THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16217, 21 May 1918, Page 3

THE COUNTRY.

XEWS AND XOTI-S

DI":CHAXD£:L lN!ON

I At (.lie aanuai uieeciug ot the V aUi:! J 1 , 1 del braccn of the Farmers' I mon „* Shout occupied iho chait. and ga»° • lx-sumo of the year's work, which cnlisfaclov.v. Le.Hur*s had Jjeen given iluiin- tbo !,v -VL an ■ L;:c.;t.v Cwvlatf.'* Or. r,n ' Wm-af.-srewi::;: and tioT'." a"d A'lid en ' a Manure.-.'' , , F'r.e I'liT-tion officer.-; ie:-uite;.: foilo*.v=: P. e?:dcni. iir D. Jomv • J tc Y' [ t:i; v :u.:i :rr 3 .-:uvr. Mr H. right : .Tol.-.i^n: f rr.r.niUrc, .Mess:'.- _ -> as - I "VYaIU -v. P.. ..iU-n.rvrl*,. X. -Tj \V. J. AVchb. A. ■ - "n* berlnm. -J >. Hoajr. i-i?'- • F. V.'ri-'.,-.'. Goo. »hcr.:. -1" : . •• 1 " fiii.'.ge. i "i LI "J.-. v.T.;- ii'U' | Mcv-r- .Fc-nc-i and S'icat wore j;ni;ii.rd . n what arra!_v. r.or. i;e rnaiie villi regard to rur.:'. del!>C'. «' mails. , T/cciaro- for tho w,nt'.'r luontus *..ci ■ |nf ( , i:: the hand- of the chairman ana srrvctKrv. A hearty vote of thank- '(•.» t!ie. jeuring ni'eiiclen; n'ul .v.-fT'tarv. :.LefSheat and ,-T. ->•- ajjtigo. :<ft. ;- A and 1(» years .-i"/vne rO'iiftCiivc';*. FARMERS' rXION. The annv.al conference of the Nott' l Cmucrburv Di.-tiii't oi the New Aea]n;.'J Formers* t'nion is to open m tne liaai'd rcom of the J arnier:-' ( o-op' ta live A?soeiation on Thursday morning, and ■will be continued, if necessary, the foiiov,-ing day. . There are fourteen retnit.s on hic orde" panel - dealing with taxation, military service questions, commercial "Jitter's. r.fi'orestation. Caiiterbtirv I rujrres:. League, organisation, main roacl, and after-war trade. The other business includes the retiring president a address, treasurer's report and bal-ance-sheet (in committee), notice of motion business, election of president, vice-president, provincial executive, and delegates to Dominion The balance-sheet chows a crcdi. balance of £20 3s lid. JOTTTNGS FOB FAKMEBS i Reports from reliable sources go to show til.*t the area sown in autunin v.'heat. in the Asliburton County this year is far slwrt of lust season's acieage. One farmer states that springsown wheat is not nearly so good as that sown in the autumn, and such being the case, ho did not think tho & r® l j' sown throughout the county then would be very large. WAIAI'. On Friday night a farewell social was acoorded Privato T. Parnham, who is leaving for camp. Mr H. T. Beaven, chairman of the Patriotic Committee, presided, and there was a good attendance. Mr F. Burrows, on behalf of the Patriotic Committee, presented the departing soldier with a writing outiit and a pocket Testament. Tho Rev. J. H. Thomson delivered an interesting speech. An excellent programme of instrumental and vocal items was submitted as follows Piano solos,. Mr F. Clark and Master J. Mcßi yde; violin solo, Mr J. Mcßryde; duets, Mr and Mrs Burrows, and Rev. Thomson and Mr Pettigrew; songs, Mrs Mcßryde, Messrs C- Burrows. Pettigrew, llogers, and llev. Thomson; reading, Mr Duff. Mrs Lunn acted as accompanist. After refreshments had been handed round tho hall was cleared for dancing, which was kept up till about 1 a.m. Though May came in cold and wintry, for the past fortnight tho weather has been fine, with scarcely a shower of rain, and the snow has again almost disappeared from the ranges. A number of frosts, accompanied by dense foga, hare been experienced, but apart from these the weather has been almost ideal. As a result farmers have been able to push on uninterruptedly with their work, and good progress has been made. Feed is abundant, and tho prospects for tho winter aro good. Threshing operations in the district are Hearing completion, and the yield in a number of ct'ses has been highly gratifying. In several instances farmers have had the pleasing experience of obtaining a yield of close on 40 bushels of wheat per aci;e, and one smaU area is reported as having yielded 47 bushels per acre. Farmers are now busy carting their grain to the railway station.

Contrary to usual custom, for a number of weeks past a native pigeon has taken up its abode in the township. It spends much of its timo at the schoolhouse, and as it has been unmolested, it lias become so tame that it can be approached within a few inches. It has even flown down on to the pump when the operation of pumping water was in process. Much interest is being taken in the fancy dress ball, being organised by Mrs Jos. Leo. "The Gates-" As the proceeds arc for the Prisoners of War Fund, tho function will, no doubt., be very largely patronised.

OXFORD. The locality of the proposed central railway station for Oxford has been a subject of discussion in the district, and on the invitation of the County Council the railway engineer visited Oxford on Saturday and met representatives of various local bodies. Alter going over the debateable ground, the engineer stated why a particular site had been chosen. Mr D. Hawke, chairman of tho County Council, gave reasons why the station should be between Bay road and the Grass road, and the loading yards in the rear or the saleyards. After the matter had been fully considered the engineer stated that he did not see any great difficulties in meeting the wishes of the deputation. An important question would be whether the station should be north or south of the line, but he would draw a-lternative plans and submit them to the Council before proceeding with the work. The engineer was heartily thanked for his visit, and for the effort he was making to meet the wishes of the deputation. RANGIORA. A performance bv the Rangiora Brass Band on the rotunda in Victoria Park, on Sunday afternoon, was enjoyed by a larre crowd of people. The band has been engaged to plav at the Akaroa Patriotic Carnival at the end of this week.

Tho first of tho Rangiora Bowling, Tennis, and Croquet Club's winter evening card parties was held last evening. The attendance was small. A euchre tournament, ladies v. gentlemen, resulted in a win for the latter by 3poipts to 335.

-MARSHLAND. The Roman Catholics of Marshland heiu a von.' successful social gathering an Thursday evening, in aid of the funds of the Roman Catholic Church fit Papanui. There was a large attendance, including nianv visitors from Ohristchureh, amonasr. whom were Dean Regnault, and~Kathers Seymour and Roche. The hall was tastefully decorated with festoons of flowers. Songs were given bv Messrs Wooton, Fottercll, Mis, Vera Quaid. and recitation.-: by Vera piiillins and Mary Rogal. The music for the dancing w ; is supolicd by Mrs H. McMillan and Miss flaughry, and Mew* W. Meyers aiitl J. Wacsfcuni aoted as M.C.V. [>"7 "-7 an interval. Dean Hegnault thank-pa the Marshland people for their generosity in aiding ehure.h enterprises in St. Man : s parish. A decorated fruitcake, presented bv Mrs Morris, yiemeu

I ' : *He sUli! r.f J,,ti.<> turnip of tile , Marshland Ladies' Patriotic Utiild. IJKOiILEV "i r.< o! the nines of winter en- | tertaimiK'iits in connexion with the ; bromiey iciioo! funds took place on l-aturday e veil.t: c :. There was ;i vrry ticiou attendant-;.-. ;!m: the chainu:::i. Mr \v. 1/llev. announced that the ouc.hre : prizes had ben miiii by Mrs Beale and jMr A\ood. .Mr Huggins. junr..' won j the guessing competmon. Air ChnmI bers was M.C.. and Mr Pole supplied . tho dance music. As a result of tho I effort £4 will be available for improve- ' met!*- to 1:-C

HORN" BY-ISLINGTON i r gPMPi"! meeting of the Papama ■ Tennis Club, votej of svmpatbv were | passed wirli the relatives* of Private T. ' C'oultni- an.i IV. Hooper (wouuded). Tho ; lei gnatinn.-. of Mi.svr.s. A. am! H. Dali ■zl?'*'' • fcavo removed from the dis- ' in.n. v.vrt» r.""t'ptc(! with regret. Miss iV> Iftwin: tendered hor resignation a? ja member of tho rxirmnittee, and Mrs ! Mc.y v.ns appointed -o nl' the vacancy. Tr rji decided to hoid :i oanco in iho : Ir-linpon Sor-iul Hn'l. and to devote ! '• he pro-rend< t*> the school Monioj rial }• «nd. Tt was agreed i" invite the ; r't tin- AVool.-ton Tenuis Club ! to a .'nil-dny match, ; LINCOLN. j The Lincoln Young Plot's Club held ! a very Miecessful dunce in the Druids' iii'll 011 Friday evening. Mr C. L. .larman acted ;j.; M.C. The large j Lathering was due to tho secretary, j Mr F. llil!. jun.. who worked hard to | make the evening a success.

LADBROOKS

The annual meeting of the Ladhroaks Public Hall Committee, called tor Friday lasu. was held in the hall. Only (he outgoing committee were present and alter some discussion, it was decided to adjourn the meeting for a fortnight. The balance-sheet and report will then be presented; a management committee will be elected, and other business of importance will be transacted. A good attendance of tile residents is looKed for at the next meeting.

During the week large quantities of chaff and potatoes have been sent away. Potato digging is now the principal work being carried out. vSome of the early crops are already showing well above ground, especially oats.

Mr W. Payne, who is suffering severely from rheumatism, is again confined to Lis bed.

Miss Corrie Colman and Miss Edie lloscoe have returned from their trip to the North Island.

The local school has cioscd down for a fortnight's holiday.

ROTHERHAM.

Ono of the largest gatherings in the Ilotherliam Hall for some .years was held on Wednesday evening, when tho residents of liotherham and surrounding district assembled at a farewell .social to Mr and Mrs G. Gillespie and family, who are leaving tho district. Mr G. Popplewell, on behalf of their Ilotherliam friends, presented Mr and Mrs Gillespie with a handsome oak clock, suitably inscribed, Mr Gillespie with a case of pipes, and Mrs Gillespie with 3, silver stand, and Miss Piper and Miss Gillespie with a manicure set each. Much regret was felt, he said, that tho district was losing such old and popular residents as Mr and Mrs Gillespie and daughters, and pleasure at seeing Miss Piper, who has been for sonio time nursing in the Christchurch Hospital, with them that evening. Mr Gillespie suitably replied. During the evening songs and recitations were given by Miss Coles and Mr B. Hampton, and s±p.p-dances by Miss Fox and Mr J. Parker. The music for the danco was supplied by Mr Mcßryde and Master J. Mcßrydc. OKAIN'S BAY. A feature of tho carnival at Okain's Bay was the reception given to Sergeant Jack Ware. Sergeant Ware was badly wounded at Passchendaelc, and had no less than eight operations. It is now feared he may lose his- left arm. Wherever he went he was received with applause, which culminated in tho evening, when he was carried shoulder high from the concert' hall. Sergeant Ware set <1 splendid example by subscribing liberally to the Patriotic Fund; but, as he says, "Nothing is too good for the boys at the front." In conversation with Sergeant Ware, he remarked that if tho young men really knew the crying demand for men on the West front there would never be a shirker: they would get there somehow, fit or unfit. Dr. Thacker, in calling for three cheers for Sergeant Ware, emphasised how gallantly he had done his duty and how patiently and nobly he had borne his suffering. ASHBURTON. A special meeting of the Ashburton Hospital aud Charitable Aid Board was held yesterday. Present: Messrs C. fteid (chairman), H. J. Harrison, X. Doherty, C. W. Nieoll, F. W. W r att, and J. Cairns. The business was tho proposed fever ward at the Ashburton •Hospital and the Question of joining the North Canterbury Board in respect to accommodation for consumptives at the sanatorium in Christchurch. Dr. Chesson was present as representing the "Public Health Department; and Mr F. Horrell (chairman) and Mr W. S. Wharton (secretary) represented tho North Canterbury Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. The plans of the new fever ward were adopted, and in regard to the other matter, after hearing the deputation, tho Board decidcd to further consider the proposals made and acquaint the North Canterbury Board of its decision. W AIM ATE. The weather was colli and dull for the week-end, only two hours 1 sunshine being recorded in the 48 hours. There wer© 12 points of rain on Sunday, and three degrees of frost yesterday. There are eight soldier patients in the Waimate Hospital. The public school reopened yesterday with a good attendance. The project of starting a school drum and fife band is meeting with strong support. 'I ho new headmaster and Mr Andrew Bain are enthusiasts in musical organisation.

Tho Knox Sunday School anniversary services wore held on Sunday, tho Rev. William Wright and the Rev. A. X. Scotter being the speakers. _ The scholars, who were trained by tlie choirmaster, Mr W. C. Hay, supplied spccial music.

Twenty-one recruits, including several Second Division men, went north yesterday to the trainiug tantp.