COUNTRY NEWS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16508, 25 March 1914, Page 10

COUNTRY NEWS.

[From Our Correspondents.] OXFORD.

The entries for the annual show of the Oxford Agricultural and Pastoral Association, to" be held on April 1, constitute a record, there beins an increase of 223 on those of last year. Slight decreases are shown only in the sections for draughts, cobs and ponies, and grain and seeds. Following aro details of the entries, last year's figures being • given in parentheses:-—Draughts 49 (62), light horses 122 (108), cobs and ponies 52 (64), fat sheep 103 (81), store sheep 81 (65), cattle 50 (43), pigs 3 (2), dogs 19 (18), poultry 34 (25), grain and seeds 26 (48), roots 145 (97). competitions 52 (35), house and tlairv 201 (166). fruit 35 (_), flowers 143 (109), fancy 59 (51), art 23 (—); totals 1197 (974). WAIMATE. In the Magistrate's Court yesterday a charge brought by the polico against Charles Pelvin of a breach of the Defence Act in failing to attend drill was dismissed by Mr V. G. Day, S.M. Joseph Joyce, who did not appear, convicted on a charge of procuring liquor whilst prohibited, and was ordered to pay. 7s costs. Percy H. Boyd was fined 5s and costs for allowing a horse to wander in the borough. F. J. W. Freeman for a similar offence was fined a like amount. The county ranger proceeded against Thomas Tansey of Glenavy for permitting a horse to be at large. Defendant was convicted and ordered to pay costs and fees aggregating 48s. Onlv two debt cases were heard. W. E. Evans sued William Edwards for £5 12s, and judgment was given for plaintiff by default for the amount claimed and costs. In the case Borough of Waimate v. W. Elcock, claim £1 14s 10d, judgment was given for plaintiffs by default. The Waimate County Council's loan bridges contract is now completed, the programme having been put through in twelve months. The total length of th© seventeen light traffic bridges is 1690 ft, of the three heavy traffic bridges 656 ft. The Government contributed £BOO by way of grant in aid of Brassills Bridge and the Levels County Council a sum of £3OO for the same work. ASHBTJRTON. A committee meeting of the Ashburtou Agricultural and Pastoral Association was held yesterday afternoon. A protest was received from Mr J. R. Begg against first prize being awarded to Mr H. D. Butterick's mare, in the class for mare or gelding suitable for carrier's cart, on the ground that the entry was informal. A letter was received from Mr Butterick, pointing out that his entry was in order, but that his mare was ineligible to compete in the class concerned, as she had already competed in oue of the draught horse classes, a fact which had escaped his notice, and that of the secretary and stewards in the ring. On the latter ground' alone ho desired to be allowed to surrender the prize. It was agreed to comply with Mr Butterick's request and to thank him for pointing out the oversight. Mr J. R. Begg was then awarded first prize. A letter was rej ceived from Mr A. M. Hart, Alford 1 Forest, complaining that his pony had not been allowed to compete in the trots, though ho had been informed by tlie secretary that post entries would be received. The secretary explained that to prevent professionalism th 6 trots were open only to animals that had competed in the show in other classes. The trots were simply to pro--1 vide a little innocent enjoyment for boys and girls whose ponies had competed at the show, and it was resolved that Mr Hart be written to this effect. Complaints were made by various members of the unsatisfactory railway arrangements at show time. It was stated that instead of being shunted off at the show grounds, show stock had been taken on to Ashburton, and on both days the judging had be* delayed thereby. Some stock had arrived so late that it had not been able to compete. There had also been a difficulty experienced by country exhibitors in obtaining trucks for 6how stock. It was agreed to write to the traffic manager drawing his attention to the complaints. A cricket match was played on Saturday last between teams representing the Lismore and Fairfield Clubs. The latter won by 76 runs on the first innings. Lismore scored 26. and Fairfield 102 (J- Anderson 10, J. Muldoon 16, T Harold 30, J. Willis 13, H. Blackie not out 14). Hall and Davidson, for Fairfield, and Lister and Wright for Lismore were the most successful bowlers. The Tinwald Amateur Swimming Club held two races at the Domain i baths on Monday evening. Messrs 1 James Cow, E. N. T. Reese, Simpson, Wilson and Williams had charge of the racing, which resulted as follows: — ; 25yds Handicap (points to count for ! aggregate cup)—J. Gudsell 1, E. White 2, M. M'Millan 3. 25yds Breast Stroke (for trophies presented by Mr C. Doherty)—E. Brittenden 1, J. Gudsell 2, R. Robinson 3. The machinery for the Canterbury Petroleum Prospecting Company, Limited, will be shipped from Gisborne this week, and is expected to be at Chertsey about March 31. A shed is being built and when the nlant comes to hand a derrick 60 or 70" feet high will be erected, and the engine and boiler placed in position. The pipes are coming from England, and sinking is expected to be commenced some time in June next. Five motor-cars on Sunday last made a non-stop run from Methven to Lake ' Coleridge, a distance of forty miles, the time taken being two hours. An agriculturist of the party stated that along the route feed is in abundance, and all stock is looking healthy and in prime condition. RANGIORA. A special meeting of the Borough Council was held on Monday evening to consider an application from Mr J. D. Forno for permission to erect a small workshop with wood and iron at the rear of premises occupied by him in High Street, within the "brick" area. After giving the matter full consideration it was decided by six votes to three that the by-law requiring the outer walls of all buildings to he of brick, stone or concrete must be adhered to. Captain Dunn, who has been in charge of the Salvation Army Corps for sixteen months, having been chosen as one of the dominion representatives at the Army's World Congress to be held in London in June, held his farewell meeting on Monday evening, when there was a very large attendance of soldiers and their friends. The captain and his wife have been most popular officers, and under their charge the corps has had a prosperous time. Captain Dunn left last evening for Wellington, where he will attend the Dominion Army Congress before taking his departure for England. On Monday evening, in connection with the Methodist Church., a sale of fruit, farm and garden produce, used for the harvest thanksgiving decorations on Sunday, was held in the schoolroom, and returned a fair amount towards the church circuit funds. The sale was preceded by a short musical programme. WAINUI. The weather is at present very unsettled. Heavy rain set in on Saturday night. March 14, and there have been intermittent showers ever since. Rain was badly needed, as the ground had begun to get parched, but the : farmers aro now assured of winter feed for their stock. Farmers are preparing their flocks for the coming season, and dipping is general,