CENTRAL OTAGO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24855, 3 March 1942, Page 7

CENTRAL OTAGO

CROMWELL Patriotic Committee.—A meeting of the Patriotic Committee was held in the Council Chambers on Monday night, the Mayor (Mr James C. Parcell) presiding.— The Otago Provincial Council forwarded a circular giving details of the All Purposes Appeal. This disclosed that the Vincent quota was £6ooo.—Repbrts were received from the various committees on arrangements for the gala day on March 21. A - suggestion to hold a community sing to conclude the day was considered, and it was decided to go further into the matter.—The . next meeting will be held on March 9. Home Guard.—The Home Guard held its weekly parade on Wednesday night, when there was an improved attendance. Squad drill, rifle aiming, and signalling exercises were carried out. Unsettled Weather.—The weather during the past week was unsettled, and at times unseasonable. After fine weather early in the week a change set in on Wednesday, and some cold showers fell on the flat, with snowfalls on the high country. On Thursday morning there was a light deposit of snow on the mountain tops, but conditions improved during the day. On Saturday night stormy conditions were again experienced. OMAKAU Anglican Horticultural Society.—The annual show of the Anglican Horticultural Society was held at Omakau on Saturday, the entries being a record for the society. The flower and vegetable sections were particularly strong, and there was good competition. The entries of fruit were not so numerous as usual, but the quality was well up to the standard of previous shows. Highest points in the flower section wore gained by * Mrs J, Davidson (Ophir), who won the Butcher Cup, the runner-up being Mrs E. Harvey. The decorated section was won by Miss Margaret Wilson, Mrs Davidson gaining second place. In the children’s section Miss Kathleen, Wilson won the M. Craw Cup for most points, Jean Huddleston being second. Mrs E. Mawhinney won the Secular Cup for most points in the vegetable section. E. Woods (Clyde) being runner-up. In the fruit section honours were gained by T. R. Robertson (Clyde). W. Gye (Clyde) being next. The cookery and produce class provided keen competition, Mrs Duckworth being first and Mrs Lester second. Miss M. Wilson headed the industrial section, with Mrs Duckworth second. The judges were: Flowers and fruit. Mr W. R. L. Williams; vegetables, Mr T. R. Robertson: industrial and children's sections, Mesdames Scorgie and Oaten; cookery, Mrs Harvey. Omakau Bowling Club.—At a general meeting of the Omakau Bowling Club it was decided to hold a gala day in aid of the patriotic funds on Saturday, March 14. Various novelty Items for bowlers and visitors were arranged, and a subcommittee was appointed to carry out the arrangements. An invitation was received from the Cromwell Club for a match, and this was accepted, the date to be arranged later. It was decided to top-dress the green after the close of the season, and this matter was left in the hands of the green superintendent. The Weather.—Tlie weather during the past week was broken, with occasional showers, and several days were made unpleasant by a high wind. On Saturday and Sunday nights rain was experienced, and a sign of the approaching winter is a coating of snow on the ranges. MIDDLEMARCH Farmers’ Union.—At a meeting of the Middlemarch branch of the Farmers Union in the A. and P. Hall the president, Mr J. S. Elliot, was in the chair, and there was an unusually large number of members present. Letters were received from Mr W. A. Bodkin. M.P., in reference to the installation of electricity in the railway yards. As this work has now been completed, it was agreed that a letter of appreciation be sent to Mr Bodkin for his assistance in this direction.—A report was received from the representatives to the meeting of primary producers held in Dunedin to hear an appeal by Mr H. B. Tennent (Director of Primary Production) for an increased acreage of wheat. After considerable discussion on the points raised by Mr Tennent in his appeal and on the impossibility of importing either wheat or flour owing to shipping difficulties, it was agreed that Strath Taieri farmers should make an earnest endeavour to produce wheat according to requirements, provided labour for harvest and sowing was made available.—lt was stated that the same quantity of manure as last year would be provided.—The following remit was sent forward to the Provincial Council:— " That where a car is used for farm work. In the absence of a truck, an increase in petrol should be granted.”—lt was stated by Mr Howell that the Taieri County Council had agreed to release its surfacemen for harvest work provided they were paid not less than their present rate of pay. Mr Howell was thanked for his attention to this matter. Farming.—February was another difficult month for farm work. Rarely, if ever, has there been such an abundance of feed as at present, and it is disappointing that conditions have made it impossible to save a larger quantity of hay. The hav season is now past, and attention is being given to grain crops, many of which have been cut. and others are ready to cut. A heavy north-west gale swept the plain on Saturday night and throughout Sunday, but during the night it veered to the south-west, bringing the first snow of the season on the high tops. Grain in stock has suffered with the excessive moisture. The season has been an unusual one, and a spell of good