J have seen about 600 in that time. Hoping thoy may l>c useful, I have pleasure in sending a few remarks and suggestions. There is beyond doubt a lot of uncertainty in the minds of farmers as to how they a'"e to harvest their crops next autumn ; and in some cases as to whether their «K»raaining sons (if any) be taken by the ballot. After talking to a number of farmers, one forms the opinion that thev are perfectly willing io sow wheat, and grain crops if they can be assured of their being safelv harvested; arid it seems only reasonable and right that they should have this assurance now. They say that they can manage to soav and* plough the fields, and after that the crops require very little work until harvest. May I suggest somo ways "of helping? The harvest on Xew Zealand is not all in full swing exactly at the same time. There are sonic weeks' difference between that of the North and Ota go and Southland. I suggest:— 1. That those men who are rejected for activo service but arc able to work be used to help irt" harvesting. It would be well to have these made up in several batches to work in different districts and from tho ;North to the South.

2. Many firms in Zealand give employees annual holidays. _ Why not spend these in the fields doing something to help? Surely this •would ho done gladly; in any ease, if necessary, declare a national harvest time and close practically all businesses for, say, 14 to 21 days, exceptions being made in essential businesses such as butchers, bakers, and primary industries. The help thus obtained being given to the farmers and paid for. by them according to value. ' 3. The idea of utilising schoolboys is good, and should be used % They should, however, have men with them to do the harder work. 4. I have not touched upon the question of help from women. lam sure the women of New Zealand wonld help in work that they are physically able to do, hub the men should bo called upon first. _ There is a large area of fine cropping ground almost entirely neglected "because th.3 farmers are, uncertain as to how they will obtain labour for harvesting. The farmers 1 should, therefore, be assured "at once of help at this time, and the necessary organising work should be commenced forthwith. —Yours, etc. GEO. COOPER. Ohristchurch, May 7th, 1917.