THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16403, 24 December 1918, Page 3

THE COUNTRY.

NEWS AND NOTES.

JOTTINGS FOR FARMERS. Harvesting operations have commenced in tho Borie district, and several crops of Algerian oats are now in stook, Several other crops in tho district are showing signs of ripening. OXFORD. For a little moro than a \reek ideal summer conditions have prevailed. Shearing has progressed for a longer period ■without hindrance than has obtained since the beginning of tho sea-, son. Haymaking is becoming general, the crops aro light, there being comparatively little bottom growth. A marked improvement is visible in tho crops. However, there is here a largo amount of undergrowth, such as grass, clover, and trefoil. A casual glance would indicate that the crops generally will be light. At a general meeting of tho Oxford sub-branch of the Navy League, the presiuent (Mr W. Weld) was in the chair. The president referred to the paramount importanco of tho Navy to tho British Empire, and appealed for a largo accession of membership to tho Loague. . Several new members were elected. It was decided to ' invito Messrs J. J. Bougall, and • tho Rev. Eliot Chambers to address a public meeting on tho rise, growth, and importance of tho British Navy. •Owincj to the adoption of homoseparating, the Oxford creamery, after running lor twenty-five years, ceased operations on November 30th. During the whole of that period Mr L. Nowport has • been tho officer in-charge. 'JJjvonty-five years ago tho dairying industry, in ~tho> district was -.in a* parlous condftron.* Dairy farmers worked long and hard with littlo reward, and were largely dependent on the storekeeper. Littlo money was handled, prices were often absurdly low, and progress was retarded. With the advent of the creamery a marked change took place. The dairyman got full value for his commodity, ho handled his money, and soon becamo independent of the storekeeper. The improved condition of the output soon resulted in the improved condition of the homestead. The standard of living was raised. The smnll man discovered that dairying provided a sure means to a comfortablo livelihood. To-day the dairying industry is one of the most important in the district, and is growing in importance.

RAKAIA. Two and three years ago grass .fires at this time of the year were frequent, but last year and this the oountry is decidedly* greener, the rainfall having provided more feed and removed, or at least postponed, tho danger of damage by fire. Sulphur lias been used extensively for fumigating purposes in private houses, but more than one housewife has regretted having neglected to first remove pot plants. Some favourites have been killed in this manner. Tho annual meeting of the Rabaia branch of the W.ft.T.tJ. was held in St. Andrew's schoolroom. Mrs Boag presided, and Mrs Lill, the district president, was also present. A letter was read from Miss Henderson asking those who were correspondents of soldiers to use their influence to secure tho soldiers' vote for no-license. The annual report and treasurer's report were adopted. The latter showed" a membership of 22 and a small credit balance. The secretary read the "White _ Ribbon and Badge report. Tho election of officer?; resulted as follows:—President, Mrs Boag; secretary, Mrs Hopwood; treasurer, Mrs Ross. It was decided to nominate, the present.Dominion officers for re-election. Mrs G. Ross was ap-, •pointed a delegate td' the annual convention to be held in" Napier. ASHBURTON. There were' four influenza cases in the Ashburton County Hospital yesterday. The Methven Hospital has been closed. The monthly meeting of the Ashburton Hospital and Charitable Aid Board 1 was held yesterday. Present—Messrs C. Reid (chairman), H. J. Harrison. J. Cairns, F. W. Watt, H. Friedlander, T. Doherty, W. J. Dickie, and W. H. Robinson. Tho chairman reported very fully on tho influenza epidemic, and the splendid work done by the hospital staff and voluntary workers. He was of opinion that the Hospital and Public Health Acts 1 required amending in the direction of giving hospital boards moro power in providing for cases that required isolation. The thanks of the community were due to the Mayor (Mr R. Galbraith) for his action in organising voluntary workers, who had done so miiclL to stamp out the disease. It was impossible to name all those who had voluntarily assisted during the time of trial, and it had been suggested that .they be invited to a garden party in the hospital grounds early in the •New Year. The Board could then meet' and'thank all for their untiring and invaluable.assistance. It -was decided to draw up a letter of thanks publicly reCognising the valuable voluntary services which had. been rendered. The Board went into committee .to consider a complaint made by Mr James Thompfeoh that his son had contracted diphtheria while under treatment at'the hospital, and also .a lengthy report by the medical superintendent on the influenza epidemic. Qn resuming it wag reported that Mr Thompson had failed to substantiate the coinp aint he had made, and that the Board declined to'accept any responsibility in the matter. Itr was ' also reported ■ that a committee had! been set up to consider the medical superintendent's report.