END-OFF AT MILLERS FLAT.

Mt Benger Mail, 30 April 1919, Page 3

END-OFF AT MILLERS FLAT.

Quite a pleasant function took place at the Public Hall, Millers Flat on Tuesday evening, 22nd April, when Mr Norman McDonald was tendered a farewell. The evening took the form of a dance, and a large crowd participated, the atmosphere being conducive to enjoyable dancing. The floor was in excellent order and the music, which was supplied by Mr Gilliand, was all that could be desired. About half way through the entertainment Mr McDonald was invited on to the stage where Mr T. Graham in an appropriate speech presented him with a shaving outfit and a beautiful set of pipes. The speaker referred to Mr McDonald's good qualities and of the keen interest he had taken in all kinds of public entertainments and sports, lie would be greatly missed in the district, and on behalf of his many friends he wished him every success in the future. The remarks were received with loud applause followed by the audience rising and singing "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow."

Mr McDonald suitably replied and expressed his gratitude at the kind words that had been said about him and for the handsome present he had received. He would always, he said, ,o\)k back to the pleasant days he had spent at Millers Flat. During the veiling a bountiful supply of refreshments was generously supplied by the ladies. Mr W. Borland controlled the £ >or in a very efficient manner and * \ erv pFasint evening came to a close at 2 a.m.

RETURNING SOLDIERS. Following arc the names of Tuapeka men who are due to land at Lvttelton on May 7th by transport Kia Ora. Oormack, Sergt. W. E., Roxburgh Craig. Sergt. R. W.. Waitahuna. Dunlop, L.-Corp. W. T., Lawrence. Ferguson, W., Lawrence. Fitzgerald. W., Lawrence. Hewitson, Lance-Corp. J., Lawrence. Jones W. C., Lawrence. Kell. W.. Waitahuna. Knight. E. S., Waipori. McCorkindalc G., Lawrence. McPherson, L.-Corp. D (M.M.), Tapanui. Muir, Sergt. 11. (D.C.M.), Manuka Creek. Sheddau J.. Tapanui. Smith. Corporal J. D., Coal Creek Flat. TRANSPORTS TO ARRIVE. Arawa. at Lvttelton. with 588 men, of whom 231 are for Otago, May 12. Carpentaria, at Lvttelton, May 14. She brings 575 men. of whom 245 are for Otago. Tofua, due at some South Island port about June S. The draft comprises 49 officers, 43<> other ranks, and 13 Imperial details. About 254 of the men are for Otago.

CROPS AND PLANT FOOD. An average crop of oats, grain, and straw together, takes from the soil 531b of nitrogen, 221b phosphoric acid, seeding time along with the seed 2cwt Superphosphate, with lewt of sulphate of ammonia. A naverage barley crop, grain and straw, extracts from the soil about nitrogen, 221b of phosphoric acid, 401b potash, and 121b of lime. About four to six weeks before sowing 3cwt to-lcwt oof phosphate can be profitable applied, and at feeding time, or, on rich soils, at least ljcwt to 2cwt superphosphate. If a little stimulant in spring appears desirable, nitrato of soda should be applied. Barley intended for feeding purposes should be supplied with a little more nitrogen and phosphate, and not be sown thick ; otherwise the crop will very likely odge. According to what wheat takes out of the ground, superphoshate and sulphate of ammonia, in proportion of two-thirds of the former to one-third of the latter, are the requirements, although for the sake of the subsequent grass rotation probably one-third each of superphosphate, bonedust, and sulphate is best. An average crop of peas extracts about 901b of nitrogen, 201b phosphoric acid, (501b of potash, and SQHb of lime. It may be considered that the nitrogen can be obtained by the plants from the air, but still it is as well to start the plants with a supply of nirogenous material. An available supply of phosphate is essential, and lime is one of the needs of the crop. If there is any doubt about the sufficiency of lime in the soil a dressing of this substance should be applied in good time.