THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16694, 1 December 1919, Page 3

THE COUNTRY.

MEWS AND NOTES. N.Z. STUD SHEEP TOR AMEBICA. As an indication of tho increasing trade between New Zealand and the United £tatp._> of America, wo aro illformed that Messrs H. Matson and Co. have recently sold to Mr Benjamin B. Shaw, of California, 13 one-shear Corrrv dale ewes, on behalf of Mr H. T. Little, Hui Hui, Woodgrovc. and 20 woolly Oorriedalo ewe hoggets, and two shorn stud ewe hoggets, on account of Mr William C. Bridson, Woodgrove. crit-e of these sheep has not transpired, but it is understood that tho price® given by Mr Shaw were of a liighly satisfactory nature to tlio breeders. This is the second shipment of Corriedalo sheep to San Francisco during the la.-?t few months.

Mr Shaw has also !/ought stud Cnrriedalo rams from Messrs John Stringfellow and C. H. ilnsor, and has aiao purchased from Mr James Johns, Belfast, some Sonthdowm. Shropshire, Border Leicester, and English. Leicester ewe hoggets. He also bought some stud Shropshire rams from Mr Rupert ParO". of Timaru, English Leicester* and Border Leiecsters from the Canterbury Agricultural College, Lincoln, a stud Southdown ram from Mr H. J. Andrew, of Maheno, and ten particularly good stud CcrriedaJe rams from Mr T. L. Haycock, of Martinborough. The majority of these sheep Mr Shaw is shipping in the wool, and will bo showing them almost immediately after arrival in the States.

This is Mr Shnw's first visit, to New Zealand, but. he has been extensively engaged in the stud business in California for many year*, and it is his intention to como hack to Now Zealand for further shipments. With the increased demand for New Zealand sheep in America, and also the improved shipping facilities since tho termination of the war, there is no reason why a good trade should not bo worked up with tho United States.

ASiiHU.HTOTI rARMv.-RS' UNION. At a meeting of the Ashburion branch of the Farmers' Union on Saturday afternoon, tho matter of a field day at the Government experimental area at Ashburton was further considered. Mr W. T. Lill stated that the Ashbnrton High School was willing to join in having a field day in connbxion with tho experimental area, and tho Hi"h School Board suggested that a light luncheon should bo arranged for on that day at tho High School. Farmers would then have an opportunity of inspecting tho school and seeing tho valuable work which was being do'no in the agricultural science laboratory, which had been established to work in conjunction with the experimental area. •It was unanimously decided to arrange for a field day on December lOth. and to invite the Hon. W. Nosworthv, Minister of Agriculture. Mr R. E. Alexander ("Lincoln College). Mr John Grips; (Longbeach), and tho presilonts of the Methven and Mayficld A. and P. Associations to bo present.

CHEVIOT A. AND P. SHOW. A general meeting of the Cheviot A. and I*. Association was held on SaturJav. Mr T. Stevenson presiding. Mr C. Barnes moved that tho annual show he held in March, 1920. The motion was seconded by Mr F. D. Childs and carried. A letter was received from tho Cheviot Racing Club regarding the uso of tho Show grounds and buildings on March 13th. and it was resolved that 'ho president and vice-presidents be cmlowered to tnako all arrangements ifter conferring with tho clnb. One new member, Mr E. Ensor, was olected. In view of the many departures from Uio district sinco tho last Show was hold, tho following committeo was elected :—Messrs Gillandors, P. Childs, F. I>. Childs, Alian, Eiby, Macfarlano, Edward, Martin, Barnes, Brnphy, Vlalicrtv. Chisholm, Geeson, McGiffort, McKnight, Mc'faggart, Mowat, O'Connor, Harrison, Petougell. E. Smith, Wilkinson, McLaren, McPhorson, J. Paton, Bruce, and Hughes.

AUCKLAND A. AND P. SHOW. (PRESS ASSOCIATION TELESkaM.) AUCKLAND, November 29. The championship awards at tho Auckland Show were:— Hack—H. Bullock Wobster's His Excellency. Huuter—Miss Grant's Kia Ora. Ladies' Hunter—C. A. Paquo's Patch. Pony—T. V. Nutsford's Ebony. Entire Pony—S. Hooker's Tiny Boy. Harness Horse—'E. P. Paul's Jimmy. Dominion Hunter—Miss P. G. Grant' 3 Kia Ora, T. A. C. Hattaway's ■Gri ruffe 2, «J. E. Cockerson's Gay Deceiver 3. _ A competition for Champion Dairy Cow was exceptionally keen, and the judges had considerable difficulty in arriving at a decision. The award finally went to E. McTapp's (Te Papapa) Te* Papapa Girl, and the reserve championship to T. Church's (Tc Tapapa) Queen.

Jottings for Farmers. A gentleman who has just returned from a tour in a northern electorato says that nothing struck him so much as tho splendid work which is being done by farmers' daughters in helping to overtake urgent farm work at this busy period of the year (says the "Dominion"). In many cases ycung farmers have been disabled at the war, labour is bard to get, ajid were it not for tho splendid help rendered by the women production would be retarded and much -necessary work would bo left undone. Tho restless energy of many old people has also impelled them to again tako an active interest in the work of the farms when tho work seems likely to fall behind, a.nd although many of them had retired from active work they find themselves once again, not only putting in a full day of eight hours, but sometimes ton and twelve. As one old farmer pui it: "So long as onr brave lads helped us to keep this fair tend from tho Hun, so long arc wo willing to take up the hay fork and tho milking buckrt once again to revel in that freedom which we all iove so well."

Serior.3 assertions as to tho condition of children in dairying districts are made in a report from one of the school inspectors of the Auckland district upon tho question of defective children in tho schools. This inspector, "whose lai>ours apply to a dairying district, states that a number of children in the schools of that district arc suffering from -want of Mitf.ciont sloop. Hopeatetfly these children an. 1 ail but asleep in school in the afternoon, and are unfitted to showto advantage in an oral examination, luvariably they are milkers. At «>no s,.iiool u iriii of 13 informed liim tliaii -he rose dailv at 3.30 a.m.. and he f-mud that a considerable number rose between 4.30 and 3 a.m., after retiring at varying hours V'tween 8.30 and 9.30 p.m. "T!io?p milking family children," he nd<Ls. "arc little more than slaves, and they seldom spend more than one season in one place." Speaking generally of the children in the s'iinols of his district, the inspector stater* that many of them are iJI-c!othed, ai:d the absence of bath facilities in milkers' ecttages is notorious, tho , :p:l'! the work of tending cows, ' nlves, and pips calk for the use i-r tho rno~t up-to-dato sanitary ipplianccs.

The prico of milking cows is gradually rienng, and while £33 and more has N'on given for a pood milker, it is anticipated (say,* the Auckland ".Star ) thai next season tho prico for tirstr'pss milkeiß will ho in the vicinity of ' -;0. l'ho increased demand lor o>« s duo to closer settlement, tho prico of butter-fat, and the many uses to which, the one>-tim© useless residue can lw> put, art given as reasons for the remarkable advance in price predicted.

OXTOED. Owinr to bad weather, there was only a small attendance at the annual meeting of the Oxford W.CIT.I\. held m the Coronation Hall, on Wednesday. Tho president, who was in the chair, pave a account of the year's work. She regretted the loss of three earnest and faithful members, one hy death, and two (Miss Dohnnan an!i Miss Jones) bv removal. Now they had to part with Mrs L. Ancall. who had been n mof«t loyal and energetic worker. Tho superintendents of the cradle roll and other departments reported on their work, showing that there were 105 names on the cradle roll (18 new ones this year); of! members of the L.T.L.; and 53 subscribers to the "Whito Ribbon.'' The Y branch had had charge of the Band of Hope, and the members had worked hard to make tho meetings a success. It was decided to send a letter to Y branch, expressing thanks a«d appreciation of their help. The statement of accounts was adopted, and a vote of thanks passed to the auditor. Mr L. "Watson. Tho election of officers then took place, nil being reelected cxeopt Mrs Ij. Ancall, who resigned on account of leaving the district. It was decidcd to ask Mrs Lewis to tako the position. Members were reminded of the near approach of polling day, and urged to try to influence thoso with whom they came in contact, also to attend a meeting of tho Christchurch Women's Efficiency League, which will bo held in Oxford shortly. It was decided to hold a sewing meeting on election day. in the Coronation Hall. It was agreed to send £2 towards tho Dominion president's expenses, as delegate to tho W.C.T.IT. World Convention, to bo held in London.

KAIAPOI. Thoro was a large attendance at. the annual social of tlio Kaiapoi branch of tho W.C.T.U. The pr.-sident (Mrs S. Brightling) preside!. It was reported that the liand of Hope had licld n suo eottsful session, and that the membership was now ovor 200. It was derided, to hold the final meeting to-day, when prizes will 'he given to school children for the best essays on prohibition. The election of officers resulted as follows Provident, Mrs S. Brightling: vice-presi-dents, Meadames A. LaishJey, J. W. Barnard, J. Holland, and 0. Mien: secretary, Miss Bhirkwcll; treasurer, Mrs T..G. Blackwell; W.C.T.U. Ronms Committee, Mesdamcs G. Eilen, X. Baker, J. Stanton, and tho executive officers; trustees, Mesdaraes T. G. Blackwell, G. Ellen, and Hnyman; White Ribbon agent, Mrs J. Stanton; Parliamentary superintendent, Mrs Eontledge: Eocial committee, Mesdames W. H, Keetley, S. Jackson, and Miss Laishlcy; sink and nlwoirtee visitors, Mesdames J. Stanton, W. H. Keetley, S. Jackson, and Miss Laishlcy; relief committeo, Mosdamos Drabble, T. O. Blackwell, and X. Baker.

BANGIOBA. On Saturday afternoon Captain Cossgrove, in tho absence of Colonel Cresswell, held an inspection and examination of the Boy Scouts' Tro: ;> of tho Rangiora district in tho Drill Hall. For somo time past tho troops have been competing for a banner which is being given by the District. Committeo to the Troop which showed lite most, proficiency by November '29th. The result of tho examination on Saturday guvo St. John's Troop (Scoutmaster F. p. Fonda!!), tho honour of being the first to win the banner, they heating the John Knox Troop (Scoutmaster C. I). Gihson) by 51 points, tho total points gained being oDfi to /305 respectively. Captain Cossgrovo complimented tho Scoutmasters and tho Scouts on their performance, and remarked that but for tho absencc of two boys from tho John Knox Troop, there was little doubt but thnt the points would havo been practically equal. After tho parade had been dismissed an adjournment was made to the Roval Tea Rooms, whero the visitor and friends wero entertained at afternoon tea by tho District Committee. Next Saturday afternoon a sports' meeting will be held on tho Hieh School grounds, when Colonel Co ss prove will present tho banner to the winning team. In connexion with tho competition a pole was offered to be competed for between the Junior Scouts (bull pups). There being only one team competing, that from tho John Knox Troop, tho pole was awarded them, they scoring 140 points, tho minimum being 100. The Girl Peace Scouts (Scoutmistrcsß Fcndall) wero present as spectators, and the hopo was expressed that next year anotner girls' troop would be formed, and a similar competition arranged between them.

MATR,F.HAU. Notwithstanding the inclemency of tho weather, tho Mairchau Half was well filled on the occasion of the returned soldiers' complimentary social to tho residents of tho district, A good programmoof musical and othor items was first given, those contributing being It. McFaddcn, I. Mc - T<eay, G. Fuller, Messrs J. Soancs, A. Raker, L. Wilson, H % W. Pcryman, A. Barrio, and J. Jt. Walter. Supper was then served, affer which dancing was indulged in. During Sjo evening the chairman, Mr Tl. W. Pcryman, thanked the residents of the locality for the many gifts sent the .soldiers whilst ar the front. He also expressed a hone that the proposed local memorial to tlie bo>ys who had fallen would soon be an accomplished fact. Mr W. J. Walter, on behalf of the residents, returned thanks to the soldiers for the pleasant and enjoyable evening spent. He also reod the Patriotic Society's balanccsliect. which showed that £230 had been raised by its efforts.

j LEESTON. Sir R. G. Power (president) presided over a meeting of the Kllesniero Athletic Club, held at Leeston on Thursday night. Tno Railway Department wrote stating that the c.lub's request for a delayed train on the day of the sport? (Anniversary Day) could not be granted. Efforts to pet someone to undertake tho catering had been unsuccessful. It was decidod to make further enquiries, and if a suitable arrangement could not he made, tho club should provido hot water free. It was reported J that a good deal of repair work had | been done to the asphalt track in tho 1 -Recreation Ground bv the members, but j that further improvements were neces-! wiry. Members decided to meet each' evening this week to finish the work. The offer of tho Ellesmcre Brass Hand to supply music was accepted. It was decided to hold a dance on sports night. • Riflemen W. L. Hewitt and 11. 11. ; Ileslop, who recently returned from . military service abroad, were entertain-; ed at a welcome home nodal by tho members of the Leeston "Wesley Guild, ! of which organisation both were rr.eut | bors lor several years lief ore going up j for military service. A v. ry plo;i_-:int l evening was spent. Musical items wero , given, and there were games and rom-; petitions. The president (llov. "W. LaV-j cock) welcomed the two returned men j on behalf of tho members. and conveyed ) to them good wishes lor the future. ; Both replied in suitable terms. The; opportunity was taken to bid good-bye j tn Mr S. Maxwell, who is leaving tho! district. In asking Mr Maxwell to accept a fountain pen as a parting gift of appreciation from the members, tho president said he did not know of any young mail in the district who was held in higher regard by tlie residents than Mr Maxwell. He was a "clean sport, and hud distinguished himself n« an exponent of Tarious games. Mr Max-

well was entering upon a new line of business, and ho had the sincecc good wishws of his Loeston friends. The lady members provided supper. and the prices won at the musical and elocutionary competitions were presented. SO CTTHB RIDGE. The committee of the Southbridge Horticultural Society met on Thursday nicljt, -^ r W. Scott (president) presiding Tho secretary was instructed to write to the patnm of tho society. Colonel the Hon. 11. Heaton llhodes, conveving the thanks of the society for his kindness in allowing the members to pay a visit of inspection to his beautiful gardens at Otahuna recently. The following judges were appointed: Fruit, flowers, and vegetables, Mr K. Nairn; j industrial work, Mrs Nairn; produce, i Mrs Anderson, and Miss Wa*hl>ourne: junior section. Mr G. Pilkingion ; decorative section. Miss Kiver. Stewards wore appointed as follows; Pet plants. Messrs M. Twiss and .1. Greenwood: cut Wooms. Mrs Ri«h«p and .Messrs J. S. I Inwood. A. McPher--on. and AY. Scott; | decorative, Mrs A. J. Inwood and Miss] Scott; fruit, Messrs 11. Howe, W. J.. Bishop, J. Moorhea<l. and J. Hannah;! vegetables. Messrs I). Tong. A. Greenwood, and A. Tong; industrial work. Mt*sdames D. Tong. Chapman, and Cheyno, pri>duce, Mesdames Sutton and W;»rner, and Mis* Benny; junior. Misses GUnville and Mcl'herson; tent steward. Mr A. Tong; Hall Committee, Messrs McPherson, Tnwood. and Rowo. It was decided to ask Colonel the Hon. R. Heaton Rhodes tc open the show next \var, and to ask the Hon. O. A. C. Hardy to be present. ASHBTTETON. Mr E. A. Denham, of the Ashburton staff of the Bank of Australasia, lias left for Temuka, where he will act as temporary manager of the bnuich of the bank there. Mr W. C. Brydcn has arrived from Waimate to take charge of the Atihburton branch of the National Mortgage and Agency Company. Ltd. Air K. S. Forsyth -will leave Ashburton in about-: ten days' time to take up his duties as manager of the Timaru branch of tho company. Reports from Mount Somers and Methven on Saturday showed that heavy rnan tell in these districts during the. I early morning. Ila in also fell lightly ;;t Ashburton, 4 \ points being registered at the Domain weather station. The recent rains in the Ashburton County have had a wonderful effect., and feed is becoming plentiful again. The re-cently-sown turnip crops have made a splendid strike, and should como awav rapidly.

At St .Stephen's Church. Mothers' Union on Friday afternoon, opportunity was taken to hid farewell to tho preal--s - and the Rev. H. X. "Wright. Tho secretary (Mrs Ingram) spoke of Mrs Wright's work in connexion with the I'nion, and presented her with a manicure set and ebony hand-mirror, and Mr Wright with a tobaoco pouch. Mrs Ingram, on behalf of Mrs W. 11. Itobinson, Hampstead, then presented Mrs Wright with a token of. appreciation from tho ladies' committoo of the Hampstead Carnival, in recognition of hor valuable advice and assistance in connexion with the recent Hampstead Queen Coronation coreniony. On Wednesday evening Mr Wright was tho recipient, of an umbrella, in appreciation of his many services to the Spout troop. Th«» O.K.M.S. met on Monday, and presented Mr Wright with a case of pipes, and on Thursday evening Mrs Wright was entertained by tho St. Stephen's Girls' Club, and presented with a bound volume of Shakespeare. At St. Stephen's Anglican Church yesterday tho Rev. X. H. Wright, who is leaving this week to take np his new appointment in tho North Island, preached his farewell sermon. He announced that lie. liad been requested bv the Vestry to <-tate that. the. R-ev. A. Wiseman, vicar of Lceston, had been appointed as his sncr-osscr, and that Mr \N]>eman, who had had considerable e?cas a chaplain with tho Canadian Forces during the late war. would, take up his new duties as vicar of St. Su-phcn'< early in January.

GERAIiDINE. ' Mr Jeremiah Connolly, who has sold tys South Canterbury " properties awl purchased an citato at Rakaia. -was on- 1 ♦ortaincd on Friday night by a very largo gnthering of South Canterbury resfdent?. The chair was occupied by Colonel Mackenzie. The usual loyal ru'ul patriotic toasts were honoured. The chairman then proposed the health of their guest in a eulogistic speech, and. later, presented Mr Connolly with a gold watch ami chain, as a mark oO the esteem in which he is held. Many incidents in connexion with their guest were told by ihe chairman and other ' speakers. It was stated in connexion with his patriotic efforts that ho offer- ' ed the Government estates for soldier settlement for a sum that was £17,000 below what he actually sold them for after his offers had been rejected. The l>est of wishes for the welfare of Mr and Mrs Connolly and family were also expressed.