FEILDING

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXIV, Issue 39, 14 January 1944, Page 2

FEILDING

The friends of Mr G. E. Boniface will be pleased to learn that, after his recent illness, he is now on the road to recovery. Following a month's convalescence at the seaside, he hopes to resume his duties. In a recent casualty list, the name of Pte. Francis G. Parsonage, of Feilding, figured. Mrs Parsonage has received word that her son was wounded whilst serving in Italy. Pte. Parsonage was educated at the New Brighton School and the Christchurch Boys' High School. He was later employed by the Christchurch Press Company for several years, and eventually managed its Greymouth agency. While waiting to be called into camp he joined the staff of an insurance company in Feilding and was with it for nearly a year. Pte. Parsonage was a keen and able tennis player. He held a high place in the Christchurch tennis tournaments, and for the short time he was in Feilding became well-known in local tennis circles. Pte. Parsonage is the eldest son of the late Mr H. J. Parsonage, who was well-known for his activities in swimming, being the trainer of a Zealand champion. He has spent over three years in the Middle East.

A light earthquake was experienced in Feilding about 10.20 a.m. today. The dry conditions continue in Feilding. There was a threat of rain this morning, but the much-needed fall did not come. No appreciable rain has fallen for 26 days. According to the records, kept by Mr F. Mason, of Sandon Road, there was a fall of rain on the night of January 3, measuring 19 points. Beyond this, which was not so general as far as Feilding is concerned, there has not l>een any rain since December 18 and the countryside is now very narched. The rain fall in December measured 2.01 points, but this was not. spread since at least one inch fell in 24 hours. Previous dry periods were recalled by Mr Mason, who stated that in December, 1930, on'y 85 points of rain were measured, while in December 1912 the fall was but 40 points. Pastures have dried off and livestock are now commencing to feel the absence of green feed. Some farmers are finding the drought emphasising the water problem also, for domestic purposes. Instances are occurring whereby farmers have to _ cart wafer for domestic purposes while in ;other cases sheep are being driven ,to streams to obtain water.