THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18108, 25 June 1924, Page 3

THE COUNTRY.

JOTTINGS FOR FARMERS.

The results of the open classes for j the seed section in the Dunedin inter Show, which was held recently, should prove of interest to Canterbury farmers. A local firm forwarded 13 entries of seeds, and were awanle 1 14 firsts and one third. These seeds, with one or two exceptions, were ail erown in Canterbury, and were all dressed locally. The results of the same section at the Auckland Jixhibi, tion, which is being held at present, have just come to hand, 'lliese show that out of a total entry of 10 bv the same firm, thev were awarded 10 first prizps. This surely proves the hijrh totality of Canterbury seeds, and the standard to which they are dressed here. LEITHI'IELD. A return to mild weather, accompanied bv licht breezes from the northwest-, has been experienced. On Mondav vivid lightning-illumined the sky, and durinsr the night a strong nor - west gnle blew over the plains, towards morning its fury was lulled and a few showes fell. Tine sky in the north-west continues gloomv as though the storm hail not spent itself, but the wf'ther on the Coast is interspersed with periods of bright sunshine. BALCAIRN. A nor'-wester blew all day Monday, and during the night it reached n terrific pitch, developing into a veritable fralc—the strongest wind that has been experienced here for some considerable time. ' Several trees were blown down, and one or two chimneys also. Bain followed. Yesterday it was blowing hard, but in the late afternoon calm prevailed. At another meeting of the members of the Presbyterian Church held in tli-j schoolroom on Saturday afternoon, it was decided to hold a concert in the schoolroom on July 19th, when performers from Kaiapoi have consented to assist, with the programme. Mr Bignel'l (chairman), and Mr Aruiitage (member of the Board of Education), accompanied by the Board's architect, Mr Pcnlington, met the chairman of the local School Committee (Mr J. Fitzpatriek), and paid a ■visit of inspection to the school andschool grounds yesterday. OXFORD. A meeting of the Oxford Domain Board was held in the Coronation I-lall on Friday, the following members being present: —Messrs F. Dehenhnm (chairman), G. Ryde, and A. Baxter. The chairman, oil behalf of the Board, welcomed Mr Baxter to the table. Mr .Baxter returned thanks. Correspondence was received -from Mr H. Cook, offering a price for the hot-air engine, which was accepted. The secretary of the Public. Library applied for the annual grant, which was agreed to. Mrs Cleeve wrote applying for the surrender of her lease of the Viewhill Domain, which was granted. The secretary of the W.E.A. tutorial classes ■ wrote enquiring the rate at which it could rent the-Coronation Hall for the entire session of 20 lectures. It was decided to let the hall for £2 10s and grant permission to erect a small notico board setting out the aims of the W.E.A. It was resolved that the chairman endeavour to procure some manure for the gardens in the Domain. Mr Baxter offered horses and drays to cart it, the offer being accepted with thanks. Permission was granted the Football Club to charge Is admission to the Omihi-Scargill football match; to be played on July 12th in Pearson's Park. It was agreed to get notices printed .stating the rate of charges for hire of the Coronation Hall, eacli of the members to have # one, and one to posted up in the hall. On the motion of Mr.Bvdc, seconded by Mr Baxter, it was decided to get new entrance gates for Pearson's Park, and to repair the back entrance gates. The secretary was instructed to get the chairs in the Coronation Hall repaired. It was left in the hands of the chairman and Mr Eyde to get expert advice in regard to the engine used for pumping water. SUMMERHILL. A euchre party and dance was held in the Sumuierhill schoolhouse, aid of the children's prize fund, on Fridav evening. Owing to the very bad state of the weather and counter-attractions, the attendance was not large, but those that faced the elements had a most enjoyable time. The prize-winners ac cards were Mrs C. Fahey and Mr L. Leslie, the consolation prizes going tj Mrs Leslie and Mr Rem. Lilly. The lucky-spot waltz was won by Miss J Fahey and Mr. Rom. Lilly. Music for the dance was supplied by Messrs C. Fahey, L. Reid, and Lilly brother:'.. Mr E. Washington was M.C. Mr A. Mc-Lauchlan, on behalf of the school committee, thanked those present for their attendance, and announced the intention of the committee to hold further evenings on similar lines in aid of the children's prize fund. Amongst those present were:—Mesdames JBeattie, C. Fahey, L. Leslie, F. Waterland, and McLauchlan, Misses Fitzsimmons (2), Coulter, Fahey (2), McLauchlan (2), Johnson (Cust) (2), Robinson, and Waterland, Messrs Reid, Lilly (2), Finly (West Eyreton), and Dug Campbell "(Ethelton). CUST. Very changeable weather has been experienced in this district so far this winter, with sudden turns from hot to cold, but on the whole the winter has been very mild. On Monday night the wind turned to the nor'-west, and blew a furious gale, doing a considerable amount of damage. Mr H. Inns had asl the front part of the roof of his residence blown away. It was lifted to a good height, and caught by the branches of a bluegum tree, where it now rests some distance from the ground. A shed on the, property was also blown out of position and turned completely round. The Rev. A. *3. McC. Acheson had the roof of his fowl-, house almost blown away, while Mr L. Morgan's residence was completely demolished. LOBURN. ]STor'-west weather conditions have prevailed for a week, culminating in a gale during Monday night and the early hours of yesterday morning. At the weekly progressive euchre evening, for prizes given by Mr .7. Henry, the winners were Miss Iris Pulley and Mr Jas. Galletly, while the consolation awards fell to Miss L. Ben-net-t and Mr C. Waters, i At a meeting of the Loburn School Committee there were present Messrs G. T. Croft (chairman), T. Dawson, J. Galletly, and P. J. Pulley. A vote of condolence was passed to Mrs Cook and family in the death of Mr A. E. Cook, who for many years had been a committeeman. It was agreod to have the children's school garden plots built up with a few loads of soil. The committee, as a deputation, waited on Mr Stanley Barker, and secured on favourable terms the right of a playing area adjoining the school property for boys' games.

GOVERNOR'S BAY.

On Friday the Boys' Athcnrcum gave an open evening in the Moat Knowe Music Room. The apartment was comfortably filled, and the architect is to be congratulated on its perfect acoustic I properties. Mr J. F. Tapley delivered an able address, on "Some Low Orj ganic Forms Found in the Bay," illustrated by lantern slides. After refresliI ments some of the younger members ! amused the audience by going through a series, of exercises at the word of command given in French, and by naming correctly the inmates of a Noah's ark. The natural history section gave a demonstration on the flora of the district, and a French song by nearly the whole club brought down the house. The different items were interspersed by orchestral pieces, a trio by Mr Xewstead ('cello), Mr Horace Crow and Mr Frank Newstcad (violins), and a cornet solo by Mr A. Butler, all of which were encored. HALKETT. The first parish social evening for this winter was held in the vicarage. Items and games were enjoyed, and during the evening opportunity was taken to present an easy chair to Mr Bedford, who is giving up the position of people's warden after nineteen years' service. The surprise party germ seems to have a considerable hold in the district, for a party recently went so far afield as Christchurch to pay a surprise visit. Although the weather was not of the best, there was a fair muster at the fortnightly card tournament and dance held by the Social Club. The prizes were won by Miss M. Wilson and Miss E. Somerfieid, Mr V. Davis and Mr B. Lord. After supper dancing was indulged in, and the cold outside was soon forgotten. A representative gathering of residents turned up on Monday night to discuss the proposal to make a domain in the district, Mr R. S. Roper was elected chairman. Mr Meredith Wilson, who had been making the preliminary enquiries, detailed his work and read correspondence from the local M.P.'s in the matter. The meeting was favourably impressed with the advance made, and proceeded to discuss suitable grounds in the vicinity. . A Ground Committee consisting of Messrs G. Calder, Meredith Wilson, V. Davis, C. Turner, and R. Henderson was elected to inspect grounds and interview the owners, and report at the next meeting. Further discussion brought to light several ways and means of raising the money required; the size, type, and lay-out of the ground; and most of all the fact that residents are very keen to see the proposal go through. It only needs the hearty support of every resident, and the scheme 1 must naturally Bucceed. RUSSELL'S FLAT. On Saturday the Russell's Flat junior football team played their third competition match at Glentunnel. After a. very good game Russell's Flat defeated the home team by 6 points to 3. F. Jones and T. McKenzie scored for the visitors. Mr T. Affleck was referee. The footballers' social, which was to have been held at Springfield on 27th inst., has been postponed till July 4th. KOWAI BUSH. Very wintry weather ha:; been experienced this month. . A most successful church meeting, convened by the Kev: C. L. Sparrow. was held in the schoolroom. There was a largo attendance and all business iuis satisfactorily transacted. , At a. meeting of the School Socuu Club it was decided to hold a weeklyprogressive euchre _ tournament, commencing on June 27th. HORORATA. The north-west weather continues with frequent heavy showers of rain. The wind veered round to the soutnwest on Friday night, bringing intense cold and heavy rain. Ihe foothills received '.i slight sprinkling of snow, which lias sir.ee disappeared. . On Friday night the storm seriously affected, the attendance a,t the social function held' in the school. A very enjovable evening, however, was by those present. The euchre were won bv Mrs Timmings and All Ingram. Mr Crutchley generously supplied the music for the dancing. It is hoped to hold a similar function later in the year. . At a meeting of tho committee ot the Horticultural Society Mesdames IVLcHugh, Page, Wilson, Pratt, Messrs Harris, Page and Pratt were present. The financial statement of the recent social functions held was submitted and showed a satisfactory credit balance. It was decided to procure new cards for the euchre tournaments, which will "bo continued fortnightly during the winter months. . The Hororatu. schoolboys visited Glentunnel and played their first match in the Malvern Schools' competition, winning by 36 points to nil. I'or Hororata Mooar, J. McKenzie, Adams, jun., McKenzie, McHugh, Oliver, and Patterson scored. Word has been received by the secretary of the local branch of the Farmers' Union that Mr It. Paynter, or- | chard instructor, will give a demon- | stration of pruning at Mr 11. Oliver's orchard on Friday next, nnd that Professor J. Condliffe will deliver a lecture on "Economics" on July sth. DUNS 4NDEL. The I>unsandel ladies' team visited Greendale recently, and in a. game with the local ladies, were defeated by six goals to nil. Dunsandel has the makings of a good hockeyteam, but at present lack of coaching is the main drawback. PREBBLETON. There was a good attendance -it tho All Saints' Social Committee's euchre ' p.u'ty on Saturday evening. The prizes J were won as follows: —Ladies, Miss j Wakely, 1; Mrs Len Gallagher, 2 : j gentlemen, Mr Charles Chesmar, 1; Mr Jo© ISicholas, 2. Many novel and amusing features aro to be introduced at the social to be held in support of the Green Queen (No. 4) to-morrow evening. A waltzing competition is sure to attract a large number of entrants, and provision has been made for the entertainment of those who do not dance. The following further games have been played in the tournament held at Mr W. Downey's house in aid of the funds of the No. 5 Queen:—lv. Hammond beat P. Prendergast; W. Or.ny'thorno beat S. McNally, A. Gallagher beat- S. Harris, T. Campion beat G. ; Longstaffe, I. Campion a bye. Senii- | finals of the second round: W. Crayi tliorne beat K. Hammond, T. Campion ■ beat I. Campion, A. Gallagher a hve, T. Campion beat W. Craythorne, T. Campion beat A. Gallagher. The highest break was made by G. Longstaffe. DOYLESTON. A euchre tournament between teams of players representing Doyleston and Lakeside was held in the I>o.vleston Hall last Saturday. After some interesting plav, Doyleston won by 103 points to 97. The return game will be | played this week.

SPRINGSTON SOUTH

During the week Mrs J. Woods and her son, Mr C. Woods, left for Mastert.on on holiday. The weekly euchre party and dance was continued on Saturday evening, when there was a large a * te " c ! al J ce ' The prizes were won by Mrs T. and Mr T. Hamilton. RAKAIA. Monday and vesterday were mild, spring-like days* with a steady nor - wester blowing. There wa3 110 fros„ on either morning. Though rain threatened on Monday afternoon, and heavy showers fell in Asliburton, there was no rain in Rakaia. There was a very good attendance at a meeting of the Rakaia Tug-of-War Committee, presided over by Mr B. McNamara, and held for the purpose or, making further arrangements for the forthcoming contest. Correspondence was received from Mr Blackaway, representing a Christchurch team, asking for information in regard to tho conditions of contest. The secretary was instructed to give the required information. The treasurer reported tna.. a good number of subscriptions had been received. The chairman stated that a good deal of public discussion had taken place in regard to the inclusion in the contest of a, ladies' class. The matter was very fully discussed, tho meeting being divided on the question. It was finally decided to delcte-t-lio ladies' class. It was agreed to ' raise the age limit of tho boys' clasi from 16 to 17 years. Mr G. Cromie reported that a southern Maori team was prepared to enter the contest, also to "ive a good programme of musical and vocal items. Owing to a length". programme with the contest, the offer of the musical items was not accepted. Mr F. McNamara was added to the committee. It was decided that 110 allowance be made for weight _ of . clothes when weighing competitors. Mr G. Gromie was appointed to act on the Stage Committee. Arrangements are to be made to have electric indicators attached to the rope to show tho progress of tho pulls. The Mutual Improvement Society in connexion ■ with tho Methodist Church continues to All & place in the intellectual life of the community. -' The lastmeeting was : devoted to a newspaper evening, and an interesting time was spent. For to-morrow evening a debate has been arranged on the subject "Are Our Characters More Revealed ill Our Work or in Our Pleasures?" The Rakaia Ladies' Hockey Club held a dance on Monday evening in.St. Mark's schoolroom. The room was well-filled, and a pleasant evening was spent. The music was .provided by Misses VAF.ox,' C. Shannon,- P. Cornelius,. ,and B. Haslett, • and 4 Mr H. Behrnes. Mr C. Evison acted as M.C. The gang of workmen employed by the Power Boarjl in wiring the .line from Methven down to Rakaia recenti,. ..pnehod R.-irnia in the progress of their work. They are now busily en-, gc.ged in placing wires throughout the township. It is expected, that the work will occupy several more weeks. Miss Higlit, the newly-appointed matron of the Rakaia Maternity Home, has now taken up her duties. Unfortunately, Sister Trott, who was relieving, met with a slight accident, and is confined to her bed at present. , The Mothers' Union and the Rakaia branch of the W.C.T.U. combined to hold a meeting to hear an address given by Mrs Willis,-of Christchurch, on Mr L. M. Isitt's proposed Bible-in-Scliools Bill. A large gathering was presided over bv Mrs B l n A number of questions on the subject were answered, and a resuuitiyii passed approving of the of the Bill. At one time classes for Bible study were held at the Rakaia school, but 'owing to the paucity of the attendance they were discontinued. • ROKEBY. On Friday evening, the second euchre party and dance of the season, organised by the Rokeby School Committee, was held in the school. There was a very full attendance. The ladies' prize was won by Miss G. MePhail, and the gentlemen's by Mr J. W. Smith, of Christchurch. The consolation prizes went to Miss Hooper and Mr E. McAleer. The music for the dancing was played by Mrs Donaldson and MR. Storey. Musical selections and a song were given by Mr K. Cartwriglit. A commencement has been made with the building of the shelter-shed, a Rakaia firm, Messrs Haslett and Street, having secured the contract. It is expected the building will be complete by the end of the month. The new master, Mr E. W. Cotton, expects ta take up his duties on July Ist. Despite the alleged unpopularity of j investments in farm property at the present time, two farms in thin district, those ofMrM. Macale and Mr J. Morland, have recently been sold. The prices realised are said to havj been very satisfactory. MEAD. After having failed to elect a School Committee at the annual meeting of householders in April, the Mead parents have now selected a committee. The members are as follows:—Messrs R. Taylor, R. Sheehan, W. Shellock, W. Breading, and W. Cornelius. GREENDALE. The Dunsandel ladies' hockey team paid si. visit to Greendale on Saturday. Greendale won by six goals to nil. The visitors were aftei wards entertained at afternoon tea, provided by the members of the local club. In the Baptist Church on Monday evening the story of the origin and progress of the Manurewa Orphanage, Auckland, was given to an tive audience. About fifty slides, illustrative of the work, and photographs of officials and children were shown. The lantern was manipulated by Mr C. H. Adams.

RANGIORA. . ■ Mr C. J." Smith, until recently with Messrs .Armstrong: and' Co., ! Christchurch, has purchased the drapery business of' r AV. McGruer, and will enter i„to possession on July Ist. Mr.Smith is.a son of Mr G. J?\ Smith, at one time in; business as ti -draper in Hmigi;u)d is well known jn the distrK"-,. Tlin weeklv meeting oi the Celtic (•1,,!, 'wits held nn Monday, .Mr P. Mclireariv presidium ovcr il ;,.t----tendance." . The programme tor il.s rvcninn w: s e euehie. 0 ' Calludier (J-yttelion) won -tno ladies' prize will. 7J games and the rnii lei'ien's prize was won hy M: (.<. |)ntdv with ■" cames. At the next meeting Mr J. J'- Straeli.au will give a U Tl!;:' -itteivlaiice at the Oddfellows' iorl„i»htly socials continues to m-r-w On [Monday evening there weio . "hivltwo ..layers in the eanl section i I'lind number of dancers. I.be MM-i.es wo* « r i» y Mrs w.*. Marion" and Mr J. \ ette. Miss P. g ak and .Mr J. Jlargre;.ves were the. winners ol the "lucky spot' waltz. leeston. Tin. funeral of the late Mr .f. L. 1,. H,nnnh. which took place at the hl--1 inure Public Cemetery last Sunday. S one of the largest seen in the d.sVict for a long time past. There was n,. hvi.l of wreaths, including sev- " I c.-nni various football bodies. Tho Rev T Outlet- conducted the service. SEAFIELD. n Fridav evening «ud touma- . u'-w held in the schoolroom. The ~ ur nr was won by Miss R. AYatK %fi IS3 points, Mrs 11. Grico being s0 " Vi with 1-3 points. 'The gentle-' '" eC ?,' prize was won by Mr L. Scott '"tliYkl points. -Mr R. Baylies being licld , ' Saturday evening. Ihc firs* ?--Vtv Button was won by L. Scott with ints S. h. Pocoek anct R. ?; J - tied for the second Hotty But--aid in the shoot off It. Bavnos S with 3.3.