LOCAL AND GENERAL

Evening Star, Issue 20150, 15 April 1929, Page 13

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Cabinet Ims approved of a "rant to tho New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association, in order (says Press Association telegram i'unn Wellington) that the association may bo represented at the fourth biennial conference of tbo Empire Service League in London. Tbo association will be represented by Sir Andrew Russell, who will leave for London on May 4. “ It is interesting to note that the plant research station at Palmerston North lias yielded highly significant results, and that the co-ordination in field experimental work has been attended by tho very greatest success.” commented Dr A. H. Cockayne, director of tho fields division, today. He stated that a conference had just been concluded for finalising the programme for research work and an extension of the work for the current year, and particular nttc/ition would bo given to research in grassland production, especially in regard to investigations into special strains of grasses and clovers.

At tho last meeting of the Rural Intermediate Credits Board it was reported that associations arc to be formed at Gorge road in Southland, ami Wbanaftrei. The latter had been prompted by the success of tbe neighbouring northern Wairoa Association. In order to increase the usefulness of this method of finance, the board had authorised the limit of tho amount available for any individual farmer by the discounting of bis promissory notes to bo increased from £IOO to £2OO, and bad also agreed to grant loans through co-operatvo associations to their members upon security of promissory notes duly endorsed by companies, firms, or individuals whose financial position was approved by I lie board. The prospect of a strong demand for financial assistance was indicated in the commissioner’s report, a number of leading dairy companies in various districts having definitely informed the local officers of the board of their intention to extend still further to their suppliers assistance to obtain advances from the board.

Twenty Royal Volunteer Reservists, under Lieutenant Rristed, R.N.V.R., went abaord H..M.S. J)unediu Wellington on Saturday for a week's annual refresher course. Training will consist of gnu drill, seamanship, and general naval routine, which will be carried out under tin' command of the ship’s officers. The Dunedin will stayin port until Thursday, when she will join the Diomede in Palliser Bay lor gun practice. Iho reservists will lie taken in order to give them some experience of tlic conditions of modern warfare at sea. After exercises m Palliser Bay the Dunedin will go on to Auckland, and the Diomede will proceed to Wellington and take a detachment fit cadets. On May 9 the Diomede will leave for Gisborne, lokoiuaru Bav, and Auckland.

The annual harvest thanksgiving services were held on Sunday in the Mosriel Methodist Church. To 'honour the occasion the chinch was prettily decorated. This year a gilt ottering in aid of the circuit funds took the place of the usual sale, of produce. The Bev. Mr Duncan officiated, and the choir sang appropriate hymns at both services. The Mosgiel Presbyterian Church was tastefully decorated by the young ladies of the congregation for the special services that marked harvest thanksgiving. The Rev. C. A. Kennedy officiated at both morning and evening services, and delivered appropriate sermons. The choir rendered hymns selected lor the occasion.

The Hope of Caversham Lodge held its weekly meeting in the Baxter Hall, Marion street, on Thursday evening last, Sister Giles, C.T., presiding. There was a large attendance of visitors from the Rescue and Hope of Dunedin Lodges. One candidate was admitted by initiation. Bro. F. South conveyed the greetings of the Hope of Christchurch and the Hope of Dunedin Lodges; Bro. Hilton gave the greetings of the Rescue Lodge. Sister South, in a neat .speech, presented the lodge with the Bible belonging to the former Caversham Lodge, on condition that it be returned to the donor if the present lodge became defunct. Bro. Dalton, G.C.T.. returned thanks on behalf-of the Caversham Lodge. Several brothers and sisters contributed vocal items, Sister Mears being the accompanist. Topical temperance talks occupied the remainder of the evening.