THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18129, 19 July 1924, Page 3

THE COUNTRY.

COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURE. FUNCTIONS TAKEN OVER BY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

The eleventh annual conference « the New Zealand Council of Agriculture, which was held in Wellington on Wednesday, will be the last held by that, "tx>dv. , , ~

Mr G. L. Marshall, on behalf of tne executive, moved: "That this conference adopts the recommendation ot tn© executive that the Royal Agricultural Socletv take over the functions, assets and of the New Zealand Council of Agriculture as from July Ist. 1921. ■•' Mr Marshall said that there were too many societies now dealin"- with agricultural matters, and anything which made for reduction would be in everyone's interests. Mr F. Armstrong (Dannevirke) seconded the motion. .jj.ii Mr W. Perry (president) said tna* some of tho older members, who had been responsible for founding tfto Uouncil of Agriculture, seemed to think that this waS a retrograde step.

They were advised that the Royal Agricultural Society would bo so taken up with conducting shows that it would bnve no time to devote to important agricultural matters. He did not a ree with this view, as the Royal Agricultural Society could deal with many matters apart from the conducting oi shows. . In-rewly to a question, the president snid that' in taking over the functions of the council the society would _ be getting an asset instead of a liability. Tho motion was carried. $

N.Z. SHORTHORN SOCIETY.

SHIELDS FOR SHOWS. The council of the Shorthorn Society of New Zealand met in Wellington on Thursday, there being present Messrs It. E. Alexander (president), Alexander 'Hunter (Hawera), A. Turnbull (Waitara). and H. Gasooyne (Marackakahoj. The annual report and balance-sheet was approved mid is to bo handed to the general meeting of members to beheld in Christchurch on August 13th, there being not sufficient members of the society present for the annal meeting called for that day. The council decided to call a mooting of members to discuss general matters at Polmerston North in November —during the Royal Show. The council also decided to offer to the Royal Agricultural Society of New Zealand a challenge cup, valued about £25. for the best Shorthorn—male or Tern ale—exhibited nt the Royal Shows, such animal to be registered in tho herd book of the society, the winners' names to bo engraved on the cup, and the owner to hold the oup for tho year. The society's shields for the champion Shorthorn bull at various shows during 1924-25 show season were offered for competition nt Masterton, ELnmilton, Hastings, Christchurch, Invercargill and Greymoxith shows.

JOTTINGS FOR FARMERS. The hearing of th© musterers', packers' and drovers' dispute lrfore the Counoil of Conciliation has been fixed for August 11th. OMIHI. ' ,—•.'■.:«!..■ The weekly euchre tournament Avas held in the schoolroom, over fifty players taking part. The prizes were won by Mrs Jones and Mr J. Wyllie, and tho consolation prizes by Miss Symonds and Mr D. Croft. In the preceding week Miss McLauchlan and Mr Lukey won the prizes, and Mrs Alexander and Mr McLauchlan the booby awards. On Monday the residents held a very successful hare dritle. The proceeds are to go towards the hall fund. RANGIORA. A notice of motion given by Cr. R. W. Borland, "That a poll be taken for the purpose of raising a loan of £4OOO for the purpose of kerbing, channelling, and asphalting footpaths," came before the Eangiora Borough Council on Thursday night, but did not receive very much support, although the mover brought down a very care-fully-prepared report in support of his proposal. The motion was lost by seven votes to two. There was a large attendance in the band room on Thursday evening, when a sweets gift evening waß held in aid of the funds of No. 2 qifcen (Miss Ngaire Sullivan) in the band queen contest. A large box of sweets was received, and these will be disposed of at tho sweets Btall at tho Band Bazaar. During tho evening dancing was indulged in, the music being supplied by Mr and Mrs C. E. Bell and Messrs A. Middleto.n and J. Harlow. ASHLEY BANK. As early as 9 a.m. on Wednesday men were busy with ploughs and shovels, ploughing "and filling m the new playground. Although a great deal of work was done during the day* there remains a considerable amount to do, and it is hoped to arrange another working-bee very shortly. The ladies of the district provided afternoon tea, which was much appreciated by the workers. , Rain is badly needed, as the water supply is running low. At present the sky is quite overcast, and holds a promiso of rain. DARFIELD. On Thursday afternoon a large number of members and supporters ot tne Malvern Branch of the Pi unket Society assembled in the Memorial Hall at tiie invitation of the central committee to inspect tho Plunket Homo, which is neanng completion. Fully 80 ladies from tho surrounding districts loohea over the residence and were «eu pleased witß the site and accommodation orovided for tho work to bo acne in the • homo. 'lhe rooms are m> arranged that they have the sun an •lay. Afternoon tea, provided by «"> committee, was partaken of in the nail. -Mrs H. A. Anight president) said she was delighted to see so many present. This was the first effort undertaken to build a Piunket home in o country district, «nd it was very gratifying w see such a splendid response to wieu: findeavour. Words failed her adequately to thank tho peopl© or tne surrounding districts for their vaiuaoie assistance. The following ia a 1151, °* the officials who were present to represent the various branches :—U«irneia, Mesdames H. .A. Knight (president), itlleid (hon. secretary), T. We 8*?"" ( assistant secretary), and G. button; Glentunnol, Mesdames J. Deans (president) and R. LongstafF (!««• W); Hororato, Mesdames fl. Beeves, G. Derrett and T. Jones; ***»g™|' Mesdames G. Wriidit (president).ban; drv (hon. secretary), and A. I** u »> Springfield, Miss Poppell (hon. secietaryjfGreendaie, Mesdames E. Ridgen and G. Ridgen; Kimberley, Mrs iililcClelland; Homebush, Mrs J. Cullen. Miss Mona Dunne met with a painmi accident whilst cranking a car, having the misfortune to dislocate h «r wnst., necessitating her removal to church. for .treatment.

TAI TAPU. Hiss Ashford, travelling secretary to the New Zealand branch for Dr. Barnardo's Homes, gave a most interesting address to the members of the Young Helpers' League of the Tai Tapu School and their friends. The address was illustrated with lantern slides, which were kindly shuiwt by Mr Graham.

At :; meeting: of the Library Committee. Mr I'/IT. E. Graham Vas i.. the chair. The secretary (.Mr Morgan) read a letter from Sir Beaton Rhodes, stating that a further sum of £195 had been paid to the credit of the Library Fund in aid of the new library, this being for the sale of hi'.hs from "Otahuna" gardens. This now brings the sum in hand to £907. Sir Heaton Rhodes also presented a copy of the book •'Roll of Honour of the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces." A very hearty voto of thanks was accorded Sir Heaton for his generosity. The chairman reported that the concert organised by Mrs Suckling realised £G 18s Gd, and a hearty vote of thanks was accorded those who had assisted with their cars. Mr Graham reported | that a number of new books had been purchased, and he was authorised to spend the proceeds from the concert in purchasing more books for the library. The chairman and Mr Heinzmann were j empowered to have the trees overhanging the electric wires cut, and a new latch put on the gato in order to pro- ! vent cattle trespassing on the grounds. The district has been visited recently by some contemptible thieves, who not only removed parts of machinery from implement sheds, but stripped the implements of parts while standing in the fields. Farmers would be well advised to keep their sheds locked. SOUTHBRIDGE. At a meeting of sportsmen, a miniature rifle club was formed. Mr H. Inwood was elected president, Mr J. Inwood treasurer, and Mr F. A. Strack secretary. Members were very enthusiastic, between twenty and thirty signifying their intention of taking part in the opening shoot. Equipment has been procured, and an early start will be made with the practices. DUNSANDEL. On the occasion of tho fiftieth anniversary of the opening of the DunBandel Public Hall, a social evening was held. Items were given by Misses M. and A. McPherson (piano duet), Misses M. and R. Stainger, R. and M. Lill, Messrs J. Walker, A. J. Sheat, F. Lill (quartets and duets), A. J. Sheat (recitations), and Misses Wraight and Molly Lill (songs). The gathering was addressed by Mr S. Sherrard, of Sumner, a previous chairman of the Hall ' Committee, Mr G. Sheat, and Mr F. Lill (present chairman). In the course of Ms remarks, Mr Lill said that among the prime movers in the building of the hall were Messrs Dellaway, W. Walker, J. Henry, W. R. Maddison, and James Walker. The minutes of 1874 recorded that the late Mr G. Mcßean had given I ti. e land on which tho building is erected. Since the hall was first openied it had been enlarged, and the old floor had been replaced. Tho latest | improvement was tho installation of electric light. METHVEN. The Ashburton Ladies' Hockey Association is holding a six-a-side tournament on July 26th at Ashburton, and at I a meeting of the Methven Club it wa>s decided to enter two teams for the tournament. The following members have boon invited to attend special practice: —Misses M. Duff, E. Johnston, J. Burrows, J. Cooper, L. Davidson, L. Dalton, M. Dalton, M. Hewsori, D. Ireland, M. Crooks, D. Williams, I. Watson, C. Dore,. and Mesdames A. McKendry, G. Anderson, and W. Middleton. A''''meeting"of' the committee of tho Methven Croquet Club was held on Thursday afternoon. Mrs H. A. Nickolls presided, and there were also present Mesdamea W. J. Carleton, H. G. Ayers, J. F. Newman, H. Fryer, J. Duff, H. Reid, K. Aitken, W. H. McKee, Cookson, andG.H. Nicholls, Tho question of putting down a new green for tho coming season was discussed. The secretary reported that tho Domain Board had agreed to the site selected by the club, and also that tho Bowling Club had agreed to remove their pavilion. The question of building a pavilion for the club was also discussed. It was finally decided to get the site of the new green ploughed and prepared for sowing in the autumn, and to carry on with tho present ground for this season. It was decided to build a pavilion and to have plans drnwn and tenders called for the work, the building to be completed in time for the opening day. It was left to Mrs H. G. Ayers to have the plans drawn up. A team of girl basketball players from the Lyndhurst school visited Methven on Thursday, and played a match with the Jlocal school team. Methven were victors by 42- points to nil. Missfßudd was in charge of the Lyndhurst players, and Miss D. Hayes was referee. The final results in connexion with the gala held at Lyndhurst in aid of the Public Hall funds show that the sum of £321 was raised. The committee in charge of the function have decided to give a dauco in the hall on Friday next, and hope to see a big gathering. There will bo no charge. During tho evening several prizes in connexion with various competitions at the gala will bo presented.

RAKAIA. The following teams have been, selected to represent the Eakaia Limies' Hockey Club in their matches to-day:— Eakaia A v. High School, at Ashburton: F. Cornelius, J. Cooper, C. Shannon, K. Stewart, D. Brown, B. Donaldson, M. Donaldson, I. Smith, D. Stubbs, A. Gibson, and B. Stewart. Eakaia B v. Technical School, at Eakaia: 0. Stewart, A. Thompson, M. Evison, D. Kennett, M. Kennett, H. Shannon,, M. Newman, L. Newman, M. Tatterson, T. Gardiner, and O. Smith. The Eakaia B girls are asked to bring a basket. The match Eakaia A v. High School will probably settle the championship for the season, both teani3 being now equal. The subject chosen by the Eev. A. S. Morrison for his discourse to-morrow evening is ono reminiscent of late events in Eakaia, "The Great Tug-of-War." Tho tender of Messrs Eussell and Co. Ashburton, has been accepted by the' Ashburton Power Board for the installation of electric light under the block system. The price is 29s per point. The work begins on Monday. A meeting of the Eakaia Football Club was held in the library on Thursday evening, Mr.C. Evison presiding over a good attendance. A donation of £1 Is was received from Mr W. Jioag. A motion regarding the allocation of dance funds was rescinded, and it was decided to devote the whole of the proceeds to the accident fund It was resolved to ask the Ashburton Subi Union to regrade three senior play«J>. I and to ask referees to enforce the rule that spectators must stand outside the wire fence on tho Domain grounds. It Iwas decided to take up a special collection in aid of the accident fund at the Eakaia v. Methven third grade match. It was agreed to enter teams for the seveu-a-side tournament at Ashburton, and to lend a football to the Bakaia School for the remainder of the The monthly meeting of the Eakaia Mothers' Union was held in St. Mark's schoolroom on Thursday. Mrs Blakis-

gcoatinaed at loot of aaaSt column^

ton presided over a large attendance of members and friends. The occasion was a "pound" day in aid of St. Anne' 3 Home, Christchurch, and a large number of parcels was received for thw object. The speaker for the afternoon was Mrs Tooley, of Methven, who gave a very interesting address on "The Influence of the Home." At the close a hearty vote of thanks to Jits Tooley was carried by acclamation. Afternoon tea was served. Mr I*. Paynter, Government expert, "ave a demonstration of pruning on Thursday afternoon. There waß a good attendance. The pruning at Mr Hardy'a was on old trees, and at the Bev. E. N. Blakiston's on young trees. Afternoon tea was provided by Mrs Hardy. In tho library in the evening there was a very poor attendance, when Mr Paynter spoke on domestic orchard;. Several questions were asked, and a vots «f thanks passed to Mr Paynter,