THE COUNTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3117, 10 December 1913, Page 35

THE COUNTRY.

Correspondents are reminded that all letters for the current week’s issue must reach Dunedin Is LATER THAN MONDAY NIGHT. Letters coming to hand on Tuesday are too late, and are thus a vee* old when they appear. TO CORRESPONDENTS.— Owing to the holidays, correspondents are requested to see that their contributions for the Issues of December 24 and December 31 reach us not later than Saturday, Decern* ber 20, amd Saturday, December 27, respectively. IjAKE cooutt. December 6.—At the beginning of the week- the weather was very unseasonable. Cold winds were experienced, and there was no sunshine. The sun, however, has maae its reappearance during the last two or three days, and the weather is now warm. Territorials.—The Arrowtown unit of the Territorial Force commenced a week of instruction on Monday last. The men, who number about 20, are in charge of Captain Hay (Adjutant sth Regiment), who is assisted by Lieutenant Bell (Adjutant 7th Regiment), Quartermaster-sergeant Graham, and Sergeant-major Woods. The first part of the week was devoted to musketry instruction, semaphore signalling, skirmishing work, judging distance, and use of cover, j During the last couple, of days the men have been put through their class-firing. Arrow Caledonian Society.—The annual meeting was hold on Monday last. The balance sheet showed a small debit balance. It was decided to hold the annual sports on Boxing Day. Mr Joint Reid was elected president, and Mr John Jenkins re-elected secretary and treasurer. It was decided to affiliate with the New Zealand Athletic and Cvcling Union. "Lake County A. and P. Society.—A meeting of committee was held this evening, Mr G. D. Baird. (vice-president) presiding. It was reported that the recent show resulted in a profit of about £2O. A vote of thanks was accorded Mr Loo Loc for his efforts in connection with the erection of permanent buildings and yards on the now grounds. Lake County Jockey Club. —It has been decided to change the days of the annual race meeting to Friday and Saturday, 19th and 20th December, instead of Thursday and Friday, 18th and 19th. The change has been made to give down-country visitors the benefit of the holiday excursion fares, which start on the 18th inst. Record nominations have boon received, and the success of the meeting seems to be assured. Wedding.—A quiet wedding was celebrated at St. Paul's Anglican Church, Arrowtown, on Wednesday morning last. The contracting_partios were Miss Margaret Connor, only daughter of Mr Thomas Connor, Arrowtown, and Mr Sydney E. George, of Arrowtown, ‘and formerly of Roxburgh. The Rev. W. Uphill was the officiating clergyman. The bride was given away by her father, and was attended by Miss Maggie Powley as bridesmaid. Mr E. Goodley acted as best man. Immediately after the ceremony the happy couple left by motor for Clyde, on route to Dunedin, where the honeymoon is to be spent. The Scott Memorial. —The unveiling of the memorial to the Antarctic heroes, erected in the Queenstown Park, was carried out on Wednesday with fitting ceremony. The town was crowded with visitors. A full report of the proceedings appears in another column. Found Dead.—Si Yuk, an old Chinese resident of Arrowtown, was found dead in his but yesterday afternoon. He was not long dead when found, as be was seen about in the morning. As he was in bad health for some time, and had received medical treatment, an inciuost was deemed unnecessary. General. —The supply* of milk to the Lake County Dairy Factory is being well maintained. The highest intake for one day to date is 450 gallons. A start has been made with the work of pnttii g down the last two cylinders of the Lower Shotover bridge. There has been considerable delay with the erection of the bridge owing to the non-arrival of timber, but it is now thought that the work would be completed within six months. TAHI.E HILL. December I.—We have had a very wet spring so far, nearly as bad as the previous two springs. There is one crumb of comfort—the weather is not cold, and there arc sometimes warm, sunny days, so that the grass is growing, (ho oats are promising, and the forest trees are showing much now growths at the end of the branches. In some instances all over the district fewer acres of grain arc in this year, and the farmers intended to make up the shortage with but very few of these are in. It is to he hoped that the weather will take up soon. The farmers have had three years’ trials, and naturally hope that farm work will not be delayed any more. Just n * W' glass is very low, being some points below 79. though it is a sunny dav. By an vi'ivr in my last letter I wrote that the bar* merer was 29. instead of 3Q. f he S'-bool. —\\ o have had a change in tin? school lately. Mrs Vliotstra lately resigned and wont to Milton for health rear one. Although Mrs Vliotstra war hero only five months, she won golden opinions everywhere, and took great pains wilh the scholars in explaining to them in detail all the difficult problems that are a bane to school life, and was always solicitous concerning their comfort and welfare, especially during wet weather. There were five applications for the vacancy, but only two were qualified —viz.. Miss Thomson.' of South Canterbury, and Miss Abiga.il Monfrics, who was formerly teaching here for five years. The board recommended Miss Thomson, but the committee decided to recommend the board to appoint an old friend, and eventually Miss Monfries was appointed relieving teacher till the board' at its last meeting confirmed Miss Monfrics’s appointment. Miss Thomson had in tho meantime withdrawn her application. Sports and Picnic. —Tho residents have decided to hold a mooting' to arrange for their annual sports and picnic on Boxing Day. Death.—l have lately been to Glcnore, and ascertained more details of tho lamented death of Mrs Alexander. Our hearts always go out in sympathy to anyone who has had such a severe bereavement as Mr Alexander has had. It is difficult to obtain details of any occurrence in these parts, because, owing to the geography of the country, or. more properly speaking, the cosmogony, wo seldom see any of the residents of the surrounding centres. In the back-blocks one regularly meets residents from all parts, or visitors who bad j’-tst, been through, so that

it was comparatively easy to get particulars of any event. Mrs Alexander was ill for about a fortnight before death, and Dr M’Cormick, from Milton, visited her every day, and sometimes oftenor, and at., all hours, and Mrs Fletcher was also in attendance. Mr Alexander spared no expense, and did everything that was possible to be done, but, unfortunately, without avail. —I noticed in the Witness "the other week tho death of Mrs Stannaway, of Philip street, South Dunedin. Once I culled on Mr and Mrs Stannaway for information concerning tho neighbourhood, and was received with much kindness, and remained with them an hour or two. Mrs Stannaway seemed to be in the best of health, and I was surprised to hear that she was a sufferer from meningitis, and under regular medical treatment. And she took the situation with a most beautiful spirit of resignation. Mrs Stannaway was a native of Northampton, and leaves no family, but a married sister with a number of children. Although tho couple have lived a number of years in Dunedin, it is only quite recently, upon purchasing their present homo in Philip street, that they shifted there. GORGE HOAD (Southland). December 6.—We have had very unseasonable weather hero, and are looking forward for a spell of good weather for tho holidays. Dairying.—The local factory supply is higher now than it lias ever been before, and tho management have had to engage an assistant. Flax-milling.—Tho weather has been a groat drawback to this industry, but whenever the elements permit Messrs Niederor and Siefert’s mill keeps working along, and turns cut a good deal of fibre. Saw-milling.—The New Zealand Pine Company’s two mills at Gorge Read and Basil Siding have been working steadily whenever tho elements have permitted, but I understand they will be closing down for tho holidays on the 20th inst. Pilfered Goods.—There have been several complaints lately of goods having boon tampered with at tho local siding, and it is to be hoped that tho offenders will bo brought to task. In a place such as this goods have often to be left at the siding overnight, and the consignees have to trust to the honesty of tho public, and when goods are stolen or wilfully destroyed great loss and inconvenience are experienced. School Concert. —Tho local school concert in aid of the prize funds was hold in the hall on Friday evening, and proved a great success. Mr L. P. Bock, chairman of tho School Committee, presided. Duriilg the evening Miss Hannah (Woodlands! acted as accompanist. Songs were rendered bv Messrs C. Major, R. King. J. Currie, C. Morgan, Ring, and Mrs Penman (Morton Mains): a Highland fling and sword dance were danced bv Miss Cowic (Winton); recitation by Mr Slaughter; accordeon solo, Mr Voice; and piano solo, Miss Hannah. The chairman, on behalf of the committee, thanked the audience, and a vote of thanks to the performers was carried by acclamation. Refreshments were handed round, and afterwards the floor was cleared for dancing, the music being supplied by M r esrs Horne and Murdoch (violin) and Voice (accordeon). The duties of M.C.’s were carried out by Messrs M'Callum and Grenfell. TAHAKOPA VALLEY. December 6. —The weather has been very broken for the last month. We had a few days’ fine weather a fortnight ago, and some progress was made on the land, and a few succeeded in sowing swedes and turnips; but since then nothing of any consequence could be done on the land, and, unfortunately, those who rejoiced in getting the crop in have the task of resowing to do over again. The continued cold and rain killed the proper germination of tho seed. Grass, however, lias done well, and oats and potatoes are somewhat backward, but healthy. Roads. —Tho County Council have favoured our part of tho county with welcome attention, having sent m a roadgrader, plough, scoop, and men and horses to work them. Their first attention was given to a bad bit of road from the river past Mrs Scott’s, continuing up the valley. They have done good work, but the wet state consequent on so many wet days has greatly hindered tho work. A very bad bit about two miles up the valley they have had to leave till weather conditions have dried up tho great depth of mud 100 deep to bo dealt with in the meantime. Sports. —The young men of the district purpose reviving the New Year sports, and are holding a “bee ’ jo prepare a piece of ground between tho Rivers i ahakopa and"M'Lonnan. A great deal of enthusiasm prevails, and, given good weather, there will be a good gathering, with good prizes. Mr Lawson presents a beautiful 400-day clock of newest design. Church Matters.—Our now missionary, Mr Morgan, has earnestly and energetically taken up his duties, and is forming plans for the future by securing a site for church and glebe; but little will be done until more settlors of his denomination are \vith us, for the settlors yet are few in number and very mixed in religious matters. Rabbit Post.—As showing the value of the domestic cat in keeping down tho rabbit pest, the writer has a eat with four kittens in the cow by re, and to-day saw a group of furry things' in a heap, which on investigation" oroved to ho young half-grown rabbits, nix in number untouched, and four full t:. 1 d kk e.n-j, too full for more, cuddled up asleep. Death.—A rather sudden death of a little eked belonging to Mr and Mrs 1 Claude Martin, occurred on Friday last. An inq.’-Tt was held yesterday at Cobcrfeidh br-f.v Mr Win. Hourstan, J.P., and a Jury. Dr Stenhouse hold a post mortem examination, and a verdict was returned that the child’s death was due to convulsions. Great sympathy has gone out to the parents, and a goodly number turned nut to attend the funeral, which took place tho same afternoon. CLINTON December B.—Tho moist weather wo have had lately has helped tho country greatly, an d grass and crops me all looking well. Farmers are busy getting in their rape and j turnip crops, which in these days of fat lambs are the most necessary of all crops. I Shearing is not quite genera! yet, although i some fat sheen and hoggets have boon i operated on. t he lambing was good, and j farmers generally are looking forward to a I good year. The Strike. —Tho strike has not made j much difference around here as yet, except, j perhaps, in tho passenger traffic on tho railways. There might bo some difficulty in

getting the wool shipped later but in case -any trouble should arise the Farmers’ Union has the names of some 50 young men who are prepared to go to town at any moment, either as “specials” or labourers. Great satisfaction is expressed locally at the action of the Government in handling the strikers so firmly, which action should keep the “Red Feds” quiet for a Jong time, jf not. for ever - . Farmers’ Union. —The Farmers’ Union intended lidding their picnic as usual at Mr Steel’s bush, but Mr Jus. Taylor has issued an invitation for the farmers and their friends to congregate at Ashley Downs. This is under consideration, and may bo accepted. Sports.—The Caledonian sports will be hold as usual on New Year’s Day, when an interesting programme will be carried out. Liquor.—Considerable wrath has been aroused locally regarding the strictures on our town by Mr Hajilon, of Dunedin, when pleading for M’Donald in the Police Court recently. It seems to be another case of those at' a distance seeing most. Residents who ought to-know will tell you that the drinking referred to is confined to some few of our citizens and others, who on various pay-days and at valedictory gatherings get in an overdose of liquor and thus bring upon the town a bad mime. However, this state of things is now likely to come to an end, for the new constable (more power to him) signalised his arrival by locking up three of the worst offenders and warning the others. Short-cuts. —Much annoyance was caused lately by the action of the railway authorities in preventing people having business crossing the line from the office to the goods sheds. The same thing was tried in the days of Mr Coker, but offences were so frequent that that good man was, after a couple of weeks’ trial, only too glad to remove the stricture and lot. the people come and go as they pleased. The same thing will happen tills time, for farmers and others could not be expected to leave their horses while they walk half a mile round. It might be mentioned here that there has never been an accident in crossing. -Changes.—There has been quite a turnover in a number of the business places of the town. Mr Ritchie, who had the Prince of W ales Private Hotel for some years, has sold out and gone back to the butchering. Mr Nichols is now being installed as mine host. Mr Joe Bagric has given up butchering and gone back to the land. We wish him success. IiDMSOEIV. December B.—The weather has been very bolster .us during the past month, but a change for the hotter took place on Friday last, and there is every indication of a much-needed warmth and sunshine for the next few days at least. Crops are looking fairly well. Potato crops seem backward; but vegetable gardens and field pastures are booming. Grass crops are most prolific and farmers are complaining of their inability to procure stock in sufficient numbers to keep the feed at normal. Shearing is now general throughout the district, and reports say that the wool in quality and quantity is equal, if not superior, to former seasons’ clips. The weather conditions have been very unfavourable for shearing ever since the season opened. Lawn Tennis.—Several members of the Lumsden Tennis Club paid a visit to Dipton last Wednesday, and engaged in a friendly match. A very enjoyable afternoon was spent, the match resulting in a win for Lumsden by a small margin. A return match will be played in the near future. Health.—Coughs and colds are going the rounds, but no ill-effects have been reported. With warmer weather wo expect these to disappear, and leave us all enioying the. best of health. Ecclesiastical.—Confirmation service was hekl in All Saints’ (Lumsden) Church of England on Friday evening, the sth, when a large number of candidates came forward to receive the rights of the church. The Primate (Bishop Xovill). assisted by the curate (Rev. H. W. Blathwayte) conducted the service —On Sunday, the 7th inst., the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was dispersed at Mossbnrn Presbyterian Church in the morning, and at Lumsden in the afternoon The Rev. Mr Mackie. of Winton, the Moderator of the vacant charge, assisted by Messrs MT'clridge and Ward, conducted the service. MHAHIV. December I.—The Rev. George Miller, who for the past 14 years lias acceptably fulfilled the duties of pastor of the local Presbyterian Church, is about to teccive a call from St. Andrew’s Church, Ashburton. Should the Presbytery place file call in Mr Miller's hands, it is understood thut it will be accepted. Obituary. —A lady well known throughout Orago in connection with agrlcuitu; a! .-bow-; passed away on Thursday last in the person of Mrs T. Thornton. Mrs Thornton had boon a most successful exhibitor in the dairy and home produce sections for very many years, while her services wine also much in requisition as a judge. She was In her seventieth year at tin' time of her death, and had been in indifferent health for some mouths past. She leaves two sons to mourn their loss, her husband having predeceased her by about 15 mouths. Disappointed.—There is considerable disappointment evinced locally at the absence from the Public Works Estimates of all mention of a new post office for Milton. The need for a new building has been admitted by both our own member (the Hon. Mr Allen) and the Postmaster-general; but evidently these gentlemen find it difficult to convert to their views their colleague of the Public Works' Department. District High School. —The Tokomairiro District High School Committee lias again decided not to make public the inspectors’ reports on the work of the past year. The reports of neighbouring schools of similar standing are regularly handed to the press for publication, and evety year efforts are made to induce the local committee to do likewise. On one or two occasions only have these efforts been successful. This year the committee has decided to adhere to its usual principle of keeping the reports from tho public, and parents are feeling somewhat annoyed that tho knowledge is being kept from them as to whether or not their children are being satisfactorily taught by those into whoso hands their education lias been entrusted. BICOAB BAY. December B.—Wc have had our share of the prevailing changeable weather, and in consequence the hills are looking beautifully fresh and green. Gardens are coming on well, and cabbage trees and flax bushes.are flowering unusually thickly this year. The Maoris gay this is a sign of a warm summer

—may their prediction come true, though there is little sign of it as yet. Motor Traffic.—Tho lower beach road round the Peninsula has. at last been thrown open to motor traffic. A plebiscite of the ratepayers was taken on the question, and a majority of 140 voted in favour of allowing motor traffic. Motorists will have to be careful for their own sakos, as well as for tho sake of the women and children who throng these seaside resorts m tho summer. Tho road is so narrow and hag so many sharp bonds that, unless care is taken, accidents are sure to happen. The horse traffic on tho road since the dairy factories were started is practically nil, and the motors will help to open up our district and make property more valuable. For beauty, on a lino day, a drive down the high road and back by the lower one is hard to beat anywhere. Church.—Our local Methodist Church presents a much improved appearance with its new roof, now paint inside and out, now lenco and entrance, and all the little etceteras. All this expenditure was made possible by a bazaar which was got up locally, and which realised £IOO. Our folk worked well, but wo should scarcely have made only dialf of that amount if it had not been for tho help of town friends and the energy of one lady in particular who has made her homo amongst us. The jubilee services, made bright and interesting by musical items and reminiscences of the early days, passed off very successfully, and at present the church looks fit for another 50 years. School.—The school breaks up for the holidays in a fortnight’s time. At present our teacher. Mr W alker, and his sister are busy working up an entertainment to be held in the hall at an early date. Iho Season.—Tho season promises to be a very busy one this year, and several of the cottages are already occupied. The arrangements for tho regatta are well in hand, and, given a favourable day, promises to be a big success. * > DUNTROON. December B.—Last Thursday night the Presbyterian Church held its annual social in tho Defence Hull, and, owing to tho threatening weather, there was not a great many people from the outlying parts of tho parish, otherwise it was a groat success. J he chair was occupied by the Rev. Alex. Ibangster. During tho evening addresses were given by the Rove. Patterson, Stevens. Wright, and A. Sangster. Anthems were sung by tho choir, solos by Mrs W. Taylor and Miss Burr, musical quartets by Mr W. Hutchison and J. MTherson (violins), Mr Hedge (’cello), Miss M. Haugli (piano). Very hearty votes of thanks wore carried by acclamation to the choir, singers, musicians, speakers, and the ladies for. supplying the refreshments, and a very pleasant evening came to a close. Weather.-—lt is one of the best seasons on record. We had 17 days’ rain during November, and no heavy rain on any one day, and the land has absorbed it all. Tho growth of grass and the crops is bountitul, and most of tho farmers are busy with tho turnip crops. There is very little shearing done, and it will be a drug to get anydone, as a number of the shearers have gone up country.- During tho month of November tho rainfall registered was 367 points; maximum fall on the ,25th, S2 points.. Sports.—Tho Caledonians are now Having a busy time preparing for the annual sports on Boxing Day, and they have a good programme, giving £7O in' cash, prizes, and medals. Death.—-Much sympathy is felt here for Mr and Mrs Robert Hamilton on the sudden death of their baby son. The baby was taken suddenly ill on Thursday night, anil died on Saturday morning. i WAIM ATE. December s.—At the various branches of tlic Mothers’ Unions held in the district resolutions were passed approving of the platform of the Bibie-m-Suite-Schools .League, and requesting the Government to introduce a Referendum Bill on the subject. At the Waimato brunch the opportunity was taken of bidding farewell to Airs MTvenzie Gibson, who had acted as secretary to the Waimate branch for the last 15 years. Several members spoke in high praise of Mrs Gibson’s work, and the opportunity was taken to present her with a silver tea and coffee service. There were 116 members present, Mrs M. Suitlholiiio (president of tlie branch) coming from Tuiuuu to attend the meeting. Presentation.—Last Sunday a pleasing ceremony took place in connection with St. Augustine’s Sunday School. .Vs both Aliss Stewart and l\i:ss Gibson are severing their connection with the Sunday cciiooi, both ladies <tycrc the recipients of a silver vase. Mr K. lias-sail, laic .superintendent, made tile picii.nl .1; ana reieireii jn conipliliit;i.:iry terms lo the retiring teachers’ work. Salvation Army.—The anniversary of tho Young People’s Corps was celebrated cn Sunday and Aiom.ay. Brigadier Home and Adjutant Haywooa were Uie special officers pre-xnt. Uu Mot ~..y evi lung die prize d.stribution took . . . and a special programme of music wai nvidcrcd; 72 prizes were distribute.:. Companies of children contributed flag xlrui and chorus singing. The performance reflected credit on their instructor, Mr E. Rive. Ministering Children's League. Last Saturday Mrs M. Studholme gave the annual treat to the members of the Ministering Cnildron’s League. .Attendance prizes were given as follows: Ist, Melba Wills, 23 out of 23 attendances; 2nd, Rena Wills and Myrtle Smith, 22 out of 23 attendances; 3rd, Mabel Keen and May Cox, 21 out of 25 attendances; and for the sports events 36 prizes were distributed. Road Race.—A boys’ cycle road race was run on Wednesday evening, when 30 lads faced the starter. Messrs Hodges and Atwill acted as judges, and Mcesru King and Dunstan as timekeepers. None of the three scratch competitors finished the race, two of them falling when they reached Pinowood. Tho first three finished in the following order: J. Patterson (Otaio), Ini in (37min 45sec), 1; N. Joyce, (33rnin 16scc), 2; R. Reynolds, 2min (39min 21sec), 3. Obituary.—Tho funeral of tho late Mr Bennington, a well-known resident and a comparatively young man, took place last Tuesday. Mr Bennington had boon conductor of Bt. Paul’s (Methodist) Choir. Not quite so unexpected was the death of Air Searell, an old resident of Cust, but more recently of Wanna to. Mrs Searell died last year, and since her decease Air Searell has boon more or less of an invalid. Ho has loft a large family of married daughters, all of whom arc well known and respected. County Council. —During tho year part of the county has been revalued. Last April tho valuation for tho county stock at

£4,859,000. By tho Ist of April, 1914, it k estimated to stand at over £5,000,000. M< Bitchcncr was again elected to represent the county on the Timaru High School Board. In acknowledging his unanimous election Mr Bitchcncr referred to the progress of both the District High School and the High School. Tho head master of tho boys’ side' was an old Waimato boy, and the school was making good progress and increasing in numbers both in tho day and board hi g school departments. Thistle Blight.—Thistle blight has made its .appearance on tho Californian thistle. Though not so bad as in the south, tha weed has given considerable trouble in some places. It is hoped tho blight will i»ociii put an end to this pest. TFAIKOA (Hawke's Bay). December 2. —The final meeting for th» present season ofMhe Wairoa Lieclertafel •Society was hold on Monday evening, when an invitation concert was given by the members to their friends. The programme consisted of part songs, quartets, and solos, and was much appreciated. The items produced by tho society, under the baton of Mr Moore, were ‘‘ln This Hour of Softened Splendour, ” ‘‘Bright Sword of Liberty,” “Tho Chapel,” and “Comrades in Arms,” while “Beware” and “Lovely Night” wore rendered as quartets. Cricket.—Owing to the improvement, of tho Recreation Ground, it has been found possible to revive cricket in Wairoa, and regular matches arc played between Wairoa A and B teams and Frascrtown. It is also expected that during tho season several country teams will be able to join in tho competition. At present the country enthusiasts are mostly busily engaged in shearing operations. Building.—The building boom in Wairoa, which has been in existence for the last six or seven years, shows no sign of abating. Several buildings are in course of erection, including the Clyde Hotel, a massive building in concrete, to replace the old hotel destroyed by fire; and the new premises of the Bank of New Zealand, alsobeing erected in concrete. Besides these a number of residences are being erected. —Strike.—The strike lias not affected us much here in this isolated district, tho Magic (Mr Pulley’s scow) nnd the To Aroha (belonging to the Richardson fleet) making regular calls. Large cargoes of wool are being sent away every trip, and a fair amount of goods is being brought in by tlie scows. School. —The Kd neat ion Board is asking the department to make additions to tho primary school, as well ns to erect tho necessary buildings for the secondary department to be eslabb'shed at the beginning of the new year. The examinations for scholarships and free places were held on Thursday and Friday. Mr Ratcliffe and Misfi Foot being the supervisors. Business. —The bookselling business lately in the hands of Mr Armstrong has twice changed hands, the latest proprietor being Air Howe, late of Napier. Weather.—Owing to the splendid amount, of moisture, the crops of grass are this season phenomenal, there being difficulty in finding purchasers for some of tho surplus crop. The local landholder* arc just now busy making hay for the whiter supply of stock feed.