THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17813, 12 July 1923, Page 3

THE COUNTRY.

JOTTINGS FOR FARMERS. A conference between representativesof the freezing compa.ues of the Dominion and of the Slaughtermen s Unions is to meet in Wellington this week to discuss matters relating to the new award, proceedings in regard to which have been taken by the companies. Mr F. C. Ellis, secretary of the Canterbury Freezing Works and Related Trades Employees' Union, left for Wellington last night to attend the conference. Our Dunedin correspondent telegraphs:—lt might be expected that, as a result of the very wet weather re cently experienced this winter, there would be a prevalence of disease in cattle and sheep, but an enquiry leads to the satisfactory news that no such trouble has arisen in Otago. Foot diseases and parasitical complaints arc; looked for in such circumstances, and regarded as almost inevitable, but cattle and sheep are coming through the trial all right. WAIKARI. The district is fairly well off for feed, and stock so far have wintered well. Owing to the showery weathor since the flood, practically no grain has been sown. At the same time there have been many bright, sunny days. A contract has been let for a Masonic Hall, to be built in reinforced concrete. There are a number of mild influenza cases in the district, but none has yet been taken into the hospital. The hospital has been kept busy during tho last few weeks with general sickness and maternity cases, necessitating an additional nurse being sent up from Christchurch. Mr Sidoy, of Woodgrove, has presented tho hospital with a new gramophone and a number of records, which are a pleasing acquisition to the institution. A proposal is on foot to set up a committee to provide more comforts for the hospital patients. Much regret is expressed that Mr W. Earl has had to go into the Lcwisham Hospital again for treatment. RANGIORA. The influenza epidemic is being felt in Rangiora, and it has so affected the schools that it was yesterday to close both the Borough and Rangiora High Schools. Over a hundred cliil-. dren were absent from the former yesterday, and at the High School, besides throe teachers being laid up, the attendance had dropped to 60 out of a roll-number of over 150. The schools will reopen on Monday. Quite a number of business men are confined to their homes with colds. The weather is very dull and cold, with severe frosts.The monthly meeting of the Rangiora branch of the Plunket Society was held yesterday, Mrs J. Catherwood presiding over a small attendance. The treasurer, Mrs F. B. Lane, presented her monthly report, which showed: Receipts £l6 lis, and expenditure £l7 16s Bd. During the month a houseto house canvass was made in Rangiora and surrounding districts for subscriptions. As the collecting books . had not all been sent in, the committee were unable to state the amount of promises received. Mrs Ellis had made a canvass of the South Loburn district and collected £5 12s. The committee have to thank Messrs W. MeKenzie, E. B. P. Brown, and L. Hill for gifts to the Plunket room; and to Mr J. E. Strachan for having typed a number of notices. Nurse A. G. Ingold reported that 14 new cases were attended in the district and 7 in Rangiora. There was a total of 77 cases under treatment. In all 194 visits were made to the rooms by adults and children, and 14 visits had been paid to homes. HORORATA. On Friday night a euchre tournament and dance, organised by Mrs J. Wilson and Miss E. Nelson, were held in the Hall in aid of the funds of the junior football club. There was a very poor attendance, with a result that only a little over £1 was realise J after all expenses had been paid. Prizes were given by Mesdames T. Jones and J. Keltie. The winners in the euchre tournament were Mrs J. Keltie and Mr J. Spence, the booby prizes going to Miss E. Mills and Mr J. Lewis. Another attempt will be made later to get up a similar function, when it is hoped that more generous support will be forthcoming. Mrs G. C. Derrett has very gener ously loaned her gramophone to the school with a record of the King's and the Queen's speeches, made recently to the children of the Empire. The loan is very much appreciated by both staff and children. On Saturday the senior team of the Hororata Football Club journeyed to Springfield, and defeated the local team by 20 points (six tries and one converted) to nil. The junior team, playing eleven men, were defeated by the Sheffield junior team by 12 points to 8. For Sheffield Townsend, Willis, and Humm scored tries, and Aitkinson kicked a penalty goal. For Hororata Jack Wall scored two tries, S. Collings converting one. At the monthly meeting of the Hororata School Committee the following were present:—Messrs F. S. Barrett (chairman), W; Broughton, H. Boyle, D; Bruce, and R. Gray. An estimate for the construction of the school bath was received from Mr Yeoman. It was decided to hold a public meeting on August 13th, to discuss means of raising a further sum of money to allow the work to proceed. The headmaster reported that the number on the roll was 75. The average attendance for last quarter was 65.7. During the la3i week the average attendance had fallen to 52, owing to the amount of sickness about. So far the school was not materially affected by the influenza epidemic. During the previous week the building inspector of the Education Board had inspected the school, but to date no report had come to hand froir. the Board regarding the precaricu> state of the building. Miss McDonald had resigned on account of ill-health Miss Mills, who was relieving in he. • place, had been transferred to Syden ham, and Miss Collinson was filling the position until a permanent mis tress was appointed. RAKAIA. The quantity of potatoes obtained from the plot "of ground given by M: J. Connollv for the benefit of tin funds of the Rakaia Convent Schoo amounted to 73 sacks. Despite the fact that Rakaia is with out a public, hall for dancing thi: vear has seen two innovations in thi pastime. A juvenile class for Higi. land dancing is in full swing, and jazz class for adults is about to open. A billiard tournament has just bee concluded at Mr D. Brown's saloon • Rakaia. In the semi-finals J. Crom. from 20 behind, defeated W. Tattersc 110 on; and G. Thompson 170 on d feated C. Morgan 95 on. In the fina G. Thompson won, with J. Cromie st ond. C. Morgan defeated W. Tattf son for third place. The game much increasing in popularity Rakaia, another table being installc last week-

CHERTSEY. i!? 6 Lodge, of Chertsey, agla a progressive euchre party in tho Chertsey Hall, Owing to the inclemency of the weather and to the prevalence of severe colds in the districc, there was not the usual number present, but a good evening's enjoyment was provided. The ladies' prize was won by Mrs J. R. Doig, with the verv good score of 133 points, Miss N. MsKee being second with 121. Mr J. Garland won the gentlemen's prize with 131 points, Mr A. McLachlan being second with 123. The consolation went to Miss M. Garland and Mr D. McSweeney. At the conclusion supper was provided by the ladies. MAYFIELD. The first monthly meeting of the newly elected committee of the MayAssociation was held on Monday. The first business dealt with the appointment of a new secretary in place of Mr E. C. D. Withell, whose term of office had expired. From a number of applications received, that of Mr R. McDowell was finally selected- A motion expressing the appreciation of the Association for the excellent services rendered by Mr Withell during the four initial years of the Association's existence was carried unanimously, several speakers emphasising the difficulties attending the task of secretaryship of a new and important enterprise. Mr F. G. Greenslade, the chairman and president, then welcomed the new members of the committee, reminding them that much hard work lay ahead. A motion of sympathy witli Mr and Mrs T. Bennett and family, of Ruapuna, in the death of Miss Winnie Bennett, was passed in silence. Mr Gillies was elected a member of the Association. The date of the next Show was tentatively fixed for March 23rd, and the president, vice-president, and past president were appointed as an executive committee to allocate sub-committees to deal with the various sections of the Show. The use or purchase of a safe for .the custody of books, papers, etc., was urged, and" Mr A. E. White was authorised to make negotiations for that purpose. Mr H. C. Barton's offer of a cup for moat points in the cattle section was received with applause, Mr Barton stipulating that the donor was not eligible as a winner. Mr J. A. Fleming offered ten guineas, and Mr A. V. Barrett five guineas towards a permanent Show Ground Fund, the president, vice-president, and Mr D. Duff to act as a committee to deal with the purchase or lease of a permanent ground. The meeting then adjourned until September. News of the death, on Friday last, of Miss Winnie Bennett, daughter of Mr and Mrs T. Bennett, of Ruapuna, came as a great shock to the district. Miss Bennett was widely known, her quiet, unassuming character and many practical kindnesses securing for her the affection and respect of a host of peoplo far and near. The, funeral at the Ruapuna Cemetery on Sunday afternoon brought together a great concourse of people, including representatives from all parts of South Canterbury. The cortege, extending over half a mile in length, numbered sixty cars, in addition to other vehicles. Mr A. Beeson officiated at the graveside. Deep sympathy is expressed for Mr and Mrs Bennett and family. Tho combined hare drive, to include Mayfield, Ruapuna, Anama, and Mt. Somers was indefinitely postponed from Saturday last, on account of the death of Miss Bennett.