THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17295, 5 November 1921, Page 15

THE COUNTRY.

Jottugs for Farmers. At Soutlibrook yesterday morning, a drauglrt mare, belonging to Mr A. Hislop, dropped a foal with six distinct legs. From each of tho fore-legs, antotner leg and foot has formed from tho kneo. joint. Tho foal is alive. Two years ago a prominent farmer of this district sent oif five truck-loads of bullocks to bo exported to the London market (remarks the "Dannevirke Evening News"). He obtained the usual advance against the beef, a nd has received advice that the consignment bad been ;«>ld at prices which require him to refund £2OO. In tho period since that consignment went Home many more have followed it, and the unfortunate constjuor is wondering what his total lotses are going to be. Mortality among dairy herds in the Feilding district appears to be very prevaluaj> tbiu seiason (aaya an exchange). One fanner from Makino, who is visiting Wanganui. states that he had the misfortune to lose 31 milking cows out of a herd of 82, and another neighbour lest 13 out of 14. Other heavy leases are reported in various parts of the district. Farmers arc puaaled at tho naturo of the disease, which carries off the cows with great suddenness, both before and after calving. Various' treatments have been tried on the cows, but without success. Mrs 6. R. Holmes was awarded first and special for the best milking cow at the Amberley Breeders' Show'. RANGIOBA. The Rangiora Girls' physical Culture Hockey Chub gave a dance in the Drill Hall, oa Thursday nipht, which was very nicely decorated with ferns, palms, and other greenery, entwined with colours of the club', green and : blue. There was * crowded attendance, and the dance proved a very enjoyable and suece'csf-al one, the • net proceeds amounting to about £2O. Excellent music was supplied by Humphreys's band. Steps are being taken to hold a reunion of the pupils who attended tho school conducted in Rangiora in the early days by tho late Mr-Charles Morton. The school was. a boarding and day fohooil, and was famous amongst the eduoational institutions of the sixties,' several of our leading'publics man having been amongst the scholars. Yesterday afternoon a meeting to arrange preliminaries for the reunion was held, thoso present being Messrs Cbas. Leech, William Leech, J. W. Foster, F. Horrell H. Blackett, 0. I. Jennings, W. J. I. Doggett, and J. Hall. Mr C. Leech was appointed chainna.n, and Mr H. Blackett •.secretary. A list of the names of between, ■fifty and sixty of those who attended the school known or believed .to bo still alive, was compiled, and it was arranged .to take means of'getting into communication with them and others that may- bo in the Dominion. It was decided to meet again in a fortnight, to decide upon the form of the gathering, and date on which it is to bo held. LOBTJBN. . A very successful concert was held in the Coronation Hall last week. The first part of the programme, which was very amusing, was given by tbe school children, and reflected great credit on their teacher, Miss Percy. During the second part songs were given by Mrs Clark, Messrs Myers, Lawrence, and Sutherland. At the close of tbe concert, Mr Croft, chairman of the School Committee, on behalf of the residents, presented Mr Cooper, schoolmaster, who ie retiring,, with a barometer, and Mrs Coooer with an oak dumb waiter, set with"plates of Royal Doulton. The •school children presented Mr Cooper with a pipe and silver-mounted suede tobacco pouch. Mr "Croft, in making the presentation, wished Mr and Mrs Cooper long life and happiness in their new home in Christchureh. Mr Cooper suitably responded'. A dance followed, the music being played by Mr Witham. On Saturday last, Mr Cooper was the recipient of a shaving outfit from the members of the local cricket club, of which be was a member. Mr Ellis, of the DariieW school, takes Mr Cooper's place here. HALSWELL, At the annual meeting in connexion with the Public Hall, Mr W. Wilson presiding, tho report' and balance-sheet, which were adopted, showed a credit of £lB 13a Bd. Various improvement* had been carried out, and it was hoped to effect more during tho coming year. The following committee was elected: Messrs W. Wilson (chairman). A. Wood, F. R. Wilhelni (secretary), H. flayes (treasurer), C. Gardiner, LBlumsky, H. Lunt, <*. Robinson, and H. Cox. itfOTUKAJtAEA. The Management Committee of the Waikora Sport*-Club met on Thursday, Mr F. Miller presiding. Mr L. Harris, delegate to the centre, reported that it had advised him to alter the date of the sports meeting to December 10th, which had been, done. .It was a/greed to arrarigo for a special train from Christcburch'.- A letter was received' from Sir R. Heaton Rhodes, patron, stating that he would "bo pleased to be present on the day ox tho sports, and enclosing a contribution to •the club.' Several trophies were promised as special prizes, also a couple of sheep and a cake for guessing competitions. It was aliso decided to add an obstacle raco to the programme. I AKAROA. The Akaroa CVcquet Club opened its season on Thursday. The green has been considerably enlarged since last season. The president., Mr Geo. Armstrong, complimented the members upon their enthusiasm and energy, and wished them a very successful season. Afternoon tea was "handed round. HINDS. At tlte first annual social and presentation of trophies in connexion with tho Hinds-Miniature Rifle Club, there was a largo attendance, Mr J. Cook, vice-captain, in a short address, gave the historv of tho club, and then presented tho trophies given by Messrs A McKeusie, S. Watson, W. T. Laws, J' Dell, A. Keith, D. Paterson, L. >*oble, D. Butteriok, and the club. Th* medial for liighest aggregate, was won by Mr S. Watson, and medals for highest average, juniors, by A. Ellis, and B. Cook. trophy for first possible was won by D. Paterson. Other prizewinners were: L. Xoble, H. Johnston, C. D" Chisnall, L. Watson. L. Chisnall, and C. Dell. Messrs D. Taterson (secretary) and L. Watson (custodian) were ' presented' with a cruet and a pocket wallet respectively, in recognition of their services to t*ie club. Dancing was then indulged in until tbe early hours. Messrs C. and E. Beckley supplied the music, and Messrs Paterson and Butterick acted as M.O.'s. An excellent supper was handed round.