PROVINCIAL CENTRES

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1197, 4 August 1911, Page 2

PROVINCIAL CENTRES

CARTERTON. Jlr. Robert Golhu, sou of Mr. A. Gollau, a well-known settler of Matarawa, is at present lying seriously ill at the residence of his parents with pneumonia. There was a good attendance of members at tho weekly session of ths local branch of tho St. John Ambulance Association on Tne-day evening, when Air. A. J. Pnrtpn, superintendent, gave an interesting anatomical lecture. Afterwards some instruction was given in bandaging. The members were initiated into tho mysteries of reef knots and triangular and other bandages. Recently Mr. B. Roberts, of Carterton, wrote to Jlr. F. E. Nottage, Government Orchard Instructor, concerning the ravages of the grass grub and other matters. In reply, Jlr. Nottago stated that the trouble is always worse on light soils, and no means arc yet known for its thorough control. On lawns the use .of a heavy roller, at evening or in the early morning, is useful, or (if possible) it is a good plan to flood the ground for a few hour?. Starlings and all inscctcatirig birds should be encouraged. Carbon bisulphide may also be used, but is expensive. Holes (2J inches deep) should be made two feet apart, and one ounce of bisulphide dropped in, and ths holes covered over. A "dibber," made from an old spade-handle, is useful for this work. Top-dressing the lnud with kainit has also given good results, using from 2cwt. per acre upwards. In regard to strawberries, Mr. Nottago did not think that one would bo ablo to restore badlyinfected plants. Liine or fertilisers will, of course, benefit the plants if once tho grubs are destroyed. Rolling will do good, and, as the ground becomes consolidated, the pest will decrease. It is understood that, as a result of representations made to the PostmasterGeneral by Mr. W. C. Buchanan, M.P., tenders are to bo called at once for a tri-weeWy mail service to the Carrington Settlement. There is a proposal afoot to' form a Savage Club in Carterton, and a. mectin" will be held shortly for that purpose. Thirteen births, one death, and four marriages were registered in Carterton last month. SHANNON. Two of the half-a-dozen odd candidates who intend to contest the Otaki seat in November are already in tho field. Mr. Thomson (Independent Opposition) addressed a meeting at Linton on Monday night, and Mr. J. Robertson, the Labour nominee, opens his campaign at Tokomarii on August 19. Thereafter he will address meetings as follow:—Xliranui on August 22; Shannon, 2Gfch; Linton 30th; Whitanui, September 4; Koputarua, September S; and Levin, September 13. OTAKI. The Otaki Maori Racing Club have decided to hold their next race meeting on September 25 and 26, instead of in October. A euchre tournament took place hers on Wednesday night, between the Druids' Lodge and the Bowling Club, the former bsinir the challengers. Tho bowlers won by 118 to 104 games, but tho Lodge members are again anxious to cross swords. HASTINGS. Tho • fourth annual meeting of tho Hawke's Bay Ploughing Association was concluded last evening with a dinner held in the Oddfellows'.Hall. It was attended by about 100 persons. Mr. JI. Lan Simson presided, and tho function was a most successful oue, It was mentioned in the speeches that the prize fund (totalling ilOO) is the largest yet devoted to ploughing contests in the Dominion, ami a big effort is to be made next year to secure South Island entries. Tho very comprehensive report formulated by tho engineers appointed by the newly-electedSHhwke's-'Bay River Board was considered' by that body yesterday, tho Hon. J. 1). Ormond presiding. Tho .report calls-iior the cxpenditnrp of over ""JMO.OOO to deal "effectually with tho flooding of the Tukitufci, Tutaekuri, and Ngaruroro Rivers. Sorno of'tho moaibers wero desirous of further ■ investigation, but the majority favoured the adoption of the engineer's retort.- Ultimately •it was decided to authorise'the chairman to arrange a loan, with an advance of .£IO,OOO, for urgent works. Mr. C. I). Kennedy was appointed engineer to the board. It was also decided to ask the ongineers to supplement their report in the direction of the use of dredges for deepening tho Ngaruroro and Tutaekuri Rivers, and also providing for an .estimate of the cost of an overflow channel from the north bank of the Tutaekuri.