THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16218, 22 May 1918, Page 3

THE COUNTRY.

NEWS AND NOTES

CULVERDEN

The weather during the past month has been remarkably dry and mild, even for May, which is usually a fine month. It is stated that in many cases farmers are unable to break up grass lands on account of the ground being too dry, and are at present ploughing stubble and other broken ground. The fine weather has enabled hauling plants to do a good deal of steady work, with a result that tho bulk of "tho grain has gone forward, and a good deal of chalf is also being forwarded. In fact, so much cutting is offering, that tho plants operating in this district have more than they can do, and several farmers have been waiting weeks to get their stacks cut.

Owing to shortage of petrol supplies, tho transport of snpplies, etc., for Hanmer, is being seriously threatened; one of tho regular motor lorries being at present held up. owing to this, and as traction-engine traffic is prohibited after the end of this month, a serious position is likely to arise unless this shortage is remedied in tho very near future. EANGIORA. Yesterday afternoon Messrs A. Boyle aand G. 'f. Booth made an appeal to the farmers at the Raugiora market for subscriptions to the l'"ood for War Prisoners' Fund. No collection was made, it being left- to the farmers to soad in their contributions to tbo local Red Cross or Patriotic Committees. TERN SIDE. A large number of residents assembled in tho Fernsido Schoolroom on Friday evening, to welcome home Seiigeant-Major J. Noonan and Private I>. Milne. On behalf of the residents Mr W. Smith presented the guests with a gold medal each. Progressive euchre was played during the evening, tho prizo-winners being Mrs J. B. Catherwood and Mr L. Brown. The proceedings terminated with a dance to music supplied by Mr S. Fleming and Miss Fleming. AKAROA. Private Geo. Checkley returned on Monday evening, and received a very warm welcome home. Most of the Peninsula dairy factories have closed down lor fclie season. Takamatua turned out just over GO tons of first grade cheese, the great bulk of which has already been shipped. Barry's Bay has been responsible for nearly 230 tons. The Akaroa Butter Factorj' is still busy on two days of tho week, but the end of the montli will probably see it close down too. KIR WEE.

A mooting of the Kirweo branch of tho Second -Division League was hold on Saturday, Mr J. Lorgelly presiding over a very small attendance of members. Tho secietury and president of tho League wrote "asking the branch to appoint a delegate to the Wellington conference. It was decided to take no action. The secretary reported that there was a debit balance of 21s 6d, and it was decided that if local support was not at oncc forthcoming, the branch be closed.

A meeting of the Kinvee Patriotic Committee -was Leld on Saturday, the Rev P. Rovell presiding over a fair attendance of members. An appeal for help was received from the -National Association for French war orphans. It was decided to place on record the services rendered to tho Patriotic Committee by Mr J. C. Stockdon, who is leavinc foe eamp, and to invito him to attend a complimentary social when he returns on leave. The president intimatod that a -welcome homo would bo given to Private C- Sadler, at Cotirtenay, this week. A vote of sympath v Vns passed to Mr and Mrs •!. I> • Yoiiv""'iiiii, whose son, Privato 11. A. Yov •■UK was recently killed in Fi.: Eulogistic reference to the patriotic; work of Private Youngman prior to his departure for thp front, was made, and regret nt his untimely death expressed. A vote of sympathy was passed to Mr and Mrs W. Harwood, whose son, Private F. AY. Harwood, has for somo time been in hospital, dangerously ill from wounds. An offer of a band for the next social.-was received from Mr J. Fox, which was accepted with thanks.

KOWAI BUSH. Following tlie example of many other schools, the Kowai Bush children have rrivon up their annual treat since the outbreak of war. This year the committee decided to reward them by giving a "tea-fight." Parents and childron assembled in the school ground one afternoon last week, and indulged in games and sports until dark, when they retired into the school to partake of the good things prepared for them. Major Johnson <»avo a short address, thanking the ladies of the district for their efforts. The Rev. Mr Hughes also g&v© an address, and afterwards, at the chairman's request, presented each child with a small present. Children's amusements were earned on until 8.30, and then dancing followed. The music was supplied hy Mr F. A. Atkinson, Miss Atkinson, and Mr and Mrs Innes, and Miss E. Pope recited.

RAKAIA. Many months ago the South Rakaia Road Board made arrangements with a Christchurch firm for the installation of au improved model street lamp on trial. If thp experiment were a success it was intended to increase the number. The first . consignment of lamps went to the bottom of the sea through enemy action. However, last week a nowiv-landed lamp was erected near the memorial fountain, lighting up the dangerous railway crossing. The residents of tho township are very pleased with the innovation, and tho hope is freely expressed that it is the forerunner of an extended lighting system. At a special meeting of the Rakaia School Committee, Miss R. Kenna, of Lauriston, was recommended for appointment as first_ assistant. _ The annual meeting of the parishioners of St. Mark's Church, Rakaia, was presided over hy tho vicar, the Rev. E. N. Blakiston. The treasurer's report showed a better credit balance than for several years past. The vicar expressed his pleasure that the offerings for missions, St. Saviour's Orphanage, and other objects outside the parish, had increased. The following officers were elected: Churchwardens, Messrs J. Penny and H. Barlow; vestrymen, Messrs C .Osborn. A. Smith, F. C. May, ,S. Pluck, 31. Trevella, W. J. MorLand, R. Moodle, and E. Briti tenden. Votes of thanks were passed to all who had helped in the work of the church during the year. On Friday evening a very successful dance was held in the Town Hall, Rakaia, under the auspices of the 32nd Company of Senior Cadets. The occasion was tho presentation of cups and medals won in shooting competitions during the past year. There was a very large number Dresent, and the hall was nioely decorated with flags. The presentations were* made by the Hon. CA. C. Hardy, M.L.C., and Lieutenant Blathwayt, of Ashburton. The recipients were: Lady Godley Cup and Medal, Corporal G. Shannon: Hon. C. A. CHardy's Cup, Corporal M. Jackson; Medal. Sergeant V. McPhail: Citizens' Cup, Cadet A. Watts; Medal, Cadet N". Richards. Dance music was supplied by Misses A. Hardy and McClennan, and Messrs W. Rankin and T. Hoad. Songs were given by Messrs W. Rankin, W. Halliday, and Withers. The proceeds, amounting to about £15, are to be given to the Y.M.C.A. Fund. Mr M. Timings was M.C. There was a good attendance at the monthly meeting of the Rakaia Band

of Hope. held in St. Mark'.s schoolroom. Tho programme was contributed by Mesdames lloss and Morrison, Misses K. Trc.vella, C. Shannon, 31. Hopwood, K. Ross, and A. llard.v ami Alfred "Wilson. The Rev. K. X. lilakiston delivered an address, and Mi s Boa" spoke on the work of Miss Frances tvil'Mr M. Liddv. of Rakaia, has on view a Gcrma.il helmet, brought from Passchendaelc, by Private C. Coffey, who recently returned from France. Alio helmet is dented in several places, and in front is a large blood-stain, evidently from a face-wound. _ 1 Mrs L. Oxlev and others interested in tho Lady Liverpool, Fund, received bv tho last 'mail from France numerous acknowledgments from grateful soldiers of parcels of comforts received. Several recipients stated that letters of thanks wotikl be mora numerous if it were not for the constant moving about, and resulting lack of spare time.. \fter having the benefit of acetylene for some years, the authorities of St. "Mark's Church have had to revert to oil lamps once more, as it is no longer possible to obtain supplies ot Cnr \VhUo driving ricrir Dromore," Mr Pluck received ' injuries to his '•hack through the horse falling and throwing him from his seat. . As Mr Kingsbury, of Doric, -was cuttin 0- some rough firewood on a circular satT 'his left hand was caught by the saw and badly injured. He was conveyed to tho Ashburton Hospital, where the thumb was amputated, hut it is hoped to save the other fingers.

WAIMATE. Thero was no rain, and nearly two hours' sunshine, yosterday, and two degrees of. frost. " . The School Committee met on Monrlav. Present—Mrs Orbell, Messrs Paul (chairman), Turnbull, Hay man, Lean Coath, Watson, Hutchinson, and Torlesse. The Education Board advised that agricultural plots should be on school grounds, not on leased, as at present.- Jf the Committee would agree to this, the Board would ask the Department for a grant for a shed wherein to store tho garden tools. Tho chairman favoured removing the garden to the old pound site of half an acre, behind the drillshed. Messrs Torlesse, Hayman, Logan, Paul, and Bain were appointed a sub-committee to go into the whole matter and report. Mr Watson brought up tho question of starting a drum and fife band in the school, and it was rcsolvod that steps be taken to start a band. Messrs Watson, Logan, the chairman, and headmaster were appointed a sub-com-mittee to go into the matter and report. An application from the janitor for an increase of salary was not entertained.

At the week-end, Salvation Army services will be conducted by Commissioner Hoddor, Colonel Bray, Major Dobney, and Major Ncwbv. A meeting of ladies yesterday arranged for a street collcction on Sailors' Day.