THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16520, 12 May 1919, Page 4

THE COUNTRY.

NEWS AND NOTES

ASHBURTOX A. AND P.

ASSOCIATION

A meeting of the general committee of the Asliburton A. and P. Association was held on Saturday, the president. Mr James Cow, in the c "^ ,r - A vote of condolence was passed to the relatives and friends of the late Mr G. Rich, a vice-president of the Association. Letters were read from the Canterbury Progress League urging the extension of the hydro-electric scheme nnd the early completion of the Otira tunnel. It was decided to endorse the resolutions of the League.

In reply to a letter from the Canterbury A. and P. Association it was pointed out that the Asliburton Association had no intention of holding a pedigree cattle sale during Grand National Week.

A letter was read from the Council of Agriculture asking that "remits lor the next conference should be sent in as soon as possible. A committee was set up to go into the matter. Letters were read from a number of .judges who had given their services at the show, the writers expressing great pleasure at the manner in which the show was managed and the excellence of the majority of the exhibits.

Messrs D. McKenzie, James Copland, and Mrs M. G. Lvon -were appointed life members of the Association.

JOTTINGS FOR FARMERS. "The fall in tho price of stock is still ltoklinis;, and it is anticipated that there will be no recovery till tho spring sets in," writes the South Island correspondent of the "Farmers' Union Advocate." "Feed is scarce, and that is one of the main reasons why the slump, as it is sometimes called,'lias taken place. It may be that "we could have held our own if the outsido districts had not dumped their surplus, stock upon us: Large numbers came front both iiorth and south, and the thing was overdone. Then the works have been <joing very slowly during tho last month""or more, and it is difficult to get the lambs away. The price is down in the saleyards, and it is to be feared that those who have space at tho works, and are able to buy in the yards, are making a good thing out of the necessities of the farmer. Tho works' buyers in many centres are only treating with tlicir regular customers, and are leaving the yards alone altogether. Naturally fcrmors aro indignant at some of the'firms ivho liav6 bornrht from them in former years, passing theni by and noing for tho cheaper stuff in ihe yards. But business is business. I suppose "

PARNASSUS. A. number of returned soldiers have taken up land in- and around Parnassus and intend settling in the district. Already two returned men, Messrs F. M. Robinson and McLauchlan, have acquired two large blocks. The former has bought 1800 acres, and the latter 824 acres close to Parnassus. Arrangements have also been made to cut up the Hawkeswood Estate into four blocks, three of . which will be reserved for returned soldiers. It is probable that other large blocks of land "will he cut up into small areas, as the district is most suitable for closer settlement. CULVERDEN. The residents of Culverden met on Friday to bid farewell to Mr Chambers, who for several years has had charge of. the post office. An enjoyable Evening was spent. After supper a presentation of a substantial cheque was made to Mr Chambers, and regret expressed that illness in his family had forced him to relinquish the office of postmaster. Messrs Adam Smith, Brand, and A. Smith contributed items, whilst Mrs H. R. Davison, assisted by Miss O'Donnell, officiated at the piano.

KAIAPOI. The Kniapoi Caledonian Society commenced its series of winter socials on Friday in the drill hall. There was a large attendance of members. and friends, nnd dancing and cards were held simultaneously, the prizes for the latter being won hv Mrs J. W. Drabble and Mr H. C. Revcll. BROMLEY. A welcome home social was held in the Bromley school on Saturday to meet Corporal Hoare, Trooper W. Moore, and Private Jennison. There was a very large gathering, and a most enjoyable evening was spent with cards and dancing. Mrs Gowie and Mr King won the euchro prizes. The district ladies provided refreshments. Mr R. Carter, chairman of the Reception Committee, welcomed the men. During an interval occasion was taken to present Mr G. Templeton, an old member of the committee, with a cigarette holder and silver matchbox as an expression of appreciation of his assistance. Mr Templeton thanked the committee for their tlioughtfulness, and said lie hoped to often visit Bromley and see his old friends. Mr Stevens enlivened the proceedings with gramophone selections, for' which he was heartily thanked. Miss Cooley gave a couple of recitations. Mr Pole supplied the music for the dancinor, and Mr Gowie made an efficient M.C. Messrs Briggs, Dryden, and Moore were most energetic in seeing to everyone's wants. The large gathering showed the necessity for a hall in Bromley.

DARFIETiD. The Tractor Committee held its last meeting on Thursday, when final arrangements were njade for the demonstration. Mr C. G. Jarman was appointed to assist Mr A. Shipley in conducting the fuol consumption test. Two dynamometers being .available, a committee was appointed to conduct the tests. These will be bf interest not only in connexion with the tractors, but also as showing the draught of the different ploughs. A considerable numebr of observers were appointed, as it is intended that each tractor shall be continually under observation during the demonstration. Arrangements were also made for noting various other points of interest in the hope that the results of the trial will be of real use to all interested in the tractor ouestion. Several tractors are expected to arrive on the ground to-morrow to try out their engines and implements. COOPER'S CREEK. A very successful school concert was held on Thursday, in aid of the prize fund. The children's items were very good, the Japanese and Chinese scenes being enthusiastically received. The little Japanese maidens looked verv charming in their dainty kimonos and with their hair piled high on tlieir heads. The sona: of the chief Japanese lady, Miss Veronica Bonisch, was very prettily sung. The boys in their quaint Chinese costumes and long, black pigtails, very ablv sang "Chin Chin Chinaman." A dialogue, termed '"The Dolly Show," was very well spoken and acted by seven little tots —;the judge. Master Tom Rossiter, wisely presenting each proud "mother" with a prize. A song. "Little Black Me,'' by Miss Doris Marsh in darky costume, was well appreciated, as was also a short dialogue termed "Those Troublesome Servants," by the old school girls, the ludicrous costumes of the various maids giving immense satisfaction to all onlookers. Several items by outsiders were also ■

greatly appreciated. The concert was followed by a dance to "welcome the ; return of Trooper A. I. Winter. He j was presented with a gold medal suit- : ably inscribed, from the residents of! Cooper's Creek. SOUTHBRIDGE. The ladies associated with the Presbyterian Church gave a tea and social evening on Thursday, at the Town Hall, to all the returned soldiers in the district. The function was a brilliant success, quite eclipsing anything of the kind held at Southbridge for many years. A large number of returned men and manv other residents of the district were also present. After justice had been done to the good things provided the hall was arranged for a concert given by Christchurch talent. There were songs by Mioses Reading and Claridge, recitations by Miss Fay Smythe, and monologues l>v Mr Rankin. The audience joined heartily in a number of choruses. Mr J. 13. Merrett, who drove the concert party out from town, congratulated the ladies of the church on the magnificent success of tho gathering, and for their enterprise in arranging such a welcome to the soldiers. He was personally interested in the work of the Repatriation Board, and was watching with great interest the progress of the Homebrook settlement. He wished the new farmers every success. Mr J. S. Chapman, chairman of the Town BoaAl, and the R-ev. T. G. Butlep also spoke, and Mr F. L. Bailey (one of the Homebrook settlers) responded on behalf of the returned men. After supper the ladies were musically honoured with "For They Are Jolly Good Fellows."

Mr J. S. Chapman presided over the monthly meeting of the Southbridge Town Board, held on Thursday evening. The Board decided to support a resolution submitted by the Palmerston North Chamber of Commerce, urging the Government to take over control of arterial roads and put them in good order'; Resolutions from the Canterbury Progress League in regard to the Otira tunnel, railway accommodation between Christchurch and Lyttelton, and the hydro-electric scheme were also supported. The "Works Committee reported that road repairs had bocn effected at Flood's corner, and that tenders were being called for race-cleaning. Mr Twiss agreed to assist the chairman of the Works Committee in the discharge of the duties devolving upon him, and Mr A. Greenwood was added to tho Hall Committee. It was decided to issue notices to certain ratepayers to clear gorse, and to have the asphalt paths topdressed. It wins decided tc. call the attention of the friendly societies in the district to the need of securing the services of another doctor, tho members being of the opinion that the Ellesmcrc county was too large an area for one medical man to cover. •

leeston. A strikine tribute to the popularity of Mv A. T, Robertson. Into manager of the Lceston branch of tho llank or New Zealand, was afforded by tho largo attendance fit a farewell utnoko concert held inj his honour at tho Losstoii lown Hall, on Friday night. The attendance was the largest for any function of a similar nature held in the Ellesmero district for a number of years. Every part of the district was represented, and there were also visitors from Chnstcliurch. Dr. Volckman presided. All the speakers testified to the sterling qualities of the guest as a citizen, sport and business man, and, on behalf ot friends, the chairman presented Mr llobertson with a very lino cabinet ot cutlerv. Reference was also made to the este e m in which Mrs Robertson was held in the district, and the hop© was expressed that both Mr and Mrs Robertson would have a happy and prosperous futuv'e. • Tho health of the guest's successor, Mr It. M. Robertson, was enthusiastically honoured.. Songs were sung by a number of the gentlemen who attended the function, and proceedings closed with ( 'Auld Lang Syne" and cheers. If the attendance at the opening social may be taken as an augury, tho 1919 session of the Lceston "Wesley Guild should be the most successful since tho organisation was formed. and other items were given by Mrs" G. Barnett, Misses H. Barnett, Watson, Green, Jones, and Pearce, and Messrs J. Oliver and L. Eade. The; opportunity was taken to accord a wolccrne homo to three members who recently arrived back from the frontsSergeant G. S. Taylor, M.M., LnnceCorporal L. R. Barnett, and Trooper P. Barker. Tho last-named was not prosent. Words of welcome were spoken by the Rev. W. Lnycock and Messrs J. Oliver and A. E. Brown. A presentation was made, on behalf of the Guild members, to Miss M. Lewis, who is to be married shortly.' She was the recipient of a set of useful household articles, and good wishes for her future were expressed. An attractive syllabus for the session has been drawn up by the executive, and copies were distributed to members and others. The ladies provided supper.

BROOKSIDE, A largo number of parishioners attended tho annual meeting of St. Luke's Church, Brookside, held at the residence of Mr G. Stephens, the vicar, Rev. P. Jones, presiding. Tho balance-sheet showed a credit ot £39 Bs. Mr A. E. Withell was elected secretary, and _ the following form the Church' Committee: Mesdames Thyer, Pierson, Pearce, Jackman, and Lovell, Misses M. Stephens, Oliver, C. Moorhead, Buckley, and Messrs 'G. Stephens and J. Hight. It was decided to place a memorial window in tho church to the memory of tho late Mr B. Thyer. Messrs T. A. Stephens and A. E. Withell and Miss Stephens were appointed a committee to consider the question of perpetuating the memory of devoted churcnmen, of whom there is now little or no record. At the conclusion of the meeting the vicar stated that he was leaving at the end of the month to go to England. He had worked amongst the Brookside people for five years, and during that time there had not been the slightest sign of inharmony amongst them. Ho thanked them for tho way they had shouldered their additional burdens brought about by tho war. He would carry away with him pleasant memories of Brookside.

A social was held in tho schoolroom. to welcome home Privates H. and E. Washbourne. Mr J. Cunningliani, chairman of the Ellesmere County Council, in an appropriate speech, presented the guests with gold medals, and also handed a medal to the relatives of the late Gunner L. Russell. Songs were sung by Misses Chamberlain and Henderson : recitations were given by Messrs Chamberlain and Morgan, and a pianoforte solo by Miss Stirling. After supper a danco was held, Mrs J. Campbell presiding at the piano.

LITTLE RIVER.. The committee of the Library met on Thursday. Present: Messrs "W. J. Whatman (chairman), H. Lewthwaite, T. White, senr., D. Richards, H. Hewson, and <5. Norry (secretary). Mr H. E. Bacon tendered his resignation on account of his leaving tho district. Mr F. Wright was appointed to fill thc vacancy. It was decided to circularise those outside the Little River neighbourhood, pointing out, the "new conditions under which persons living outside a three-mile radius of Little Rivor could take out books. _It was decided that any books of an objectionable nature in the library should be placed before the committee, with a view to removing them from the shelves. The Sunday school treat in connexion with the Church of England was held in the Domain. There was a lar<*e attendance of the public, and the children thoroughly enjoyed the amusements provided.

It is intended to hold card tournaments in the library on Saturday evenings. Cribbage matches will be'plaved

off between representatives of the different valleys. AKAROA. At a meeting of the Peninsula Memorial Association, the main business, was to consider -what should bo done with the old school site, recently purchased by the Association, in order to make it a: fitting war memorial. After some discussion it was decided to beautify tlio section with flower plots, native shrubs, and trees, and lawns and then to erect an obelisk on which would be inscribed the names of all Peninsula men who had played their; part in the war. . j At the last meeting of the Akaroa! Advancement Association, the Mayor (Mr Geo. Armstrong) in the chair, two matters of more than ordinary interest were discussed. The first had to do with the annual meeting at Akaroa, next February, of the New Zealand Newspaper Proprietors' Association. The manager of the Timaru "Evening Post" wrote°m reference thereto. After some discussion, it was decided to notify tho various members of the Association that accommodation would be reserved, and a suitable meeting place provided. The second dealt with the lack of accommodation in Akaroa during the Easier and Christmas rush of visitors. The Canterbury Progress League wrote in connexion' with the matter, pointing out that it was obvious there was a (neater demand than Akaroa could at Present cope with, and urging the Association to take tho matter seriously m hand before next summer. Members agreed that the time had arrived when the position must be faced. It was hoped to do something daring the winter. Tho resignation of Mr R. Shepherd as hon treasurer, was received, and accepted with regret. Mr G. W. Thomas was appointed to fill the vacancy.

ROTHERHAM. On Wednesday evening, in the Public Hall, under the auspices of the Rotherham Patriotic Committee, a welcome home social was tendered to Trooper J. Clark. Privates John C'ark, and W. H. Widdowson. air B. Hampton (chairman of the Patriotic Committee) presided, and there was a large attendance. Trooper Jas. Clark left with the 4th Reinforcements, Canterbury Mounted Rifles, and has seen over four years' active service in Gallipoli and Palestine.' Private John Clark left with the 43rd [Reinforcements, and Private Widdowson with tho 39th Reinforcements. Speeches of welcome were given by Mr B. Hampton, Revs. Canon Smith and J. 11. Thomson. Songs were contributed by Mrs Troubridge, Miss Coles, and Rev. Thomson. The music for the dancing was supplied by Messrs Mcßryde. Mr Halkett acted as M.C. Tho opportunity was taken to present Mr and Mrs W. Coles, who are leaving Rotherham, with a handsome clock. Mr B. Hampton? in making the presentation, referred to the esteem in which the recipients were held throughout the district. Canon Smith also spoke, endorsing the chairman's remarks. Mr Colc3 suitably responded. ASHBUIITON. At tho Magistrate's Court, on Saturday morning, before Mr F. W r . Watt, J.P., Adam Kerr Allen was charged that on January 4th, 1919, at Allenton, ho did unlawfully attempt to carnally know a girl under the ago of 16 years. Senior-Sergeant Ryan asked for a remand till Friday next, which was granted. Private S. G. McCallum, who enlisted with the 9th Reinforcements and left for the theatre of war early in 1916, and who died at tho residence of his parents, Ashburton, on Tuesday, was buried in the Ashburton Cemetery with military honours on Friday afternoon. There was a large attendance, including a eood muster of returned soldiers, tho military party being under the command ot Lieut. Blatliwayt, and th e firing party under the command of SergeantMajor Witters. The funeral service was conducted by the Rev. George Miller. WAKANUI.

There was a very large gathering in the Wakanui schoolroom on Friday night to tender a welcome home to the district returned soldiers. Brief addresses of welcome were made by the chairman (Mr F. Famifton), and Mr John Cairns (chairman of. the Ashburton County Council). On behalf of the residents, Mr Cairns presented each soldier with a gold medal. The recipients were: Sergeant A. Amos, Privates Ct. Bramley, T. Turner, J. Chambers, W. J. Gundy, W. S. Chambers, S. Cairns. J E. Mcacham, T. S. Taylor, S. Corbett, A. C. Hands, A. S. McKay, and 13. Ivellev. Framed certificates were presented to the relatives of the following,who had fallen in battle: J. Kirkners, Pt. Cochrane, L. H. Frampton, nnrl J. Dynes.