COUNTRY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16007, 27 August 1915, Page 3

COUNTRY NEWS.

[from oril OWN CORRESrONTVFNTS.] CAMBRIDGE. A KAN WITH A KNIFE. At the Magistrate's Court on Saturday, before Messrs. J. Lundon and G. Dickinson, J.P.'s, a young man named Charles Sydney Ross was charged with being drunk and disorderly, with carrying a sheath knife with felonious intent, and with being a rogue and vagabond. Prisoner pleaded guilty to the first charge and not guilty to the ethers, and elected to be dealt with summarily. Somo young men who were drinking with accused gave evidence, two saying that accused had inferred when arguing with a blacksmith that if he could not succeed in a, tight with his fists he would use the knife. Accused fondly referred to tho knife a3 tho "bushman's friend." Constable Cleary said he took tho knifo from accused, while the latter was drinking at ono of tho local bars. Accused struggled to prevent him getting possession of the knife. Tho constable said he suspected that accused would make use of the knife, and that was why ho deemed it wise to get hold of it. Accused denied expressing the hope that the Germans would win. Ho sustained an injury to his head somo years ago, and when ho was drunk ho was scarcely responsible for his actions, but ho would not dream of using the knife on a* human being. The Bench considered the whole- circumstances supicious, but gave accused the benefit of the doubt, and dismissed tho charge of vagabondage. He was sentenced to a week's imprisonment on the charge of disorderly conduct. J Up to the present the following ladies havo been nominated in connection with the proposed queen carnival:—Mrs. It. Reynolds, Hew Zealand Farmers 1 Union; Mrs. M. Molls, commercial interests; Miss E. Bailey, Ohaupo district; Miss Ida Lundon, United Friendly Societies. The sports bodies, tho natives, and the Farmers' Union have yet to forward nominations.

Mr. J. F. Frost, who met with an accident in the hunting field at Morrinsville, was brought home yesterday. It is difficult as yet to estimate the' extent of his injuries.

A concert was given at Monavale on Thursday evening in aid of the Wounded Soldiers' Fund. Items were contributed by Misses Furze, Wickcns, Perkins, and Bertlesen, Messrs. J.Lundoh, T. C. Irving, C. Dahl. J. S. Fisher. B. Bertlesen. S. Lewis, H. Lewis, 0. C. Buckland, and M. P. McDermoH.

A highly successful entertainment was given in (ho Town Hall on Friday evening, the building being packed. A number of Hamilton friends rendered material assistance with several musical items. Those who contributed to the programme were :—Mesdames Edmonds and G. G. L. Taylor, Misses Stewart, Stephenson, Edmiston, Williams, and Pearson, Messrs. A. Boyce, Wrigley, Williams, R. A. Mc-, Kinnon, E. J. Bellingham, and 11. W. Smales. .

The election of a commanding officer for the local branch of the National Reservo took place at the parade last week. There were four nominations, Mr. W. Wilkinson being successful. It was staled recently that the Bruntwood Dairy Company had decided to pay Is per lb for butter-fat during August. The company's secretary states that the amount decided upon was Is 4d per lb. This company is only in its infancy, this being its second year, but it is already in a strong position.

Only one nomination, that of E. J. Wilkinson, was received for the two vacancies that have recently occurred on the council. Nominations will bo invited in duo course to till the remaining vacancy.

A meeting of the Cambridge branch of tho Now Zealand Farmers' Union was held on Saturday, Mr. W. J. Andrews presid- | ing, Messrs. Dcakes and Brookes, the I promoters 'of tho proposed company to manufacture artificial manures and acids, were in attendance, and addressed the meeting in reference to the project. The former mentioned that during the year 1914-15 artificial manures to the value of £420,000 were imported, Australia exported largely, New Zealand being tho principal buyer. New Zealand was nearer to certain deposits of the raw material,and would be hi a position to manufacture just- as cheaply as any other nation by forming such accompany as that proposed. In Australia at the present time superphosphate could be purchased at £3 17s 6d per ton, while in this Dominion prices ranged from £4 be. to £5 12s 6d per ton. The" new company intended to engage six experts to analyse soils, and show the farmers the best methods of getting the best results: this would be done free of cost to the farmers. It only remained for the farmers to put up the wholo of the capital to have the control in their own hands, and ho believed a profit of £90,000 could be made annually. Mr. Robert Dick said ho had inspected tho sites of the proposed works, and also the phosphate rock. He was convinced both were equal to any in tho world. Mr. Crookes also supported these remarks. A resolution was passed favouring the formation of the company, and recommending that tho farmers provide the necessary capital. A vigorous canvass of the district to dispose of shares is to bo made forthwith.

The district creameries have commenced operations in real earnest, and report that milk is coming to hand freely. Mild weather is prevailing, and pasture growth is fast and vigorous, so that cows are coming to profit under the best possible conditions. There lias been a general increase in dairy herds, and the coining season should easily prove a. record. The Cambridge Dairy Company has dispensed with its cream cart and horses, and is now collecting the cream from its various skimming stations by means of a motor

At the Mona, Vale concert last week, presentations of safety razors were made to Messrs. C. Bertlesen and Maurice Wilkinson, who have enlisted in the eightJt reinforcements.

The Matangi people are interesting themselves in the proposed district queen carnival, and intend nominating a candidate.

ROTORUA. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. A well-attended special meeting of the Rotorua Chamber of Commerce was held I on Friday evening, the president, Mr. j T. McDowell, in the chair. A letter was ( read from Mr. J. Stewart, ex-president. I "who is now an officer in the motor transport service- in England, and the secretary | was instructed to write to him expressing I appreciation of his remembrance of the members of the chamber, _ congratulating him on obtaining a commission, and expressing a hope for his safe and speedy return. In reply to a circular from the Rodney County Chamber of Commerce the chamber expressed approval of the. proposal to subdivide for • settlement in moderate-sized blocks all Crown lands and any native lauds available; but decided that the time is inopportune ' to make a campaign with the object of securing British farmers with capital; or to increase the- taxation oil holdings in excess of the owners' requirements. The resignation I of Mr. C. M. limes, secretary of the chamber, was received with regret, and a. resolution expressing high appreciation of his services was carried. Mr. C. G. Hodgson was elected secretary in his stead.: A meeting of the Executive CommitUo of the Rotorua Patriotic Fund was held last week, Mr. W. Hill presiding. . A' letter from the Rotorua Rugby .Union, forwarding a donation of £11 10s, the proceeds of a recent match, was received with thanks. A letter was received from the War Distress Relief Guild, asking the committee to arrange a meeting with the executive- of the guild to discuss the question of amalgamation. The matter was left in tho hands of tho chairman, secretary, treasurer, and Messrs, M, H. ampson and J. N. McLean,; to interview the executive of tho guild, with full power to act on behalf of the committee. ,'£.■ The "annual meeting of the Rotorua Howling Club was hold on Monday evening; Mr. A. Brown, president, ■ was i in the chair and there .was a good ' attendance. Tho annual report stated that the

season closed with 84; members, one less than in the previous year. Three mem-' bere-Mftisre. Giles,"M, and Holmes, had joined the expeditionary forces; one, Mr. E. Eaks had been removed, on pro-, motion, to another district, and one, Mr. H. Webb, the committee deeply regretted, bad been lost by accidental death. The annual tournament had attracted 47 teams, one more than in the preceding year, though the entrance fee had been raised from 10s to £1. Tho winning team was Messrs. M. Casey, M. Taylor, ,T. Wilson, and M. Walker (Ponsonby), with Messrs. Wright, Walker, Keys, and Bouskill (Rocky Nook) as runners-tip. The balance-sheet showed receipts £119 4s 3d, including £6 5s 3d in hand at the begin' ning of the year, and expenditure £103 3s 3d, leaving a credit balanco of £11 Is. The assets amounted to £44 3s 8d and the liabilities to £1 Is. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. The following office, bearers were elected for the ensuing year:-President, Mr. W. W. P. Hall; vice-presidents, Rev. J). Hird, Mr. A. Brown secretary and treasurer, Mr. W. T. Perkes (re-elected); General Committee. Messrs. G. M. Brown, G. Urquhart, J. R. Blencowe, S. Shepherd, C. G. Hodgson, T. Fitzgerald, M. Manson, R, Miller, and J. P. Lawrie.; Wednesday Match Committee, Messrs. 0. Bridges, El. M. Jen-is, and J. W. Linkhorn; auditor, Mr. .1. R. Reynolds; delegates to South Auckland Bowling Centre, Messrs. D. Gardner and J. P. Lawrie. Messrs. P. B. Giles, B. Tuck, and J. Holmes were elected as honorary members of tho club during their absence with the expeditionary forces. It was decided that tho fixing of the date of the opening day bo left to the committee. The committee was also authorised to make a grant from the club's funds for patriotic purposes shoui.l any application bo made on that behalf. It was agreed to revert to tho forme? method of permanent fours, in connection with the champion fours' competition. WATHI. YOUNG MEN IN TROUBLE. Two young men, Frank Smith and Charles Thomas, pleaded guilty at tho Police Court to charges of being idle and disorder!)- persons and wore convicted) and ordered to come up for sentence in one .month in the event of their failing to pay certain moneys owing. The debts wero incurred at Paeroa, Karangahake, and Waihi, where Smith and Thomas had appeared as entertainers, and in the absence of sufficient patrons had been unablo to pay for board and lodging's, advertising, and hall hire. A further charge, alleging false pretences at Thames, was preferred against Thomas,l who was remanded to appear at Thames, i At the Magistrate's Court on Wednesday. Wilhelmina Wnugh sued her husband, Walter Waugh, for maintenance. The magistrate, Mr. 0. Cruickshank, ordered the defendant to pay 30s per week and arrears amounting to £6. For technical breaches of tho Licensing Act by allowing liquor to reach Waihi before' sending 1 notice to the clerk of the Court .the Lion Brewery Company was convicted and . fined £1 with costs. ' The members of the Waihi LiodertafeE gave the first of the season's concerts liefore an enthusiastic audience. The entertainment was in every way an excellent one. and reflected credit on* all concerned, including the conductor, Mr. Midgley; : The soloists were Miss wen Evans and Messrs. Tnssell and 11. Jessop. MORRINSVILLE. HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. *

A meeting of those interested in the for*. mation of a horticultural society was held recently, Mr. F. A. ' Jloran being in th« chair. It, was reported that about one hundred residents had promised to join., It was resolved that a society be formed, to be called the Morrinsville "Horticultural and Industrial Society, the objects of the •society being to promote the study and practice of horticulture in its various branches, and to improve the produce and industrial resources of the district." Tho following officers wero \ elected —Patron, Hon. W. 'H. Hemes; president, Mr. G. Howie: vice-presidents. Messrs; _Y. "VJ.' Marshall and F. A. Hanatij Secretary and treasurer, Mr. W. Clerghorn; committee, Mesdames Marshall, Thynne, Watts. Mellsop, Messrs. J. E. Roberts, J. Johnstone, 0. Cameron. W. Morrice, F. G. Russell. W. D. Home, and A. Cut-forth. Th« committee met later, and appointed Mr* J. Johnstone committee secretary.

.The last meet of the season of'theWai* kato Hunt Club, Morrinsville branch, was held last week, and proved very enjoyable. Mr. Wynne-Brown, was in charge" of tha hounds, which ran very well, the jumping of the horses being also good.: The'spectators missed a good deal .of the sport owing to, the direction taken bV the hares.

The hunting season here always conchides with a ball, but this year" it waa arranged to hold a social and- dance, and give the. proceeds to the Wounded Soldiers' Fundi The function took place last week, and was very successful. The hall was nicely decorated, and fully ono hundred couples took' part in the dancing. The guessing of the weight of a sheep and pig. given by local supporters of the club, caused •■ much v amusement, and the animals were subsequently . auctioned to swell the total of the fund." It is expected that the effort will :realise quite £20. Fully one hundred men from this district have gone to the front. Of the C Company of the Hauraki Regiment, numbering 100 men/between 40 and 50 are either on active service, or in training to go.

| The football match, arranged for .Saturday between the Piako and Mprrinsvil[e i Rugby Unions, had to bo abandoned at 1 the last minute, on account of several members going to Trentham. and others being ill. Mr. Arnold, stationmaster, lias resumed! his duties after a fortnight's illnes:?. A well-known _ resident here, who recently paid a visit to Trentham, stated that, in his opinion, it is a model camp. Although not a good place for making trendies, on account of the shingly nature of the ground, there is this 'great advantage, that the shingle allows the water to drain away easily! The position

is a very good one for a camp, and there is an excellent shooting range there.

Constable Lowry. who has been stationed here for seven or eight years, has resigned from the force, and' intends going farming. No appointment of a successor has vet been announced.

OTOROHANGA. ■ CHAMBER OF';COMMERCE. '."'/;' The president of the Chamber' of Com* men*.', Mr. 11. Clarke, conducted ,tha'.. business at the last monthly meeting. The meeting recorded its condolences with Mr. J. Willis, who lias lost a son at Gallipoli. ■-:. .; ■:• ■:,.■■ #■; ', The delegate to the national highway: conference, Mr. .F. Phillips, received, thanks, for his attention to.:the matter and report of business done. A circular was read, from Taihape Chamber of Commerce, advocating' trading in British-madt goods exclusively. '. ,' The damage dono by stray slock-aroundV the town ' was again complained : of by | members. As it seemed the" Town Council had no power to erect" a pound, it' was; decided to ask the County.Council' to do so, and' control the stray stock ': nuisance here. ■ . ,;.. •■.■■••'■'■.■ ' ; Tho Otorohanga Golf Club met a team from To Kuiti on. the local links recently, and won the match by 6 up. - . " i ' Prior to leaving , again for camp. Private R, V. Closey was entertained by friends, and presented with a pair of mil".; tary brushes. In making the presentation, Messrs. 0. Miller and C. Elliott expressed best wishes for Private Closoy's safe return. .... .'-"...', '.. >"' ' •' ■ Messrs. Closey Brothers have now in hand the erection in concrete of a billiard saloon on a site in Tuhoro Street, th» binding being to the order of Mr. W. Mason.' l ■ , - * -" " • — " '" -— ■ : ' ■■•■■ ■:■■