THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17750, 30 April 1923, Page 3

THE COUNTRY.

JOTTINGS FOR FARMERS. The Dominion Conference between representatives of the executive of the Sew Zealand .Federation and the New Zealand Stock Agents' Association, on the subject of the new stocK sales account, whicii was to haive been held in'Christchurgh on "Wednesday, has been indefinitely postponed owing to a serious accident to a member of the family of one or the Southland delegates. Mr E. St. C. Haydon rsfports the sale in the Argentine of his recent shipment of New Zealand-bred sheep. The thirteen Lincoln rams and ram lambs averaged £77, the highest price being £179, another 6-tooth ram realised £lO4, whilst the top price" for a ram lamb was £l3l. Seven Romney Marsh rams averaged £BB, the, highest price being £175. Three Conriedaie rams were sold, two made £44 each and one £4O. Mr J. Pryde, manager of the Papatawa 3>airy Co., "Wairarapa, has just received the following letter from Mr G. Bishop, of Willesden, London:— "Having found the bottle and letter in the New Zealand cheese, I venture to answer it. Your cheese is of very good quality, and right for the English market. After finding your letter 1 personally inspected the parcel, and could find nothing wrong. lam the cheese foreman of one of the largest provision merchants in London, and we despatch between 1500 and 2000 cheeses weekly, so have had a little experience. I have been in my position for 23 years. As cheese is very scarce, we cannot keep it to mature." Last October Mr Pryde enclosed a note in a bottle in the centre of some export cheese, asking the finder to state h/>w the cheese opened up, and it is" most satisfactory for all concerned to have such a first-hand recommendation.

WAIAU. The returned soldiers of the Waiau district held their annual re-union in the Public Hall. The function took the form of a dinnes, followed by a social evening. There was a large attendance of returned soldiers and their guests, and a most pleasant even ing was spent. In the earlier stages of the proceedings Mr G. W. Forbes, M.P., presided, but at a later stage he Lad to leave on his return journey to Cheviot, and after his departure Mr G. Eeid took the chair. During the evening the following toasts were honoured:—"The King"; "Fallen Comrades," proposed by Eev. Canon Smith, and responded to by Eev. Father 1 Murphy; "The Waiau Returned Soldiers' Committee," proposed by Mr G. W. Forbes, and responded to by Mr W. S. D. Smale; "The Parliament of New Zealand," proposed by Mr A. J. Sunckell, and responded to by Mr G. "W. Forbes; "The Navy." proposed by Eev. J. H. Thomson, and responded to by Mr W. D. Banks; "The Army," proposed by Mr H. T. Beaven, and responded to by Mr G. Keid; "The Ladies," proposed by Mr H. W. D. Eogers, and responded to by Mr K Pettigrew; "The Patriotic Society," proposed by Mr W. S. D. Sma'le, and responded to by Mr G. W. Aldridge; "Imperial Units," proposed by Mr G. Eeid, and responded to by Mr T. S. Northcote. vocal and instrumental items by Messrs Burrows, Brittenden, Billens, Coles, Fottrell, Morse, Pettigrew, and Eogers contributed largely to the evening's enjoyment. MEDBURT. A most successful gift evening was given in the Medbury schoolroom in honour of Miss Marion Rivers, who is to be married shortly. The evening was spent in dancing, and musical items and songs contributed by Misses M. and R. Rivers and Mr Paul Rivers. Miss Rivers was the recipient of many useful and beautiful presents. The chairman, Mr H. Broker, spoke in very eulogistic terms of the guest of the evening, and expressed the best wishes of all present for her future Tiappiness. In a happy little speech Miss Rivers, who was accorded < musical _ honours, thanked all for their good wishes and gifts. Mr Maurice Philpott also suitably responded. Excellent pianoforte music for the dancing was supplied by Mrs S. Ginders. AMBERLEY. At a committee meeting of the Amberley Breeders' Association, Mr Retallick presided over a good attendance of members. Satisfaction was expressed at the erection of the new building for the ■ hdme produce, and it was agreed that a "working bee" be helclon Thursday, May 3rd, to fill the flooring with shingle. It was decided to call tenders for the sale of the shed on the Domain, which was built on skids. Mr D. Boyce, the senior ivice-president, wrote resigning as a member, owing to removal from the district. His resignation was accepted with regret. The annual meeting was set down for Monday, May 7th; Messrs W. Ingle and J. Thacker were nominated as new members.

OXFORD. In the report of the unveiling of the Oxford War Memorial the name of Albert Garh'ck was inadvertently omitted from the list of those whose names are inscribed on the monument. RANGIORA. Mr v -. Line late of tie Rotheram school, will relieve temporarily at the Rangiora school until a permanent appointment is made to fill the vacancy caused by the appointment of Mr C. T. Moor to the Rotherham school. CUST. The annual meeting of the West Eyreton branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union was held in the Institute Hall, Oust, last week. Mr Geo. Cowens presided over a fair attendance. The secretary's report and financial statement showed the branch to be in a nourishing condition. The number on the roll stood at 53, and only three members were in arrears with their subscriptions. The total income was £49 ss, while expenditure amounted to £4l 14s 6d. Thus the treasurer holds £l4 10s 6d as a credit balance. The chairman, in his retiring address, touched upon many points of interest. He opened by expressing gratitude that the slump of 1920-21 had passed over, the country being now in a sound financial position. In support of this he quoted the latest banking returns and the recent statements made by the Prime Minister. After referring briefly to income-tax and its effect upon the farming community, he reviewed the financial position of the farmers, generally, paying special attention to the wheatgrowers. He pointed out how much had been done for them by the Farmers' Union by arranging an agreement with the millers for a payable price for wheat. This was a good reason, he thought, why every farmer should join some branch of the union. "They had," he said, "received £SO for every 1000 bushels of wheat they grew, and all it cost a member to join was £1 per year. In conclusion, the chairman repeated the warning given by Professor J. B. Condliffe when he lectured to the branch at 'West Eyreton. The present was no time for farmers to j enter into rash speculations, as the | high prices ruling for farm produce i were likely to decline after perhaps a

couple of seasons. The discussion following dealt mainly with Mr Cowen's remarks upon taxation, and much difference of opinion was evident among those present as to whether the land or the income-tax was the fairer or better method of taxing the farmer, though all were strongly of the opinion that it was by no means fair that both should be levied as at present. The election of officers for the new year resulted in all the sitting members being re-elected: —Chairman, Mr G. Cowens; vice-chairmen, Messrs S. Smith and C. Mcintosh; secretary and treasurer, Mr J. E. Horrell. A letter was received from the Dominion secretary to the effect that the union had horse and cow-cover 3 for sale, said to be 12s 6d to 17s 6d cheaper than the. shops supplied. It was decided that samples be obtained, so that members could see for themselves the quality. These sample covers are to be on view at the next meeting to be held at West EyTeton, the secretary to take orders and cash for them. AKAROA. The adjourned annual meeting of the parishioners of St. Peter's, Akaroa, was held on Friday evening, the Vicar, Rev. A. H. Julius, presiding oyer a very good attendance. The election of officers resulted as follows:—Vicars Churchwarden, Mr C. W. Leete: Parishioners' Churchwarden, Mr 1. E. Taylfrn; Vestrymen, Akaroa: Messrs T. Masefield, P. G. -filches, W. E. Jacobson, F. C. Newton, F. G. Armstrong, and A. M. Helps. Wainui: Mr H. Buckland. French Farm: Mr Peter Shadbolt. Duvauchelle: Mr A. Kaye. Robinson's Bay: Mr W. W. Williams. Hearty votes of thanks were accorded last year's officials, and all churchworkers. It was decided to have new communion rails erected. Mr T. E. Taylor was given power to act in the matter.

SPRINGBANK. The following were- elected members of the School Committee at the recent householders meeting:—Messrs H. Tallott (chairman), W. House, C. Rands, R. Forysthe, and W. J*urgess. KIRWEE. The weekly meeting of the members of the Courtenay Social Club was held in the Courtenay Library. There was a large attendance and ..a pleasant evening was spent in playing progressive euchre. The prize-winners were Miss P. MeNae and Mr B. Eoper, whilst Mrs H. MeNae and Mr A. MeNae were the recipients of the consolation prizes. • >') A large number of people assembled at "Apsley," the residence, of Mr and Mrs W.'C. Bedford, last Thursday evening, for the purpose of holding a "surprise party." A hearty welcome was extended to the visitors, and the house and a large shed recently acquired by Mr Bedford was put at their disposal. A very pleasant evening was spent with music, songs, dancing, and card playing. A dainty and bountiful supper was provided by the visiting ladies. Daring the evening songs were contributed by Mesdames Kelham and A. Anderson, Misses J. MeClelland, D. Rout, P. MeNae, and G. Anderson, and Mr J. Grieve; recitations by Miss D. Anderson, Master Owen Williams, and Messrs Aubrey and Selby Hart, and J. Coffey, and pianoforte solos »by Misses M. McClelland and L. Williams. Mesdames A. L. Stewart and Kelham, and Miss M. McClelland played the accompaniments. The music for the dance was supplied by Mesdames A. L. Stewart and Kelham, Misses Guthrie and D. Eout, and Mr G. Manson. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr and Mrs Bedford' for their kindness in granting the use of their buildings and piano; to those who supplied the music, and to all who had helped to make the gathering a success. Amongst those present were: —The Rev. Kelham and Mrs Kelham, Mr and Mrs W. C. Bedford, Mr and Mrs G. A. Bedford, Mr and Mrs Kerslake, Mr and Mrs J Coffey, Mr,and Mrs W. Stott, Mr and Mrs F. MeKie, Mr and Mrs E.Heney, Mr and Mrs W. B. Eout, Mr and Mrs J. Anderson, dnd Mr and Mrs A. L. Stewart, Mesdames J.' Hart, J. Beaman, W. A. Williams, A. Anderson, H. McClelland, and G. Batstone, Misses D. Bout, —. Guthrie, J. McClelland, M McClelland, Hilda McClelland, J. Reveley, E. Beaman, M. Reveley, K. Eevelev, E. Beaman, K. Anderson, G. Anderson, D. Anderson, P. MeNae, L. Williams, Joan Bedford, Mollie Coffey, Una Hart, Nancy Coffey and Myra Stewart, and Messrs Hart (3), Manson (3), Williams (3), E. F. Marley Bedford (5), C. McCausland, C. Gardiner, P. Eeveley, A. E. Laing, 0. Johnston, Kellv (2), .J- Grieve, Foster (2), A. Smith, F. MeNae, B. Eoper, Wilson (2) G. Eout, and Master A. Stewart. The weather has been more or less wet all the week, and work on the farms has to a certain extent been affected, and only certain kinds of team work could be gone on with. Potato digging has been at a standstill, as the tubers would not dry even if they were dug. Clover shelling has also been delayed, and some clover, has still t0 be stacked'. The weather was drier on Saturday, but it still looks stormy The total rainfall since the weather broke on the 21st is I.lßm.

HORORATA. The Horo'rata returned soldiers held their annual smoke concert in the Town Hall Major Adand presided over a full'muster of returned men, and a very pleasant evening was spent, toasts and musical items being interspersed with reminiscences, . humorous and otherwise. The chairman opened the evening with an appropriate address followed by a discussion on matters of common interest to the returned men A motion was proposed and earned unanimously, expressing strong disapproval to the practice of working on Anzac Dav. It was hoped that all returned men would use their best endeavours to ensure the sanctity of the day being observed. The following musical and vocal items were included in the programme:—Songs, Messrs ..icArthur, Wilstead, Christie, Spence, Keiff, Phillies: stories and items, Messrs Keith, Fever, and Wilstead. Anzac Dav was observed in all its sanetitv by most of the community of the district. A large gathering; comnrisint' the residents, returned soldiers, and school children, met at the memorial where a verv impressive ceremony was obsenved. There were about forty returned men on parade, iinder the command of Major .Acland; abont sixty school children, in charge of the staff; and about 200 residents. The ceremonv opened with the singing of the hvmn -O God. Our Heip in Ages Pnst " followed hx praver. the hymn "Now Thank We All Our God was followed bv a short address by the Rev W. Vickery. Kipling s "Recess.onal was followed by an address by the Rev Burnett, and after the wreaths had been placed at the foot of the memorial, the ceremony closed with the singine of the National Anthem Over twentv-four wreaths and floral tributes were placed upon the memor. ial, including one from the returned soldiers, and two from the school chilrTho weather conditions prevailing were against the attendance or a large number" of farmers at the inaugural roeetin* of the distinct branch of the KierV Union, held in the hall on Thursday night. However 34 wero present/Mr J. J>. Hall presiding. Mr VT W, Mulholland. pre-idnt of the Dominion Executive, and Mr T Buxton Dominion organiser, were both preset nnd addressed the meeting. Mr Mul holland spoke on the work of the ex- : ATiitive especially in connexion with tuition and the establishing of agricultural banks, fn a very foroehil epeech

he impressed upon those present the necessity of organising to protect their own interesta as primary producers. Mr Buxton spoke upon the work of the Union generally, and explained the work of the Wheat Board, which, w to commence operations 6hortly. Both gentlemen presented interesting addrosses, which were very much appreciated. During the day, Mr Buxtou was ta.ken around the district by Mr J. D. Hall to interview farmers- who would not be able to be present in tne evening. In eviry ca=e he met with a. wi.lingness to 'form a district, union. During the meeting a motion.that a district branch of the Union: be formed was put and carried, unanimously. It was left, owing to the lateness of the hour, in the hands of Messrs Hall and H. Oliver to arrange for a subsequent meeting, which will be held within a forijnigh*. when the , officers of the branch will he elected and general matters discussed The Hororata Golf Club held its annual meeting on Friday, when there were fifteen members present. The report and balance-sheet submitted by tb.3 committee were duly adopted. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:—Patron, Mr G; Hall; president, Mr H. M. Reeves: vice-presi-dents, Messrs H. Richards, B. 0. Rutherford, and Major Acland; committee, Mesdames Derrett, Whitty, Vaughan, Nettleton, Messrs T. Peareon, C. Pearson, Nettleton, Vaughan, Pratt, and Owen; hon. secretary, Mr A. Nettleton; official handicapper, Mr B. C. Rutherford! After an animated discussion, it was decided to let the subscription stand as at present, with the 'addition that the junior members' subscription should be five shillings. The chairman (Mr Vaughan) outlined' tho work which would be necessary on the links this year. Tho meating expressed its approval that the work should be carried out. Mr Vaughan also suggested to the meeting! that the services of a professional should be; secured for one or two week-ends, in order that members might receive a. little coaching. : The matter was left in the hands of a j sub-committee to ascertain the number of members who would be willing to take lessons, and tho approximate cost of bringing a coach to Hororata. OMIHI. A suitable service was held at Omihi on Anzac Day, and wan well attended. The residents first assembled at the monument, where the school children recited "Lest We Forget," and afterwards saluted the flag, placing wreaths on the monument as tliey maiched past. A combined service was held in the school where the Rev. Mr Bateup, LMetho'dist minister, gave a very earnest address, while the Revs. Kendall (AnI glican) and Bailey (Presbyterian) led the other portions of the service. The hvmns sung were: The National Antfiem, "Oh God, our Help," ''fight the Good Fight," and "For All the Saints," the organist b'ing Mrs Waugh.

ASHB' T RTON. A bazaar in aid of the Tinwald Parish Church general funds was opened in the Public Hall grounds on Saturday afternoon. Several large marquees had been erected and these were tilled with a great variety of farm and garden produce, plain and fancy needlework, home cookery, fruit, etc., which had been given by residents in the parish. Other attractions wero a fish pond, pony rides, skittle alley, animate and inanimate Aunt Sallies, shooting gallery, stepping the chain and nail driving competitions, dancing dolls, etc. In the evening there was a grand concert fo'Jjwed by a dance in the Public Hall. At the opening ceremony the Vicar of this large parish, warmly thanked the stall-holders and those who had sent goods of various descriptions. The response had been most generous throughout the parish, and a number who could not ;find it convenient to stive

goods had given more than an equivalent in money. He also thanked those who had helped to erect the marquees and who were present to conduct the side shows. He said fie had much pleasure in asking the Hon. W. Nosworthy, the member for the district, to officially open the bazaar. Mr Nosworthy, who was greeted with warm applause, said it gave him the greatest pleasure to be present at the opening, of the Tinwald Parish Church bazaar, and from what he had seen in the marquees and outside, he felt sure the bazaar would be a financial success. He under; >d there was lio debt on the church, but tile churchwardens and the vestry were working on an overdraft, which they were anxious to jwy off. He hoped the bazaar would be the success it deserved. It was o. good thing for all of them to reduce or pay off overdrafts. The object the parishioners of Tinwald were aiming at was a most worthy one, and it would afford 'both himself and Mrs Nosworthy the greatest pleasure to do what they could to help. Mr Nosworthy said he had much pleasure in declaring the bazaar open, and hoped they would have other similar functions if the necessity arose, as bazaars were often a much easier means of_ raising money than by private subscriptions.