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Cromwell Argus, Volume XLIII, Issue 2287, 4 March 1912, Page 4

A severe slioek of earthquake was felt iu Cromwell about 10.33 p.m ou Saturday evening last. Mr G. Morris from Dunedin, who succeeds Mr L. M. Tan soy as clerk of the Warden’s Court, took up his duties on Friday last. The well-known Victoria Bridge hotel and farm of (51 acres is offered for private sale. The farm comprises first class agricultural land securely fenced and netted. This is a rare bargain, and all particulars can be obtained on the premises or from J. Goodger, Cromwell. At the Early Settlers .1 Call, Dunedin, on Thursday last, the leases of 11 pastoral runs m Otago were offered for sale by auction. Among those sold were:—linn 215e, Vincent County, 2230 acres, upset i' 3: James Wood, at upset, lluu oil. Vincent County 1317 acres, upset €ls; William iungau, present occupant at upset. Commenting ou the necessity of faster means of locomotion the Wanaka correspondent of the "Press” writes:—"lt is to be hoped that when the next tenders are called for the mail contract from Clyde to Pembroke that the Government will give the matter of a motor service serious consideration and endeavor to have the mails carried by motor car.” Mrs J. M'Conmil, of Perseverance orchard, Ldydo-Cromwell road, forwarded us an exceptionally fine sample of apples last week, including two varieties. Seven apples turned the scales at (rjlb, live totalling o.Hb, and the three largest weighing lib oozs, 11b lozs, and 11b 2ozs respectively, The fruit was in sound condition and entirely free from blight or disease, and a lino proof of the districts possibilities. In discussing forest trees at the council meeting on Thursday evening, some interesting information was adduced as to the different varieties. It appears that the species specially recommended for this district do not thrive so well as those which were not considered suitable for the climate, and of the latter might be mentioned Oregon pine—a very valuable timber —which in both the recreation ground and at the barriers is exceeding exportations. A proposal is all oat to hold competitions for school children in Cromwell, on the lines of those held annually by the Dunedin Competitions society. A date will be selected prior to the winter months, an I there is every indication that such an event will take place. It is not intended to run the competitions on self-supporting lines only, but an effort will be made to raise funds also to provide for technical education. More information will be available at a future date but the suggestion is one well worthy of support, A collie dog club lias recently been formed at Nevis, and the first annual trial fixed for Wednesday and Thursday, April 3rd and Jtli, for which a very attractive programme lias been drawn up. Being the centre of a wide radius of owners, and following within four days of (lie Upper Clutha trial, the meeting should be freely patronised. For the Nevis trial programmes can he obtained from Mr Angus Sutherland, secretary, Nevis, and for the Upper Clutha trial from liar 11. Hicks, Mount Pisa station. Deferring ediloria lly to Sir Joseph Ward’s retirement the “ Star ” says : And here it is only right to remark that seldom, if ever, have Sir Joseph Ward’s alert resourcefulness, physical and menial robustness, and consummate tactical cleverness been more conspicuous than during this brief eventful session. The finale of his leadership, if such it lie. will be remembered as a worthy finale. The adroitness with which lie handled the “ Payne incident ” spoke volumes to this effect. No one can deny that lie lias borne throughout the past fortnight almost the whole brunt of the Opposition attack, receiving very little assistance from his Ministerial colleagues. A Lowlmrn correspondent writes: — Fine weather and a splendid ground laid the foundation uf a most enjoyable outing at the Lowburn School Picnic, held 'on Friday last. A large number of people were present', and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves to the utmost. The children’s sports were keenly contested a special feature of which was the splendid jumping of the boys. The thanks of the school are due to all those who worked so hard toward making the picnic such a success, a special word of thanks being due to Mr Geo. Partridge, for the use of the ground, and Messrs Spralt. Bowie, L. Woods, J. Clark, and others for libera! donations of toys, cash, etc. There can now be Few in our midst w lio do not appreciate the result of closer settlement in this district, and one lias only to make a minute inspection of the country to realise the increased carrying capacity of the land which must follow the advent of the small settler. In several «ases at Morvon Hills the settlers have gone to work in a thorough manner, wire-netting the " hole of their properties—it very conside ra blc expense—and lighting the rabbit pt'st in a systematic and unceasing manner. By this means only can the land produce to its full capacity, and in a few years time figures will he available to prove the erroneous opinion of the pastoral country which hitherto existed. It is not a novelty fur the Labor Department to receive complaints from local workers that it favors the new arrival in the finding of employment for the unemployed (says the “Star.”} As the matter was explained by an otSicial of the department to a Wellington 1 Post ’ reporter the other Jay, the position is tliis: The local worker lias usuaMy established ties in town, whether by marriage or otherwise, and lie will not, if he can possibly help il. go up country to a job that is found for him. As the official put it, “ he wants work to lie brought to his back door.” On the other hand,‘the new chum is quite prepared to take work wherever offering. Ho has no tics, and—for a time, at any rate —all places and all jobs are much of a muchness to him. So he gets the rural billets and laboring jobs on the railways of the back-blocks, and the local town worker continues to rail against fate and the favoritism of the Labor Do ’ partmeut, (

Court Day ou Saturday. Tenders are invited for alterations to the Cromwell Police Station. A sitting of the Assessment Court for the Borough of Cromwell will be held on Saturday, fifth day of April 1912. Messrs Wright, Stephenson and Co and Dalgely and Co will hold a sale of surplus sheep at Tarras homestead ou Friday, 15th March, Details of present entries will be found in our advertising colums and further entries are invited. Last week was a period of extremely conflicting weather conditions. Several beautifully clear and warm days were followed by a cold rain on F'dday and Saturday with an unusually heavy l fall of snow on the high country. Mr M. O’Driscoll, who has severed his connection with the firm of W. T. Talboys, to accept a position in Timaru, was last week the recipient of two presents from his late employer and the staff. From the staff Mr O’Driscoll received a gold-mounted fountain pen and safety razor, and from the firm a case of pipes, the presentations being made by the manager, Mr Jelly, in an approp ria te manner. Notwithstanding the unseasonable weather during* the summer months, farmers and pastoralists have had a most successful season. Pastoralists have had a splendid muster, following a favorable winter, good clips, and satisfactory prices, and grain yields throughout the district are heavy. In the Tarras district there are some fine crops of turnips, feed is plentiful on pastoral country and as the season advances the position in regard to a supply for winter is hopeful.