THE COUNTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3097, 23 July 1913, Page 35

THE COUNTRY.

Correspondents are reminded that all lettors for the current week’s issue must reach Xtonedin NOT LATER THAU MONDAY NIGHT. I/efcbers coming to hand on Tuesday are too late, and are thus a week old when they appear. lake county. July 19.- —During- the past week the ■weather has been very unsettled. A lot ot rain has fallen, but there has been no snow on the high country. . , Football. —Although rather late m the season, interest has been revived in toot" ball in the district. The first match tor the cup (presented by the members of the su - union) between Queenstown and Arrow was played on the former’s ground on 'Wednesday last, and resulted in a win for Queenstown by 3 points to nil. .The next match is to bo played at Arrowtown on \V eclnesday next. . . . , ~ Social.—A social and dance in aid of the Arthur's Point School was held in Mr Cockburn’s barn last evening. Considering the bad state of the weather, there was a fair attendance. The music for the dance was supplied. by Miss Stevenson (piano) and Messrs S. and W. Stevenson (violins), and Mr A. Sutherland carried out the duties ot M.C. The ladies of Arthur’s Point provided an abundant supply of refreshments. Marriage.—A wedding of district interest was celebrated at St. Josephs Cathedral, Dunedin, on July 8. _ The contracting parties were Miss Adelaide Kerrieon, eldest daughter of Mr Stephen Kerrison, of Beaconsfield, Tasmania, and Mr Cyril W. Gudgeon, mine manager. Macrae s Flat, only son of Mr C. E. Gudgeon, Queenstown. The Rev. J. F. O'Donnell, Queenstown, assisted by the Rev. Father Coney, Dunedin, performed the ceremony. Deaths.—Mr George Gray, an old resident of Frankton, passed away at the Invercargill Hospital on Tuesday, Bth mst. Deceased had suffered from an internal complaint for about 12 months, and had gone to Invercargill to undergo an operation. The late, Mr Gray was a native of Maryhill, Scotland, and was 54 years of age. He came to New Zealand in 1876, and shortly afterwards settled at Frankton. Of a quiet disposition, he was respected by all. A widow and a family of three are left to mourn their loss. The remains were brought to Queenstown, and the interment took place at the Frankton Cemetery on Thursday, 10th inst. The Rev. J. t), Webster conducted the burial service.— Another old identity of the district in the person of Mr W. Patton died at the W akatipu Hospital on Thursday, 10th inst., after a long illness. Deceased was 79 years of age, and bad been a resident of the district since the sixties. For many years he followed mining at Cardrona, but latterly had been employed as puntman at Kawamu Falls. His wife predeceased ,him several years. He leaves, a grown-up three sons and three daughters. The ; funeral took place at Frankton on Saturday last.—Mrs M’Lcod, relict of the late Mr William M’Lcod, passed away at her residence. Upper Shotovcr, on Wednesday last. Deceased was one of the oldest residents of the Skippers district, settling there over 40 years ago. Of a kind and generous nature, the late Mrs M’Lcod was highly respected. Her husband died only about throe months ago. There was no family. The funeral took place at Skippers yesterday, when all the residents attended to pay the last tribute of respect. The Rev. Father Corcoran conducted the burial service. Mining.—Messrs P. Hunter and party, who are working in the Arrow River, near Bracken’s Gully, struck a rich piece of ground last week. The party 7 got about 19oz of gold for a week’s work. MAN OKVI July 21. —“What glorious weather!” is the expression of everyone. To think that in the middle of July wo should be getting such beautiful days, and, what is more, almost cloudless nights, without any frost. What untold value such mild weather is to the province of Southland when winter feed is such a failure and thousands of sheep are being carried, through without any turnips. , Stock. —The stock market had fallen very considerably, and winter feed was run up to almost a prohibitive price, and the prospect for those who were unfortunate in getting their surplus stock away was far from bright when unexpectedly spring-like weather set in and caused a complete revolution. The markets everywhere responded to the improved prospects, and the anxiety in the farmers’ minds disappeared to vanishing point. However, it is hardly to be expected that we are through the winter—indeed, the glass has fallen, and a change is imminent; but 10 days will bring us into spring, with longer days and consequently more sunshine. The most unexpected must happen if plenty of feed is not now found to carry stock through. Entertainment.—Our township has shown more life this winter than for several seasons past, and our young people should be more than pleased at the amount of amusement provided. Besides private parties the Puolic Hall has boon engaged very frequently with varied kinds of entertainment. On the 4th of this month the hall was well filled, when a euchre party, concluding with a dance, provided much enjoyment, especially when the results wore being made known. Miss K. Way to taking off first honours for the ladies, while Mr I>. M’Alistcx secured the top score for gentlemen. Miss Duggan and Mr 11. IT. Horrell won the booby prizes. The bachelors’ ball drew a great crowd, Gore and Rivorsdale being strongly represented, while from all the neighbouring districts great crowds poured into the township, and before the time apointed to load off the grand march the ha!!, which was filled to overflowing, proved a!! too small. The committee laboured hard and constant, and although the difficulties through overcrowding wore vorv acute at times, their efforts to make everyone enjoy the ball was much appreciated. It was plainly evident that everyone was well pleased with the outing. Mr D. M’Alistor at a suitable interval conveyed the thanks of the invited to the bachelors in a few well-chosen words. Mr Tremain (chairman) replied on behalf of the committee. ... Socials. —The Church of England social is advertised for August 13. and I understand 'the Presbyterians are following in a hiv weeks. The School Committee is negotiating for a concert •ome time in September next, and with the euchre party once a month, the chances of a l.vims’ and benediets’ hall, the young people have quite a lot to look forward to. Rabbit-trapping. —The local trappers are having a great season, raooits being f a:rly plentiful and the weather good. Prices arc

higher than ever, and some record cheques are the results of the month’s work. BALFUIH. July 19.—The winter is more than half over, and already there is a difference in the length of the days. We have had a few drying winds lately, but rain, always followed, so that the place is still very wet, and it will have to improve a lot before the ground can be worked. But there is every promise of an earlier epring than last year, and if so there will bo a lot of crop put in. The early winter has made feed scarcer than was expected. Fatal Accident.—On June 20 Mr Andrew Liddel was found lying on the road, his horse having slipped and rolled on him. He was taken homo, and medical aid summoned, but he lived only a few hours, Mr Liddel was a hard-working settler on the Black Swamp, and also was a director of the Balfour Cheese Factory. Great sympathy is felt for the widow and large family he leaves to mourn their loss. The Debating Soeiety.—The Debating Society is still flourishing, several enjoyable evenings having been spent. Next Tuesday there is to be a breach of promise case, which should afford scope for a lot of fun. Bachelors’ Bill.—The bachelors’ ball was hold in June, and, as usual, the hall was filled, and a large crowd turned out on Friday night for the Oddfellows’ annual festival, which was thoroughly enjoyed. The Hunt.—Everybody who could went to the hunt last Friday, which was started from Mr T. Timpany’s woolshcds, and thoroughly enjoyed the outing. The,jumping was exceptionally good, the local horses comparing favourably with those of the huntsmen. POUAIIAKA DOWNS.] July 19. —Last week was a good one, and t-ho ground was drying up a bit, but this week wo have had mist and drizzling rain, which lias put everything into a worse mess than before. There is not much of interest from this settlement at present. The loa ploughing is being well advanced. Turnips are "holding out hotter than was thought, and there is oven a fair bite in the grass. We had two days—or nights—of hard frost, but beyond that frost has been absent. Altogether it has been fair winter weather; but we are not out of the wood yet, for the worst weather has to come —at least, judging from past years. Population.—lt was only in rny last notes that I recorded a now arrival to the Downs, and now I have to congratulate Mr E. Clements on his being presented with a son. Petition. —A petition is being got up praying the House to construct a bridge over the Pomahaka at what is known as Burke’s Ford. When the settlement was first opened this very spot was marked on the map as a site for a bridge. The settlement at that end is now full up. and it would be of great assistance to both sides of the river if a bridge were put un. The ford is a treacherous one when the river is at all up. Correction. —Last notes contained the news of the election of the Wairuna School Committee, and in glv’ng the name of the chairman I put Colobournc in place of Cockburn. WAIJIEA. July 19. —For the last fortnight we have been having very changeable weather. We have had one or two severe frosts and a good many wet days; but this last week lias been warmer, and real spring weather has been experienced. It is to be hoped that it will combine, so that wo will have a good spring by way of a change. Personal.—Mr A. D. Campbell, who has lately sold his farm, “GreeuhilLs,” Kawcku, to Mr J. Cunningham, of Balfour, was met by his neighbours and friends In his barn to bid him good-bye. The evening was spent in songs and dancing, and at an interval Mr G. Johnstone presented Mr Campbell with a silver-mounted walkingstick, a dressing-case, and a case of pipes. Hiss Jilcs was also presented with a gold brooch, and Mr Black with a case of pipes. Our local factory manager, .Mr N. Greenlees, who is leaving for the North Island, was met in the Pyramid School on Tuesday evening by suppliers and friends to bid him farewell. Mr J. Quaker occupied the chair, and inroduced the following musical programme': —Songs, Mr A. Jensen and Miss Eva M’Alistcr; recitation, Mr O. Hoc-nan ; ■ song. Miss Templeton; song, Mr J. ('. M'Konzio; recitation, Mr H. B. Hceiian; song. Mr I). M’Al’.ster; song. Miss Orr; selection on the harp. Mrs 11. Heonan; recitation, Mr R. Johnstone. Mr Quaker then said that they wore ail very sorry to loose Mr and Mrs Greenlees. Mr Greenlees had been our manager for three seasons, and during that time there had been made the highest grade of cheese since the factory began. Mr Greenlees had made many friends and no enemies, and a more good-natured factory manager it would be hard to find. Mr Quaker then presented Mr Greenlees with a travelling rug as a token of their esteem, and wished him every success in his future undertaking. Miss M. Stephens presented Mrs Greenlees with a dressing-case and a lady’s companion to remind her of her fronds in Pyramid. Mr C. E. Herman and Mr W. Reid also spoke in eulogistic terms. Mr Greenlees, in thanking them all, said he was very sorry to leave Pyramid. Ho had spent a very pleasant time there; tint was leaving in the hope of bettering himself, and wherever they went they would never forget their friends in Pyranrd. Supper was handed round, after which an adjournment was made to the hall, where dancing was induVrcl in for several hours. Ohituarv. —Quite a gloom was east over the district when it became known that Mr Mm. M’Kay, eldest son of Mr W. M'Kav, “Lairg Hill.” Riversdale, had passed a wav on Monday, the 23rd June. He had been ail'ng for some time past : but everyone hoped ho would soon pull through when the finer weather set in. lie will he greatly missed in the district, where he had spent nearly all his life. The funeral took place on Wednesday, Juno 25. when a large number of friends assemble.t to p-'v their last respects. The Rev Me f'ulhford. of Balfour, read the service .at the grave. Much Sympathy is felt for the family in their sad bereavement. n July 17. —Vr-w changeable weather has he cm experienced during the present month, but on rh • whole it has been most favourable. and so far the winter of ISI3 ranks as one f the mildest here for many years. % houi 4 in of -now fell op the night of the 10ih, and was followed by an intense fro-t,

which in turn was followed by mild nor - west weather, which still continues. The Farm. —Work on the farm is practically in the position of marking tune, and, with the exception of the seasonable work in care of stock, etc., little work is possible. On a few farms ploughing is pioceeding, principally in lea paddocks; but one the whole the land is too wet to be profitably worked. Lea land is, of course, an exception, and with our light and friable soil may be ploughed in a very wot state wijiout injury to the texture of the soil. Practically no “fall” ploughing has been done, so that considerable arrears of work will Lave to be made up in the spring. Given. an early and favourable spring, this leeway can be made up; but if the winter is protracted until well into August it will mean that crops will be late. As far as cereal crops are concerned, probably the area under these will bo greater in the coming season than was the case last year,-as in the rotation farmers are finding that a lot of the grass needs renewing and are taking those paddocks into cultivation. Thrashing and chaffcutting are finished-, and Messrs Creighton and Reid’s plants returned to Kokonga about the first of the month, after a bettor run than was anticipated. Chaffcutting was the principal work, and a considerable amount was “exported” from the district and good prices realised. Winter Eoed. —Stock are now being put on the turnip crop for feeding off, and with the present favourable weather should do well. Pastures are still carrying fair feed, and stock are looking well. The fattening season in this district is now practically over, and, as far as prices are concerned, fatteners have no occasion to grumble, for this year’s prices have easily established a record. With lamb up to 6i<l per lb at the freezing works, and wethers realising anything up to 30s at the yards, the popular idea is that sheep-farmers are making fortunes. Would that it were so. Mining.—The Mount Highlay gold and schcelite mine has resumed work, a trial crushing of some 500 tons of stone lately being put through the battery. This mine is now in new hands, and the present work is, I believe, in the nature of a test. Extensive prospecting has been done, and it is expected that the decision of the new company will soon bo known as to whether the mine is to bo further developed or not. Obituary. The death took place on the 25th ulc. of Mr Robert. M'Bride, a resident of many years of this district, where he was principally connected with mining and contracting. He carried out many large cfcntracts for the Maniototo County Council, and erected many of the bridges in that county, especially over the Taicri River. During the past few years ho made a determined effort to locate the elusive Hyde deep lead —a rich seam of alluvial wash that is thought to extend below the old workings in Hyde, and has been the objective of many parties. 'Mr M‘Bride was widely known and as widely respected. He leaves a widow and a large family to mourn their loss. Library.—An attempt has been made lately to revive interest in the Hyde Public Library. This institution was at one time a very flourishing one, and contained upwards of 1000 volumes. However, during the construction of the Central Otago railway in these parts the floating population connected with these works “floated” off and forgot to return the books they had taken out of the library, and from this and other causes the books wore reduced to about half the former number, and the interest in the institution was diminished to nil. However, a further meeting was held, and a committee of nine was formed, the members being Messrs J. Ramsay (in the chair) W. Pennington, E. M’Bride, J. Williamson, P. White (librarian), A. Lavcrty, T. Kirby, W. Bruhns, J. M’Lean (secretary), and J. Carvalho. A canvass by the committee for subscribers was well responded to, and a fair sum is now available for the purchase of new books. School Concert.—The annual school concert took place in the school on the evening of the 20rb of June. Favoured by ideal weather, there was a largo /‘house.” the building being full to the doors, and latecomers had to be content with standing room. The first portion of the programme was contributed by the school children under the capable tuition of Mr P. White (master), and consisted of songs, recitations, Christy minstrels, and a shadow pantomime, all of which were well executed by the performers and well received by the audience. During the second portion of the programme tin? following contributed items; Mrs Williamson, Misses Churchill and M*Bride (2), Messrs Carvalho, Dowling, and Master E. Williamson. The feature of the evening was the items rendered by Miss Churchill, of Dunedin, whose elocutionary talent is ton well known to require comment. Miss Churchill delighted the gathering with her recitations,* and proved a host in herself. After the usual refreshments the customary dance took place. nn»5H UMAIU H July 19. —The weather for the past two weeks has been all that could bo desired, with frosts at night and brilliant sunshine during the day. The whole month so far has been exceptionally mild, evidence of this being shown in the fact that in sheltered spots primroses and violets are in full bloom. Farm work is being carried on without interruption, the roads are wonderfully dry and clean, ami everything points to an early spring. ‘ Improvements. —The building that hitherto served as the Bank of New Zealand has been removed to a site next the StrathTaieri Hotel, and has been purchased by Mr Colin Fraser, who has commenced business as a hairdresser. This supplies a longfelt want in the district and wo wish Mr Fraser every success in his undertaking. A more commodious building has been erected in place of the old hank, the contractors being J. Robertson and Sons. Sunday School. —Wo hear that a Sunday school hall for the Presbvterian Church is shortly to be built. The building, which is to measure 30ft by 22ft, will he of ferroconcrete. The school should prove a great convenience in tea. hers and scholars, as now the classes have to be hold in the church. Amusements.- The local Territorials held a social evening in the A. ami P. Society’s Hall on Saturday, the sth inst. As the night was fine quite a large number of people attended, am! a very pleasant evening was spent in games, music, and daueing.—One of the largest audiences ever known in Middlemarch assembled in the A. and P. Hall on Friday last for the StratliTaieri A. and P. Society’s annual eoneerh This function is always a popular one, the principal reason being that the whole programme consists of items by performers from Dunedin. The night was perfect in every respect, consequently the spacious building was crowdd to the doors. Mr F.

Moynihan occupied the chair, while songs were pleasingly rendered by Misses Lucy James, Maud Pitcher, and Mr J. Leech. Mr W. Crawford delighted the audience with several recitations and monologues, and two pianoforte solos were effectively played by Mrs J. Leech, who also acted as accompanist. Every item received an enthusiastic and well-deserved encore, the concert closing with the singing of the National Anthem Dancing was then carried on until about 3 a.m., the music for which was supplied by Messrs Deakcr, Tisdail, and May. TOT AKA. July 12. —We have enjoyed very seasonable weather since iny last notes. On Wednesday evening last and on Thursday morning wo had a most welcome rain, although cold, and perhaps severe on the stock, yet from the farmer’s point of view it will bo most beneficial. Even housewives were beginning to complain of a shortage of water in the tanks for household use. On Friday of this week wc experienced the most severe frost of the season. But gloomy winter with its cold, bleak days will soon bo gone, and most gladly will bo welcome the iUt of August—the messenger of spring, with its longer and warmer days. School Residence. —After a long, dreary wait of about a year a good start lias at last been made with the erection of the head master’s new residence. I learn that the number on the school roll is now about 100, with every prospect of more in the near future. I think it is a great pity that the Education Department cannot see its way to increase the accommodation of the school by the erection of another classroom. Farming Operations.—Work is well advanced, -thanks to the good weather. A fairly large area has been sown in autumn wheat, whilst the potato-croppers are again busy getting ready for the planting season. Some of the croppers refused £lO per ton at the beginning of the season, and now would have difficulty in realising £3 per ton on trucks. Such is fhe luck of some of us!* The ever-increasing demand for higher wages will Jiave in the near future the effects of greatly reducing the acreage under potatoes rotfrid about here. Pastures.—Owing to the most serious ravages of the grass grub I am afraid our pastures in many cases will have to be resown—in fact in a few cases this, has already been done,—causing a lot of additional expense, both in time and money for fresh seed. As an instance, I have a field of about 25 acres, which, as far as present appearances go, is quite ruined with the grub, and means the loss of a year’s grass and the extra expense of resowing. The foregoing is quite typical of many other cases in the district.