THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 17997, 14 February 1924, Page 3

THE COUNTRY.

KAIKOURA. Mr C. Smith arrived in Kaikoura at

the week-end from Sydney. Mr Cates. of Palmerston, is to succeed Mr "W. \Y. "Wilson, as Postmaster at Kaikoura.

The Stock Inspector is busr getting out notices regarding: tho rabbit nuisance in tho county, Mi.ss Ida Stubbersiicld has received advice ot her appointment as probationer in tho Kaikoura District High School. Mr T. .Hitchcock, who suffered an attack of influenza at Christmas time, has .suffered a relapse, and is at present m hospital. The programmo in connexion with the. annual sports gathering of St. .Patrick's Sports Association is now in circulation. and a generous programme of events luis been provided. The prizes are such as should attract competitors throughout the province. WAIAU. On Saturday night Mr H. T. Armstrong, M.P., addressed a fairly well-

attended public meeting in the Library IJ all, Mr M. Stalker presiding. Mr Armstrong explained a number of the planks m the Labour platform, and received a very attentive hearing. At tho conclusion of his address lie answered a number of questions arid received a verv heartv vote of thanks. Tho district is experiencing another .spell of hot, dry weather, and is again taking on a very parched appearance. In many parts feed is extremely scarce and a good soaking rain is urgently needed. For once, at all events, that noxious weed, tho blackberry, is proving a boon to the housewives of tho district, for, owing to tho scarcity of other fruits, on account of tho unfavourable season

and tho gales, tho fruit of this vine is iii great request. Black berrying parties arc tho order of tho day, and it is quite common for a family to go out for a few hours and come back laden with 50 or GOlb of fine juicy berries. CULVERDEN. The weather is still very warm ■with an almost continuous nor'-wester. Tho rainfall of la.st month has dono a

good deal to freshen up feed, and root crops, and another such rain would be greatly welcomed.

On Tuesday evening "Mrs Madge McCleary had a very unenviable experience. She was riding a hack belonging to .Mr G. Holmes and it got beyond control. Sho managed to keep her seat, and tho runaway was eventually brought, to a halt outside the Culverden Public Cemetery. CHEVIOT. At a recent meeting of the Cheviot branch of the Farmers' Union the

question of top-dressing of pastures was discussed at length, and as a result tho secretary was instructed to write io Mr Ward, Government Field Inspector, in regard to tho matter. Tho secretary has now received a communication from the latter stating that ho will visit Cheviot on Monday, tho 18th inst., and will be pleased to discuss tiio matter with the members of the "Union. A mooting has therefore been convened for that evening in tho Presbyterian Social Hall, to meet Mr Ward, when no doubt many will avail themselves of the opportunity to discuss a matter of such importance to tho fanning community. The Cheviot Amateur Dramatic Society, who recently gave a most successful entertainment, are again in lull rehearsal i'or a further production, the proceeds of which arc to be devoted to the extension and completion of the Town Hall. Thanks to the efforts that havo been made during tho last twelve months, and the assistance of the Domain Board, it is hoped to complete the Hall before the winter sets in, and judging from the model shown at the last committee meeting, the Cheviot Town Hall will be. when complete, a most up-to-date and convenient, as well as comfortable building, suitable for almost any kind of entertainment.

At the last meeting of the Cheviot County Council the matter of a Cottage Hospital for the district was brought forward and correspondence from the Canterbury Hospital Board was read in which it was stated that an inspection would shortly take place of suitable sites, and a selection made. AMBEELEY. School Committee to treat the chil-

dren a change of picnic sites this year. For some years past, it has been customary to take tho children to the Lcithfield beach for their annual picnic, and this year the committee decided upon a change. A subscription list to dofray expenses is now being circulated throughout the township, ajid is meeting with success. On Tuesday the children were given the option of deciding by vote where the picnic should be held, and the Chrisfchurch gardens was the popular faticy. _ It is understood that the picnic will' bo held on March 15th.

A meeting of tho North Canterbury 'Caledonian Society was held on Tuesday evening for tho purpose of making arrangements for the forthcoming road race. It a "."as decided to hold the raoe on Saturday, March Ist, and to apply to the Centre for that date. The race, which is a district one (Ashley to Hurumu), will be round tho Broomfield block, finishing down the North road, a distance of about ten miles. The prizes are £3, £2, £l, with £1 10s and 10s for first and second fastest times. At a meeting of tho Amberley Tennis Club various 'mutches against other clubs were arranged. It was decided to accent challenges for matches against i?angiora, at Rangiora, on February 16th, and ITanmer, at Hanmcr. on' February i'3rd. The necessity of a volleying board 1 at; the local courts was emphasised, and it was decided to have one erected at'once. AH present were formed into a dance committee, and jusked to carry out arrangements for a dance, which will be held this evening. ' leithfield. " u "TTTis week's meeting of the committer of the Swimming Club thero were present: Messrs V. Ashby (chairman) K. May, J. S. Tiussefi, F. May, AY. Browne. D. AY. Palmer, .1. AY. Sarich (secretary), and F. .Jamieson (caretaker). On Mr Browne's suggestion it was agreed that some kind of life-saving apoaratus be procured. A vote of thanks was accorded Mr

Jamicson I'or the efficient manner in ivliit'll lie had performed his duties as caretaker. It war, decided that a swimming carnival be held on Saturday afternoon for club members. It was derided that trophies won during the season should be presented at the end 01 the season. BALCAIRN. Threshing is in lull swing in this district, but on account, of the dry spell, crops are not turning out. so veil as in previous years, tho yield only being; bc'tweon 'JO and 30 bushels to the acre, as compared with anything up to ,jO bushels formerly. Great activity lias. l>een shown at tho local station loading wheat. The weather has been very dry.

very little rain falling during the past month —ideal harvesting weather —but tho ground needs a good soaking rain. ilrs A. J?. Johnstone, of "Richmond, is spending a holiday with relatives hero.

HAWARDEN. A meeting of the Bawardeu P'? trict Memorial Commute- 1 wa.s Im-'K tho H.awarden ITaU ov. 3for.dav < -' ve , -ii£. Pr*>?oni: Bridson , chair). Earl. .1. Forrester. Jbt cock. 'J. Hollo. 11. BrwJwr, ana -• A. Robinson The swrec-an' u,!i> -f ' r _ strutted to write to tlicGeneral. thanking him. and ;si li> = his Offer of a site fur the m-.nmria' on the ]V |C i Office section in Also to 31 r GAY. Forbes, M.P-- tl,n]lk : in 5: him t'<;r his efforts in | U '-i with the matter. It was issue, subscription lists and -tat t- < vising on Mondav. Foivnuuy The following roll.-.-;or? wore »pporoU*> Messrs IT. Brooker < Mt-dbnry), • •' roster (Hursmuii, J. Itello 1 v*; Downs'), H. E. Finehtftu (.'I '_ 1C V' 1 ";' ' 0. "Willis (TTawarden), and "W . "rulso and F. Dalsell (Main's Mat. 1 - - ,11

Bridson was elected treasurer. CUST. The service at the _ T'rosb> --e t i<ii! Church on Sunday evening tjwlv form ut service 01 SMP, Ihmi wa.s at the organ. Ino • . G. Howse -avo an insiruenve ,>iio.cai lecture. The soloist was Mr; Fa<l. ASHLEY GORGE. This preLtv and popular holidav te 50rt bein n ' %vo!l patronised I)}' ; J from Christchtirch acd other

The Oxford County Council have t>< spending a. good dea] oi money tun 111 in.ee the camping ground, etc. It is intended to build a bathing s men, improve the parking o ears and make a circular motor tiJe*.. The ground near the euiraiieo to ' - Gorge is being levelled so a.s to Joini a sports ground. BELFAST.

At tho monthly meeting ol the- h>oj fast School Committee there were l>iosent. Mr W. P. Spencer (chairman;, Mrs Harris, Messrs E. Harris. T. Morton, R. Graham. ,1. Mussen. "W. 1 nee, and A. E. Lawn. The headmaster reported a roll number of 211. 'I he committee approved of the appointment o Miss Egglet-on as infant mistress A. vote of thanks was passed to -Mr Graham for providing a wastepaper tin and for work done. Owing io M r •' • Mussen leaving the district, his resignation was accepted with regret, aim Mrs iSpencer was appointed to till the vacancy. The. following were appointed delegates lo "the School Committee Association: —Messrs . T\ Spencei, T. Morton, and A. E. Lawn. A grant of £3 was received from tho Board tor lighting Sponeerrilk' School. Tt was decided to hold the. annual picnic ;tt

Motukarara on Friday, February 2i.'ud. HORNBY-ISLINGTON. Thero'was a good attendaneo at the opening progressive euchre party which was held in St. Columbus Parish Schoolroom on Tuesday evening. Prices were awarded as follows :—Women's Ist prize; Miss Jean Simpson : consolation, Mrs

W. McKnight; men's Ist prize, Mr

X. Davis ; consolation, Mr R. Freeman. At the close of a, very pleasant evening light refreshments were provided by tho ladies.