THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17634, 11 December 1922, Page 3

THE COUNTRY.

Jottings for Farmers.

A prominent pastoralist in Central Hawke's Bay informed an exchange that the shearing reeults were most satisfactory. The lieeces wero heavier and ot better texture than for many years past, whilst the sheep were coming out of the wool in good condition. ''lVe -farmers," said the settler, "are in for a good season in Hawke's Bay, and that means good times for everybody else." By permission of the medical superintendent the Canterbury members of the Milking Shorthorn Association and their friends held an inspection of the purebred milking Shorthorns at Sunnyside. Quite a large number of dairy farmers -were present. Dr. Crosby welcomed the visitors and expressed thehope that the gathering would be followed by many more. After an inspection of about 20 cows in milk, Mr \v. J. Jenkins, president of the Canterbury Branch, gave a very interesting demonstration of the type and quality of a Milking Shorthorn cow desired in the South Island. Major Stafford also gave an interesting account of the breeding and type of an English Milking Short- | horn cow. The Sunnyside Shorthorns are undergoing the semi-official test. I Four cows under test last year averaged j 4*271b butter fat. An inspection was ! also made of the younger stock. At the j conclusion of the inspection nf cattle the piggeries, which' contain 350 pigs, j were visited, and afterwards the visitors ! were shown a stack of ensilage which ; Mr Bloor, the farm manager, estimated contained about 100 tone. RANGIORA. In the weekly flying fifty handicap tournament held in the Grand Billiard Parlours on Friday evening, D. Blackie defeated E. F. Sandford in the final. MOUNT GREY DOWNS. On Friday evening a most successful concert, organised by the "Busy Bees," was held in the Mount Grey Downs schoolroom, in aid of the Presbyterian Foreign Missions. The Rev. Mr Youngson occupied the chair, and an interesting programme of musical items by the Sunday school pupils was carried out, reflecting great credit on Mrs M. Bailey, who trained the children. The following items were contributed:— Pianoforte duet, Misses Bowbyes and Downing; songs, Misses M. Brown (Chrisfcchurch), Phyllis Schmidt (Ashley), and Mr C. H. Downing; musical monologues, Miss N. Chamberlain (Amberley); recitation, Miss Harper Harris, and violin solos, Mr Williams. A pleasant evening concluded with a hearty vote of thanks to all who had contributed' to the success of the gathering as a result of which the mission funds will be substantially augmented. BROOKSIDE. At a meeting of ihe Brookside School Committee, there were present Messrs T. W. Brooks (chairman), J. Cunningham, H. Kendall, A. Greaves, and C. Taylor. It was decided to erect a light on the end of the school to light up the entrance and to have the official turning oh of the light on the night or' the school concert,, December 15th. The committee agreed to pay the train fares and incidental expenses of the children, Standards HI. to VI., on their visit to the_ Industrial Exhibition, the day to be decided by the chairman and hevl teacher. The final arrangements for the annual school picnic was left till a i later date. COTJRTENAY. The General Committee of the Courtenay_ Agricultural and Pastoral Association 'iriet on Saturday evening", the president (Mr. W., T. Street) presiding' over a large attendance. A vote* of thanks was accorded to the judges who had officiated at the recent Show. A number of recommendations were made to the incoming committee with reference to alterations and improvements at future Shows. Th© secretary reported that the Gough Cup had. been won by, Mr A."W. Adams; most points in the produce shed, Mrs H. Roper; most points in ' garden produce, Mrs H. Roper; most points in, flowers, Mrs T. Gough. Donations from their- prizemoney were received with thanks from Messrs A. W. Adams, J. and P. Clinton, and Meyers., DARFIELD. A well-attended annual meeting of the Darfield Horticultural Society was held, the president, Mr D. Mulholland, occupying the chair. A motion of sympathy to: the relatives of the- late secretary. Mr J. H. Jarman, was passed. The balance-sheet presented disclosed a credit balance of £lB 2s 2d. Membership had increased and public interest and support in the Show had been well sustained. It was decided to hold the next Show on March 10th. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:—Patron, Mr H. A. Knight; president, Mr W. Pole; vice-presidents, Messrs W. W. Mulholland and T. Gough; committee, Mesdames J. Reid, J. O. Redfern, W. Syme, T. Westwood, R. Gunn. J. H. Simpson, E. R. Turton, W. Pole, T. Gough, R. A. Hawkins, R. G. Robinson, fliieses Mulholland, Jarman, Messrs D. Gillanders, W. Syme, W. P. Nolan, E. R. Turton, R. Reid, L. Westwood, D. Johns, B. Mee, D. Mulholland and Dr. J. IT. Simpson; honorary secretary and treasurer, Mr R. G. Robinson. Votes of thanks were passed to ftie ladies and gentlemen adjudicating, at the last Show, and complimentary references were made to the officials. The revised schedule was submitted to the meeting and passed.