THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17451, 11 May 1922, Page 3

THE COUNTRY.

Jottings for Farmers. Matters connected with the disposal of the Dominion's wool figure to a considerable extent on the agenda paper of tho Annual Conference of the Wellington and Wairarapa Provincial Districts of the Farmers' Union, to be held in Wellington on 16th and 17th inst. The Alfredton Branch wishes a protest made against, "the linjust deduction of 4lh weight per b?Ue of wool, called draft by the selling'brokers.'Other remits are: "That the Woelbrokers' Association be requested' to make the payments to growers more promptly on wool sold; and. that the same request be made to stock and auctioneering companies in respect of stock sold. That the Woolbrokers' Association be requested to make a reduction in their charges for handling wool, especially the charge of id per lb for receiving, classing, and lotting. There are two remlis asking for the abolition of preference to unionists, and one asking that farmers be allowed to. give evidence in Arbitration cases which directly or indirectly affect them." "That the protection of hares be removed, as they are becoming ft pest," is a remit from the Tinui Branch. The Foxton Branch has the following remit;. That failing to secure relief as suggested by remits to the annual conference from Otago and North Canterbury, re the reduction of overdraft rates of interest, an agrarian system of bnnking should be put into operation at the earliest possible date. On an average about twenty men have called daily during the past three or.four weeks in search of work in tho country nt the Labour Office in connexion with the North Canterbury Farmers' Union. At present there is not, according to Mr C. Benjamin,, the secretary, milch work offering in the country, and what little is available is being got" by men who are touring the country districts on bicycles or motorcycles. Locomotion by the means stated appears to haive taken the place of the cld-time swagger's "shank's pony." . , The, Cheviot Branch of the Farmery' Union met op Tuesdayat Domett, it halving' been decided to hold the meetTags ill rotation at Mackenzie, Domett, and Spotswood. Mr J. Patota,. chairman, presided, atid after the formal business, the question of threshing rates came up for discussion. It was at first proposed that shifting time be abolished, but as art amendment it was moved that half rates be charged for shifting time, which was carried, and the secretary, Mr T. Pettingill, was instructed to forward the resolution to thi& Provincial Conference. The question of in* coiiie tax returns and the method of. disdistribu.tion. of forms for this ' purpose were then discussed, arid it was pointed out hew inconvenient it was for farmers in outlying districts to have to collect them from the central post office. It was suggested that as the;local police have to make the round of the district tc collect data regarding land arid stock, they could at the same time, if authorised, distribute the income,tax return forms. . The practicability of establishing rural and agricultural banks was the subject of some discussion, and in this regard, Mr G. W. Forbes, M.P., read an article by Lawrence Johnson. The chairman was unanimously elected tc represent the | Cheviot branch at the Provincial Conference. Ten new members were enrolled. DUNSANDEL. The annual meeting of parishioners of St. Thomas Church ; Dunaandei, was held on Tuesday evening,' the ReV.'H. ; Q."- Hawkinb presiding; >. The- balancesheet. showed-a l 'credit balance of £54 2s 4d. The following officers were elected: Bishop's warden, Mr H. F. Wright; warden, Mr D. T. Wraight; vestry, Messrs D. Westenra, J. Thomson, W. Balldck, J. Hill, W. Owers, E. Norman, W. Webb, F. Claydoii,. C. Wright, and F. Owers; lion, auditor, Mr F, Owers. The stipend guarantee was fixed as last year. It was decided tp vote a small honorarium to the organist and to purchase a number of new books for the church. A resolution was carried "That the wardens be instructed to recommend to the Parochial Board that the .surplus money from, tho baza&r be set aside as a .car fund to be spent on {he car directly or indirectly/' Hearty votes of thanks were accorded to the lay readers, Sunday school teachers, the organist, and to ali who had assisted in church work during the year. BSOOKSmE. A large number of people gathered in the Brookside schoolroom to farewell Miss Oliver and Mr W. G. Oliver, on the eve of their departure from Brookside, where they have resided for many j years. Mr J. Cunningham presided. I 'Musical items were given and a pleasant evening was spent. On behalf of 1 the residents, Mrs W. Brooks presented Miss Oliver with a well-fined purse, and the chairman presented Mr Oliver with a case of pipes. Complimentary references to the esteem in which Miss and Mr Oliver were held by the people of Brookside were made by the chairman, Rev. H. O. Hanby, and Mr F. RowellThe speakers referred to the live interest the guests had taken in loc&l institutions and regret was that they were going away. An appreciative resolution passed by the Brookside School Committee was read. Mr Oliver made a suitable reply on- behalf of Miss Oliver and himself. liATJEISTON. A dance was held under the auspices of the Mitcham Boxing Club on Friday evening last in Mr G. Stayt'a gramshed. The arrangements were: in the capable hands of an energetic committee, to whom great credit is due for the success of tne evening. The building was gaily decorated with greenery, flags etc. A large number were present from the surrounding districts, including a number of Bakaia visitors, and t

; L ver y enjoyable time was spent. Mr Reg- Woods's orchestra contributed excellent music for the dancing. Supper was provided .by the ladies. * i. Saturday afternoon, a football match was played between" teams representing the Lyndhurst and the Lauriston- schools.- The match resulted in a substantial win for the Lauriston team. A cricket match was played at Highbank on Saturday afternoon last, Highbank versus Lauriston, the former team winning by a substantial majority. The ladies of Highbank provided afternoon tea.. A return matcn is to be played shortly. oxfold. The Oxford W.C.T.U. met last week. Mrs G. Ryde, who presided, said all regretted the president's absence, and a resolution was carried expressing sympathy with Mrs Hawke in her illness. It was decided to contribute. £5 towards the fund for the stanving children of Rvs'ia. Miss Gainsford gave a report of the meeting of the District Prohibition Council, which she attend? Ed as delegate. The office of Superintendent of NotnWe I>nys having been mad© vacant l>v the departure of Mrs Tewis, is wns derided to ask Mrs L. Watson to accept the position. \