COUNTRY NEWS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22631, 24 July 1935, Page 12

COUNTRY NEWS

CROMWELL Fruitgrowers’ Association There was a large attendance at the annual meeting of the Upper Clutha Fruitgrowers’ Association, Mr H. J. Webb occupying the chair. The balance sheet showed a credit balance of £1 7s Bd. The office-bearers elected for the ensuing year were as follows: —President, Mr P. Mooney; secretary, Mr A. Swann: General Committee —Messrs A. 0. Bridgman, J. Swann, T. Phillips, P. Mooney, and A. Swann. At the eonchision of the meeting Mr Lloyd Williams, orchard instructor, gave a very interesting address on “ Ravages of Brown Rot,” and outlined methods of control. He later answered many questions bearing on the subject. Mr Williams also spoke briefly on “ Leaf Curl and “Leaf Roller Caterpillar,” and received a well-merited vote of thanks from the meeting.

Railway Rifle Club A record attendance of 25 members took' part in the men’s cluo’s weekly shoot, the first of three, two to count, lor a trophy presented by Mrs Nicol. The scores on the targets were below the average. Two riflemen scored 78, and E. Hellycr took the gold button. The silver button was won by N. Roberts. The following were the scores:—E. Hellyer 78—5—80, F. O’Neill 77—3—80, R. Toms 76—4—80, N. Toms 76—5—80. L. Smith, 72—8—80, L. Betts 73—7—SO, W. Broome 72—9—80, N. Roberts 75—9 —BO, J. O’Neill 78—i—78i, A. Key 76 2—78, D. Jelley 69—9—78, R. Rae 77 I—7B, J. C. Farcell 77—1—78, W. Veint 75 —1 —76, J. Broome 67 —9 —76, J. Kelson 68—7—75, E. Brown 68—6—74, W. Webb .73—scr—73. V. Sanders,- 72—4 72J, L. Toma 63 —9—72, A. Harvey 57 9 —66, C. Cummings 54 —9 —63, E. Harvey 576 —63, L. Henthorn 52 —9 —61, L. Garmonsway 56 —4 —CO. The men’s club is losing another of its foundation members and a keen enthusiast in Mr Joe O’Neill, who has been transferred to Timaru and will take up his duties there this week. After the weekly shoot the president (Mr Vic Sanders) and other members made fitting reference to Mr O’Neill’s fine work for the club. Later in the week the club members joined with the railway staff in entertaining Mr O’Neill and his family as a valedictory social function. At the weekly shoot of the ladies’ club Mrs W. Webb was again in good form, and retained the gold button with a score of 73 on the target. Miss V. Campbell won the silver button after a shoot-off with, Miss E. Moss. She also won a trophy presented by Mrs Webb. The following are the scores;—Mrs W. Webb 73—4—77, Miss V. Campbell 72 B—Bo, Miss E. Moss 63 —17 —80, Mrs Rae 56—23—79, Mrs Gordon 53—25—78, Mrs Veint 68 —B—7o, Miss C.-Roberts 69—7 —76, Mies I. Campbell 63 —10 —73, Mrs Nicol 48 —25 —73, Mrs Hind 59 —10 —69, Miss N. Mitchell 50—15—65, Miss A. Anderson 37—25 —62. Miss N. Blackie 49—13—62, Mrs Moffatt 40 —15 —55. Women’s Hockey In a women’s hockey match at Cromwell on Saturday Cromwell defeated Alexandra High School by 5 goals to 3. Boy Scouts Commissioner Richards, of Alexandra, visited Cromwell on Saturday and met the local Scout Committee. The commissioner announced that an independent Scout centre had now been created in Central Otago comprising the territory from Lawrence to Pembroke. This centre would he associated directly with headquarters in Wellington. Two additional commissioners for the area would be appointed in due course. Sale Yards

The response to the financial side of the proposed sale yards is reported to be encouraging, and when the canvass is completed it seems certain that there will be no difficulty in finding the required funds for the project.

Mining The Waenga miners are still making good progress with their tunnel in the Clyde-Cromwell gorge. Since the alluvial deposit was struck the tunnel has.been extended about 25 feet. Evidently the deepest point in the gutter has not yet been struck, as during the week the bottom dipped again and more fall is now being brought up from 80 feet back in order to effectively cope with the water. The party is very encouraged by prospects of heavy gold washed from the dipping reef, as the heaviest gold is usually won from the deepest part of such gutters. So far the width of the gutter has not been determined.

It is reported that arrangements are well advanced for boring several areas on Cromwell Flat, and that the work will be commenced in the near future. Some of those interested in the proposal are said to have been in Cromwell over the week-end.

After a week’s very mild weather hard frosts set in on Friday night and continued over the week-end. On Sunday a heavy fog enveloped the low levels and countered the frost on those areas, but beyond that the frost still prevailed. The effect of these conditions was apparent on the Kawarau River, but while it continued to fall the level at present is still higher than the previous lowest mark. However, the lure of the river and the hope of striking something rich is,as keen as ever. Many were to be seen at different points along the stream on Sunday, and on a quarter mile of the Natural Bridge stretch close on 25 were at work. Results are not available, yet the persistency with which manv continued actively at their chosen spots from early to late left the impression that their efforts were being rewarded. Some prospectors are said to be doing well on the fringe of the tip-heads at the once famous claims at Kawarau Gorge. Another miner is reported to have done fairly well beyond Victoria Bridge. If the hard frosts continue the stream may possibly touch a lower level before the gates are opened. Yesterday morning hard frosts were still experienced, with a heavy fog on the low lands. All Black Honoured At the invitation of the Cromwell Rugby Football Club, a very large gathering assembled at Cromwell on Monday evening last to meet the All Black F. Vorrath, a former Cromwell and "V ineent captain, prior to his departure with the team to tour Great Britain.,}, All neighbouring chibs were represented. Mr L. M. Jolly presided, and associated with him was the Mayor (Mr J. Roberts). The chairman said they felt honoured in that Mr Vorrath had found time to come to Cromwell and meet all his old friends. He referred to the guest's sterling qualities both on and off the field, and congratulated him on the high honour he had attained. These remarks were endorsed by many speakers and players from other clubs, and the Mayor expended the town’s congratulations and good wishes.

Mr Yorrath suitably replied. With a couple of hours spent in honouring toasts and the presentation of items, a very pleasant evening was spent.

PALMERSTON Golf The week-end competition, held on the Ardleigh golf links, resulted in a win for K. Nicol. with A. Cochrane runner-up. The following championship matches were also played:—N. Brown defeated \v. Spence 4 and 3; K. Nicol defeated A. Cochrane 6 and 5, and also H. North 7 and 5. Jubilee Committee A meeting of the local Rugby Football Jubilee Committee was held in the Alhenamm on Monday evening,' Mr T, Pickett presiding. The balance sheet, covering the whole of the expenses incurred during the jubilee, showed a credit balance of £2 0s 9d. As the secretary (Mr M. M’Cahe) would not accept the surplus funds in appreciation of the services lie had rendered, it was decided to give tne money to the local football clubs funds. Early Lambing Another instance of the early lambing in tlie Palmerston district is given on the property of Mr J. M’Kenzic, of Bushey, where three lambs, over a week old, are to be seen. WAITAHUNA Personal The Rev. A. R. Chisholm, accompanied by Mrs Chisholm and their small son, left last /week for Alexandra, where they will spend the next two months. Mr Chisholm has been granted two months’ leave* of absence. Farmers’ Union A meeting of the Waitahuna Farmers' Union was held on Monday evening, Mr J. M. Rose presiding. There was a good deal of discussion on the organisation of the district, and it was agreed to accord whole-hearted support to the executive. Another matter which came in for much discussion was that of persons neglecting to bury carcasses of strychine-poisoned rabbits, and it was agreed to ask the Provincial Executive to approaqh the Government with a view to making this a serious offence under the Police Act. Mr R. S. Thompson (Lawrence) gave a short address on Point Blank, the official paper of the union, and it was agreed to support the executive in this matter. “ Gift ” Evening On Monday evening last the Waitahuna 3'oung people held a “ gift ” evening in honour of Miss Jean Small, who is shortly to be married. The evening was spent in games, competitions and dancing. Dur-> ing an interval the chairman (Mr A. Ryan), extending (o Miss Small the good wishes of those present, made the presentation of the assortment of gifts. Mrs W. Brown, on behalf of the Women’s Institute, presented the brideelect with a token of goodwill and appreciation from the members. Miss Small suitably replied. EDIEVALE Defence Rifle Shooting On Saturday last at Edievale, under perfect weather conditions, the local Defence Rifle Club fired a match against the Tapanni Defence Rifle Club. A very enjoyable and interesting shoot eventuated, the visitors gaining a victory by a margin of 21 points. The conditions of the shoot were seven shots, with two optional sighters over 300 yards, 500 yards, and 600 yards, the teams consisting of 10 men. Rifleman W. Kirk (97 points) closely followed by Rifleman C. Sim (90 points) were the most successful for the visitors, whilst for the local team Rifleman S. Duff (with 96 points) and deputy-president Graham (93 points) secured the best scores. Following are the detailed scores: TAPANUI.

GORE NEWS

Frost at Gore Severe frosts have been experienced at Gore recently. 17 degrees being recorded yesterday. This was the severest visitation this year.

House Razed to Ground The residence of Mr and Mrs John DTDonald, Freshford, was completely destroyed by fire on Saturday. It is believed/ that the fire commenced in the rear part of the house. Mrs M’Donald called a neighbour, and both removed Mr M’Donald, who is an invalid. Several neighbours quickly came to the scene, and some bedding was saved, but the building was razed to the ground. The house and furniture were insured.

Personal Mr E. Jordan, who has severed his connection with the firm of Messrs Thomson and Beattie, Ltd., after 10 years’ service in the mercery department, was met by his fellow-workers on Saturday evening and made the recipient of a token of esteem. On behalf of the firm the manager of the Gore branch (Dir F. Wilkes) presented Dir Jordan with a cheque. A presentation of an electric kettle was also made on behalf of the staff. Dir and Dlrs Jordan departed by yesterday afternoon’s express for Dunedin, where it is understood they will conduct a business on their own account.

Rfm. W. Kirk 300 500 600 yds. yds. yds. Ttl. 34 32 31 — 97 Rfm. C. Sim 32 34 30 — 96 Rfm. P. Edgar 31 33 31 — 95 Rfm. J. M'Donald 30 30 34 — 94 Rfm. 0. Kennedy 28 34 31 — 93 Pres. K. Rodger 31 31 30 — 92 Rfm. W. Hancock 32 29 29 — 90 Rfm. J. Burnett 27 32 31 — 90 Rfm. A Gow .. 30 29 27 — 86 Rfm. J. White •• 28 26 27 — 81 Total 914 EDIEVALE. Rfm. S. tfliff .. .. 32 32 32 — 96 D.Pres W. Graham 31 30 32 — 93 Rfm, I. Kempthorne 32 32 28 — 92 Rfm. L. Jenkins 32 28 31 — 91 Rfm. A. Sim 31 31 28 — 90 Pres. A. MTherson 31 30 29 — 90 Rfm. X Spencer 30 30 29 — 89 Rfm. T. Hickey 30 29 26 — 85 Rfm. P. Finlayeon 31 31 22 — 84 Rfm. J. Adams / 81 27 25 — 83 Total 893