MID-CANTERBURY NEWS

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22111, 5 June 1937, Page 6

MID-CANTERBURY NEWS

FARMERS’ UNION

ASHBURTON BRANCH MEETS RAY FOR HOLIDAYS Ol* COSED The Ashburton branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union met yesterday, with Mr K. Campbell, president, presiding. The Ashburton County Council advised that it could not stock poisoned pollard for sale to farmers for the destruction of rabbits, as this type of poison was already available. The view was expressed that better results could be obtained by the use of carrots and strychnine. The need for obtaining a supply of parasites to combat the white butterflies was emphasised by Mr P. J. Mowat (Fairton), who moved that a supply be obtained from the Department of Agriculture for liberation in this district at the right time of the year. The motion was carried. It was said that the department would probably liberate a supply of the parasites in the Ashburton county next year. In moving that the Farmers’ Union support the Manufacturers’ Association in its opposition to the payment of wages on an award holiday that fell on a day on which factories would ordinarily be closed, Mr G. H. B. Lill (Willowby) said the extra cost would be passed on to farmers. It was agreed that the motion, which was carried, be passed on to the MidCanterbury provincial executive with a request for its support. KING GEORGE V MEMORIAL NEARLY £350 RAISED AT ASHBURTON A total of £344 16s lOd was raised In the Ashburton Borough and County for the King George V Memorial Fund, which closed on Wednesday. or this sum £273 7s lOd was received at the Ashburton Borough Council offices, and £7l 9s at the Ashburton County Council. The principal contributions received at the Borough Council during the last few days were:—Ashburton Trotting Club £52 10s, Ashburton Loan and Investment Society, and Ashburton Repertory Society £5 5s each, Power Board staff £6 9s, Technical High School pupils £2 4s 7d. Technical High School staff £1 17s 6d, Borough School staff and pupils £1 18s, Public Hospital staff £1 Is 3d, Advance Ashburton Association, W. H. Amos, Dr. A. J. Mason, Canterbury Holler Flour Mills, Moore’s, Ltd., Beath and Company, Smith Bros.. £1 Is each. Additional contributions handed to the County Council were those of the Mid-Canterbury Provincial Executive of the Farmers’ Union £3 3s, Methven branch of the Farmers’ Union £2 2s, Mr and Mrs W. S. Strange £2 2s, Johnson Bros. £l. MAN’S CHEST INJURED Injuries to the chest were suffered by Jack Kirk, aged 33, of 20 Princes street, Ashburton, a butcher employed at the Fairfield freezing works, when he was knocked off his bicycle by a horse and gig. Kirk was riding along the road close to the horse ana gig when the horse shied and the point of the shaft struck hjm. The driver of the horse and gig did not stop. Kirk was picked up later and taken to the Ashburton Public Hospital. It is understood that his injuries are hot serious, and his v condition last evening was reported to be satisfactory. PIGS AND POULTRY MARKET There was a fair varding of pigs •nd poultry at thv. Farmers T Mart at Ashburton yesterday. Prices ranged as follows; Pigs—Fat pigs up to £2 17s 6d. stores 15s to 27s 6d, weaners and slips Ss to 14s 6d. Poultry—Hens Is 7d to 2s 4d, ducks Ss to 3S 4d, LAST MONTH’S WEATHER AT RUAPUNA There was an improvement in the weather at Ruapuna in May. Although there was a blizzard on May 6, with two inches of snow, the weather became drier and more pleasant towards the end of the month, with many north-west winds, and a remarkable absence of frosts. The sun shone on 23 days, of which 11 were sunny all day. A total of 174 points of ran, which fell on eight days, was xecorded. The total rainfall lor the present year is now 14.02 Inches, compared with 20.51 Inches last year. The improved weather has been favourable to stock and farming generally, and scouring lambs have dried up considerably. Because of the wet summer, turnip crops are not as good as usual. A total of 273 men on the Ashburton unemployed register will draw the sustenance payment next week, compared with 274 men this week and

PLUNKET SOCIETY

ANNUAL MEETING AT ASHBURTON ELECTION OF OFFICERS A review of the activities of the Ashburton branch of the Plunket Society during the year was given in the report presented at the annual meeting yesterday afternoon, when the Mayor (Mr W. H. Woods; presided. Eleven meetings of the general committee. with an average attendance of 17 were held during the year, said the report. Nurse E. Pritchett was transferred to Christchurch, and Nurse O’Shea had been relieving until Nurse J. Poff was ready to take up duty. The annual Daffodil Day effort was again successful, the funds benefiting by £149 Is 6d. A jumble stall was opened every Friday for most of the year by Mesdames Seldom E. B. Newton J. T. Thomas. A. Bushell. and other assistants. The proceeds were included in the Daffodil Day results. A "The Dansant” held during the winter, netted £l3 16s Id. The nurses’ report said that during the year there were 331 births notified. Theft; were three sets of twins. Karitane nurses attended five cases. The financial statement showed that the year began with a credit of £372 11s lOd, and closed with a credit of £342 10s lid. The receipts included members’ subscriptions £2B 14s, subbranch quotas for nurses £ 133 10s, subbranch quotas for car expenses £49 ss. gifts £2l 9s. sales Karitane goods. £lO2 14s Id, Government subsidy £258 2a lOd. The principal expenses were salaries £463 7s 4d. motor expenses £4l 8s 9d. purchases of Karitane goods £7B 17s Id. head office levy £33 4s. The assets exceeded the liabilities by £1599 19s 4d. , . „ “One could not help but offer congratulations to the society for presenting again such a splendid report and successive! balance-sheet.’’ said. the Mayor in moving their adoption. He remarked that he did not think ther* were many branches in New Zealand so happily situated as Ashburton. New Officers The following officers were elected: — President. Mrs F. W. Seldom vicepresidents, Mesdames H. L. Barker, W. Birnie, W. H. Collins. C. M. innes, E. H. Orr, J. H. Grigg. E B New fn, J. T Thomas. J. Trevor, F. W. Watt, and Miss E. Gates: honorary secretary, Mrs W. H. Bundle; honorary treasurer Miss E„ \v. Pilbrow: committee. Mesdames A. Amos. W. Birnie. H. S. Billcliff, J. Bathgate. A. Bushell. J. G. Cameron, L. Carter. J. Connor. J. H. Gngg, C. M. Innes. E. N. Johnson. H. G. Kemp, W. R. Lane. G. I. Miller, A. A. McDonald, E. B. Newton. E. H. Orr. H. E. Parsons, W. Patterson. E. Ruddock, W. R. Ryburn, J. T. Thomas. W. Tinker. R. J. Tucker, W. Williamson, R. S. Watson, E. G. Withell, W. H. Woods. J. R. Wells. F. W. Watt. L. A. Charles, G. A. Gilchrist. A. Brown. Sister Mildred, and Misses C. I. Cameron. B. Hight, and E. Gates; honorary solicitor, Mr L. A. Charles; honorary auditor. Mr W. B. Thomas; advisory board. Messrs W. H. Woods. J. T. Thomas. E. F. Nicoll, A. Bushell, L. A. Charles. Archdeacon A. J. Petrie. Drs. J. R. Wells, and G. I. Miller; car committee. Messrs J. T. Thomas and E. F. Nicoll; executive committee, Mesdames F. W. Seldon, C. Innes, J. H. Grigg. G. I. Miller. W. R. Ryburn, W. H. Rundle, and Miss £ C Gates. The following nominations of country delegates were approved:—Mrs H. J. W. Knights and Miss E. M. Stewart (Rakaia), Mesdames T. Wilson and C. Jennings (Tinwald). Mesdames J. MeQuilkin and J. Cocks CEiffelton), Mesdames F. W. T. Rogers and A. Bond (Coldstream), Mesdames H. Dellow and J. McQuilkin (Hinds), Mesdames James Murdoch and J. W. McKergow (Mayfield), Mesdames G. Kelly and H. E. Jessep (Methven). Mrs E. W. Roberts and Miss K. Bland (Mount Somers). In an address. Miss N. P. Fitzgibbon. nursing adviser to the Dominion council, referred to the Plunket booth at the Canadian National Exhibition at Toronto. She said that the Canadian people were verv much impressed with the voluntary effort behind the Plunket Society. Referring to her visit to various cities in Canada, and the Uni ted States. Miss Fitzgibbon remarked that infant welfare work there was on entirely different lines from New Zealand. In Washington there was a children’s bureau, which distributed 8000.000 dollars annually to the various states for infant work. Miss Fitzgibbon said that students from all part 1 * of the world were trained at the Mothercraft Training Centre, in London. and it was pleasing to know that the Truby King principles were being practised all over the world. MINIATURE RIFLES RAKAIA RETAINS ASHBURTpN COUNTY SHIELD The Rakaia Miniature Riile Club successfully defended the Ashburton County Challenge Shield against a team from Lynnford, winning by 12 points. Rakaia scored 622, and Lynnford 610. Team scores were:—Rakaia: H. Cromie 79, D. B. Ashford 79, A. Oakley 78, H. Craig 78, D. Stewart 77. L. Bagrie 77, A. Pope 77, J. Douglas 77; total, 622. Lynnford: C. Dell 79, J. Bishop 79, E. Bishop 76, N. James 76, R. Johnston 75, N. Boyd 75, R. Bennett 75. J. Connell 75; total, 610. MOUNT SOMERS CLUB There was a fair attendance at the weekly shoot of the Mount Somers Miniature Rifle Club, when the first shoot for the No. 3 trophy was fired. Best scores off the rifle were:—L. Hood 80-77, G. A. Bland 79-78, Miss K. Bland 78-76, J. Gorrie 77-77, W. Reveley 77, L. Morgan 77-73. W. Morgan 75-73, H. Morgan 74. C. Stephen 71-70, Miss K. Bland, J. Gorrie, and W. Reveley tied for the No. 2 trophy and will shoot off next week. With eight completed shoots leading scores for the Woolmers Cup are: —J. Gorrie 615, G. A. Bland 613, Miss K. Bland 612. For the Lincoln Hills junior cup leading scores arc:— W. Reveley 595, L. Morgan 575, and for the W. N. Hood Memorial Cup; J. Gorrie. R. Glasson 645, W. Reveley 643, G. A. Bland 639, L. Morgan, C. Stephen 638 are in the lead. WOMEN’S DIVISION OP FARMERS’ UNION MITCIIAM-KUKEBY BRANCH A meeting of the Mitcham-Rokeby branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union was held at Mrs Ziegler’s home, with Mrs Copland (president) presiding. It was decided to congratulate Mrs C. K. Wilson, Dominion president, and Mrs Ward, past Dominion president, on having the 0.8. E. conferred on them. It was resolved to send a letter of sympathy to Mrs F. Johnson, president of the Mid-Canterbury executive, in her illness. A demonstration on making dolls’ laces was given by Mrs Ziegler. Competitions, judged by Mbs F. Richards, resulted:—Bloom, Mrs Copland (chrysanthemum) 1, Mrs Hampton 2, Mrs McPhail 3. Vegetable: Mrs Copland (parsnip) 1, Mrs McPhail 2, Mrs Hampton 3. Coat hanger; Mrs Ziegler 1. A memory test competition was won by Mrs Wilkinson. Mrs Ziegler was hostess.

AILMENTS IN EWES

NEED FOR SYSTEM OF MANAGEMENT STOCK INSPECTOR’S ADDRESS The best precaution against ailments in ewes before lambing was a good system of management, including the keeping of the ewes in a good healthy condition, avoiding anything in the nature of a check, said Mr D. H. Gunn, inspector of stock for Ashburton, who addressed a meeting of farmers at Ashburton yesterday. The address was arranged by the Ashburton branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, with Mr K. Campbell, president, presiding. The boys of the agricultural class of the Ashburton Technical High School were also present. “The usual method is to flush ewes for a week or two before mating,” said Mr Gunn, “but anything in the nature of a severe check in their condition should be avoided.” He advocated marking a few ewes in the flock and keeping a close check on their progress as a guide to the progress of the whole flock. When the paddock feed was scarce, ensilage or oatsheaf chaff should be fed to the ewes, he said. Antepartum paralysis or sleepv sickness which affected many of the ewes, occurred about six weeks or less .before lambing. The ewes mostly affected were those which had stored up a great deal of fat during the summer and had received some form of set-back. Twin lambs were often found in the ewes which died from the trouble. He thought that exercise was a more important factor in preventing the paralysis than many farmers realised. If • the disease were caught in the early stages it could be treated with half a pound of treacle dissolved in warm water and given in doses. Another trouble with similar symptoms to that of the paralysis was lambing sickness or milk fever, which occurred immediately before lambing. Deficiency of calcium in the feed was a probable factor in the cause. He recommended injections, just under the skin, of half an ounce of calcium gluconate mixed with 12 ounces of water and brought to the boil; failing that the inflation of the udder. For bearing trouble the best treatment was the use of a bottle tied across the breech with string after the part had been bathed with warm water and alum, said Mr Gunn. It occurred in large-breeched ewes, and it' was advisable to avoid breeding from them. The ewes affected should not be kept in the flock the next year because the trouble would occur again. In answer to questions, Mr Gunn said ewes should be encouraged to eat ensilage early in the autumn. He would not advocate starving the pregnant ewes to make them take to the ensilage, which he cons' Icred was an excellent food. Mr Gunn said mortality among hoggets was caused largely by the bad weather. He thought that good supplementary dry feeding would help the trouble considerably. The sheep should be put into clean, fresh paddocks. Drenching also was effective and useful because stomach parasites were the cause. The affected hoggets should be nursed. DIAMOND JUBILEE LAURISTON-BARR HILL CHURCH To celebrate the diamond jubilee of the Laurlston-Barr Hill Church, a ball was held )n the Laurlston Memorial Hall, the joint secretaries being Mr H. Crothers and Miss E. Maidens. The Rev. H. J. Knights thanked the people lor their generosity during the year, and Mr A. T. Maidens, chairman of the jubilee committee, also spoke. The jubilee cake, presented by Mrs A. T. Maidens, was cut by Mrs J. Clinton, one of the early members of St. John’s Church, Barr Hill. Cook's orchestra played the music, and Messrs H. Crothers and J. Irwin were masters of ceremonies. Extras were played by Miss B. Richards. Novelty dances were won bv MISs N. Wilkinson and Mr Wilkinson, Miss Rona Glmson and Mr W. Crozler, and Miss Wells and partner. Among those present were the Rev. H. J. and Mrs Knights, Mr and Mrs A. T. Maidens, Mr and Mrs Stanlev Hampton. Mr and Mrs C. W. Hood, Mr and Mrs Shirley Wright, Mr and Mrs Keith Esson. Mr and Mrs J. Mclntosh, Mr and Mrs G. B. Stevenson. Mr and Mrs E. J. Holland. Mr and Mrs A. E. Harvey (Ashburton), Mr and Mrs V. Boag. Mr and Mrs E. Hurst. Mr and Mrs W. E. Smith, Mr and Mrs Toon. Mr and Mrs H. Hurst, Mr and Mrs R. Bebbington. Mr and Mrs H. T. Crothers, Mr and Mrs H. J. Crothers, Mr and Mrs H. Goodwin. Mr and Mrs D. MacFarlane, Mr and Mrs C. Pyfe, Mr and Mrs R. Letham, Mr and Mrs J. Jacobs. Mr and Mrs W. Goodwin. Mr and Mrs W. Gunson, Mr and Mrs Hall, Mr and Mrs W. Church, Mr and Mrs C. McJarrow, Mrs J. C. Irwin, Mrs A. V. Fairy, Mrs Clinton, Mrs E. O. Hayward, Mrs Gibson, Mrs Kart, Mrs Bishop. Mrs Tlzzard Mrs R. Bydes, Mrs Cork. Misses F.lleen Maidens, B. Richards, Alleen Irwin, Edna Lemon, E. Richards, Dorothy Maidens. Margaret Hampton (Methven). Joyce Lemon, Bernice Maidens, Ivy Hood. M. Hood (Christchurch). P. Wright, Hazel Irwin, Lila Penny. Mary Brick, Naomi Wilkinson, A Magson, Ruth Barclay, Vinla Penny, K. Brick, G. Macale, J. Holmes, F. Hydes, Ann Hampton. Ray Letham. Joyce Havward, Isobel Letham, Winnie Honeywell, Ida Crozler. Rona Glmson, Ella T«tham, Myra Falrey, Lena Letham, Heather Hurst, Bessie Tlzzard. Gladys Stevens, Peggy Beggs, M. Wells, A. Wells, Melva Dalgetv, Jean McLennan, Jessie Stevenson (Willowby), Lois Smith (Ashburton). Beatrice Dales. Jean Finley, Isa Paul, Martha Stack. Colleen McNeill, Ida Milner, Doreen McNeill, E. Scoon, Anne Rooney, L. Law, G. Colleson, L. Ramsay, A. Bishop, May Greenaway, Grace Cork, M. Jamieson. Gladys Gibson, Nancy Gibson. HIGHBANK RESIDENTS HONOURED The Highbank schoolroom was filled recently when residents of the district gathered to say farewell to Mr and Mrs C. Smith, who have lived in the district for more than 41 years, and who are among the original settlers at Highbank. Mr A. S. Milne, chairman of the school committees presided. After praising Mr and Mrs Smith’s work for the district, he asked Mr P. Quinn to make a presentation to the guests. Mr Quinn, in asking Mr and Mrs Smith to accept a chesterfield suite, expressed the regret of residents at their departure, Mr H. Ledgerwood also spoke of the esteem in which their guests were held. Miss O. Smith was presented with a gold wristlet watch from the residents, and for the tennis club Miss V. Simpson presented her with a bedroom clock. Mr Smith thanked the residents for their gifts and good wishes, and Mr A. S. Findlay responded on behalf of the family. For dancing, music was played by Mrs A. Lawrence. Miss Jean Gourdie entertained with step-dancing, and Mr C. J. Stewart gave several humorous items. RAKAIA PLOUGHING MATCH FURTHER ARRANGEMENTS MADE Further arrangements for the royal match to be held at Rakaia on July 22 were made at a meeting of the Rakaia Ploughing Match Association

held on Thursday evening. Mr A. Graham Holmes, president, was in the chair. Messrs H. E. Cook and H. E. Herring, M.P., accepted office as patrons and Mr A. M. Stephens as vice-pre-sident. The secretary read letters from several business firms offering contributions or trophies. Gifts had also been received from several private persons. A report on the conference of delegates from various associations held at Rakaia was given by Mr L. O. Oakley, and Mr Shellock reported that an offer from Mr JL G. McLachlan. of a

suitable paddock for the match, had been accepted. A proposal to alter the boundaries of the association’s district to take in part of the Ellesmere County was discussed, but It was decided to make no change. The prizes agreed upon for the classes were £7 for first. £4 for second, and £2 for third. A commit" tee was set up to canvass business firms for contributions. The meeting decided in favour of having a publican’s booth at the match and catering arrangements were left to Messrs B. McNamara and B. Macdonald,

MAY RAINFALL AT MOUNT SOMERS The May rainfall at Mount Somers was the lightest since last June. Rain fell on IS days for a total of 181 points, compared with 148 points for the previous May. A maximum fall of 29 points was recorded on May 16. The year’s total rainfall to the end of May

Is 18.57 inches, compared with 22.70 inches for the same period last year. A total rainfall of 135 points was recorded at Buccleugh, bringing the year’s total to 14.22 inches. Euchre Evening There was a large attendance at a progressive euchre evening held in the Mount Somers Library in aid of library funds. Prizes for competition were won by Mrs L. H. Ruddock and Mr H. Hepburn, and consolation prizes by Mxa. i. A. Mears and Mr T. Kerr t

METHVEN LADIES’ GOLF CLUB The first round for the Ward rose bowl competition was played by the Methven Ladles’ Golf Club at the Mount Harding finks, over 18 holes. The best cards were:—Miss Natalie Holmes 73 net. Mrs E. D. Thomas 76. Mrs Adams 76, Mrs Lawrence 77, Miss Rona Waddington 77. In the mid-week match, over 12 holes, the best scores were: -Mrs B. Cotterill 43 net, Mrs McDonald 48. Mr* Adams 4% Mrs A* Lawrence iSU