THE COUNTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2914, 19 January 1910, Page 43

THE COUNTRY.

SSjT* Correspondents are reminded that all letters for the current week’s issue must react DBjaedin NOT LATER THAN MONDAY NIGHT. L&ters coming to hand on Tuesday are too lata, and are thus a week old when they appear.

LAKE COUNTY. January 15. —The weather continues very warm, and the country has a very parched appearance. vVeek-end Excursion. —The first week-end excursion to the Lakes was run on (Saturday last. About 13U week-enders arrived in Queenstown on that evening. The excursion to the Head of the Lake on Monday was well patronised, about 120 making the trip, ideal weather prevailed, and the visitors expressed theinseives as being delighted with their trip. Wedding Bolls.—At St. Joseph’s Church, Queenstown, on Tuesday morning last Miss Mabel Richards, eldest daughter of Mr T. F. Richards, Queenstown, and Mr J. .J. Ward, representative in this district for Messrs Kirk and Co., Invercargill, wore joined in the holy bonds of wedlock by the Rev. Father O’Donnell. The bride, who was given away by her father, was attended by her sister. Miss Beatrice Richards. Mr John Ward, brother of the bridegroom, was best man. .The happy couple left immediately after the ceremony by the steamer on route for Christchurch, where the honeymoon is being spent. Thenfuture homo will be Invercargill. Death. —It is my painful duty this week to record the death of Mrs Brcdie, wife of Mr D. Brodie, Crown terrace, and daughter of Mr Charles Patton, Maoetown. The deceased lady suffered from that dreaded disease cancer, and during the past two or three years underwent no fewer than three operations. 5 ho bore up bravely through it all, but despite all that surgical skill could do the end of her sufferings came on Thursday evening Hast, when she passed quietly away at the Arrow Hospital. Of a cheerful and kindly nature, the late Mrs Brcdie endeared herself to all. A husband and three children are loft to mourn the Joss of an affectionate wife and mother, and they, with her aged father and other relatives,' have the sincere sympathy of the residents of the district. The funeral took place at Arrovvtovvn this afternoon, and was largely attended by friends from all parts of the district. The Rev. R. Welsh conducted the burial service. Personal.—Ft is always pleasing to note file success of our district boys. Dr F. R. Hotop, son of Mr L. Hctcp, Queenstown, has passed the final section of tho F.R.C.S. degree (London) Miss Annie Boulter and Master J. B. Thomson, pupils of the Arrow High School, have passed the Junior National Scholarship examinations. Lake County Council.—The monthly meeting of the council was held at Queenstown on Tuesday last. The half-yearly balance sheet for the period ended September 30 last was passed. Wednesday was fixed on as the day for the halfholiday throughout the county for the year. There was considerable discussion ever the Blue Slip on Skippers read. For some months past this part of the road has been closed for wheeled traffic, and Skippers residents are greatly inconvenienced thereby. At the meeting it was finally decided to call for tenders to bring water on to the slip, so that it can be sluiced away. The tenders are to be dealt with on Monday next. The county clerk was voted a bonus of £lO for extra, work done in connection with duties of engineer. The superintendent of electric lines wrote Stating that the application for a telephone to Kinloch would receive immediate attention. A communication.was also received to the effect that instructions had been given for tho erection of a telephone wire from Waitiri to Cromwell. Other business transacted was of the usual routine nature. EASTERN ESSJSSS. January 12. —This is the fourth dry year wa have had here; by that I mean dry for Southland. Last year we had some rain showers during the summer, which kept thinga moving, and a most bounteous season resulted. When at Invercargill last weak great complaints were made of the weather. New Year’s Day seems to have been bad there, yet here, although within sight of the sea, it was a fine day on the whole, though dull, with a light air from the sea. Rain is badly needed' to. keep the turnips growing, on. tho dry ground especially. The grass and crops cf oats also need it. Some wheat which has been sown is looking fairly well, where sown without manure; where a liberal supply was used it looks really well. The Sea. —Though well inland we can get a sight of the ©ea hero from elevatedground—.that is, about 600 feet above the sea level. At times we can see ships when they stand close in. This was notably the case when- the warships visited Oopnki a few years ago. Mails. —Great dissatisfaction; is caused hero by the manner in which the mail has boon run during the present month, "hi . wars the first post-office in the Waia-ti ■••• the various stations sending here for ■ -. As things are now, rotters - ‘ •■:- ia fond their return mail by .■•iiyor.o who i.ipy happen to be going •down country or use the telephone. This in a serious matter to settlers during -the turnip, wool, and harvest seasons especially. Life so far back is hardly worth living when communication from all base of supplies is restricted to once a week. A meeting is to be held on Thursday next to discuss tho matter, with a view to moving forward instead of falling backward. Lime.—ln some respects, this part of the world is highly favoured by Nature. There is abundance cf lime of high quality. An nalysis of the 'Gouge lime between Eastern, Buah and Glifden by Mr MTr.dce, of Invercargill, gives the very huge percentage , ■' 92.62 of carbonate of lime and .83 of phosphate of lime. I am sorry Messrs Wilson, who crush this lime, do not meet with better encouragement. If they crashed earlier in tho season it would no doubt meet the demand of some who wish to experiment on their old grass lands by .liming during the winter. At Birchwcod I hoar the most extraordinary results have followed the use cf lime as a top-dressing on grass, especially when newly sown down. A piece of ground which had not a very high .reputation for fertility irr that neighbourhood was also treated with highly gratifying results. Messrs Wilson had to out shout their work in tins Limestone iGqrgo to crush between 200 and 300 tons! (flhf Mr Rodger, of Birch wood. On the

ground about Eastern Bush there are varying opinions as to its use. Some expect too much an,d are disappointed, as are those .who have tried it as a turnip manure pure and simple. Others again arc putting it on in addition to their usual turnip manure. In the case of one piece of ridged turnips last year, when put in, with -gc wt superphosphate, l-£ guano, a.nd ■p owt crushed carbonate of lime, it was a thorough success. The lime, when f-upaav phosphate- is used, must ho mixed immediately. On ono farm it was mixed three days beforehand, and when used it was hot. which must have hod a nrojud.icial effect on the seed and superphosphate. Other parts of the same paddock were gown with lime mixed with ordinary guano. Here, though the crop was good, it did not nearly equal that which got the superphosphate. I ; oasider the ueo of the superphosphate ,a,nd lime, mixed immediately before sowing, trebled the value of the crop ; and the succeeding crop of oats, owing to the ground carrying more sheep, is also Iv-ifctor. Limn in the above moans ground li most ono; not quicklime. January 17.—Tho weather during the Christmas holidays was somewhat erratic, but did not interfere greatly with outdoor sports or other amusements. Tho Lti-ms-dan Caledonian sports, held on the 25th iik., passed off very successfully, and all the events were fairly and keenly contested. The result of this year’s gathering was, upon the whole, very satisfactory. After writing down a. last yea-srs debit balance and all incidental expenses settled in connection with this year’s gathering, a. credit balance cl between £5 and £6 is carried forward. All the officials worked hard to make the meeting a. success-, but there is still much room for improvement in tho management of this meeting. Swimming.—The annual tournament was hold on Christmas Day, the various events wore well contested, and much enjoyed by the large number of spectators present. Much praise k due to Mr G. F. Johnson for the creation of this most healthful sport, now an annua! fixture; also for the great trouble ho has gone to in clearing the pood of all obstacles of danger to bathers us ing the baths. 1 would suggest that a box be placed in the bathrooms -so that any voluntary contributors may drop in their coin to go towards the upkeep. Harvesting-.—-Grass cutting is well advanced. The seed yields would have been very good had it not been for the heavy shake the crops received by tho recent heavy gales. The grain crops are now ripening rapidly and prematurely, and in many instances will be too short for the reaper and binder to take up. The turnip crops are suffering greatly for want of moisture. Tho potato crop is locking well, and ..promises a good crop at lifting time. Pasture fields arc completely scorched and burnt u,p. The providing of feed for stock k taking a very serious aspect indeed. It k_ feared there will bo heavy shortage of winter feed during the coming season. Sheep-shearing is practically now over, and the returns are very encouraging, quantity, quality, and prices being very satisfactory to the grower. Tourist Traffic. —On Saturday last (15th) a sight worth witnessing was Orosbio Bros.’ passenger coach, the Lusitania, loaded up for To An.au and Manapouri. Over 50 passengers were seated behind a spirited team of six, splendidly handled. Tho motor service is very fortunate in getting such dry weather conditions. Tho cars seem to be only moderately patronised. Sisk ness.—Mrs Macalktcr is still in the. hands cf tbs doctor, and without much anpaiont. improvement. Mrs Marshall, of Hurrt-ly, is convalescent, but making a very slow recovery. _ Much sympathy is" felt for these families in their trying ordeals. Our town, and district, is at present quite free from ad epidemics incidental to the young or rased. Obituary.— Mr T. H. Ibbotson, late of Wa.ikaka and Gore, well known and highly respected throughout this district, succumbed to a malady that baffled medical attention. The Lat© Mi Ibbotson removed come few months ago to the North Island, hut without much apparent benefit to his health. Latterlv. however, the family were in hopes of ultimate recovery, until nn acute attack cf influenza set in, to which the suffer©! succumbed on the 6th lust, at Hastings. North Island.. Mrs Ibbotson had the body conveyed to Gore and interred on Friday. 13. in the local cemetery. Between 40 and 50 members of the Masonic order (of which Mr IKbotsen was a prominent member) from Waika.ka and Gore Lodges followed the remains of their late brother from the Anglican Church to the cemetery. P.M. B»x>. J. Boyne read the burial service of the order. The Rev. A. Wine-field conducted the service very impressively at the church and graveside. A large .number of friends a.nd relatione were pre-eirt to pay the last ■tribute of respect to the departed. The late Mr Ibbotson was a man who was endowed with, an amount of intelligei*’* above the ordinary. Hie advice and guidance were sought bv rnanv. and he -was most strictly upright in all bis deelinsrs, consoler.-!-.teue to a. degree; a. devoted husband and an affectionate father. Much slm-iope svrnnalhv is felt fo’’ the bereaved widow and family at their loss. January 17—The Deep Stream Hydraulic Sluicing Company had to ‘suspend mining operations at their sluicing claim a, short time ago, in consequence of an insufficient pressure of water power to enable them to prosecute operations in the mining branch of labour. 1 may here remark that the original promoters and shareholders of this mining and sluicing claim, after working the claim for a number of years, sold out their entire plant, water-rights, mining acreage of land, together with some other privileges, to a band of Waipovi working miners, the present holders of tho claim. The groat drawback, however, to the present company this season. Iras been tho falling off of the watersupply from the Lariunerlaw at too cany a period in the, season to enable the band to prosecute operations with vcniun-tTauve results. Mining on. tho Lammsrlaw. — Some tunc ago Mr Thomas Reid, an experienced minor on the Lammorlavv, found some good prospects of gold in a block of lan I pt tuated near the Taieri River, on the Docklands run. _ Mr _ Reid at onco proceeded to Dunedin with a view to having a water-race constructed to the- scene of future operations. Mining experts were despatched from Dunedin to test the auri-

ferous nature of the ground prior to the required capital being raised and a company formed to develop this mining claim. A favourable report was received in Dunedin in respect to the prospects of gold obtained, with the result that she capital was immediaely raised and a company formed to develop the mine. The water-race, wlncn is cf the canal description, will convey a heavy How of water to the scene of future operations. Air Reid has proved hanselt to be a most enterprising miner, ana 1 trust that success wiD crown the undertaking. . _ , Deep Stream Mail Service. —It having transpired that no tender was received in Wellington by the pcsial authorities foi tho Deep Stream mail service for a term of three years to and from Clark’s Junction. connecting with Outram twice weekly, tho residents are greatly excited at present over the probable suspension of the service, a-3 the last contract expired on the 31st, ult. I understand that a petition will shortly he despatched to Wellington to the Postmaster-general with a view to having a mail -service re-established to the district via Outram. It would bo manifestly unfair to deprive, tho Deep Stream residents of the receipt and despatch of their correspondence to and from the district. It is to be hoped that the Poatma.ster-general will grant the prayer of the petitioners and issue instructions for a bi-weekly service to be established to the district. Shearing at Rockland;-. —The shearing of the Rocklands docks was finished a few days ago, in the shortest time for a number of years—namely, three weeks from start to finish. Tire lessee of the run (Mr .Allan Boyd) was fortunate in securing the services of a full baud of shearers, and also shed hands to perform the work, a total of 15,000 sheep were shorn in three weeks’ time, and I may add that some very high tallies were recorded during the progress of shearing. The following are a few of the tallies shorn during the working hours of a day:—l94, 185, 178, and 174. Those tallies were tho highest shorn during tho current season. The flocks wore in splendid condition, and the clip of wool was i heavy one, and of good quality as well, as I have reason to know, while the percentage of lambs marked has reached a very high figure. CBHNTOIS. January 18. —The season just closed has been a very kindly one in this part of the country. The winter passed away without any serious snow fall. The spring was early, and grass came in abundance long before the turnips were finished. As a result of this a good lambing can be recorded. Summer, now fast passing, has also been a good one. True we have bad some rain., hut this only helped to keep the grass and crops going. The three hottest day ever experienced in this district cam® along about tho middle of December. In some of the shearing sheds the men had to step work from sheer exhaustion, while flora® of tho sheen died from, sun-' stroke. To further illustrate the terrible heat of these clays in many gardens gooseberries were cooked on the trees —a thing never known before. As * result of tlie favourable season, crops cf all kinds promise to Ire speed. The clip cf wool was also good, and fanners are now waiting for their reward, which is expected to bo record prices at the next sale. Building Trade.—The building trade is very brisk in our town at present. After so many fires an outsider would naturally expect this. However, the new buildings to be seen going up in all directions have no connection with these burnt down. The ruins still remain of our once fine hall, whilst Mr Joseph Maitland hesitates to rebuild in this fiery go-adiead town of curs. The Library Committee, which liol.de the insurance of the hall, has formed ■no definite plans for rebuilding. It is thought they are waiting to see how the new Government Compulsory Military Training Act matures, when they will ask Government assistance. Illness.—There has been a s-oed deal of sickness of one kind and another, and our lady doctor has been kept exceedingly busy. Dr Collier now resides in Alias Thomson’s residence, a short distance cut of town. Hero, in addition to her own requirements, she has plenty of room for bar horses and traps. Bowling.—A team of bowlers from cur club, consisting of Messrs Shed-dan, Nelson, Hay, and British, have entered for the tournament to be held in Dunedin this week, and should give a. good account cf themselves. Since the lamentable death cf Air TufHey the bowlers have been unable to secure the. services of a. caretaker, consequently the around neither plays as well or looks as well as in. previous seasons. Tennis. —The Tennis Club’s new courts ere giving great sat if faction. _ and each night numbers participate in friendly rivalry. I am sorrv to sav that Mr Charles Bruce, one of our oldest townsmen. j« at present seriously ill in the Dunedin Hospital. January 8. —Christmas and Now Voar have come and gone, and most of the holi-day-makers have returned to their respective duties. The weather was rather unsettled. but one and all seemed to enjoy themselves. Farm Work.—l see the grass-seed bar vest has commenced with several of the farmers, while others will make a start shortly. The crops ripened very quickly this year, probably owing to the frequency of hot. days and drying winds. The shearing is almost over for this season. and most of the farmers are getting their wool away for the second sale. Oat crops arc looking well, better than for seme years past. I notice Mr Hcenan has a very good paddock of wheat this year, which ought to thresh, well. Potatoes also are looking exceedingly well. Angling. —The Jacob’s River is in a very low state, and good baskets are rare. For those who take the trout by breaking the law the river is more suitable just now, but local anglers find it bard work to get many fish. A quiet visit from the ranger would not do any harm. IHOSSffiVRN. January 7. —Tho weather here during the holiday season was very stormy, but tho last few days we have had perfect summer weather. Rain is needed badly, as we have only bad occasional showers lately, ■and the heavy winds which followed dried the ground up again very quickly. The Christmas season passed very quietly here, although a very large number of tourists passed through our township on their way to tha Jakes. The poaches <u® generally

well-filled, and have run several specials end a good number have also patronised Messrs Stone and Sons’ motor service. Schools.- —At the school break-up there was a fair attendance. Races were run during the afternoon, si! the children receiving' toys. About 5 o’clock tea was partaken of in the school, after which the school prizes were presented to the children. each scholar receiving a very pros book. Two special prizes wore awarded for good conduct, and Matilda Dawson and Walter Beer wore the recipients of these, they having gained the largest number of marks for good conduct during the year. In the evening progressive euchre was held in the hall, and afterwards dancing was kept up for an hour or two. There was a very large attendance, and everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy themsehes. WAIKOUAITE. January 17. —The adjourned monthly meeting of the Waikoua.iti iiorougft Council was held on W edrtcoclay, the otn inst., and was attended, biy his Worship the Mayor (Mr B. Irwin), and Councillors Heckler, Townsend, Vanes, S. R. Smith, and Thomas Smith. A resolution was carried expressing regret at the death of Mr E. G. Allen, and the clerk was authorised to write to the relatives of the deceased, conveying the sympathy of the council with them ir> their bereavement. Constable Kidd wrote suggesting that a by-law be passed by the council fixing the closing hour of the billiard rooms within the borough at 10 p.m. Consideration of the letter was deferred until next meeting. A letter was received from Dr Ogeton, Dunedin, asking the council to take action in regard to an alleged nuisance near the Alain road, and the clerk was instructed to notify the owner of the property to remove the premises objected to within 14 days. It was agreed to. hold a special meeting on the 31st inst. for the purpose of fixing the day on which the weekly half-holiday shall be hold. It was decided to have the dog-collars required ■for the current year made locally, at the price of 9d each, and the registration fee was fixed at 3s fed per dog. The inconvenience caused by the afternoon express trains not stopping at Waiklouaiti was again mentioned, and the clerk was authorised to write to the Minister of Railways suggesting that in the event of the railway time-table 'being altered it might be arranged that the trains should step. Various matters were left to the dayman, to attend to under the supervision of the Works Committee. Accounts amounting to £ls 19s were passed for payment. Athenaeum.—The annual meeting cf the Athenaeum subscribers was held in the clubroom on Monday, the 10th in.st. Air W. Madge occupied the chair, and there was a fair attendance. The report presented by the secretary showed that as a result of economy the overdraft, which at the beginning of the year stood at £B3 2s 2d, had been reduced to £3B 4 s 4d. A number of improvements bad been effected during tho year, and the standard of efficiency fully ’ maintained. The amount received in subscriptions showed a slight falling off as compared with tho previous year, but the number of subscribers had increased, being 82 as against 75 for 1908. There had been taken out 33 -annual subscriptions, 9 half-yearly, 66 quarterly, and 12 monthly, making a total of 120. Seventy new volumes had been added to tho library during the year, making the total number on the catalogue 1909. Of three card matches played during the winter months two were won by the Athenaeum subscribers. Owing to lack of funds the committee was compelled to leave over several much-needed improvements, such as tho renovation cf tho interior of the hall, improved seating accommodation, and better lighting. It was hoped that these matters could be attended to during tho present year. The now committed was specially urged to consider a proposal to light the Athenaeum buildings with acetylene gas, an estimate of the cost of _ installation having been already obtained. fhs balance sheet shewed the receipts to have been £132 6s 4d. and the expenditure (including overdraft) £l6O 10s Ed. leaving a debit balance of £3B 4s 4d. After the report and balance sheet were submitted and approved tho following gentlemen were •elected a committee for the ensuing year Messrs H. Carson. B. W. Fell. H. Heckler, Al. Jamieson. W. Mudge, J. V. ATFie, G M ‘Korchar. D. Russell. N. Stewart, and R. Templeton. Mr J. 0. Crccome was elected subscribers’ auditor. The retiring committee and the auditors were thanked for their services during the past year. At a. meeting of the new committee, held subsequently, Mr Neil Stewart was elected chairman, Messrs B. W. Fell and M. Jamieson secretary and treasurer respectively. and Mr Thomas flekl committee’s ' auditor. The following members were appointed:—-Works —Messrs Stew art, Jamieson, and Fell: Book SelectionMessrs Davis and Fell. A deputation was appointed to wait on the Borougn Council and ask its co-operation in the introduction cf an acetylene «as plant for the purpose cf lighting the Borough Chambers and the Athenaeum Buildings. The Weather.—Very little rain has fallen »ino* November last, and as a con* ecpuonce the ground lias become very dry and hard and the grass is very much burnt up. A good rain would ho of great, benefit to rape and turnips, and would also help the late sown crops to some extent. Danger of Fires.—Sparks from a passing train may very easily cause a disastrous ■fire during hot. dry weather, and owners cf property adjoining a railway line do well to keep a sharp leak out. Mr R. Hagan, of Tuwai, had a very unpleasant experience lately cf the danger of a fire commi&ncing in this way. On a very hot afternoon some weeks ago. just after the ■cypress train had passed, he observed that bin crop of wheat was on fire close to the railway line. With the .assistance of several members of his family he managed to beat out the fire, huh not, until some two acres of the crop had been destroyed. It Is probable that a claim against the Government, will he made bv Mr Hagen for compensation for the loss sustained.