THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17748, 27 April 1923, Page 3

THE COUNTRY.

i NEW STRAIN OF WHEAT. j SUCCESSFUL CANADIAN TESTS. i WINNIPEG, March 8. Three year wheat tests carried on by the Department of Field Husbandry at the University of Alberta, Edmoni ton, have resulted in the discovery of j a high producer of wheat. The ex- | periments were carried on by Professor : G. H. Cutler,, in co-operation with the I members of the Aioerta Crop lm- ; provement Association. | Professor Cutier states that the test in ISKO gave 49 bushels to the acre for Marquis, and 50 for Marquis 111., whicn is the new variety. In 1921 the yield was 41 busliels and 50 bushels respectively, while; in 1922 it was 26 and 3c bushels, showing that in each year the new strain far exceeded the yield of the well-known Marquis wheat. | KAIKOUKA. 1 A sparsely-attended meeting of householders took place at the Town School on Monday night. Mr A. B. Clark presided, and expressed regret that so little interest v.-as being displayed in school matters. Such a meeting should be largely attended. Mr Nilsen (chairman of the School Committee) referred to the system of nomination now in vogue, which he considered as unsatisfactory for an isolated district such as Kailcoura. He said the now committee would have to commence the year with a clean slate, as the finances were exhausted. He also referred to the William Cooke bequest, and urged that something should be done immediately regarding the matter. Another matter the committee would have to deal with was the overcrowded state of the school. Mr Warner (headmaster) expressed Ins appreciation of the courtesy extended to the teaching staff by the committee. It had been a pleasure to be associated with such a committee, which had done all that was possible to forward the interests of the school. The roll number was 143 in the primary division and 34 in the secondary division. Mr A. Gooch considered parents were showing a lack of interest in school affairs, which was discourteous to the committee and teaching staff alike. Mr J. Johnstone said he, too, felt disappointed at the want of interest respecting school affairs. He felt that a large meeting would have an important bearing with the Education Board. Only four nominations were received for the seven vacancies on the cotnmittee, and M Stubbersfield, Messrs C. Nilsen, 11. 0. Osmond, and A. Gooch were declared : duly elected. It will now be necessary i to forward the names of three other ! persons to the Board to complete the I committee.

HANMER SPRINGS. Miss V. H. Low, who recently left | by the Paparoa on her return journey , to England is a daughter of the late Mr W. A. Low, a former owner ol bt. Helens Station, where she spent some happy years of her earlier life. During her stav in the Dominion, Misb Low revisited Hanmer Springs on two occasions, and found that her attachmen of former days for the neighbourhood still remained. On her departure, i Miss Low presented a handsome brass j cross to the Church of the Epiphany, j Hanmer Springs, which bears the foli lowing inscription: "To the g'orv of ! God, and in memory of W. A. Low, F. C. Low, and H. B. Low, of St. : Helens." This refers to her fathei. mother and brother, llie last-named died at St. Helens. The dedication service took place last Sunday night. In the course of his remarks, the vicai, Canon T. J. Smith, said that the church built to the glory of God should appeal to the instincts of worship planted in us by the Creator, and in an equal degree mov© us to the same reverential adoration as the wonders of God so manifest in the great temple of Nature. In thankfully accepting this gift, we are endeavouring to carry on the intention of those who toiled in the past to provide for us this house of prayer." It is understood that a meeting of the Anglican community In Hanmer Springs will be held in the near future to discuss the holding of a fete next Easter to raise funds for tfce further renovation and improvement of th© church. ROTHERHAM. Mrs V. H. Line, of Rotherham, who is leaving the district shortly, was made the recipient of a very pleasing little gift at the conclusion of the service at the Rotherham Anglican Church on Sunday last. Tho vicar, the Rev. Canon Smith, in handing the present to Mrs Line, spoke with appreciation of her long and valued services as organist at St. Mark's Church. Mrs Line, he said, thoroughly understood Church music, and her services were greatly esteemed by the members of the parish. >. He then presented Mrs Line, on behalf of the members of the parish, with a solid leather musiccase of uniquo design, which he trusted she might find plenty of use for. Mr Line (speaking on behalf of Mrs Line) thanked the vicar for his kind remarks, and the parishioners for their kindly gift, which he was sure would be the more esteemed because it was so unexpected. MASON'S FLAT. At the meeting of householders at Mason's Flat, only four persons were present. Mr W. Anderson, who has held the position of chairman for eighteen years, resigned, and Mr INetting moved that no committee be elected, as a protest against tho apathy shown bv the parents in not attending the meeting. This was seconded by Mr Morris and carried. OHOKA. There was an attendance of some fortv nersous present on -Monday night at the annual meeting of householders ° Ver TarT 'a short repoirt and the balance-sheet, in which items amounting to £l2O were accounted for and showing a balance or £l2 at the end of February. The largest amocnt among the outgoings was Ub for fe-cing nonon^oTUe 1 main objects the incoming committee set e ore selves was the election u ', ... for the "'flccSsM SLr P He »ri;ri the Enrages*. something was done to increase the d - Smtj of oh.k.» of too high a grade for a. school t a had cone down in numbers. If th S was *\fr F Kimber, one of the retiring committee, who said that the outgoing committee had worked harmoniously together and by continued appeals to the Board had got the school papered. Six nominations being received for the

Committee, Messrs R. T. Downs, C. Dulzell, C. R. Cooke, W. G. Jesson, and I'. Hurkness were declared elected. Ot these Ail- Downs was elected chairmand and Mr Daizell secretary. ->j.r Pearce, in moving a vote of thanks to the outgoing Committee, advised the newiy-eiected members to shephert. their money careiully and look well before spending on anything but necessities, as unless the attendance increased the amount received for incidentals would be less than the lay committee received. The vote of thanks was carried with acclamation. . A very pleasant function was held in the Ohoka Schoolhouse to bid goodbye to Miss Wright, the senior mistress, who is leaving to join the teaching staff at Addington. Miss Wright has been a mistress at the local school for several years and during that time has gained the affection of the children and the goodwill of the parents, as was exemplified by the large number of the latter who attended. Mr Downs, tne chairman of the Committee, presided, and presented to Miss Wright a grey sued© hand bag and an ebony hand mirror as mementoes of the kindly feeling felt towards her by the members of the Committee and tne children. Mr Reynish spoke in a eulogistic strain ot the good work done by Miss Wright among the children both in and out of school. Mr Sarginson added his meed of praise and said that he would be sorry to lose. Miss Wright, who was a zealous coadjutor and one who always had the interests of the school and the children at heart. In a concert given by the children the following items were contributed : —Chorus by the children ot the upper standards, song by six elder girls, recitation by Doreen Brown, nursery rhymes by the infants, recitation by Maud Meyer, chorus by the upper class, and trio by Stella Power, Inly Reynish, and Doreen Brown. At the conclusion of the entertainment the wives of the Committeemen entertained Miss Wright and the visitors to afternoon tea, when the parents had an opportunity, of which they took full advantage, to add their congratulations to Miss Wright on her gaining promotion and to voice their regret that the Ohoka children were losing

CHEVIOT. m?" T ll ©zoning the Bishop of INolson held a confirinat on scrv i:e in St. John s Church, when seven candidates were presented for the luying-on of »a,nds. A large congregation was present, and the Bishop's address was very deeply appreciated by all. At the muted memorial service, held at the Mackenzie Town Hall on Anzac Day, his Lordship addressed the large congregation which, in spite of threatening weather conditions, had gathered to honour the memory of those who Fell for King and Empire in the Great War. The m::in theme of the Bishop's address dealt with the responsibility whio : ■ ro.sts on each and all to care for and succour all the returned comrades oi' those who will return no more It was, his Lordship said, a sacred trust, which was in the keeping of this and future generations, and in tho measure in whioli it was faithfully carried out woul .1 we show our gratitude for what their sacrifice _ achieved for us. A few mom m nts ' ' m Passive silence, followed by "The Last Post," was a. fitting tribute to the memory of the fallen, after which manv beautiful floral tributes were placed round the honours board. The service was brought to a close by th© pronouncing of the Benediction by the Bishop and the singing of the National Anthem. * SEFTON. The election of the Sefton School Committee resulted as follows: — Messrs P. J. Thome (chairman), H. P. Mclver, G. Davis, W. J. Henderson, and Jas. Wyllie. WADDINGTON. The anniversary of Anzac Day was loyally observed at th© Waddington School on Wednesday. The parents and children assembled at 9.30 a.m., ana Were suitably addressed by the Revs. J. R. Hervey and J. Belshaw, the chairman of the committee (Air G. H. Judd), and the headmaster (Mr J. L. M nzi s). The Union Jaok was hoisted full-mast and the_ National Anthem sung. An apology 'was received from the Rev. J. Bates, who was absent from the district. At the annual meeting of householders the following were elected as a School Committee: Messrs G. H, Jud'd (chairman, re-elected), H. C. Townsliend, T. S. Innes, J. J. Ferguson, and A. Scott. It has been proposed to form a, S"cial Club. A meeting is to be held shortly to consider the matter. LITTLE RIVER. The following committee was elected at a meeting of householders of tho Poaha School: Messrs J. H. Smith, J. R. White (re-elected chairman), J. C. Gibb (re-elected secretary), H. A. Reed, and J. Archer. HORORATA. At a general meeting of the Hororata Gymnasium Club, it was decided to open the season on Wednesday, M ly 2nd. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year General secretary, Mr J. Lewis; committee Messrs Christie, Paterson, Ironside, and Oliver. It was decided that the subscription should be 3s for adult members and Is (kl for schoolboys. A deputation, consisting of Messrs Christie and Pratt, was appointed to wait on the Hall Committee regarding the hire of the hall. Mr W. Christie was unanimously elected 1 hon. instructor. At the meeting of the householders of the Hororata sohool district the moat pleasing feature was the record attendance, there being about 30 present. In his address, the outgoing chaiiman conmented upon this fact, stating that in the past it had been difficult to fill up the committee, consisting of five members, from those present. He also reported that the sohool had had a fairly successful vear, notwithstanding the frequent changes in the staff. The balance-sheet showed a, credit balance on the year's working. The bath fund, when subsidies had Been added, would amount approximately to £3£o. During the year, tenders for the erection of the bath haa been called for, but as tho. lowest was it was thought advisable to hold the work in abeyance. From the seven nominations received, the following members wore elected to the new committee: Messrs F. S. Barrett, H A. Bovle, R. Grey, D. Bruce, and W. Broughton. Mr Ohvei and Mr Dsrrett. who have spent leng service on the committee, witiiurew their nominations in, favour of the new nominees, stating that they considered it only right that the younger mem'iers should be given opportunity to show their worth. Mr Oliver proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Ironside, who did not stand for re-election, oomm; nting upon the able manner in whjch Mr Ironside had carried out his duues as ch-irman, especially his endeavours to forward the bath scheme. This was carried by acclamation. Mr Wright then proposed a vote of thanks to the outgoing committee, which was ably acknowledged by Mr Ironside. At the meeting cf the new committee following the election Mr F. S. Barrett was elected chairman.

In their match against Kir woe, the Hororata Football Club registered a win by 9 points to 5. For the winners, Ferguson and Harry Richards scored tries, and W. Patterson kicked a penalty goal. For the lasers, MoGovern 6cored and converted a try. Owing to tho state of the ground and the greasy ball the game was not of a high standard, but undoubtedly both' teams will improve as the season goes on. This year Hororata Club is looking forward to having more success than in the past, the ranks of their club having been strengthened by the inclusion of some very promising members. Next Satur-

day Hororata will play Springfield, at Hororatu. The following will be the Hororata team: T. Hight, J. Ironside, Richards, Simo, M. Tnorne, R. Oliver, 6. Parker, Christie, Iv. Hall, Stevenson, Ferguson, H. lticiiards. P..tierson, Harold Richards, V. Owen. Emergencies: C. Ironside, H. Thorno, Blazey, and A. Oliver.

SPRINGSTON SOUTH. The Tinted Junior Football team will meet the Leeston team on the Lincoln ground on Saturday, when a fast, and interesting game is anticipated. On Thursday evening next a concert party from Christchurch, arranged by Scoutmaster Woods, will give an entertainment in aid of the produce stall at the forthcoming Paddy's Market. ()n a recent evening the Bristol Piano Company gave a concert in aid of the piano fund. Favoured with an ideal night, the hall was packed to utmost. The programme contribute was an excellent one, tverj item receiving an enthusiastic encore. The funds will considerable- benefits thereby, the Hn-11 Committee are deeply inaebtr eel to Messrs J. de In Cour end J. B. Merrett, of Christchurch, for conveying the performers. On Tuesday evening a concert and dance, in aid of the refreshment tent for the bazaar was held, and considering the weather there was a good attendance. The .fol'owing contributed items: —Pianoforte solos, Misses DHamilton and H. Greaves; duet, Messrs E. J. Harris and H. Hoskin; songs, Mesdames F. Bennett and A. Mcßesn, Messrs H. Hoskin and E. J. Harris. Mr Harris occupied the chair. During the evening a rather unique competition took place in the form of a conundrum supper. This item caused much fun and merriment amongst all present, and the winners were Miss Gwen Brown and Mr Maurice Ryan. The music for the dance was supplied by Mrs A. Mcßean, Misses D. Hamilton, and H. Greaves. The Springston Gun Club held its opening day of the season recently in Mr N. Powell's paddock', Springston South. There was a fair attendance of shooters. Mr F. Hill, senr., acted as handicapper and referee, and five shilling sweeps were the order of t"he afternoon. The results were as follows:—No. 1 Jas. Everest, 1; H. H. Kimber, 2. No. 2 Sweep: S. Henderson, W. Bennett, and J. J. Matthews divided . first. and . second. No. 3 Sweep: N. Powell, lj Jas. Everest, S. Henderson, F. G. .Frampton, and W. Bennett, 2. No. 4 Sweep: W. Bennett, 1; S. Henderson and R. Tvson, 2. No. 5 Sweep: W. Bennett and Jas. Everest divided first and second. . .

SOUTHBRIDGE. The annual householders' meeting of the Southbridg© District High School took place on Monday evening. The annual report of ivork don© during the past year was read by the secretary The committee needed more funds to. carry on the work. The conveying of children to the High School on days when the t: - a : ns did nnt run was costing a good deal. The members of the previous committee were re-elected: — Messrs R. Rowe (chairman), A. McPhereon (secretary), P. J. Parkin, W. J. Wood's, J. Stringer, A. Tong, and A. J. Beamsley. LEESTON. The householders' meeting at Lerston was attended by fourteen persons. Tho report stated that the year had commenced with a credit balance of £2B 11a ■3d. The income during the year amounted to £9l Os Bd, and the expenses £lO2 9s 7d, leaving a credit of £ls 14s 3d. The committee of the previous year was re-elected, consisting of Messrs A. J. Gray (chairman), A. J. Fussell (secretary), I>. Reid, It. Grant, audi F. I'ownshcnd. LAKESIDE. There wer© sis householders present at tli© Lakeside meeting. Th f Hawing uere 01-cittl a committee: Messrs W. J. Nairn, A. E. Amyes, T. H. Overton, It. C. Shearer, and Geo. Nairn (chairman). METHVEN. An inquest on the body of Hugh Reed, who \Nis found dead in an outuuildinsr in Methven on Tuesday, was conducted by the Coroner, Mr J. Oow, at the Courthouse, Methven, on Wednesday, Senior Sergeant Jackson representing the police. Dr. McKee stated that he made a post-mortem examination of the body on April 24th, and found no external marks of injury. Witness was of the opinion that death resulted from syncope, due to chronic inflammation of botn kidneys. A verdict in accordance the medical evidence was returned. At the conclusion of the inquest the Coroner spoke strongly about the absence of a morgue in and said that the body of the deceased had to, be taken to the Courthouse to hold the post-mortem. There was practically no convenience of any kind in the building for work of that nature. Dr. MoKee also testified as to the difficulty he experienced in carrying out the work without the necessarv facilities. Mr Cow stated that he would again approach the Department on the matter, and point out the need of this work , being carried out at once.