THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17855, 30 August 1923, Page 3

THE COUNTRY.

JOTTINGS FOR FARMERS. A private meeting was recently held ■of representatives from Wellington) AYairarapa, Wnaganui, and Hawke s Bay districts at which it was decided to form a Farm Hands' Association (says a "Wellington Press Association message). A committee was formed with a president and secretary. It was decided to forward proposals as to hours and wages to the Farmers' Union and if no notice was taken of them, to register the Association and apply to the Arbitration Court for Dominion awards.

ADDINGTON SHOW; GROUNDS. ADDITIONAL IMPROVEMENTS. , Visitors to this year's Metropolitan Show of the Canterbury A. and PAssociation, on the Association's Grounds at Addington, will receive further evidence of the progressive policy of the Association, the object of which is to bring the Show Grounds thorouglily up-to-date. The Grounds Committee of the. Association visited the grounds yesterday to inspect the addi-i(Vnal-improvements that are in hand. It was found that the new sheeppens, which were only partly completed for last year's show, are now practically finished: they will be completed in plenty of time for this year's show. The new grand-stand, in the vicinity of the secretary's office and facing the big grand stand, has been completed and is up-to-date in every respect. It provides seating accommodation for approximately 6-jO persons. The committee has decided to recommend that the charge for admission to this stand should be 2s for adults, and Is for children, the idea being to make the stand a popular one, especially for women and children who will, it is hoped, avail themselves of the comfort and convenience of the stand at these price 3. The ten offices provided under the 6tand, it, is believed, will prove most convenient for and valuable to stock agents who have, hitherto, piovided tents for themselves. Work ha'j been just started on a reinforced concrete band stand which is being erected in a prominent position not for from the flagstaff. The work is in hand of laying a concrete floor in tlte large building used in recent years for the Kennel Club's show, in past vears for the display of New Zealand "manufactures and dairy produce. It is hoped to match-line the walls a certain distance up m cvder to make the interior of the building look more attractive. The Ground Committee was of opinion that more seating accommodation should be distributed about the grounds and the hope was expressed that friends and patrons of the Association mijht assist by presenting suitable seating accommodation. It has been arranged to have the roofs of the horse boxes painted and also to have some of the buildings painted. Those conducting tlie Association's affairs have been somewhat neglectful in the past in this matter, and some of the_ buildings have rot been painted during the past twenty years. As a consequence they are showing the results of this Unwise •economy, and buildings that -would have been perfectly good if paint had been applied judiciously at the ricrht time, are giving evidence of tne effects of the weather.

RANGIORA. The laying of the foundation stone of the new Parish Hall in connexion with St. John's Anglican Church toolc place .yesterday afternoon by Archbishop Julius, in the presence of a large gthering of the . congregation and friends. The proceedings were opened by the Archbishop reading the dedication service, followed by a prayer by the vicar, the Kev. J. F. Feron. The foundation stone was then laid by the Archbishop, which bore the inscription, on a block of polished granite: "This stone was laid by Archbishop Julius. August 29th, 1923. J. F. Feron, vicar. Before the Archbishop gave his address, and while the choir were singing tho old hymn, "The Church's One Foundation," a collection was taken up, which realised £OO 14s, included in which was £l6 3s raised by the "Cubs" belonging to St. John's Boy Scouts, the amount being raised by the collection and sale of bottles. The Archbishop prefated. his remarks by saying that in the old days, when the building of great churches was the custom, more so than at the present time, foundation stones were placed under the ground; in fact, that was so with the Christchureh Cathedral, as he had searched for the stone, and could not find it. Now it jvas more of a symbol, and: was a much more frail one than the foundation stone of past centuries, and had a prominent place above the ground. The Archbishop congratulated the Church on its progressive work. The hall which was being built would be a handsome building, • and he hoped that the parishioners would support the vicar in, his endeavour to carry on the work of God in the parish. Whatever.the hall was used for, so long as God was placed first, good "would come of.it. He thanked God for the good work going on in the parish, and hoped that they were laying the foundation not only for to-day, but for the future. The Archbishop also paid a tribute to the forefathers who had laid the foundation of God's work in Canterbury. He congratulated the Boy Scouts on their zeal in raising such a large sum as £l6 from the collection anil sale of bottles, and in closing he thanked the vicar and his churchwardens, and his people and the -women of the parish.^ The proceedings closed with the Benediction, after which the gathering was entertained to afternoon tea in the vicarage grounds. The hall, which is in ferro-concrete, will be a very handsome building when finished. The main entrance porch will be 14ft by 9t, and open into Cliurc.i street. There will be two dressingrooms, 14ft by 14ft; main hall. o6fj bv 36ft; class-room, 20ft by 1/ft, and kitchen, 20ft by 10ft. The cost of the I building will be, when finished, £-10". I Mr T. Shankland is the contractor.

brookside. A fair number turned out to- the fancv dress ball in the schoolroom, and the display of costumes was superior to anything seen at Brookside for socio time. P0P ula , r VO V: t twarded to Miss Coomber (Uevv. M'irv), Mr Cridge (Durham Duplex Safety Razors), and Mr L. Buckley (Parson) equal. The timely, aavent of the mvsterious Siamese Twins ed considerable- to the interest Ox tiu. evening, and their sudden disappearance and success in hiding their identity made their venture a complete sticks Music was supplied by Mr John Cunningham, and Mr F. Heslop was M.C. OMIHI. In the report sent in of the Omihi euchre tournament in last Tliursdaj "Press " it was erroneously stated that tlie second prizes were won by Mr and Mrs Little, whereas they were won by Mr and Mrs HalL

marlshland. O r Friday the boys from the Marshland Sctiool journejed to Ouruhia, to play a return footoall match. After a keenly contested game the Marshland team won bv 12 points to 3. Four tries were Jscored for Marshland •?J" Arnst. Pengelly scored lor { Ouruhia. Each teijm having a win to its credit, it was krrangod to play a flnal match. At the conclusion of the game the visitors Iwere provided with refreshments by the local school. The residents of the district took the opportunity o n Thursday evening last, of tendering', a farewell social to Mr and Mrs W. Lanre and family. A most enjoyable evening was spent in dancing, interminsjed with vocal items, contributed by Misses A. Yagodyinski, R. Free, L. (jhisnall and Mr A. Smith. On behalf of the people of Marshland, Mr D. Go ode presented Mr Lang© with a travelling rug, and Mrs Lango with a silver-mounted biscuit barrel, and in doing so spoke of the good work by them in the interest of the district. Mr G. Chisnall, on behalf of the school committee, then presented Mr Lanrje with a silver mounted walking stick, and referred to the grod work done by him during h s long term as a member of the school committee. Complimentary speeches were also made by Messrs G. Pilkington and A. B. L. Smith, Messrs Hibbard, Blackburn and Mitten supplied the music for the evening. A football match between Mairehau and Marshland was played at Mairphau on Saturday last, in ideal weather. The ground was in good order and a fast and interesting game resulted in a win for Marshland by IB points to 0. Tries were scored by Heycien, S. "Watson and A. Smith, the latter converting two, and kicking a penalty goal. Refreshments were provided by the ladies of Mairehau. The rainfall for July, taken by Mr TVaugh, of liills road, proved to be exceptionally heavy, the record showing 4.3 inches. For the past few weeks ft number or the children have been training for a concert to be given bv them m the Hall to-morrow, in aid of the Hnll funds. Judging by the programme to be rendered, the concert should be a great success.

LITTLE RIVER. One of the most successful concerts held in Little River for some considerable time was given on Friday last in aid of the funds of St. Andrew s Church. There was a crowded attendance and about £22 will he netted after expenses arc paid. Features of the affair were the school girls' dancing, for which credit is due to the two teachers, Miss Miller (Main School), and Miss Higgins (Okute Schcol) and an item by the schoolboys. Ihese were trained by Mrs Cradock and Mr Hunter One character, featuring a "Toiler from the Deep," touching a local celebrity, created roars of laughter. An orchestra of eight instruments played overtures and incidental music for the songs, duets, etc. The following was the programme:—Part I.: Ma'ch. "Marcelline," Orchestra; song, "Ye Banks and Br-es," Mr T. White; song, "If Winter Comes," Higgins: song (comic), "My Wedding Day." Mr H. C. Barnes; dancing, schoolgirls; song, "Roll On Thou Miahty Sea," Mr H. Smith; duet, "When We Are Married" (from Belle of New York), Mdle. Celia Carpentiere and Signor Guarda: and Policeman's •duet from same, "From Far Cohoes," Mdle. Cejia Carpentiere md Si "nor Guarda. Part XI.: March. "The Haymakers," Orchestra ; dancing (repeated hv reciuest). schoolgirls; song, "The Dear Homeland," Mrs Hunter; local Sits, schoolboys; song, "The Land of Long Ago,"i Mr H. Smith; dance, Sailors' Hornpipe, Mr Geo. Colombus; comic snng, ''Brown, Jones, Smith, and Rnbinson," Mr Hunter; sontr, "Island of Dreams." Mr T. White. , The orchestra. consisted •of Mrs Cradock . piano, Mrs M. Keenrm, Miss Hunter and Mr A Radford violins, Mr Aitsen, 'cello, Mr L. Joblin cornet. Mr L. Radford eupho., and Mr HmiEer typmpam and effects.

RAKAIA. The-Rev. "'A. S. Morrison, of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, has received an acknowledgment from Mr Massey of the resolutions of the Rakaia and Lauriston congregations with reference to the introduction of liquor licenses into the King Country. Mr Morrison also forwarded Ito Mr Massey and to the Hon. Sir Rl Heaton R-hodes a resolution passed ajb the mission just concluded, urging the passing of Mr Isitt's liiil for Bible instruction in schools. The fortnightly social of St. Marks' Social Club was'lield in the schoolroom. The attendance' was goodi, and the evening was devoted to dancing-. Most of the music was supplied by Mr Green-, wood, of Christchureh. ,The idea appears to be current among non-riflemen that the Miniature RifleClub's Hotty Button, awarded every .week, entitles the winner, to some prize. This is not so. The Hotty Button is simply a silver button, given as a mark of honour to the rifleman. putting on the highest score off the rifle. For one week he wears it on the lapel of his coat, and it is then returned to the club, to be competed for once more. The Hotty Button winner will .always' be the best shot in the club, but it is purely an honour, with 110 prize attached. Th§ following stewards have been appointed at Rakaia to supervise arrangements for the Timaru-C'hristchurch road race Messrs A. J. Magson, G. Cromie, W. W. Laraman, W. E. Judkins, A. A. Oliver, J. Y. Cameron, A. Saniy, B. McNamara, and T. Wright. Rakaia is not a milk station, competitors will simply tear off their number cards as they pass through. A party of footballers returning from tho soven-a-side tournament in Ashburtoa on Saturday in Mr H. McDonald's car met with' trouble early on the journey. Only about a mile of the way had been covered when the rear axle broke, the casing also being rendered useless. Fortunately, Mr R. Boag came along, and motored the party back to Ashburton in time to catch the express for home. An echo of the high prices for fat .lambs realised this year was heard at the Bowling Club meeting this week. A popular member was attempting to evade appointment as president on the plea Jhat he ifad no motor-car to en able him to attend the green often enough. Mr.,T. Blaekley clinched the matter and t le appointment with' the remark. "A nan that gets £2 for his lambs should have a motor-ear.'

MAYFIELD. Monday's edition of "The Press" containing a detailed -report of the meeting held in the Mayfield Hall 011 the previous Saturday evening, reached Mayfield early in the afternoon of the date of issue. This is said to establish a record for the district in the quick publication and distribution of an important news item. Further evidence that Mayfield is coining into its own is the appointment of Mr D. Duff as a Justice of the Peace. There are no%v two '' local J.P. 's," a circumstances that will do much to facilitate all classes of bus:ness dealing in contracts, sales, and transfers. The appointment also connotes authority in criminal as well as civil judicature. Last Friday evening all roads led to Kuapuna, and the 'two dozen motorcars that were seen to speed in that direction drew up outside the picturesquely situated Runapuna Hall. A grand concert followed in aid of the fund for the renovation-of tlie hall. Every available. inch of standing-room was taken, and the entertainment was voted one of the most successful in Ruapuna's long roll of successes. Mr Tasker occupied the chair, reminding the audience that the length of the programme, twenty-five items, made nec6ssary an

economy in the demand for encores. Prominent among the performances to win hearty applause were a 'cello solo by Mr Eobilliard; cornet solo, Mr A. 11. Dellow; song, Rev. J. Paddison; items by the Euapuna school-children, who showed careful training by their head teacher, Miss - Edriiiston. Miss Patterson and Miss Buese were the accompanists of the evening. The Mower >jjong, in costume, and the Kutie's dance in character, by four talented pupils of Miss Patterson —Jessie Duff, Edna, and Gladys Mcllraitli, and Ena Johnston —offered the prettiest stage scene of the evening. The flower costumes were admirably set off by graceful dancing, and the singing of Miss Jessie Duff gives promise of distinction in the yeajs to come. Miss Patterson, formerly of Sydney and Cliristchurcli, is rapidly bringing her singing and music pupils into popular favour, and the district is fortunate in possessing so accomplished a teacher. At the conclusion of the concert, Mr Taslter said the thanks of the community were due Mr G. W. Boss for his untiring energy in bringing, the liall into line with popular requirements and making it a place so • well suited, for public assembly. The Mayfield Gun Club held the last shoot of the season on Saturday afternoon. Fine and still weather brought along a large gathering of spectators, who enjoyed a keen and exciting contest. The principal prize for the afternoon was a lady's bracelet valued a,t five guineas. In : this contest —a fifteen-bird match, five "clays" and ten sparrows—T. F.' Sewell, D. Duff, J. W. Drummond, and N. B. Morrow lied with ten kills each. In the finals N. B. Morrow came first, T. F. Sewell second, and I). Duff third. In. tlie consolation match for a trophy, valued at two guineas, D. J. i Morrow won with seven kills out of a possible of ten birds. G. H.. Sewell and S. Kevcley tied with six kills each, the former, G. 11. Sewell, winning in the shoot off. Included in this match a special prize, given by Mr W. J. Robertson, df ten shillings, for moat, kills with first barrel, was divided by D. J. Morrowand G. 11. Sewell. The season "has been most successful, and the. club is responsible for attaining a very high standard of marksmanship among local shots.' A date -will shortly be set for a social, in which the president's cup, the lady's bracelet, and tho trophies won during the season will be awarded the various winners. DORIE. The Ardamine Hall Committee has lately exteiided the Alpha light system to light up the whole hall, and the improvement is very marked. With the smoke-room and supper-room erected last year, the hall can now bo considered most up-to-date for a country district. , A movement is now on foot to add a lending library, to be in tise by next winter. It is to be hoped the promoters of the scheme will be successful, and so add to the stock of cheerfulness in country districts. Lambing reports in the Dcrie district seem to indicate a good lambing percentage, as there is a large number cf twin lambs. One Farmer in one night had ten ewes give birth to seventeen lambs. . At the weekly shoot of the Done Miniature Rifle Club a competition was fired for a trophy presented by Mrs Tlie following tied with tot.u .scores of *3s: R. Harrison 32-6, D Harrison 35-2, C. Harrison 31-6, J. Baker 32-3, J. Beard 34-3, J. Currey 32-4, E. Kingsbury 30-G, L. Kingsbury ■ 34-1, B. Kingsbury 30-6,' and H. Currey 32-3. In the third shoot off B. Kingsbury won with scores of 30, 32, ! and 33 off the rifle, J. Beard being second with 34, 34, and 33. In the third shoot the handicaps become 3, and scratch, respectively. The club captain, Mr J Beard, is one of the team to represent Ashburton County against the Christchurch Association at Rakaia on Saturcay. SEAFIELD. A farewell gathering in honour of Miss Moelian; who has been mistress of the Seafield School for the past seven years, was held in the schoolroom. Miss Mochan leaves shortly tor Australia, to take up teaching there. Apologies tor absence were received from Ivlr and Mrs ,H. Driscoll, Mr and Mrs Hight, and Messrs Todd and Faulkner. The urst part of the evening took the form of a concert, the programme being made up as follows:—6ongs by Mrs H. Brown, Miss C. Bruce, Miss F. Gregory, and Messrs M. Bruce, E. Beck, and C. Johnson; recitations by Miss M. Bennison and Mr M. McCormick; Highland fling and hornpipe by Miss V. James; and instrumental items by Miss E. Gregory, Miss I. Bruce, and Messrs A. i Bennison, F. Johnson, and S. Allington. | Tlie accompaniments were played by Miss E. Gregory and Miss I. Bruce. Mr J. Bruce briefly thanked those who had taken part in the programme. In making the presentation Mr Jas. Bruce, chairman of the Seafield School Committee, referred to the good work Miss Mochan had carried out, and he handed her a letter of appreciation from tiho committee. He then presented her with a handsome travelling-rug, a solid leather suit-case. & silver teapot inscrib-

e-1 "To Miss Mochan, 1916 to 1923, from the residents of the Seafield district,''' also a cushion in the form of a ladies' companion. Miss P. Bruce, on behalf of the pupils and ex-pupils, presented Aliss Mochan with a lady's handbag and purse. Other speakers wero Messrs M Bruce A. Gregory, F. Johnson, A. Beck, and A. Berinison. Miss Mochan returned thanks for-the .valuable g"->-received, and for the many kindnesses shown her by the people of the district. ! especially Mr and Mrs Gregory, who had made their home her home. She was sorry to have to leave Seatield, and wished the school overy success in the future. Miss Mochan was quite over- ' come when she attempted to thank the children. After supper the floor wife cleared for a dance, the music being supplied by Mr A. Bennison, assisted by Misses Gregory, Bruce, Lnmbie, and Watson, and Messrs C. Johnson and H_. Hurst. Mr A. Bruce acted *«s M.C. The gathering broke up with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne." LAURISTON. The Lauriston Cricket Club are bus- ' ily making preparations for p!ay during the coming season. 'flic use of a piece of ground had been kindly granted by Mr W. "W . Goodwin, ana, , on Saturday, a working Me, consisting of several members ot the club, spent the day clearing and levelling the ground, and laying down a concrete pitch.' A few days previously, several of the members lent their teams and drays for the purpose of carting shingla necessary for the concrete, from the Ashburton riverbed. Another working bee is to be held to complete the ! work. The annual gathering and box opening ceremony in connexion with the Lauriston branch of the Young Helpers' League (Dr. Barnardo's Homes) took placa on Saturday afternoon in the local schoolgrounds. All the members of the League were present, also Mrs AV. W. Goodwin, president, Miss G. Gates, vice-president, Miss Gunn, treasurer, Miss Killner, secretary, and' 1 Mrs Farquhar. Great interest was taken in the opening of the boxes by the respective owners, and prizes were presented to Ella Letham, the girl whose box contained the* largest amount, and Walter Goodwin, who, for"! the second year insuccession, won the boy's prize. A special prize-was award-

l\r i ed to Peggy Farquhar. The «ftegTM<rt M | w,a& spent in Karious ■ r»j| which ' tea was draprnyd.' "" •*•£, ; '•: each child received a. packet <w? "'•> sweets, the interest in toa, A has been well maintained, as, tiMack the number of memoers is'aontewtjift ,- less than last year, tn© siaoubt> rasstji showed an increase. Tha. fttnd "WIS benefit to- the extent of over ££L The sudden change in the seiiift, and the cold snao in tbe beginning o£ last week was a matter of jP»Ta W3sL'ern to the farmers. Farttai*My lambing wa3 not general or tie fcraei reported would have been mndt - ier A few days of very cold followed, but at ti» t end, the weather was glononw and springlike. Farmers wilT be »** of a line spell to get on with iactr team work. . At the annual meeting or tb» tua* iston Presbyterian Church last *<™> a vote of sympathy was oassed to_w relatives of the late Mrs Leslie E«zell Lauriston, who passed Wcentlv after a severe illc-ess, aisa m the relatives of tbe late Mr Itobtrfe Moursev, master of the WlareßW school, "who was formerly a tesefler S& the Lauriston school, and eonnectsa with the Presbyterian CJrerea »ial choir.