THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17707, 8 March 1923, Page 3

THE COUNTRY.

JOTTINGS FOR FARMERS.

The total amount of contributions and promises definitely received by tho Otago Agricultural and Pastoral society as a result of its public appeal now stands at £5079. The amount brings the total to well over half the sum required by the Society, namely, £.10,000.

A letter from the District Traffic Manager of Railways to last night's meeting of the executive of the Canterbury Progress League stated that, commencing from Tuesday, March lina, and continuing until further notice, special stock trains would be run on each Tuesday on the Eyreton branch as follows:—Bennetts, jdepart 3.5 p.m., Kaiapoi arrive 5.5 p.m., connecting with tho goods train for Addington and Christ-church; Kaiapoi, depart 5.45 p.m.; Bennetts, arrive 7.35 p.m.

Nominations for members of the Council of the New Zealand Sheepbreeders' Association (South Island) closed at 5 p.m. yesterday. As the nomina--tions did not exceed tho number of councillors to bo elected, a ballot was unnecessary, and the following have automatically been appointed to represent tho undermentioned South Island districts:—Nelson* and Marlborough: Mr A. E. Weld; North Canterbury: Sir George Clifford and Mr Robert Reid ; South Canterbury : Messrs I. Andrew and C. N. Orbell; North Otago: Messrs John l>eans and. T. S. Little; Otasro: Messrs W. O. McKellar and D. J. Ross; Southland: Messrs J. McKerchar and R. J. Anderson. RANGIORA. The St. John's Young Men's Club held their opening meeting on Tuesday evening in tho Parish-room. The Mayor (Mr W. A. iianks) formally opened the club and wished the 'members every success. After gymnasium work, the evening was spent in various games and sports. Supper was served. LOBURN. At the annual meeting of the Lob-urn Domain Board, Mr J. W. Macleod presided, and there were also present, Messrs A. E. Cook, G. T. Croft, T. Dawson and H. T. Metherell. The annual report and balance-sheet disclosed a very satisfactory position. A deputation consisting of Messrs H. Croft, J. Galletly and L. R. Ellis waited upon the Board with a view to securing a, suitable site for proposed tennis courts and it was agreed to meet on the grounds. This was subsequently done, and a most favourable site was allocated. Orchardists are at present busy with the nectarine crop, and mid-season varieties of apples. Samples of fruit are almost uniformly up to the usual standard of quality as regards size and colouring.

In pastures feed is abundant, and instubMe fields skim-ploughing is being pushed on. Linseed crops, which promise satisfactory yields are now being reaped.

SPRINGFIELD. , On Saturday evening a meeting was held in the Jdall of ratepayers and those, interested in the formation of an Electric Power Board. A short address was delivered by Mr Judd 3 of. the Malvern County Council, outlining the general scheme for the reticulation of the Malvern and Tawera, Counties. A very, interesting series of lantern slides was shown by Mr Mulholland, depicting the uses electricity can be put to m tho homo and on tfiefarm. A vote of thanks by acclamation was accorded Messrs Mac Alpine (President "of the Progress League), Climie, Judd, and Mulholland for their strenuous endeavours towards making tho scheme a success.

The local branch of the Plunket Society met on Thursday" afternoon, when Nurse Osboume was in attendance. Owing to harvesting, there was not such a large muster as was expected. It was decided to hold a concert, auction sale, and dance on Thursday, March 22nd, in aid of the funds. Owing to the large amount of rainfall during the last month the Little and Big Kowhai rivers are carrying unusually large volumes of water for this time of .the year. COALGATE. The rainfall for the month of February was 3.55 inches. Rain fell on nine days, the maximum fall being 77 points on the 4th. The average for the past seven years is 3.01 inches. Several frosts occurred during the month, which was a somewhat cold one; considerable damage was done to marrows, tomatoes, and Beans. METHVEN. Mrs Jessie Anderson, who arrived in Now Zealand in the (Jhariot of i'ame in 1863, at the age of 11 years, and. for the past 39 years has lived in Methven, seeing it grow from a few cottages to its present size, was the recipient of a token of regard from the residents of the district on Tuesday evening. In the early days, when t"d nearest medical man was at Ashburton, Mrs Anderson acted as nurse in cases of illness of all kinds. He* services were placed at the disposal of the residents of both township and district, and that without fee or reward otiicr than the grateful thanks of the people whom sh e served. If Mrs Anderson made any distinction at any time that her services were required it was in favour of those in necessitous circumstances. At the function on Tuesday Mr James Carr asked her xo accept from her lady friends, as a small token of the reagrd in'f which she is held by the residents of the district, a be_autiful ostrich feather necklet. Mr Henry Maginniss, one of the members of the Mt. Hutt Riding on the Ashburton County Council, also made a small presentation on behalf of Mrs Andersons' gentlemen friends. This consisted of a. solid oak cake stand and set of Doulton ware. Mr Maginness stated that he had known Mrs Anderson all his : life, and invariably found her more than ready to assist in all cases of sickness and sorrow. Although she was somewhat advanced in years, he wished her every happiness in tho evening of life. He also stated that in his public position he came in contact with all sorts of people, and invariably he heard nothing but praise for Mrs Anderson, and he considered it safe to say that she had made hosts of friends and not a single enemy.