THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17749, 28 April 1923, Page 3

THE COUNTRY.

IMPORTATION OF STOCK FROM BRITAIN. (PRESS iSSOCIATIOK TELZGBAIIO WELLINGTON, April 27. Some mouths ago, owing to the prevalence of foot and mouth disease in the United Kingdom it became necessary to prohibit the importation into New Zealand of animals from Great iSritaui. Tnc Department, of Agriculture has been keeping in close touch with the pusition, auu as recent advices disclose iiiut tne disease is apparently not ot an epidemic nature, tlie Government has now decided to again permit importations, subject to certain conditions winch are similar to those in operation prior to the last series of outbreaks. Briefly, these concTitions are that no shipment will be allowed for any part of the country for one month from the date of tlio outbreak and for succeeding two months shipments will.be allowed only from outside a radius of fifteen miles, provided that if the animals are taken from an area free from disease and quarantined in approved premises, under veterinary supervision for fourteen days prior to shipment, then such shipment will be allowed. JOTTINGS FOR FARMERS. The drought in Australia is causing very high prices to be paid for lucerne grazing. In Victoria, where conditions are not so bad as in the northern States, up to 9d per head per week is being paid for sheep grazing. At the Sydney market early this month lucerne hay and chaff were selling up to £ll 5s per ton, and at Brisbane from £l3 to £ls, and single bags of chaff at from 10s to 13s (id, according to quality.

The first stock to come through the Arthur's Pass tunnel was a truck of pigs consigned from Rotomanu, a dairyinu; district some 12 to 15 miles from the Otira end of the tunnel. They were consigned on the 17th to H. Matson and Co. The Addington yard staff detrained them, and the difference in Ihcir condition to that of consignments which como over the range per foot to Arthur's Pass was most marked. It lias been necessary in the past to lift the exhausted animals out of the trucks, but on this occasion they arrived as fresh as if they had been entrained at Tiniaru. It is understood that there are considerable numbers of pigs on the coast awaiting a chance by their owners to despatch them to Addington per the tunnel. WAIAU. Anzac Day, 19i3, will long be memorable in the annals of Yv'aiau, witnessing as it did the unveiling of the Memorial to tne Fallen of the district. Tins handsome memorial is placed m the Public Domain on a prominent site on the high terrace immediately alcove tho township, and can be plainly seen from a wide range. Snortly before 2 p.m. the residents commenced to assemble at the Domain gates, where a procession was organised bj Messrs W. | H. F. Greed and W. S. D. Smale. Tho order of the nroeession was: Returned Soldiers, relatives of the Fallen, the school children, followed by other residents on foot and in cars. As the procession moved across the Domain many old memories were recalled, and as it approached the Memorial the bearing of all was that of reverence. The ceremony commenced witli the singing of the National Anthem, followed by tho hymn, "O, <Jod Our Help in Ages Past," and a grayer by Rev. Canon rfrnijh. Mr W ( . Bfu*>fd. Atkinson, chairman of the Memorial Committee, presided, and called on the secretary to read the apologies. The. chairman briefly traced the events leading up to the erection of a district memorial, and expressed his gratification at the large assemblage present, very feeling addresses were given by Mr H. T. Beaven, Col. -11. A. Charley, and the Revs. J. H. Thomson, Father frwrpliy, ana Canon Smith. These were followed by a fine oration by Mr G. W. Forbes, M.P., who at the conclusion of his address, unveiled the Memorial. A short interval of silence followed, after which a number of beautiful wreaths and other floral tributes were placed at the base. The impressive ceremony concluded with the singing of the hymn "For All The Saints,, ' followed by the pronouncing of the "Benediction," by the Rev. J. H. Thomson. The inscription at the top of the granite slab containing the names of the Fallen is: "Waiau Memorial, erected by the residents of this district in affectionate rei membrance of those who fell in the Great War, 1914-1918," and ai the bottom, "They Died for Honour and Freedom." The names are twenty-two in number and are as follows:—L. F. Baker, A. S. Baker, A. Blewitt, J. C P. Brown, T. R. Creed. T. L. Derrett, J J. Dowd, A. H. Hanmer, G. G. Earner, W. H. Higgms, E. T. Hill, W J. Johnstone, J. J. Kennedy, J.' Llovd, C. E. Mayo. F. E. Oldman, T. C Palmer. E. J. Pnrnham, F. P. Penwell, H. E. Rinaldi, S. T. Rinaldi, and A. C. Thompson.

CHEVIOT. The jazz dancing class, which has been conducted by ivir W. S. Wauchop in the Town Hall tor six nights, iiua been a great success, about buy people iiaving taken advantage or the opportunity to learn the latest dances. was urought to an enjoyable conclusion on Monday, the 16th, by continuing tili 12 o'clock, a dainty supper being served by the ladies. At tlie close or the evening, Mr Wauchop, alter a brief speech, in which he congratulated \a» members on their progress, suggested that a club be formed to hold weekly dances. With a view of domg so, a meeting ol the members was held in the Public Library on Saturday nignt, when it was decided to adon/b Mr "Wauchop's suggestion, the first dance to be held on the '24 th inst. It was also agreed that the first four dances be confined to the members of the original class, after which others wishing to learn will be admitted. The annual householders' school meeting was held in the Mackenzie iSchool on Monday evening. The attendance was poor owing to counter-attractions in' the township. , The result of the election of a committee for the ensuing year resulted as follows:—Messrs W. 11 Murgatroyd, J. Y. Moir, S. a. Clifford W. "Walls, and the Rev. J. P. Dyer. The report and balance-sheet was read and adopted. At the close of the householders' meeting, the new committee held their first meeting Mr W H Murgatroyd was re-elected chairman and Mr S. B. Clifford secretarv and treasurer. It was decided to write to the Board and ascertain if it would be possible to arrange a system of transport for children living two miles and over from the school. It was pointed out that by doing this, in preference to building and equipping . a school at Mina, the Department would be economising, and general satisfac- i tion would be given to the parents in that district. It was decided to ask Mr | Moodie, agricultural inspector, to draw I up a general lay-out scheme for the new school arounds, including a flower garden and tree-planting. A resolution was passed that the committee meetings during the ensuing year be | lield on the first Tuesday in every ■ month. The meeting closed with a hearty vx>t6. of. thanks ia iha .chair.

MOTUNAU. Anzac Day was quietly observed throughout the Motunau district. A united memorial service was held in the Greta Valley schoolroom at 10.30 a.m., the service beina: conducted bv the Re*-. F. P. Fendali, vicar of the Glenmark parish. The service opened with a verse of the National Anthem, and the hymn "Brief Life is Here Our Portion." After the Scripture read iug, a tine wreath of laurels, which was given bv Miss p. ;\f. Armstrong on behalf of the school, and placed on the school roll of honour, was dedicatI ed to the memory of all who gave their lives in the Great War. The resident I Presbyterian minister. Rev. F. H. Bailj lev, addressed the coiurrerniion, auu ' the hymn "How Bright' Those Glorious i Spirits Shine'' was suns;. After pr::y ers had been offered, ail present stood : iR silence for a minute, and The ser- ! vice was concluded with the pronouncej mo; of the Benediction. j TAI TAPU. [ Some years ago there were the vessels Jane Douglas, John Anderson, .Monica and Cygnet prying between Lyttelton, Akaroa and the outlying ; lmvs on Bunks Peninsula. Now'the j number of boats is considerably reduel ed, and the transport of produce and : goods has been diverted to motor lor- ; nes, which in many cases, convev gouds direct from the warehouse in the" city practically to the doors of the settlors :in those remote parte. These lorries, | piled high, sometimes with tho Benson s wool-clip, or sacks of grass seed, and c-.eri pigs for Addington market, I etc., make frequent trips to and from I Christ-church. There are also four j lines of motor-cars for the conveyance of passengers and mails, which pass daily over the roads, parts of which traverse respectively the Springs, Halswell and Paparua Counties before reaching Christchurch. The ever-in-creasing heavy motor traffic is playing havoc with the roads, and consequently the ratepayers in these counties are. heavily rated for their unkeep, whilst deriving no benefit from the traffic. A trial was made on a paro of the Tai 'J apu-Motukarara road, of the beach shingle obtained from' Birdling's Flat, the lesults were so satisfactory, that a deputation waited upon the ' VY'airewa County Council with a view to obtaining shingle from then- pit. but > 'negotia--tions failed. A meeting was then convened by representatives from tho three counties, and_eventna.]y the£ were successful in purchasing' a block "of 25 acres of shingle land at Birdling's Flat from Mr W. Parkinson. Ijl order to work it was tQ have a railway siding, and Mr McCfedie, engineer to the Raii.-.-ay Oe-iartment, visited tho area, reported to Wellington, and eventually permission was granted to put in the siding. But as nothing had been done a deputation interviewed thb Minister of_ Railways in Wellington, with regard to tho Department doing the work and charging the cost of same to the County Councils concerned. This was agreed to. Still as matters were not advancing satisfactorily, advantage was taken of Mr McVilly's inspection of Canterbury lines, and a deputation consisting of Messrs Nt.ale and Thompson (Springe County), Messrs T. 0. Morgan, Leslie and Maginnass (Paparua), Mr R. Macartney (Ha,Vell), anid Mr J. B. H-awkes of the Canterbury Automo- . bile Association), waited upon him at Linco.n. to urge the completion of the work Mr McVilly said that the work had been held un for want of material, but tliis was now available ; and the work would be commenced immediate- j ly. He also granted permission to make "dumps" for the shingle at con- ! venient places between the various stations along the railway line, so that the expense of cartage would bo minimised, j Sir Heatpn Rhodes, who \nterested j himself in the matter, has done all in his power to bring the negotiations to a successful issue. The Councils con- j eerned believe that by using this ! shingle, they are going a long way to solvo the problem of road upkeep.

AKAROA. At the householders' meeting on Monday night a long discussion took place on a motion moved by Mr W. E. Jacob son to the effect, "That the Akaroa High School Board should be an elected, and not a nominated body." The feeling on the matter was unanimous, and after the motion was carried a committee was set up to consider the question, gather information, and report to a later meeting. Those comprising the committee are: Rev. A. JL Julius and Messrs F. E. Davis, W. H. Henniug, and W. E. Jacobson. Mr J. D. Bruce, chairman of the High School Board, who was present, expressed cordial agreement with the pioposal, and regretted that pressure of other business would prevent him from senving on the committee, but promised to give all the help in his power. At the annual meeting of the local branch of the St. Saviour's Guild, held in the parish room on Thursday afternoon, Mrs A. H. Julius presided over a good attendance. The annual report and balance-sheet were adopted. The latter showed a credit of £7 8s lid. Ten large parcels of clothing had been sent away during the rear. It was decided to continue the weekly sewing meetings. Hearty votes of thanks were accorded last year's officials. It may be added that the local branch, besides sending parcels regularly to the Orphanage, keens one 'little inmate provided with clothes throughout the year.

Messrs Jos. Hayward and R A Mould, being the only candidates nominated for the .vacancies on the Akaroa Win Road Board, have been declared duly elected. Mr Mould acted as chairman during the past year. ,

RANGIORA. | A very pleasing litle function was held in the Templar Hall on Thursday evening, when Mr C. T. Moor, who is leaving Spotswood, was entertained by the Eangiora Cricket Club at a farewell smoke concert. The Mayor (Mr W. A. Banks) presided. After the guest had been toasted, he was presented with a cut-glass water jug and set of tumblers. Several of those present made eulogistic reference to the great interest takcm by Mr Moor in athletic games, and more especially amongst the young people, and_ also to the high esteem in which he is held by the general public. Advantage was also taken to present the cricket trophies won during the season. The North Canterbury Association's Junior Cup, won by the Eangiora team, was handed by the chairman to Mr T. H. Blain, and bats were presented to G. Mehrtens and P. Roberts, for the most improved player in the senior and junior teams, respectively. Quite a number of toasts were' also honoured, and a number of songs were sung by Messrs C. E. Bell, A. L. Lockhart, C. J. Keir, W. Barwick, C. H. Hargraves, D. W. L. Mehrtens, and C. F. Meyers. Mr C. T. Moor, who has been first assistant for five years, was farewelled by the children, the staff, and School Committee. Eulogistic reference to Mr Moor's ability in the class-room, and to his untiring energy in the playground, was made by the headmaster and Messrs Archdall and Scotter. The children presented their late teaeher with a leather kitbag, and, on behalf of the committee and staff, the chairman handed to Mr Moor a travelling rug. The Mayor-elect, Mr W. A. Bowse, who was present, expressed the regret of the sporting public at Mr Moor's departure, but at the same time extended to him hearty congratulations on his promotion. Later in the afternoon the girls of the present school hockey team, together with girls of past teams, in recognition of Mr Moor's assistance in coaching them, presented him with a gold-mounted fountain pen and a silver pencil, with their b'-si • -..noiKm, fuj- Xutma welfare. JJ-*

Moor takes charge of tho Rotherham School on May Ist. The Rangiora Orchestra will give the first of their winter Sunday night concerts in the Institute Hall, on Sunday night. OURUHIA. j The following School Committee was J elected at tiie I Ouruhia :—Messrs G. H. Ashby (chairman), R. Battlett (secretary). H. McMillan, A. Thompson, J. Morris. OHOKA. ! There was a large attendance at I the Oddfellows" Lodge on Thursday [evening. N.G. Bro. C. W. bell was in the chair. A letter was received from Bro. W. R. Gahagan, G.M. of the New Zealand branch, accepting iui invitation to attend the Oddfellows' rally and social on May 9th. Three candidates for initiation were proposed, and the white degree was conferred on six brothers. lue Lodge then went into committee to make arrangements for the rally and social. It was decided v. apply to the Ashley district officers for permission to hold'the next meeting in the Public Hall ante-room on May i>th at 6.30 p.m. KAIAPOI. The Kaiavjoi Band's Animal_JsOcial, which, was held in the Drill HalT, Kaiapoi last evening, was well attended. The Hall was prettily decorated with streamers, and as usual excellent music was"provided for the dancing, the Band plavin;.; for the first two dances, followed by Miss Eder's Jazz Band, Messrs J. Forrest. F. Drabble, E. Forrest and C. Alexander acted as M.C.'s. A euchre tournament was provided for those who did not take part in the dancing, and the sup; er arrangements, as carried out by the ladies' committee, were all that could ho desired. SHEFFIELD. Anzac Day was not allowed to pass without a befitting recognition of the sacredness of the day. At 8 p.m. the Public Hall was well filled by the many folks of the district who wished to pay their respects to the heroes of tlie war. The Rev. Mr Belshaw and the Rev. Mr riervey conducted a public "In Memoriam" service, assisted by a united choir and an orchestra, with Mr G. Wright as organist and leader. After the rendering of Monk's "Offertoire" by the orchestra, the National Anthem was sung by tho congregation. The Rev. Mr Belshaw read through Psalm 15, "Be Merciful to Me, O God," and the Beatitudes from St. Matthew. He then led the congregation in prayer. The Rev. Mr Hervey also offered prayer, find then rendered a. most eloquent and appealing "In Memoriam" sermon, taking for his text the 24th verse of the 16th Chapter of St. Matthew. During the service the hymns "O God, Our Help in As.es Past," "Brief Life is Here Our Portion," "For All the Saints," and "Abide With Me" were sung by choira and congregation, accompanied by the orchestra. | The stage, utilised for an altar, was beautifully decorated with flags, with toi-toi and autumn foliage in the background, the foreground beir£ reserved for three floral wreaths and one of red brown and gold autumn leaves, tributes to the fallen heroes of the Empire.

SPRINGFIELD. As befitting tho occasion, Anzac Day passed very quietly. The day was grey, but not unpleasantly cold. At iU a.m. the school children assembled in the headmaster's room to honour the anniversary. The flag was flown at halfmast,"~and saluted in honour of fallen soldiers through the Empire. The cuildren, assisted by Miss JJalby as accompanist, then sang "God Saive the King," "Rule Britannia," and "Anzac." The headmaster, Mr W. M. Campbell,- with the aid of a. comprehensive map of the Gallipoli theatre of war, then briefly outlined to the children the history of the Gallipoli attack, incidentally recounting various acts of bravery that have been recorded. A wreath of laurel leaves made by the t children was placed above the portrait of the late Mr Moore, late headmaster of the school, who lost his life on Gallipoli.' A wreath of white flow-' ers and a Bouquet of poppies was also placed beside the portrait, in honour of all the fallen soldiers of the Empire. The reading of the poems "Lest' We Forget" and "England's Dead" brought the.ceremony to a close. At 3 p.m. Divine service was held in the Anglican, Church. The Rev. Mr Hervey officiated, and preached a most forceful and inspiring sermon. The hymns "0 Godj Our Help in Ages Past" and "Abide With Me" were sung by the choir and congregation. In conclusion, Mrs S. Smith, at the organ, played the Dead March in "Saul." A tribute, in the form of a laurel wreath, was given by Miss Popple.

ASHBURTON. At the Ashburton Magistrate's Court yesterday, Mr George Jiardy, of Rakaia, was sworn in as a Justice 01 the Peace. At a meeting of the committee of the Mid-Canterbury School Sports Association, held yesterday, it was unanimously decided to abandon the annual school sports, which were to have been held in the AshburttTn Domain last Saturday, but on account of the heavy | rain were postponed till to-day. The Domain Oval is still in a very sodden state, and in the interest of the children's health, the committee has decided that the sports be now held next spring. Enquiries made at the Ashburton Hospital yesterday afternoon showed! that J?. Cairns, who was seriously injured by a fall of wheat stacks while he was working in the National Mortgage and Agency Company's store, is making satisfactory progress. The young man Robertson, who was admitted from Mount Somers suffering with a crushed leg, is also progressing favourably, and it is hoped that tlie amputation of the leg will not be necessary. At the annual conference of the Ashburton District M.TJ.1.0.0.F., which was presided over by the District Grand Master Bro. J. L. Soal, assisted by the Deputy Grand Master Bro. F, G. Mangin the following officers were elected: District Grand Master, Bro. F. G. Mnngin; District Deputy. Bro. G. Currie; District Secretary. Bro. A. C. Hurd; District Treasurer. Bro. F. TV. Watt: committee. Bros. Q- Bell. W. C. Mavson. E. H. Childs, J. Phelps D. T. Patterson, J. Chambers, D. H. Gnnn, and R. G. Silcock; relieving officer Bro. T. Morgan; auditors and hook examiners. Bros. S. Culverhouse and J. P. Boothroyd.

LEESTON. A special meeting of the Lees ton Town Board was held on Thursday evening to discuss loan proposals. It was generally agreed tnat a loan of £IO,(XX) should bo raosed to provide funds for rire-hghtmg ajigliancefl, housing scheme, and the purchase of a Domain bite. The clerk was instructed to write to the ChrieicnurcK City Qoud, cil and to the Hon. R. Heuton Rhodes, for information in regard to housing schemes, and the legislation affecting same. After consiuerable discussion, tli© following motion was carried unanimously : —' 'That the Board decide to raise a loan of approximately £IO,OOO, and that engineer's estimates of til© cost of the various works be obtained." • Tlio first annual meeting of ttu> Ellesmere Branch of the Farmers' Union was presided j>ver by Mr It. T. McMillan (president). The annual report, presented by the hon. secretary (Mr W, H. McLaughlin) stated that the branch had been formed m June of last year. Besides the ..general business of tho branch, a series of interesting and instructive lectures was given by officers of tlie Agricultural Department. The present in either ship was 136. The bal-ance-sheet showed a credit of £9 los. Both the report and balance-aheet were adopted. Tlie following offioers were effected for the coming year:—President, Mr R. McMillan; vice-presidents, Messrs R. Barnett, \V. T. tiltory, W. Johnston and J. Wagner; secretary and treasurer, Mi \V. S. McLaughlin; delegates to Provincial Conference, Messrs Wagner and Nixon; committee, Messrs fl. McLenaghan, W. J. Nairn, L. Prosser, ,L Winchester, W. M. Gabbie, J. J. A. Scott and R. Bishop. Two remits in connexion with railway matters were drawn up to be submitted to the Provincial Conference. It was decided to hold the branch meetings on the first Monday of each month. RAKAIA. j The news of the run of quinnat salmon in the Rakaia has been responsible for an influx of visitors to the towa* ship. Not only was there a big crowd of fishermen at the week-end, but (lur* ing the week the big fish havo hewn steadily purnued. Unfortunately, th« weather has been cold and showery, and many ar.glera were disappointed. . Th© following players have been selected to represent the Rakaia Ladies' Hockey Olub in their match against Darfield, at Dariield, to-dpy: Misses A, Woav«r, A. Pluck, D. iStubbs, I>. Brown, M. Donaldson, I, Smil|li, O. Shannon, R. Shannon, l!'. Cornelius, I>. Kaan, and L. Nwna, Emergenoy, D. Kennett.

A general meeting of the Rakaia Fooijball Club was held in the library, Mr B. McNamara presiding. There was an attendance of twenty-eight members. The appointment of Mr H. J. Chapman as the club's delegate to (she Ashburton Cwitix, was approved. It was reported that the two footlial) grounds, the old and the new, were now both properly laid out. The following ivfeiees haive now accepted appointment: Messrs A. Shannon, J Cromrie, and G. Sherwood. Mr C. C. H. Evison gave an address to the members on players conduct. He was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. It. was agreed to_ have card games on Thursday evenings, and the derailed arrangements were left in the hands of the committee. At a meeting of the Management Committee the following players were picked for the third grade match against Metlwen at Rakaia Domain to-day:—Messrs O. Stevens, O. Penny, J. Bnttors, It. McOoTmibJi, G. 'Cornelius, W. Tatterson, S. Street, J. O'Riely, A. Mead, C. Sherwood, A. Anderson, O. Liddy, R. Redmond, E. Mead, T. Greygoose, F. MoNamara, and E. McSweeney. This is the first match of the season in Rakaia.

The members of the congregation of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Chnroh held a very successful bazaar in Mr Tucker's Hall on Thursday. The weather was not at all good in tho .morning, there being frequent ehowers, but the rain cleared in the afternoon. The Rev. A. &. Morrison intioduced Sir R. Heaton Rhodes, who in a very fitting speecn, declared the bazaar open. He said he was pleased to see such a large assembly engaged in such meritorious work, a« helpine on Church worlu The well-stocked stalls were in charge of th© following:—Plain Work, Mesdames S. Breach, J. Pyo, A. Shannon and Miss Bruce; Fancy Work, Mrs Cameron and Mrs Tnomson; Sweets, Misses M. Oakley, A. Oakley and G. Boag; Books, Mr D. Morrison; Tlowere, Mrs Morrison, Miss Muckle; Produce, Mrs Burns, Miss Clark; Lucky Dips, Misses L. Newinaji and H. Shannon; Fish Pond, Misses T. Clark and S. Oakley; SheepGuessing, Mr R. Oakley. The refreshment room was in charge of a large committee of willing workers, and did a thriving business. Many farmers were present, this being the local eale day. ■ MOUNT 80MERS. This district does not seem to have fared as badly as did others with rain, although Ave are having a fairly continual drizzle, and odd showers thase Inst few clays. A fair attendance was present at the householders' meeting in the schoolroom on Monday evening. The new committee is the same as last year, except Mr Todd in place of 'Mr McLymont. The others are:—Chairman, Mr King; secretary, Mr F. Gifkias; Mr G. Green and Mr Smith. A painful accident befel a young lad named Robinson last week, when he bad his leg badly broken through slipping through the spokes of a moving dray. He was taken to the Ashburton" Hospital. The Men's Club opened their session on Tuesday evening with "Question Box Items." Somevery interesting questions were submitted, and discussions were lively. The railways were the subject of three questions, one of these winning first place for the even- | ins, the question being, "Would the railways be better rnanagec by private companies than bv the Government?" This question was asked by Mr Jack Hood', and gave the most discussion. A number of local residents were nominated for the position ol "Mayor,* l the election to bo held at next week's session. A "mock banquet" will be held on Friday evening »at 7.30 p.m., followed by a dance in the hall. After several days' drizzle, Anzac Day came out with a fine blue sky and warm sunshine all dav. The children assembled at the school in the morning, when the headmaster, Mr P. H. Jones, addressed them oh the meaning of Anzac Day, and the lessons to b& learned from it, also reading the King's message to the people. The chairman, Mr King, also spoke a fewwords on great day that they were commemorating. Two of the schoolgirls, Kate Green and Leila Todd, recited the verses "Pro Patria," and after saluting the flag, the assemblage proceeded to the Soldiers ' Memorial Hall, where wreaths were placed at the foot of the rol] of honour. During the day many people visited the memorial, and placed wreaths there also . A memorial service was in the English Church in the afternoon, when the Rev. Paddison preached an impressive sermon.