THE COUNTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2983, 17 May 1911, Page 39

THE COUNTRY.

EW Correspondents are reminded that all l«fcfers for the current week's issue must react Dunedin NOT tATEB. THAN MONDAY NIGHT, letters coming to hand, on Tuesday are too late! •nd arethusa -week old when they appear.

LAKE COUNTY.

May 13.—The weather continues fine — frosty at night and bright, sunny days. Military Training.—Captain Grant, Bri-gade-major Mounted Rifles, Otago district, has been spending some time in this district, his mission being in connection with the registration of youths and young men under the new Defence Act. He addressed meetings in Arrowtown on Monday ©Vening and Queenstown, on Tuesday evening. Captain Grant fully explained the new scheme, and pointed out that it was imperative that all youths and young men between the ages of 14 and 21 years must register. Winter Pastimes. —Golf is becoming quite popular in Arrowtown, andl a good number of players are to bo seen daily on the links.—An effort is to be mad© to form a Ladies’ Hockey Club in Arrowtown, a meeting for that purpose being called for this evening.—Queenstown and Arrow Football Clubs have opened the season, but the sub-union has not yet met to arrange th© fixtures. Social.—A social and dance in aid of the Arthur’s Point School was held in Mr W. Oumming’s Barn, Malaghans, last evening. The night being fine, there was a very largo attendance, Queenstown and Arrowtown being well represented. Music for the dance was supplied by Messrs Stevenson and O’Fee (violins), assisted by several ladies and; gentlemen on the organ. Mr •John Muir mad'e an efficient M.C. Refreshments on a most liberal scale were proyided. Mr and Mrs Gumming were most attentive to visitors, and their efforts were greatly appreciated. The school children are being treated to a picnic to-day. Mining.—There is nothing startling in, mining matters. The Shamrock Arrow River Company, and Mr R. MTn tosh’s party are still working away steadily. Funeral.—The funeral of the late Mr William Neylon, the- victim of the fatal fir© in Arrowtown last week, took place at Arrowtown. on Monday last, and was largely attended. The Rev. J. F. O’Donnell conducted the burial service. WAIAI. May 15.—The weather of late has been extremely mild, beautiful sunny days reminding one of spring or early summer; consequently all outdoor work has been got through without inconvenience or loss of time- Potato-digging is in full swing, and tons of potatoes are being daily railed from this district. _ ... Wedding.—A wedding of district interest was celebrated at Heibert last Wednesday. The contracting parties were Mr Douglas Brown, head master of the T© Wae Wae School, and Miss James, of Herbert. On the eve of hie marriage Mr Brown was the recipient of valuable presentations from his pupils and tihe people of the district. Personal.—Mr M Horan, who l was until recently in the employ of the Southland Sawmilling Company, was entertained at a social by Tuataper© residents prior to his leaving for Otaiutau. . Mr M. K. M'Donald presided, and eulogised the guest of the evening for his good qualities from a social and business standpoint. On behalf of his Waiau friends Mr M'Donald presented Mr Horan with a silver-mounted umbrella, a case of pipes, and a tobacco pouch. Catholic Club. —The members of the re-cently-inaugurated; Catholic Club, opened the session by a social and dance in the T© Wae Wa© schoolroom on Monday evening. There was an attendance of over 60 members, as well as visitors from the surrounding districts. ' The president (Mr M'Feely) briefly explained’ th© objects of the club, andl asked the young people of the district, for whose benefit it was established, to give it their cordial support. During the evening an excellent programme of musical and ©locutionarv items were gone thi'ough. The following ladies and gentlemen contributed: —Mrs Ward. Misses Reid and Fitzgerald, Messrs C. Griffith, Howard, Ward, M‘(hearty, Gerald Griffin, a.nd Thos. Fitzgerald. Messrs Henderson and Carroll generously supplied the music for the dance. Methodist Church. —The annual harvest festival in connection with the Tuataper© Methodist Church was held on Sunday, 7tb. The minister in charge (Rev. S. J. Campbell) preached a powerful discourse to a large congregation.. On the Monday evening a limelight entertainment was given in the church by the Rev. Mr Grigg, of Invercargill, when the building was again well filled. Native Game.—During the past week numerous shooting parties have visited the Waiau district in search of game. The vast area of virgin bush across the Waiau has been the goal of a large number of the shootists. Although some report good sport, an the whole game is not plentiful. Census. —The result of the recent census is most gratifying as far as the Waiau Riding is concerned'. An increase of 25 per cent, is recorded' —a result due, on doubt, to the opening up of so much land in this district, and that powerful factor, the railway, which was non-existent four .years ago. DRUM MONO. May 13. —The continual dryness of the last three or four years affords material for conversation, and the continuance of fine weather so far into May makes people wonder a good deal, and "draws forth many surmises as to how 10-n g this will continue and what will follow. While other districts have been favoured with fairly heavy rains, we have not, and the ground is still very dry to a great depth. The wells are lower now than they have ever been, a'nd a shortage of water is threatening not a few!. I do not think it will happen, but it will be serious enough if no heavy trains fall to supply the underflow required. No 'one has ever seen the inland and d'i's(fcaftt ranges so long free of their white caps. _ , " Farm Work.—The carting has been pearly all done, with beautiful weather and fin© roads. Outdoor work has been got qn with, too, at high speed. Farm work , is consequently far advanced, and a considerable area has been put into winter oats, and more grass sown this autumn than has ever been- the case before. I notice the diso plough has been very muon used on stlubble ground, and either a three or four -furrow diso soon turns over a good ideal of ground. They do not seem to be quite effective f for cutting out_ the thistles- It is g*'Tt«;i'adH r.pc-.wrl that the cultivator fl'ith oread-

pointed shares, kept very sharp and just cutting two or three inches below the surface, does the work much better. la some quarter® where the ©round has been summer fallowed to eradicate thistles, aJad followed by a splendid! grain crop, it haa been found when the ground has not been worked immediately after the grain crop has been taken off the thistles are apparently coming as thick as ever. It will demand more intense cultivation to cope with all the weed pests that are now so very prevalent, and though they are the evil result of man's first disobedience thev may be found even in this Dominion to be not such a greatJ nuisance, nor even a curse, after all. If their presence brings about a system of better cultivation resulting in less being under the plough every year, and that treated and wrouglhib better with higher yields of grain and roots and richer pastures, those pests will not have ccme in vain.

Feed for .Stock.i—The grass has been growing of late, and stock of all sorts seem to have been, and still are, improving. The turnip crops are looking well so far a® one can judge by the appearance of the tops, standing high and growing vigor* ously. When examining the roots more closely it is a little disappointing, but the continuance of such beautiful weather as w© are having, and 1 feed plentiful otherwise, the turnips may be sufficient for winter requirements. Dairying.—The cheese-making season is> now drawing rapidly to a close. Milk is being received on only three or four days bf each week, and on any of those daya docs not exceed at any time 500 gallons. The factory, I believe, will .not close down until the supply falls to 300 gallons. The inspection reports coming to hand from London are of a highly flattering nature in every essential point, not only giving satisfaction, but apparently the brand is in good repute and obtains a ready sale. On© cable announced that when the market value was ruling at 57s to 57s 6d the Consignment per Pakeha had realised 625. It is expected there will be a bonus, which seems to be more appreciated by many than a fairly good price per lb for butter. They seem to believe thines are turning out all right when there is .a bonus, and a sure sign the factory is paying well, and their hopes and anticipations are bei.ng realised and their worst fears and of failure dispelled. General.—There has been a long-con-tinued absence of epidemics, and with the favourable weather the attendance at the schools has kept up well. School committees have been appointed all round by the popular vote, and very few would have known of what was transpiring but for •newspaper reports. The same with the election of a member for the Bluff Harbour Board to represent the Wallace County, UJMSDBJi. . May 15. —The weather of late has been, of a varied kind—some beautifully fine days, others somewhat boisterous, with heavy rain showers, —but so far it has been a fine, open season, everything looking almost like early spring. Stock ' ■ all kind;? are in eapital_ winter condition. A short winter season is fully anticipated. Farm Work.—A number of farmers are taking advantage of the fine weather by going in for large areas of autumn-sowing, tire soil being in capital order. Householders’ Meeting.—The annual meeting of householders took place on the 24th of last month. Only two householders besides the outgoing committee put in an appearance. A good working and energetic committee was elected for the ensuing ytear, as follows:—Messrs And. Small, Maley, M. R-eidy, W. J. Martin, Hewitt, Riddell, and J. Marshall. At the subsequent meeting of the newly-elected committee the veteran chairman and treasurer Mr A. .Small, was re-eleoted) for the twentieth term- Mr W. J. Martin was appointed clerk. Th© school mid-winter week’s holiday is just over, and all seem to have had a good time. Resignation. —Miss M. Lennahan, mistress of the Lumsden School for a term of two years, has sent in her resignation, which has been accepted with regret. The young lady was very popular with hoi; young charges, and was highly respected by all who knew her. A number of the parents and pupils of the school assembled in Orosbie’s sample room to mark in _ tangible manner the esteem in which Miss Lennahan is held. Mr H. J. Riddell, in the unavoidable absence of the chairman of the School Committee, presided, and in a few well-chosen and appropriate remarks presented, on behalf of parents and the children. Miss Lennahan, on the eve of her departure for Invercargill, with a handsome silver-backed mirror, inkstand, and trinket box. Mies Lennahan thanked the donors for their handsome present, and expressed her regret at parting from the people of Lumsden, from whom she had received many kindnesses during her two years’ residence. Light refreshments were partaken of by all present,' and songs and music served to enliven the proceedings. Hockey.—lt would s-f era that hockey is gaining in favour, judging by the enthiu siasm shown by the local club in their opening match on the 3rd inst. Two strong sides composed of members of the club faced each other. Not knowing the up-to-date rules of the game, I am not in a position to make comments or oriticils©. Bat to see matron and maid in action bn the hockey field would be a.n eye-opener to some of the sterner sex who may fancy themselves at field games. An abundance of cake and tea were served out at halftime, everyone present apparently enjoying themselves to their heart’s content.

Football. —The opening club match of the season took place at Waikaia, on Wednesday last between the Waikaia and Lumsden teams. A good game resulted in Lumsden winning by 9 points to Waikaia's 3 points. For Lumsden, F. C. Bull and G. Smrtll secured a try each, and T. Small kicked a goal from a mark. For Waikaia, a penalty goal was kicked. The return match will be played next Saturday (20th) at Lumsden. The local team speak highly of the pleasant trip they had in two of Messrs Crosbie's cars.

Sale of Work. —The sale of work in connection with the Lumsden Presbyterian Church Repairs and Building Fund was a success, of which the promoters may feel justly proud. Goods and cash had been freely coming in during the past three months, and on the morning of the opening day of the sale the Public Hall looked like an up-to-date warehouse, where one could acquire any article from the proverbial needle to an anchor. The Pev. D. J. A. Shaw took the platform punctually at 1 o'clock, and in an appropriate and concise address declared the sale open for ~,_.:„,„ rr he Rev F Uphill, of the :;•.■: ! • arch, also addressed the meet-

ing, his kindly and appropriate remarks being highly appreciated. The young ladies and gentlemen, were most energetic in their endeavours to secure purchasers for the hundred and one articles to be disposed of. The" various stall managers were also doing a roaring trade at the various tables, which wore laden with every class of goods that one .could think of. _ Following is a list of stalls, etc., and officials in charge:—No. 1, plain and fancy goods— Mesdames M'Fetridge, Jamieson, and Hewitt; No. 2, house produce, Mesdames Smart and Frasor; No. 3, sweets, Mesdames Shaw and Ward; bran tubs, Miss Small; tearoom —Mesdames Yardly, Small, and T. Martin; hat-trimming, Mrs Kemp; farm produce, Messrs Small and Yardley; shooting gallery—No. 1, Messrs Macalister and Allan; No. 2, Messrs D. Fraser and Ward; nail-driving, Messrs F. Kemp and W. Fraser; quoit board, Messrs H. Dagg and W. Flett; treasurer and cashier, Mr J. M'Fetridge. The cash returns amounted to something over £IOO. Health. —The district is at present free from sickness of a serious nature. Of course, there are sufferers from colds. Mr James Martin is still indisposed, and Mrs M'Alister is still in the hands of tho doctor and nurse. Mrs A. Dawson, of Mossburn, a respected neighbour, is still under medical treatment.

SB SIS SI May 15. —Last Friday evening a social was held! in the Public Hall in honour of Messrs Catto and Fleming, in recognition of the work done by them in connection with the Presbyterian Church. The night, though cold, was very bright, and friends gathered from Nightcaps, Winton, Otautau, and' intervening districts. About 9 o’clock every available seat at the tables was occupied, and soon all were doing ample justice to all kinds of delicacies provided by the friends of the guests. The tables and stage were beautifully decorated with chrysanthemums. Rev. Mr M‘Dowall made an ideal chairman, and kept things going with a vim. He referred to the splendid, work done by Messrs Catto and Fleming, and said l he was delighted to be present that evening. During the evening songs were ably rendered by Mr Coop, Mr and Miss Wilson, Miss Haming, and Messrs W. and J. Wilson. Mr Coop brought down the house with his singing of “ Father O’Flynn.” The accompaniments were nicely played by Misses Gilmour and Mrs Wilson.* At an interval Mr M'Dowall called upon, Mr T. Clark, sen., who said the two young ladies were “shining lights,” year, morning and evening stars, amongst the congregation, and he could not understand why some of the local bachelors had not persuaded them to “come under their plaidies” ere this. They were always ready to help in any good cause, and he hoped they would be long spared to continue their charitable work in the district. He had very much pleasure in handing to each a valuable gold watch. Mr Catto returned thanks on. behalf of Miss Catto, and Mr A. Fleming on behalf of his sister. Some of the younger folk spent a few hours in dancing and about 2 o’clock all wended their way nomeward, quite satisfied with one of the most enjoyable socials ever held in the district. Miss M‘II wrick very kindly played for the dances. WHEY’S HUSH, May 15.—A sudden change in the weather set jn on Saturday night, and today we are having a taste of winter. Football. —Our footballers are practising regularly, and all show a marked improvement in their play. Having drawn a bye last Wednesday, their first game takes place on the 24th inst., when they meet Taringatura at Wrey’s Bush. The following are the office-bearers of the Wrey’s Bush Club: —President, Mr James Egan; vipe-presidents—Messrs O’Connor, Driscoll, and J. B. Forde, jun.; secretary, G M‘Kenzie; captain, W. Forde; deputycaptain, G. O’Connor; Selection Committee —W. Forde, Thomas Forde, and G. O’Connor. ' The first games for the Western District took place on Wednesday, May 10, when Taringatura beat Orepuki by 15 points to 6, and Riverton beat Otautau by 12 points to 6. Amusements. —The trustees of the Public Hall hold a gymkhana and dance on Friday evening, June 9. WAIPAHU. May 13.—Glorious autumn weather reigns. Frosts are becoming more frequent, but growth is still noticeable, and the occasional showers and warm sunshine help the winter feed. Farm Work. —Farmers are busy getting grain threshed or out into chaff, digging potatoes, and putting the plough in wherever the land is ready. Stock are looking well, and on all hands one hears of contentment with the results of the past year. Football. —Our local footballers are growing in number, and this year the club is making its first appearance in tho flag matches. . There are some good player® in the ranks, a few old hands give solidity to the team, and there are some young make thorn men to. be reckoned with. The club and its supporters hope to see the Maroon jerseys well to the front at the finish. Territorials. —The local section of our “army” has been almost broken up, but as there are a good many men to come on under the new scheme, it should be at work again very soon. There are now members of all brandies in Waipiahi—school cadets, senior cadets, infantry, and mounted men. Householders’ Meeting.—By some misha-p there was no attendance at the annual householders’ meeting, the energetic secretary to the School Committee being the only person present. It is said that there are many excuses for absence, and that there will bo a record attendance at the second meeting. The School. —The Education Board’s carpenters have been busy lately with repairs to the school, putting up a new tank and a new coalsbed, all much needed works. WAIWERA. May 12. —Seeing that dog trials have been so popular in other districts for so long, I have often wondered how it was wo never held one hero or hereabouts However, I was agreeably surprised on Wednesday last on receiving an invitation to attend l a friendly trial to be held _ at Mr Hood’s place up in the Gorge district. What is here meant by a friendly trial is just a beginning of an institution among neighbours, which in ail probability wil eventually lead to something still greater, and most certainly cause more interest to bo taken in the proper training of sheep doge. Having left no me with a friend in good

time, we arrived at Mr Hood’s place some time before the trial commenced, so that we had an opportunity of having a look around. The weather was beautifully fine, and everything undoubtedly looked at its best. Turnip crops were very good indeed, and some very large bulbs were to be seen. Stock all around were in the pink of condition, and general prospects bright and good. I understand the potatoes have all given abundant yields, so we found, as might, be expected, our Gorge friends right cheerful and in the best of spirits. Nearing the time for the trial to commence we (moved to a rising - piece of ground almost like a natural platform overlooking the whole field of operations, besides gaining a splendid view of Mr Muir’s place, which lice closely nestled under the foot of a spur in the sunny face. Here we found 'two tables with dainty cloths laid, so that it was apparent there was more than a dog trial in store. I have no doubt full particulars of the actual dog trial will be given by some more competent hand, so that I shall confine my remarks to the proceedings as they appeared to me, being a visitor. A start being made, all attention was on the events .as each dog was set his task, which was not by any means an easy one. I should say the whole'lot of the dogs that were tried wore really good workers, if not considered topnotohers and it was most interesting and often exciting to watch them. Among the spectators were several ladies of the district, who also entered heartily into' the spirit of the thing, and were not at all backward in joining in applauding a good thing. Besides being most valuable training, it was really igcod sport too. The clever tricks and turns of the various dogs and the different methods of the men too, struck me very forcibly. Some gave their command nearly always by whistle, and others by different calls, etc.. Although by the latter the orders can be moire varied, if necessary, on the whole I think I prefer the whistle. This, of course, is a mere detail. It took several hours to go through all the programme, each dog having much the same ta.sk to perform—long pulls, short pulls, etc. The ladies handed around refreshments, fruit, etc., at suitable intervals, which made it for the time being a very enjoyable picnic. I might add that the arrangements were most complete for the carrying out of the whole thing, which was done without a hitch, thanks to Messrs Hood, Sym, Muir, Williamson Bros., Wagner, and Youngson. Before the company departed for their re speotive homes all assembled on the natural platform, when votes of thanks were passed most heartily to those who had provided a day’s splendid and profitable amusement, and to the ladies and Gorge friends for their hospitality, all wishing that prosperity may long reign amongst them. CLARIiS May 10.—The recent rains have benefited the country considerably, having started fresh growth in the various pastures and the turnips. Stock on the whole arc looking well. The winter has opened well sq far, with beautiful sunny days, and there have also boon a few nights’ frost. More rain, however, would bo of a vast benefit to this locality. Picnic.—On the 19th of last month there was held at Lee Flat Station homestead a picnic which aroused more than ordinary interest in these parts. Being favoured with a magnificent day and amid beautiful surroundings, large numbers of people journeyed many miles to attend. Besides a large gathering of residents of Clarks, Leo Stream, Deep Stream, and Shannon, there were many people present from Waipori, Hindon, Outram, Tcmuka (Canterbury) ,and other parts. After having partaken of a bountiful supply of eatables’ on the green, many games were indulged in early in the afternoon. A tug-of-war between the single and married men represented by specially chosen contingents on each side resulted, after a keen struggle, in a win for the single men. Races were got off, and resulted thus; Young Ladies’ Race—Miss Dunbar 1, Miss Kennedy 2, Miss Smith 3. Married Ladies’ Race —Mi’s M‘Donald 1, Mrs Burns 2, Mrs Bailey 5. Young Men’s Race—Horrell 1. M'Donald l 2, Bailey 3. Married Mien’s Race —Burns 1, Borthwick 2, R. Caffell 3. Races wore a 100 arranged for the children, and various games were played. About 5 p.m. refreshments were again done full justice to, and an enjoyable day’s outing was brought to a. close. In the evening a dance was held in Howell’s- w r oolshod, and was largely attended. Dancing was kept going with spirit until about 2.30 a.m. Musical selections were given by the Tregonning brothers, Messrs Caffell, Hinds, and others, while a cornet solo was given by Mr Wilson. The duties of M.C. were efficiently carried out by Messrs Caffell and Tregonning. Songs wore rendered at intervals. Before concluding, Mr Johnson (Waipori) expressed pleasure at being present, and referred in appreciative terms to the manner in which the entertainment had been coni ducted. Mr N. J. M'Donald, in proposing) a vote of thanks to the performers of tho evening, thanked all present for their attendance and assistance in making the whole proceedings so enjoyable. He thanked the visitors, and dwelt on the mutual advantage to be derived from social intercourse. From the encouraging support, received there was a strong probability of the function being made an annual on& Cheers for Mr Howell and family, and for Mr M'Donald, were followed bv the singing of “ Auld lang syne,” thus bringing to a close the performance. MIEUI UN. May 15.—Winter is now approaching, and we had some sharp frosts, but little rain. Stubble-ploughing is well advanced', but the lea ground is still very hard. The autumn-sown crops are looking well, though the caterpillar is again working in some fields. Farmers have their sheep on the turnips, but they are not standing very much eating. Accident. —Mr W. Adam met with serious accident last week. While out after some horses he was thrown from hj? horse, and was picked up unconscious. His condition has slightly improved, but he ils far froi» being well. School Affairs. —The Milburji School Committee has decided to take stops to purchase a piano for the school. The prefhnt instrument, an old _ harmonium, ia completely done and it is not fair to teachers or scholars that they should have to use it.

The Churches.—The Rev. T. N. Out% has lately been preaching on the "Cross to large congregations, On Sunday night ho delivered a special address to yotung men on the same subject, when there was a very large and attentive gathering, Mr Winter, of the Brethren, has been holding:

a mission at ClaTondon for a fortnight going through an i'llnstrated) chart. This makes tho sixth mission a.t Clarendon in two years, the Presbyterians holding two, the Coneyites two, and the Brethren two. OTAKOU. May 6. —Tire tunnel at the Harbour Board’s quarry was charged this week, and this morning the blast was successfully fired, and an? enormous quantity of material shifted.Road Board.—The polling for the election of three members of the Otago Heads Road Board resulted as follows:—Allen 47, T. Harwood 34, J. Karetai 27 (elected), A. Dick 13, J. Bain 10. At the formal annual meeting of the old board it was decided to adjourn to the 13th inst. Social. —The Social Club hold its first meeting on the 2nd, when 20 members were present. After electing officers and transacting other business, a variety of games such as draughts, euchre, cribba.ge, etc., were played, until 10 o’clock, when all returned to their respective homes. May 15. —Tho Otago- Heads Road Board met on the 13th inst., when there were present Messrs Allen (in the chair), Mitchell,Harwood, Burns, Karetai, and Waltsgott. Notice of motion was given for the next meeting to strike tho rate for the ensuing year. The Clerk reported that tho contractor had all but finished his work on the Karetai road. The board then considered what roads to approach the Government for grants for, and came to tho conclusion to suggest the following:—Te Rauone Beach road, Pipikaretu Creamery road, Otakou School road, Cape Saunders road, Karetai road, Dick’s and Pyramid roads. It was at this stage suggested to approach the proper authorities to have the Rauone Beach road work done by prison labour. Messrs Mitchell anti Allen were deputed l to interview the Harbour Board’s engineer in regard, to- metal for repairing the beach road fronting; the Kaik. Mr Allen also reported having put on a man on part of Cape Saunders road, where the storm waterhad been doing damage. Accounts to the amount of about £SO were passed for payment. Personal. —A very pleasing function took place at Taiaroa Head on Friday night, 12th inst., when a goodly number of residents of the Heads and Otakou gathered in the schoolroom for the purpose of bidding farewell to Corporal and Mrs Richdale previous to their leaving the district. The evening was spent in dancing, which was kept up with much spirit till the small hours of the morning. During the evening Mr James Dick, signal master, presented Mr and Mr® Richdale, on behalf of their friends, the former with a set of hairbrushes, and Mrs Richdale with a crystal and silver salad bowl. The company sang “They are jolly good fellows.” .Mr Richdale suitably replied.