THE COUNTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3101, 20 August 1913, Page 35

THE COUNTRY.

Correspondents arc reminded that all letters for the current week's issue must reach Dunedin NOT LATER THAN MONDAY NIGHT. Letters coming to hand on Tuesday are too late, »nd are thus a week old when they appear.

TABL.E HII-.L/. August 14.—We had a week's equally, blustering, raining weather towards the end of July, then it cleared and was very promising, and there were plenty of indications of approaching spring. The small birds were piping away merrily—the thrushes were singing soon after daylight, and the tomtits and the warblers were heard. The deciduous trees were budding, ploughing was preceding apace. Last Monday and Tuesday there was a change, for there were dense fogs. On Wednesday and Thursday there were periods of tieoteh mists, with driving winds from the southeast, which was unusual,, as the wind invariably blows from the west. Yesterday it rained steadily all day till just before dark, when it cleared up, and to-day looks a bit promising. There is a good coating of snow on the Blue Mountains. Owing to the inclemency of the weather our grocer’s cart was unable to got up yesterday. Chaff-cutting. —Messrs Thomson Bros., from Lovell’s Flat, arc up hero chaff-cut-ting, but are now delayed at Mcssis Graham’s farm by the bad weather. Mr W. A Tough is on the lower part with hie thrasher and chaff cutter. Romance.—l have received a polite little note from Milton asking me to record the fact that a marriage is to come oil in a neighbouring centre, the prospective Benedict coming from Dunedin, and it is men tioned ns interesting that it arose through an advertisement in the Daily Times. I join in with my congratulations. It is time the British took a more practical view in their wooing. In the Balkans, at the annual fair, the farmers’ waggons are arranged in a lino, and the girls stand up in them, end the young fellows walk up and down in front of them, and do their wooing there and then. In Brittany the girls save up all their money, and at the annual fairs trim their skirts in such a way that the rows of braid indicate how much money they have, with the view of making them more attractive in the matrimonial market. And some produce is often expected to go with the prospective bride, and sometimes a marriage will fall through because tile old man objects to ‘‘spring ’ an extra bag of potatoes. Obituary.—Mr Robert Henry Norman, of Pembroke, Wanaka, died at his residence last Monday afternoon, at the early age of 52 last May. The late Mr Norman had been afflicted with diabetes for about two years past, and. although this is a mortal illness, /the end came with a shock to his relations. Ho leaves a widow and largo family, some of whom are grown up, some arc going to school, and some are small toddlers. Their homestead is situated on a l.i.p. section of about 100 acres, throe miles from Pembroke. The late Mr Norman was the first European child born in the Wanaka d strict, and also in the Upper Glut ha Valiev. He was the sccocul son of the late Mr fly. F. D. Norman, who came from Wellington in charge of Messrs Barton and Roy’s sheen to stock their run between the Gorge and Glondhu. The sheep and stores were landed from a sailing vessel at Oamaru, and taken up the Waitaki Valiev and through the Lindis Pass. The bullock dray with the stores accompanied the party, and the journey was regarded in the light of a perpetual picnic. This was about July. 1860. The shepherds and workers came from Wellington at the same time. On landing at Pembroke, then known as Roy’s Bay, the party put tip snug wattle-and-dab and thatched houses to the front and to the right of the present Wanaka Homestead. about a stonc’s-throw away. Tins site is just on the outskirts of the present town of Pembroke. A garden was also made. There being no fences, it was necessary to muster (lie sheep from time In time, and also to keep boundaries, and Norman’s spur at Glendlm is known to this day. The passing away of the pioneers always inspires us with a feeling of sorrow, ns they were all inspired hy the spirit of the Empre-bu ilder. When the late Mi Norman was born it was necessary for his father to rifle down to the Waitaki Valiev with a spare horse for Mrs Careless to ride back on. In the early times the horses were always swum across the Clutha River at Albrntown. Mr Norman was always a prominent citizen of Wanaka, ami occupied a scat, on either of the two school committees for some years past. niioiniip n August 15.—After experiencing one of the most backward seasons Southland has had to suffer, we arc fain to look forward to something better. There has not been much frost, but (piito sufficient wet weather to retard farming operations and leave farmwork very much behind. Very many never commenced p'oughing until just lately, but have been pushing ahead and taking advantage' of every favourable opportunity. There may be an odd one or two who arc never in a hurry, and. of course, their position need not be taken into account; hut upon the whole it is generally the case that work all over is very far behind, and more so than has been the case for some years. It was just alwut impossible to get in either winter or autumn wheat or oats, and it is more than likely the area, of both crops will not lie very large unless excellent spring weather holds sway very soon. Feed. —The grass paddocks are very bare, and the turnips, on account of the Weather nob wasting them seriously, have lasted well, which lias helped some very much. Very few got autumn-sown grass in. or in early enough to ensure - feed for stock until the older grass is fit for depasturing. This has become a practice with a few. who have reaped considerable benefit, by having such feed at a critical time; and some such system must bo systematically followed or many will always find themselves in straits for ifeed right into the middle of summer, unless the season turns out exceptionally favourable for the growth of grass. It has been found by some to lie a good plan—until thistles became such a nuisance—to plough up an old lea padock. and sow it straight clown again. Very few have as yet in this locality attempted anythmg like renewing pastures without ploughing, as is the case in many parts of the North Island, where they have not had any other course I r.pen to ihcm. as. for instance, with ground i uii-q imped. Many have also been snccessI ful in open ground too. There are cases in fViuHi'and where a lea paddock has been turned up with a swamp plough or a digger

to a depth of about Bin, and a, very wide furrow, throwing it on its back as much as possible, and sowing in turnips for lamb feed, the first season ploughing it at a depth of, say, 3in or 4in. Then the followng season ploughing a little deeper, and towing down with grass alone, the result being a splendid sole, and if there was previously much couch it was buried, and quite disappeared. There can be no doubt but some such system or something similar having the same end in view must bo resorted to. The price of labour is now a serious consideration. If dairy produce, wool, and mutton keep for some time at the present figures some such system for the renewal of pastures will become more prevalent and more payable, I think, than much cropping or grass seed growing, the latter of which is always risky in Southland. If parties will take the trouble of counting the cost in working the land and all expenses entailed for cropping and grass seed growing. leaving out of account the deterioration and unfitness of the soil to produce thereafter a good sole of grass, they will not w'oqder why their bank account or that at their agent’s is different from what it used to bo.

Stock. —It has been a matter of surprise to not a few to find how the prices for stock have kept up. and in many cases oieadily gone up. The prospects are good, and there is no indication of any drop in prices at all. but possibly an increased demand and improvement. Such being the ease, only those have sold who have boon fair’y forced to, while others who could hold at all have done so Lambing has not commenced about hero yet, and many, in case of a late spring, have been keeping it back for a week or two. Granted there is feed, earlv lambs ready to take advantage of it generally do well; but upon the whole it is always a oucstion of feed. Melbourne Horse S-ilcs. —The horse sale for voting entires at Melbourne has been very d'sannointing. and just as likely ns not it will have the effect of checking th s sort of breeding, and preventing the export of anything but. fairly high qua’itv. W hen tlmrc is no demand for anything tt is generally the ind’fferent class of stock which suffers most; but it is not so severely felt with first qualify, which will go off first and give most satisfaction in the end. POM Ail AH A BDWNi, August 16.—Last week the weather was fairly good, and the mud was up and getting into the sticky stage. Even the ploughed farms were getting dry and mouldy on the top, and we were having visions of early sowing. Last Monday there was very heavy fog in the morning, but the day turned out beautiful. In fact, it was a real spring-like day, and one could almost see the little sprigs of oats or grass growing. Tuesday was still foggy, and not such a nice day as Monday; but Wednesday crowned the lot with fog and rain from the east. It gradually increased in coarseness until it was pretty heavy rain at night. This storm from the oast stopped last night, and to-day the sun is shining and sending its warm rays down on the sodden earth. All hope of getting some seed sown is banished for some time. The Farm. —The paddocks are now putting on a green tinge, and though there is not much feed in them yet, it is an earlier start than for some years past. AutunmI'own oats and grass are looking very nice. Mr Currie was m the Downs with his mill and chaffcutter last week, but he could have done nothing since Tuesday. Lambs are appearing early in the season. The creeks are all bank high. I hear that one of our settlors went out for a drive some time ago, and never returned. Some are anxiously inquiring about him Dairy Factory.—The Wairuna Factory will bo starting next month, and more cows are expected this year. After the good prices that are being got for butter ami choose, who would not be a dairy-farmer? In fact, all over the Dominion now factories arc going up, and by-and-bye New Zealand will be one huge dairy factory. Sheep.—Sheen are selling very well just now. The frozen meat trade is expanding and wool is at. a good price, and, of course, sheep arc wanted. WARE PA. August 15.—At the time of writing there is heavy rain falling, and it shows no sign-, of clearing. All creeks and streams are running bank high. A few weeks ago wo seemed to have the promise of an early spring; but the ground has got so wet now that there will not he much growth for some time to come. The Farm.—Work on the farm is at, a standstill just now, but most of the farmers are well forward with their operations. A fair area has been sown in auutm.n oats; but the continual rain it has had since it was sown has greatly retarded its growth, and I do not think the crops will be as good as in former years. Sheep are selling well, and turnips are fetching good money yet owing to the unfavourable weather we have had. Clearing Sales. —Messrs Dalgeiy and Co. held a sale at Mr George Downio’s farm on July 30. owing to his having disposed of his property. Everything sAld well, ami I understand the price obtained for the farm was 3 about double that which Mr Downie paid for it some throe or four years ago. Mr Scully was the buyer. Personal. —Our teacher, Mr M'Lay, has received word of his appointment as head master of the Ranfurly .School, and leaves us about the end of September to take up bis new duties. During bis two years’ residence here he has been a great help in church matters, and often took the service for Mr Watson. He taught regularly in the Sunday School, and took the Bible Class every fortnight. Freezing Works.—The South Otago Works have closed down for the season. For a new company it has had a very successful season. Although it has not. boon able to compete at auction with the old freezing companies, it has born well supported privately by farmers from far and near. lAKF, (THINTT. August 16. —A good deal of rain has fallen during the week. The high country has also received a good coating of snow. Winter Week-end Excursion. —The second winter week-end excursion to Queenstown on Saturday last was well patronised, about 140 persons making the trip. Fortunately, the weather kept fine during the visitors stay, and all were greatly pleased with their visit to the district. Football.—The final match for the Cup between Queenstown and Arrow-town was played at Queenstown on Wednesday last. The match, which was played in a downpour of rain, resulted in a win for the Arrow team by 5 points to nil. Arrow are therefore

holders of the Cup for the season. Mr A. H. Crawshaw was referee.

Personal. —Mr W. Reid, chairman of the Lake County Council, left for "Wellington on Thursday to attend the Counties Conference. —Prior to leaving Arrowtown for Pembroke, where she has been appointed head teacher, Miss Rosina Daplyn, ±5.A., for some time teacher of the secondary department of the Arrow High School, was entertained at afternoon tea by her friends. At an interval Mrs Gcodley (vice-president of St. Paxil’s Ladies’ Guild), on behalf of the members of the guild and ex-pupils of the Arrow High School, presented Miss Daplyn with a silver-backed brush and comb. In doing so Mrs Goodley referred to the esteem in which Miss Daplyn was held by the pupils, and the keen interest she had always taken in the work of the guild. Miss Daplyn suitably returned thanks.—Mr E. T. Shand, who recently purchased Mr Ewen Duncan’s run at Gibbston, arrived on Tuesday, and has entered into possession of the property. Dairy Factory.—The factory for the Lake County Co-operative Dairy Company at Lake Hayes is now completed, and the machinery installed. On Tuesday last Mr A. C. Rcss, Government dairy instructor, and Mr James Sawers, Government 'cheese-grader, paid an official • visit of inspection to the factory. They were met by the chairman and members and directors, and a thorough inspection was made. The machinery was given a trial run, and everything worked satisfactorily. Mr Ross congratulated the directors on the successful completion of the factory, and said that when one or two minor alterations were carried out the plant would be equal to that of any factory in Otago. August 18.—The weather appears to be settled fine, hopes are high, and wishes are deep and fervent for a lengthy spell of such bright, warm days, with gentle fresh winds, as we are now enjoying. Stock.—ln the country it is everywhere apparent that from the farmer’s point of view the past winter has been exceptionally mild and open. The indifferent crops of turnips and young grass paddocks lasted out remarkably well, so that the sheep are facing the spring in freih condition. In sheltered sun-lying paddocks of new pasture grass there is already a strong grojvth and i good bite, live fences and trees are showing buds, and everything seems to encourage the hope of an early and fruitful spring. Prices for young ewes are high—some would say prohibitive,—but sales are of daily occurrence. Dairy cows are much sought after at prices in buyers’ favour. All of the dairy factories in tire district have sold their outputs of cheese at prices "over GJd f.0.b.. so that milk-suppliers are assured of record prices. The outlook for last year’s remunerative prices for wool being maintained are, according to Dalgety’s Review, very promising. With high prees ruling for frozen meat the prospect for increased incomes from the farm are distinctly encouraging. West Gore.—The residents of this quicklyexpanding suburb are now agitating for light, water, and sewerage, all of which benefits are enjoyed by the ratepayers within the borough. It is to be hoped that a satisfactory adjustment of - the matter will be speedily reached to the advantage of all. Church.—The local Presbyterian Church recently had what was by courtesy termed a "Golden Gift” Sunday to clear a debt of Tl5O. The gifts totalled JE93 —a disappointing return truly—from a congregation, with a large roll number including the majority of our prosperous professional and business men. The pastor (the Rev. J. M. Smipson) is doing wonders in packing to overflowing the Town Hall every Sunday night. The services are bright, largely vocal, and the~ preacher is earnest and forceful, and quite a new and refreshing experience from the stereotyped order of Presbyterian services. Flood Protection.—The member for Mataura has been informed by the Government that the engineer’s estimate is £15,000 for the work at Gore,. The figure is a high one, and if the borough has to pay interest on all the cost the representatives of the ratepayers will be well advised to “go easy.” Health and Nuisances. —With the approach of spring and summer it is to he hoped that -> health inspector, and inspector of nuisances will make an inspection of all sections and areas that were affected by the flood, and see that all debris and putrid pools are effectively done away with. At the railway station and some of the principal buildings in the Main street it is high time that decent and ample santary conveniences were provided for those requiring to use them. K A « 55 J 11I T . August 18. —Wo have experienced quite a change in the weather this last week. The first of spring < nmmenccd so beautiful and mild, and one docs not take kindly to the cold easterly rain. Wednesday, one of the wettest days wo have had for some time, was responsible for all t lie streams being in high flood. I boa l- it has played havoc with some of the fencing. We have Lad several floods this winter, but the one that was responsible for the biggest loss came down unexpectedly about the end of July. Mr 0. Stewart, who had sheep out on turning, lost 110 by drowning. The farmers will have to exorcise patisr.ee once more, and wait for the ground to dry before pushing on with the spring work. Quite a number of young lambs are putting in an appearance, and it has been a strenuous time for the owners during this rough spell. Church Matters.- —.Some short time ago nominations were cal'-ed to fill the vacancy of two deacons, with the result that there were eight nominated- but out of that number only three stood for election. Mr Adam Johnston and Mr George Neale securing the most votes. The R -v. A. Morton (Lovell’s Flat) is to give his humorous Scotch loclnre in the church on September 10. The proceeds are in aid of the Ladies’ Guild. Personal. —Mr Agnew, who lately purchased Mr J. Dickie’s farm has taken a step in the right direction, and joined the Benedicts. Mr and Mrs Ag new were welcomed home in the old lime-honoured stvle. with a tincanning. and a few nights later quite a number of his fiiends and neighbours called in the shape of a surprise party, and presented them with a clock as a memento of the happy occasion.

PROPOSED NEW RAILWAY. BLENHEIM, August 9. Mr -I- B ary, president of the Wairau Land and Railway League, has received a. letter from the Under-secretary of the Lands Department stating that, after consultation with the Public Works Department. it has been decided to lay off a reserve for railway purposes through the Hillersden Estate. This indicates the Government’s intention at a future date to construct a line up the Wairau Valley, thus connecting Marlborough with the West Coast. Beauty is good to have about the house, but a good piemakcr is the best stayer