THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17608, 10 November 1922, Page 3

THE COUNTRY.

Jottings for Farmers.

"We hear a lot about land aggregation, but from my own observations I know that much of this aggregation is due to blocks, not so much dairy land as sheep land, sold during the last few years in small areas falling hack on the original owners," said Mr £• Anderson, in his address to fhe Auckland Rotary Club. "This proves what many experienced people have contended for years, namely, that most or the large blocks of sheep country are or Buch a character that they cannot be profitably worked in small holdings. As no man in his senses will continue to use for other purposes land suitable tor dairying, we need not be alarmed because some of our sheep country is reverting to its former owners. For the life of me I cannot see the' sense ot a policy which advocates in these t< lines the compulsory division of large blocks of our poorer country, much of whicn 13 hilly and inaccessible."

CHEVIOT. Tlie Cheviot Band of Hope gave their annual concert in the Mackenzie Town Hall, when a large and appreciative audience was present. The programme, which was a lengthy one, included items by the members, hoop drill, part songs, tableaux, recitations, and a lantern sonsr, the whole concluding with a well acted farce entitled "The Loss ot a Fortune." Among the children, those who specially deserve mention are Gwen and Ettie Murgatroyd, Phyllis Moir, Vera Petrie, Jack Ford, and Nancy Smith, all of whom performed most creditably. Several much appreciated items were eiven by adult members, • Mr Murgatroyd and Mr Alan Ford giving violin solos, and Mr M.ackie and the Rev. J. JJyer contributing songs. The farce with which the programme concluded was played by Mrs Ford, the Misses Murgatroyd, EentoiU, Ferguson, and Master George Ford, and caused much merriment and was thoroughly appreciated by the audience. The proceeds, winch were in aid of the Band of Hope funds, were satisfactory and the -rcitest credit is due to Mm R, Smith. Mr and Mrs Fereuaon. and Miss Telf-ir f' r the able way in which the child eu were trained and for the success of the whole function.

SPRINGHELD. At the recent meeting of the Springfield Amateur Athletic Society, it was decided to postpone the annual sports meeting from December 16th to December 30tli, on account of clashing with the Championship Meeting to- tx-. held at Ashbiirton. * . , At the monthly meeting of the Scnool Committee there were present: Messrs W. Donovan (chairman), D. Doody, K Newman,' and Vaughan. It was decided to hold the school concert and prize-giving at the oiote of the present term. The Masked Musical Mountebanks and Concert Party have been requested to repeat their entertainment on November lftli, at Annat, in aid of the Annat School funds. The comedy ' A Rough Diamond" will be staged. The weather, has been very variable. The coating of sriow left on the mountains by last week's storm has almost vanished by the ever-prevailing nor'wester. Crops are coming on well, and the orchards give promise of a bountiful supply of fruit.

SOUTHBfiIDGE. The monthly meeting of the Southbridge Town Board was presided over by Mr P. Delargey. Mr J. M, Cooke applied for the use of the Town Hall anteroom on Mondlays and Wednesdays for athletic classes. The matter was referred to the Hall Committee to deal with. The application of Mr J. G. McClure for the position of caretaker of the. To\vn_Hail was accepted. ..It«„was-arr" ranged that concrete'culverts should ;be put in at th'e. High, street and tee street intersections. It was decided to have the number of street lights increased, and to take steps to compel certain residents to clear gorso from their-frontages.

ASHfiUETON. At a largely attended meeting of tlie members of the Ashburton branch of the Flunket Society and other citizens, complete arrangements were made for holding a monster carnival on the Domain on November 25th, io raise funds to further extend and carry on the work of the. society throughout the whole of the district. Mr H. J. Constable was appointed organiser and chairman, Mr Eric Orr treasurer, and Mr F. Clark secretary. At the monthly meeting of the Technical School Board Mr C. Reid, who presided, reported a credit balance of £1245 6s 3d. The Education Department forwarded a copy of a regulation the effect of which was to exempt technical schools from any reduction in the grant for incidentals except the reduction resulting from the reduction in teachers' salaries. In reply to a letter from the director of the school regarding the status of Mieses Gordon ariM Viesty, the Superintendent qf Technical Education stated-that as the two instructors were under the director of the school, they were regarded as technical teachers for the purposes of payment. Messrs R. Galbraith and J. .Cow were appointed visitors for the ensuing month.