THE COUNTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3111, 29 October 1913, Page 35

THE COUNTRY.

Correspondents are reminded that all letters for the current week’s issue must reach Dunedin NOT LAXEB THAN MONDAY NIGHT. Xetters ooming to hand on Tuesday are too late, ttnd are thus a week old when they appear.

lakh county. October 25.—Beautiful weather has been experienced for the past week. Rain is badly wanted 1 . . „ Lake County Co-operative Dairy Company,—The first annual meeting of shareholders was held in the Council Chambers, Arrowtown, on the 14th inst. Mr K. M. Paterson (chairman of directors) presided. The balance sheet showed that the receipts for the year amounted to £327 7s, ;Lj26 3s 6d of that amount being calls paid, ihe expenditure was £1126 8s 2d, the principal items being as follows: —Payments to buildin" contractor, £953 Is 9d; building site, £25; construction of drains, £39 Is 4d; printing and stationery, £l6 8s 7d; salaries, £l9 14s 2d; interest, £22 7s 3d. The debit balance at 30th September was £BO7 12s Id. Messrs E. M. Paterson and John Jenkins, jun., the directors who retired by rotation, were unanimously re-elected, and Mr A. Goodley was re-elected auditor. At a meeting of director? held afterwards Mr R. M. Paterson was re-elected chairman. The matter of the disposal of the season’s output of cheese was left in the hands of the chairman and 1 secretary. It was decided that butter-fat should be paid for at the rate of Is per lb, payment to be made on the •7th of each month. The salary of the secretary was increased from £ls to £25. The quantity of milk being received at the factory has steadily increased since the opening day. According to the manager (Mr Linton), the average butter-fat tost of the milk supplied to the factory is considerably in excess of the average record at the majority of factories in Otago and Southland. Personal. —Prior to his departure from Skippers last week, Mr J. A. Johnston was entertained at a social gathering by the residents of the Skippers district. Mr A. Lambie presided, and, in proposing the health of the guest, referred to the loss the district would sustain in the departure of Mr Johnston, who had always taken a keen interest in all matters affecting its welfare. Several other speakers testified to Mr Johnston's many sterling qualities, and all wished him and his children good health and success in their new home at Portobello. Mr- Johnston feelingly responded. It is the intention of the committee to forward Mr Johnston a suitably-inscribed token as a memento of his connection with the district. —Mr W. B. Hawson, manager of the Queenstown branch of the Bank of Now Zealand, has been promoted to the position of manager of the Palmerston South branch. During his six years’ residence in Queenstown, Mr Hawson was identified with several organisations, and was an active member of the Bowling Club. As an officer of the bank, he was popular with all, and general regret is expressed at his departure. Mr C. E. Graham, of the Bluff branch, takes Mr Haweon’s place.—Dr Stewart, of the Wakatipu Hospital, loft last week on .a six weeks’ holiday trip to Australia. Dr Whyte, late house surgeon at Dunedin, is in temporary charge. Socials.—A social and dance in aid of tho funds of the Lower Shotover School was held in tho Schoolhouso on Friday evening, 17th inst., and was a great success. Tho attendance was largo, and as a result the funds of the school will be considerably augmented. The dance music was supplied by Stevenson’s Orchestra, while Mr G. Logan acted as M.C. The refreshments were under the charge of Mredames Brown, Chepwidden. Houston, and Melton, and Miss Turner. During the evening Mr A. Domigan (Queenstown) contributed several comic songs.—A social and dance in aid of the Arrow Swimming Club was hold in the Athenaeum Hall last evening. Although the attendance was not large, tho function proved most enjoyable for those present. The music for the dance was supplied by Mrs Campbell (piano), Messrs (1. Campbell (violin) and H M'Dowall (cornet). Mr H. Scott acted as M.C. General. —The Queenstown Bowling Club opens its season on Monday next (Labour Day). The Arrow Club opens on Wednesday, sth November.—Tho amount collected in the Wakatipu district towards the Salvation Army’s self-denial fund was £llO. an increase of £3O on the amount collected last year. —The Hon. T. Fergus is tho new owner of Coronet Peak Station, having purchased it from Mr F. Knnbloy. Mr Miller, who has been in charge of the station for some time, will continue to act as manager. Expansion League.—A meeting of the Executive of the Queenstown branch of tho Dunedin Expansion League was hold last week. Some discussion took place on the proposed booklet regarding the attractions of the district. Nothing definite was decided on, but it was agreed to ascertain what support would bo forthcoming from the residents of Queenstown and interested persons in the district. Canvassers wore appointed, and they will report in duo course. During the visit to Queenstown last week of Messrs Ronayne and Hiloy. retiring and incoming general managers of the New Zealand Railways respectively, they were waited upon by a denutation from tho branch of tho league, when tho chairman (Mr L. Hotop) urged the desirability of running week-end excursions to Queenstown throughout the whole year. It was pointed out that the support given tho last winter excursions was sufficiently encouraging to warrant the department continuing same. A suggestion was also made that two or three cheap excursions to Queenstown be run from Oamaru and Timam. In reply, Mr Ronayne said be could not give a definite answer to the deputation, but asked that the secretary write to Wellington and make representations on the lines indicated, and consideration would bo given when arranging the futme railway policy. FAIRFAX. October 24. —The present spring has now fulfilled tho promise of its youth. A mild September, which brought forth many prophecies of an early season, was followed by cold, bleak winds in October, wh : ch h-ive considerably retarded vegetation. Evidently grazing is becoming more popular than grain-growing, for each succeeding year secs a, smaller area sown in white crops and a much larger acreage utilised for rape and turnips. Accident. —On the 20th in.rt. Mr J. Borland. of Groper’s Bush, whilst riding from his home to Fairfax, met with a severe accident. lie was keeping on tho grass at the side of the road in -'■‘Aar to save hi*

horse, which had cast a shoe, when the animal, slipping, fell, and rolled over its rider, breaking his leg above tho kneo A number of persons soon gathered on the scene, and aid all they possibly could for the sufferer. He was taken to his residence in a passing motor car, where bp wf } s attended to by Dr Gordon. Mr Borland s many friends are hopeful that ero long he will be up and about again. Dairy Factory.—The local dairy factory is in full swing again. _ A number of last year’s supporters nave increased their herds, and a few new suppliers are expected, so that, under ordinary conditions, the output should be considerably larger this season than it was last. Very little whey is wasted nowadays, as dairymen have found that on this by-product, pasteurised, along with some artificial food, good calves can bo reared, and with the excellent prices ruling for young cattle calves are certainly worth rearing. WAIRIO. October 25.—The dry and windy weather of the past forntight *has given farmers a chance to get their grain-sowing finished, and this most of them have taken advantage of, so that the 1913 grain crop is practically in. Railway.—The Wairio Coal and Railway Company are taking full advantage of the fine weather to push their line ahead. Over 20 men are working on it, including five with teams of horses. Mr J. R. Nuttall, who is in charge, informs me-that they expect to have everything in working order by March next. I was much amused on reading a paragraph in your Birchwood correspondent’s notes a couple of weeks back saying that this railway had been “knocked on the head.” If he takes a stroll down and keeps his eyes open, he will soon sec whether it is knocked on tho head or not. Jockey Club.—The annual meeting of members of the Wairio Jockey Club was held on Saturday evening. The following were elected office-bearers: —President, Mr Tho?. Todd; vice-presidents—Messrs M. Egan and J. Fordo; committee— Messrs W. Egan, 0. Gallagher, W. Cowie, R. Kirkpatrick, and T. Monorieff; stewards —Messrs N. Bates, 0. Gallagher, W. Keen, senr., M. O’Brien, R. Kirkpatrick, J. Griffin, M. Egan, T. Todd, J. Fordo, and W. daggers. Mr Bates, who has retired from the position of president after 21 years’ service, was presented by the club with a costly pair of binoculars. At a meeting of tbo committee held afterwards, it was decided to raise die stakes at the meeting to be held in January to £9OO, HiMDEVILLE. October 27. —The weather conditions have been very much more favourable for working tho land during the present month, and good progress has been made to bring the grain-sowing to a close for another season. Quite a good number in this district have finished, and the majority have only a few acres left to put in. Of course, it is well nigh time for the grain-sowing to bo completed and turnip ground got ready toreceive the seed, but the early part of the season was so wet as to delay all farm work tremendously. However, if the elements are favourable there is yet time to have it all harvested before winter sets in. Tho acreage will bo much smaller this year. The farmers —or the majority of them —arc giving up the idea of growing grain to market. They find that the expense incurred in making it marketable, and also in reaching the market, swallows up all the profit, and they are left little or no richer, and their farm very much poorer Fat Lambs. A big acreage is to be set aside for fattening and winter feed. The experience last season of not having enough turnips to carry the flock through in good condition will not readily be forgotten. The trouble and loss at the lambing through tho ewes being too low in condition, and consequently not having a sufficient flow of milk, has boon more widely felt this lambing than for a decade, if not much longer. Had tho weather not boon favourable, the lambing would have been very much below the average, but, thanks to tho elements and also to the great attention that practically every flock now receives, tho tailing will, I feel sure, give gratifying results. Public Hall.—The annual meeting of tho Public Hall Company was hold in the hall on tho 17th inst., and was attended by a larger number of shareholders than usual. During the year several new shares were sold, and the new shareholders made it their business to attend tho meeting, with tho result that four new directors were placed on tho directorate in the place of some of the older members who wished to bo relieved. Tho position of the hall has improved during the year, and at the present moment I am assured by those who know that there is not a penny of debt on the land or building. Last Friday night a concert and dance was held in the hall to raise funds to carry out alterations and pfd’t'ons to make the building more acceptable for the purposes for which it was built. The night was an ideal one, the attendance was largo, and tho amount taken at tho door will assist materially to carry out the work the directors are contemplating. The Concert Committee, the performers, and, the ladies who provided refreshments deserve to bo thanked from a much more abler pen than tins for the parts they played to make it the success it was. Farmers’ Union.—Tho local branch of the Farmers’ Union held its last meeting on Tuesday, 21st, at Mr W. Fortune’s residence. The attendance was the largest present at any one meeting since the branch was formed, and the amount of discussion that every subject brought forward received showed conclusively that the farmers are alive to matters of interest to them, both local and abroad. Mr Fortune provided very lavishly, and the good things were done full justice to by those present. TWor-' dispersing Mr W. Reid conveyed to Mr Fortune the thanks of the members for what he had done for them. Messrs Kain. Shccd. and Oarro'l also made a few complimentary remarks. Mr Fortune suitably replied. Mr Cody also received a vote of thanks for coming and explaining the advantage of forming a new county, while Mr Carroll was thanked for contributing several songs, which added much to make tho meeting the success it was. MIWUnHJf. October 27. —During the past week the weather was squally, but there was sufficient drying to enable late seed-sowing to bo completed. Tho country face is looking its best, and there is abundance of pasture feed, and all stock aro looking in prime condition. Lambing.—A phenomenal percentage of lambs is anticipated; 100 per cent, at least is assured, and in some small lots 140 to 160 per cent, is recorded.

Clearing Sale. —Messrs Dalgety and Co. held a very successful group sale, at Lumsdeh Hills, of surplus stock of Mr M‘Arthur’s (Five Rivers) Lumsden Hills Estate, on Wednesday last, 22nd inst. There was a large number Draught horses sold at good prices, reaching as high as £36, and very few changed hands under £3O. A number of ponies were sold at a high figure, averaging from £9 to £l7. A line of 25 steers was knocked down to Mr W. S. Mitchell at £7 16s. The same buyer secured the mixed lot at £5 ss. A line of heifers in poor condition, with calves at foot, sold at £5 15s. Implements sold at reasonable rates. Sports.—The annual meeting of the Lumsden Caledonian Society was held in the Public Hall on Saturday night, and was attended by a goodly number of members and public. Mr Arch. Macalister was voted to the chair. The secretary read the balance sheet and annual report, which was received and adopted as a most satisfactory result of last year’s gathering. The appointment of officers for the ensuing year was then proceeded with, when the following wore elected: —President, Mr Alex. Small; with a host of vice-presidents; the appointment of secretary and treasurer was left open to a later date; superintendent of sports, Mr Arthur Brooke; handicapper, Mr Murdoch; judge of music, Mr Wilson; judge of all dancing, Mr T. Reedy; starter, Mr Tom Menzies, jun.; judges of quoits, running wrestling, jumping, etc., are local members of the society. The gathering will be held on December 25, it as usual being the only available day during the holidays. The prizes total £6O or £7O. Bible in Schools. —The Rev, Mr Wood, organiser of the Bible-in-sohools movement, held services in Sunday, 19th, at Mossburn, Castle Rock, and in the Lumsden Presbyterian Church at night. The reverend gentleman was listened to with strict attention by large and appreciative congregations. Mr Wood gave an able address in the Public Hall after the service in the church. , Ecclesiastical. —Mr George Lahore, University student, is filling the pulpit supply in the Lumsden, Castle Rock, and Mossburn Presbyterian parish during the summer months. pomahaka downs, October 24.—The weather is now all that can be desired, which moans a good deal. The Farm. —The sowing of grain is about finished. From what I can learn there will not be a great amount of oats sown. Farmers are going in more for growing feed tor stock. For one thing, there is not the heavy expense for labour in harvesting. Then stock is paying well just now, and dairying, of course, is or will be the great business of New Zealand. Speaking of dairying, I heard it proposed that a new factory should bo erected on the banks of the Pomahaka River —down by the bridge would be a fine site, and would command a large dairying district. Death. —I understand that Mr _Ncaves, proprietor of the Wairuna Estate, is dead. During his occupancy of this estate he has made great improvements. Accident.—l am sorry to have to report that Mr Collins has had his shoulder bone broken. Ho went out riding to see his sheep, when the horse fell and rolled over him. Church Matters. —Mr Lennox, a married student, is now occupying the pulpits of the Popotunoa congregation. The communion service will bo held on November 9. TCAPEKA MOITH. October 27.—During the early part of last week the weather was wet and stormy ; but towards the end we suffered from heavy, drying winds. At present the paddocks are nice and green, and growth is luxuriant everywhere; but a few more days of these winds, and plant life would be retarded considerably. Euchre Party.—The second gathering of the proposed series of euchre was hold in the hall on the 17th. Miss ilson and Mr Reynolds proved to tbo the lucky winners, while the booby prizes went to Mrs Fraser and Mr J. M'Gown. After sunper was handed round, the hall was cleared for dancing. Church Matters. —Our usual Sunday service was devoted to tho young. These assembled in large numbers, and listened attentively to an able address based on “Dare to" bo a Daniel.” Our minister. Mr Pate, seems to have the happy knack of levelling his discourses to the young to tho understanding of the child. The choir ie at present practising a service of song. This is to be rendered during the November moon. School Matters. —Tho annual examination of the school takes place on or about Saturday, November 1. Inspector Richardson is to be the examiner, and, as ho Is well known to the children, favourable results are hoped for. At a meeting hold last evening the school committee decided to close the school for the Christmas vacation as from November 21 to January 21. This is to enable the teachers to attend tho training e'a-'-es that arc to bo held in Dunedin during tho next two months. MILTON. October 27. —The weather during the past few weeks has been more suited for farm work, and the grain crops are now practically all sown. The bulk of the crops have boon sown later than is usually considered desirable, but should tho season prove favourable it is possible that a fair average yield may yet be secured. Municipal Picture Show.—lt is understood that the Milton Borough Council has under consideration at present tho question of running a picture show in tho Coronation .Hall under municipal control. At present there are legal difficulties in tho way, but as soon as these are removed the matter will bo gone into carefully. The Woollen Mills. —It is ploasipg to note that the annual report and balance, sheet of of tho Bruce Woollen Manufacturing Company just issued records another successful year’s work. Tho net profit earned during the year amounts to £3701 16s lOd. This, with the balance (£B2B 12s 6d) from last year makes £4530 9s 4d to be dealt with. The directors recommend that a dividend of 6 per cent, be paid, that £IOOO bo written off plant, that £SOO be transferred to tho reserve account, and that the balance of £623 18s 7d be carried forward. Over 10,000 £1 shares have been taken up during the year. Largo additions have been made to the buildings, and a good portion of the new plant is to hand and erected, while it is hoped to have the balance in position by January next. Cricket. —An effort is at present being made to resuscitate the Milton Cricket Club. As a pastime cricket never seems to appeal to the youth of Milton. It is usually

voted “slow,” and other and more energetic ryoans are generally sought by which to. relieve tho exuberance of spirits during the summer months. However, the king of games has always a few loyal supporters, and at a meeting convened for Wednesday evening last a very fair number turned up. Mr H. W. Hilton was elected president, with Mr R. Thow as captain and Mr D. M’Laren as secretary and treasurer. It was decided to open the season otj Saturday, November 8. Football.—Tho Toko Football Club brought a successful season to a close on Tuesday evening last by a smoko concert held in tho Council Chambers. There was a large gathering of past ayid present members, besides outside visitors. Tho proceedings were of a free and easy character, ns usual with gatherings of the kind. The chair was occupied by the president, Mr J. W. Petrie, Mr H. W. Hilton acting in the capacity during Mr Petrie’s temporary absence. The toast list, which was a fairly lengthy one, was interspersed with songs and recitations given by several of those present, and a most enjoyable gathering broke up shortly before midnight. BINFUBLY. October 27. —The weather for tho past month has been very dry. Within the past few days heavy north-west winds have prevailed. Farming operations are well in hand, but in some cases the ground is too dry and hard for further ploughing. Rain is badly needed to give the crops and grass a good start. Stock around the. plain are looking exceptionally well for this timq of the year. Social. —Tho social in aid of the Sunday school library was hold in tho church. The night being fine, a good attendance resulted. After the chairman’s remarks a good programme of songs, recitations, etc,, was given by MisS Morgan, Messrs Roberts, H. Screen, Kennedy, and the Sunday school children. Credit is due to the teachers for tho wav tho items were given by the children. The takings amounted to about £5, with which the library has been procured. Cricket. —Tho annual meeting of the Cricket Club was largely attended. Tho balance sheet, which showed a credit of £2, reflects credit on the secretary, Mr S. Slater. The following office-bearers were elected for the ensuing year:—President, Mr F. Morgan; vice-president's —Messrs Bell, Hanrahan, Mitchell, Kelly, and Walker; hon. life member, Mr Jno. Law; secretary, Mr S. Slater; practice captains, Messrs H. Cooper and W. M’Lcan; Selection Committee, Messrs Coppell and M'Lean; General Committee—Messrs Mitchell, Murray, Coppell, M’Lcan, Cooper; Works Committee, Messrs Screen and Coppell; delegates to M.C.C., Messrs T. Forrester and M'Lean. The opening of. the season took place last Saturday, and, judging from the enthusiasm shown, the local bovs bid fair to obtain premiership honours, A dance was hold in the evening, Messrs M'Lean and Pinder supplying the music, while Mr John Weir carried out the duties of M.C. School.—lt is most gratifying to learn that the scholars all passed at the last examination, tho inspector passing complimentary remarks on the general excellence of tho children. Tho school has been under a handicap with so many relieving teachers. The permanent teacher, Mr M'Lay, has now resumed charge of the school. Wedding.—Last Wednesday Miss M. M’Lean was united in tho bonds of matrimony to Mr Chas. Donald, of &tyx, the Rev.' E. Adams officiating. The wedding, which was of a quiet celebrated at tho residence of the bride’s parents. Tho bride was supported by her sister, Mies G. M'Lean. as bridesmaid, while Mr W. M'Lean carried out the duties of best man. After-tho wedding breakfast the customary toasts were duly honoured, the happy couple departing for Dunedin by train amid showers of rice. The bride was tho recipient of many useful presents. Our beat wishes are extended to the happy couple for their future welfare. HIDE. October 25.- The weather during tho present month has been all that could bo desired, which is saying a lot for weather in October, a month in which probably more than any other in the year, fine weather is necessary, for practically tho whole pastoral and agricultural season commences in October. The general lambing is spread over tho month, the grain crops are sown, and the bulk of tho land prepared for turnips and green crop. Dming the month the rainfall has been sufficient and well d'stributod, and there has been an almost entire absence of the cold, sou’-west storms which so often occur in October, generally with disastrous results. Tho Farm. —Farm work has been prosecuted vigorously during tho month, ami it may be said that tho leeway of August has been now made up, if this be possible. All the grain crops have been sown, and in most cases have now brairded strongly and are making good growth. A largo area is being turned over and prepared for turnips, rape, and grass, and whilst in some eases the land is working down to a good seqdbed in other paddocks the soil is umpy and hard to reduce to good condition, this probably being caused by the heavy August rains so consolidating the soil that it ran together. This condition is of frequent occurrence in this district, whore tho land is light and very quickly absorbs moisture and as easily loses it, and when ploughed ac this time of year the -moisture is very soon evaporated and reduction to a good scocl-bed a matter of much labour and difficulty. The remedy for this is more fall ploughing, especially of land intended for turnips and like crops. Of late years very little ploughing has been done before winter, and, of course, in the spring the first consideration is the getting in of the cereals; hence the ploughing of turnip lands i& left until the crop is in, when very much more work is entailed and much time lost, as it is often necessary to wait for rain before tho lumps can be dealt with. The Flock.—Lambing has been general during tho month, tho farmers’ flocks starting about the Ist and the hill flocks about a fortnight later. Good weather has l»een experienced throughout, and the death-rate from bad climatic condition.* 4ias been practically nil. A number of flockowners, howeves, report a higher mortality than usual 'from other causes quite outside the weather. Cases of stillborn lambs and other allied troubles are the principal causes of loss; but on the whole tho loss has been light, and a good general percentage may be predicted. Feed is plentiful and lambs are thriving splendidly, and tho flocks generally are in good order and. carrying a heavy fleece of wool. A few lines of lambs havo been sold for FebruaryMarch. delivery, but so far tho business has

been limited, and the prices are not i % guide to market values. Tussock lambs are J being sold at from 12s to 13s, and so far 1 have not heard of any Bales of paddock | lambs. Bunny.—Rabbit-trapping for export fa ' - still bemg carried on, but the end of the J month will probably see the close of thfli ? season, which has this year been longei % than usual, and as high prices have heed • ruling the trappers have done well. How they will view the proposal recently made 5 by Mr Scott, member for Central Otago, iq i the House to have trapping prohibited by law* is not hard to guess. However, sl9 | reasons advanced by Mr Scott in support 5 of his proposal are sound, and are worthy of the attention of landowner's nwi rabbit department. Mining.—Matter's are sonrehwat active in mining than has been the case torf ■- a few years. The Mount High lay Conw pany has been reconstructed, a new com* pany formed, and the battery is now being removed to s site adjacent to the minei -St thus do inn- away with tire expensive of stone by tramway for three miles, || alluvial mining a party has taken Up'><ui( ii, area known as Holvcreon’e, some four miles' from Hyde. In tine ground in the eArly || days one John Holverson, alias Wheelbarrow S Johnny, struck very rich gold, the amount w from tlub claim being placed by some M as liigh as £IO.OOO. Owing to water, howi J ever, a portion of the claim could not bo worked, as there was then no moans o| coping with the'water, ami hjdraulic clei rating was unknown, and it is to this tion that the present party arc turning their ifattention, and it is to be hoped that success- '-t will reward their efforts. Sports.—With the approach of the suptf i f mor the seasonal sports are'engaging atteu* r, : tion. The annual meeting of the Cricket « Club was hold some weeks ago, tlio vicepresident, Mr H. M’Auley, jun., presiding, ;ij* and there was a large attendance of meni» || bom. The financial position of the club it satisfactory, and as keen interest in the club 4 is evinced by the members a successful J, season is assured. The election of office* bearers resulted as follows: —President, Mr -■ H. M‘Auley, jun.; vice-presidents—Messrs ,1 Pennington, Dowling, Carvalho; captain, i Mr Jno. Mathcson (re-elected); vice-captain, r T. Green; secretary, Mr P. White (re- ' elected). The official opening of the soasoh |f took place on the 4th, and. favoured with 0 good weather, there was a largo turnout, 4 including a number of the fair sex. A 1 i; matcii Married v. Single was played, and i full teams of each side took the field, vio* tory, after a good game, resting with the , : ij bachelors, who compiled 57. to which tho It benedicts could respond with only about '% half tho score. ' At present it is the intention 3 of the club to play Macraes, at Macraes, :-i on tho Bth. —The Hyde Card Club brought a most successful season to a close on the I 10th inst. with a ball. Favoured with weather, there was a splomlid turnout, visitors being present from Middloraarch, Rock and Pillar, Moonlight, and Ranfurly. ‘4 First-class music was supplied by Messrs Moore (piano) and Lavorty (violin), of ' Nasoby, and the duties of M.C. were die- M charged by Mr Jas. Bruhns in his usual- : efficient manner. ■& SAWYERS’ BAY. | October 26.—With tho advent of spring Sawyers’ Bay is looking 1 its very best. Per- ,c haps at no other time of the year is a visitor so tempted to say “What a prettyj place 1“ Nearly every house has its garden round it, and just now some of them arc looking exoodingly pretty. At tho .{ recent horticultural show held In Port ~i Chalmers quite a large proportion of tho | exhibits came from Sawyers’ Bay gardens. Amusement.—During the last few days 3 quite a number of events have taken place, each catering in its own way to the wants . 1 of tho pleasure-seeking public. Tho League ,ii of Service brought its 1913 session to a close with tho usual concert. This year ifa , was particularly attractive. An excellent programme was gone through to tho do- > light of a largo and appreciative audience. J This was followed immediately by a play * presented by one of tho Dunedin dramatic 5 companies, the chief features of which were , tho performance of the Magician Zerrao. | Lecture. —Last Friday evening a largo an<l ~ <lelightod audience mot to listen to a lecture by Mr Darling, the honorary secretary of tho Navy League. The lecture was held ill " !: t3 Connection with the local school branch. 5 which has a membership of between 30 anti "'f 40 of the school children. The lecture was ■'s illustrated' by lantern slides, and .Mr Darling held the attention of hie audience §. throughout, his remarks being elosoly listened to. Mr W. Simpson very success- % fully manipulated tho lantern. Presentation. —On a recent Sunday after- ’’ noon at the close of the Presbyterian Sab- I bath School, Mr G. G. Chisholm, who has \ been superintendent for a. number of years, ; was tho recipient of a number of fino -I volumes on severing his connection with ;/ the school. Mr Chisholm has received pro- m motion in the Government service, and i a ij m consequence leaving the district. In returning thunks, the recipient made feeling C reference to his life-long connection with . the school. During hie office as super- ‘M intendent the school had doubled its size,- ' and tho now church was now too small to - accommodate comfortably the children who. assembled on the Sunday afternoons, W*IJIATE. October 27. —The funeral of the late Mr. t Patrick Gorman, on Friday last, was largely.| attended. Mr Gorman ie a son of one of ■' tho Waikakatio settlers, had only just bought \ a farm in the Duntroon district, and was J al>out to be married. During the last few weeks he had become aware that something! was wrong, and it was found that the irouble was more serious than had been anticipated, ■' After an operation ho sank rapidly. Mr i Gorman was a young man of great promise, ' and his death is deplored by all who knew him.—Mrs Barclay, the widow of the late • Rev. George Barclay, and mother of Dr BE, C. Barclay, and tho late A. R. Barclay, M.P., ; died on Thursday. The old lady had been ■ in failing health for some weeks, and her death was not unexpected. She had shared ■ a somewhat varied career with _ her late , husband, who had been a missionary in India, and, later, when health failed, had come to New Zealand, and had charge of al district reaching from the Rangitata to the Waitaki. In spite of floods and stormy : weather, he had never been known to fail to keep an engagement tinless to do so waS impossible. .t Trafalgar Day.—To mark Trafalgar Day 9 special picture show was held in tho Olympics Hall. The occasion proved most successful. The hall was packed with enthusiastic) Britishers, who warmly applauded Jthe navaH pictures. The hall had been decorated bjPr the members of the Navy League. Druids.—About GO sat down to tho banquet-.; held to celebrate tho ninth anniversary ofcg the Ivy Lodge of Druids, including visiting members of the order, the Maaroflf/i

f John Black), Dr Hayes, and others. Bro. IG. Bussell presided. ligk School.— Though the unusually large endance of the past year has not been ntained, it has been decided to retain Farquharson’s services 'for the secondary lartment.