THE COUNTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3123, 28 January 1914, Page 35

THE COUNTRY.

Correspondents are reminded that all letters for the current week’s issue must reach Dunedin NOT LATER THAN MONDAY NIGHT. Letters coming to hand on Tue-day are too late, and aie thus a week old when they appear.

lake couktt. January 24.—The weather continues changeable. There was a good deal of rain in the early part of the week, but at present it ;e very warm. Week-end Excursion. —About 170 persons patronised the week-end excursion on Saturday last. . . Valedictory.-—Prior to their departure tor Queenstown, Mr and Mrs S. M'Skimming were entertained at a farewell social by the residents of Arrowtown. There was a large attendance. During the evening Mi G H Romans, on behalf of those present, wished Mr and Mrs M’Skimming every success and happiness in their new home. Mr Romans referred in flattering terms to the many good qualities of the guests, and expressed regret at their departure from Arrowtown. Dr Thomson and Mr T. Connor endorsed Mr Romans’s remarks, and Mr M’Skimming suitably responded. It is the intention to forward a suitable memento to Mr and Mrs M'iSkiinnung later on. Lake County Council.—An ordinary meeting of the council was held at Queenstown on Tuesday last. The members present wore CTs J. Cockburn (chairman), Baird, Birley, M’Caughan, M’Kibbin, M’Mulian, Reid, and Ward. Cr M’Dougall was granted leave of absence on account of :llhcalth, and the clerk was instructed to write conveying the sympathy of the council.—W. H Paterson was granted permission to erect a power-house at Deep Creek, Skippers.—The Minister of Public Works wrote stating that he was obtaining a report on the Arthur’s Point bridge. It was decided to ask the department for a vote for repairs to the bridge, as it was considered to be in a dangerous condition. — The Minister of Public Works wrote stating ■ that he regretted being unable to put anything on this year’s. Estimates towards the cost of erection of bridge at Kawarau Falls.—Mr John Edgar, sen., was appointed to represent the council of the Assessment Court. —It was decided to purchase a light grader at a cost of £2s.—The county solicitor was instructed to take legal proceedings against two offenders for a breach of by-laws, having travelled over Tobin’s road with motor ears, the said road being prohibited for motor traffic. Accounts amounting to £854 10s were passed for payment. The bank overdraft was reported to be £3343 16s 4d. Other business transacted was of a routine nature. General.—Mr James Shaw, Lower Shotover, has purchased a thrashing mill and traction engine.—Harvesting is now general, and there are some very good crops.—ln applying for - leave of absence at last meeting of the Lake County Council, Cr R,. M’Dougall said he would not be a candidate at the triennial election of councillors in November next. LAKE WAN AKA. January 21.—For weeks past we have had very windy weather, and the rainfall has been much heavier than is usual in this locality in the summer time. Thunderstorms have been very frequent this season. Farm Notes.—Harvesting is now in full swing. Some early crops of barley were cut before Christmas, but most of the reaping is done here in January. The oarley crops have done well, being very heavy all over the district, but in some places the heavy rains have laid the grain flat. As usual, farmers have had to cut the grain out in patches as it ripened on the hilly ground first. The windy weather has been responsible for a bad shake with the barley crops, very few farmers escaping. On some of the fields only the straw was left standing, the head being completely blown off. Very little wheat is in the district this year, as the price offered has not been very encouraging for several years past. Stacking is going ahead, and one or two have about finished. The hay crops are nearly all in stack, but the recent heavv rams have greatly reduced its value. Thrashing has not become general yet, but I believe the mill has made a start on the Hawea Flat. Turnips- are all sown now and arc looking well. There should be an abundance of winter feed in the coming winter Sports.—Both Albert Town and Luggatc held very successful meetings at New Year time. The entries were large, and the meetings were very enioyable. A severe windstorm at Lug gate made it disagreeable for two or three hours, but it became fine later in the afternoon. Both cricket and tennis seem to be defunct in Pembroke, but will probably revive again after the busy season is over. TABLE HILL. January 26. —We had a gale of wind last Tuesday week, and sundry small showers of min. The oats are now just out in ear; but the straw will bo short unless a big downfall of rain comes soon. The last of the turnips will be sown in a few days. Change.—Messrs Graham Bros, have left Table Hill, and the farm they leased (Mr A. Forsyth) is for sale. LIiMSDEA. January 26. —The boisterous weather is still with us, accompanied by an occasional downpour of rain. Crops.—Grass crops arc in stock, and a good average seed yield, with good prices, is anticipated. The grain crops are ripening fast, and harvesting generally is expected to be earlier than it has been for some years. The farmers and others are concerned about the scarcity of harvest hands and other labour supplies S.M. Court.—The Lumsden monthly court was held on Saturday, 24th, Mr Young, S.M., presiding. A largo number of cattletrespassing cases were dealt with, and all were fined accordingly. It is reported that in future the Lumsder. Court work will bo under the jurisdiction of the Invercargill magistrate, instead of as at present by the magistrate at Gore. Oddfellowship.— A goodly number of the Lumsdon Lodge members travelled to Dipton on Wednesday night to bo present at the opening of a branch of the Southland district of the M.U.1.0.0.F. All the branches of the Southland district wore represented. Several of the Otago district members were also present. Light refreshments were served after the business meeting was over. A number of songs, recitations, etc., were given during the evening. Obituary.—One of the earliest settlers of the Lumsden district passed away suddemy

on Tuesday last in the person of Wm. Gilbert, aged 82 years. A large number paid their respects to the dead pioneer, whose mortal remains were interred in the Lumsden Cemetery.—Yet another old respected resident has passed away in the person of Mr Thos. Bedgegood, of Lumsdon, who died at Invercargill on the 21st inst. at the age of 74 years. His remains were interred at Invercargill. School Excursion. —The annual school excursion is to take place at Queenstown on February 3. It is to be pipped the daymay be fine, as many children and adults are looking forward to a pleasant trip. Racing.—The Lumsden annual hack race meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 24. Given a fine day, a successful meeting should result. MOMOK*. January 26. —Throughout the holidays and up to the time of writing we have experienced beautiful summer weather. It has boon very pleasant after the continuous rams of the spring and early summer, and while coming too late to affect the acreage under cultivation, it will have the effect of filling out the little grain which is in the district this year. Already the crops are changing colour, but it will be some little time yet before harvesting commences. Small birds are very prevalent this year, and are levying a heavy toll upon the grain crops. Probably the fact that little or no poisoning was done during last winter accounts for the presence of small birds in such large numbers this season. Systematic poisoning in the winter seems to be the only means of keeping them in check. Turnips which were sown early are looking very well, but early turnips are the exception rather than the rule "this year. In many instances turnips were sown about the end of December, and these cannot be expected to yield such good returns as those sown a month or six weeks earlier. Reports of Irish blight in the potato crops arc continually reaching me, but as far as personal observation goes, these reports are not fully borne out in this immediate locality. Some of the farmers have been assiduously spraying their potato crops, but many growers prefer not to bother with the sprayer but just to let the crops take their chance.’ A good deal of rape has been sown, especially by those who have been unable to get in many turnips. Everywhere grass seems to be abundant, and difficulty is being experienced in securing stock to keep it down. The effects of the wet spring arc being shown in the diminished. numbers of Canadian thistles in the paddocks this year. There are comparatively few showing, and the work of cutting them has not been a great undertaking. . " Tennis. —The new tennis court in the scKodl ground has been completed, and members may occasionally be seen at play, but as vet no official opening has taken place. tTwaniti.January 23.—Tire holidays are now past, and nearly everyone has returned to his or her daily duties. All through the holidays and up to the present tune the weather has been glorious, and visitors to our bush districts have had a splendid opportunity of seeing Nature in her lovelist mood and to good advantage. . Roads. —Generally spiking, our roade are in very fair oonditon, thanks mostly to the good weather we are having; but there are a few bad places yet which require attention. Bush-burning.—Bush-burning has been in evidence for some time, and good burns have been recorded. A few patches are still to be burnt. Accident. —A very simple accident happened here lately, whereby a young life was very nearly sacrificed. Fortunately, so far it is considered that nothing serious will happen. Two young lads were frolicking about in a grass paddock, when one of them picked up a pistol which was loaded and fully cocked. In fun he pointed the pistol in the direction of his mate, and at the instant it went off, the bullet striking the face, passing through the jaw, and lodging somewhere near the spinal column, where it has been located by the Dunedin Hospital surgeon. It is thought that all will be well, and that the lad will soon be home again; but this goes again to show how needful it is to be careful with firearms of all descriptions. TUAPEKA MOTTO. January 24. —With the exception of the last few days, the weather has been fine and growth has been good. During the last three days, however, we have been subjected to hal'd, drying winds, and these are fast destroying the good effects of the fine season. The Farm. —Owing to the fine growing weather, all plant life is in a remarkably healthy ’ state. All stock is looking well; and, unless these dry winds continue, there will be plenty of green food for them for some time to come. Chaff is very scarce, and the demand is keen. School Matters.—After a long spell, our school has now reopened, and, as far as I can hear, the attendance is very satisfactory. The inspector’s report on the work done last year is now to hand, and shows that the school attained 100 per cent, of passes in the tests set at the annual examination. This result must be pleasing to all concerned. Church Services.—Our minister, Mr Pate, is at present on holiday leave, and during his absence the services arc being conducted by church enthusiasts of the surrounding districts. Accident.—During last week Mrs M‘Vea, an elderly resident of Tuapeka Mouth, had the misfortune to meet with a very painful accident, _ which resulted in the dislocation of her hip. The sufferer was attended to by the ladies of the district, and was later convoyed by motor to the Lawrence Hospital, where by latest accounts she is progressing as favourably as can be expected. The Road. —The gravelling of the road Blair’s to Tuapeka Mouth is now in full swing. Some time back this work was commenced, but owing to the bad weather experienced the council stopped the work. The contractors now have the work well in hand, and unless further delayed their contract will soon be completed. This gravelled portion will prove a great boon this winter, for last winter the road in question was almost impassable. MILTON. January 26.—The annual combined picnic is to bo held at Outran) Domain Grounds on Saturday, February 7. Billiards.—An exhibition game of billiards of 760 up was played on Wednesday evening between Mr Stevenson, the well-known professional, and Mr P. Keppcll, a local player. The professional had an easy win, the scores being Stevenson 750, Keppcll 274.

Social.—A farewell social to the Rev. Mr Miller and Mrs Miller is to be hold on Wednesday evening. Mr Miller, who has accepted a call to St. Andrew’s Cureh, Asiifiurton. takes up his new w’ork early in February. Steps will then be taken to fill the vacancy in the local church.

vV earner.—A snort time ago farmers were loud in their cries for dry weather; but now a. little of the rain that was so abundant a month or two ago would be most welcome. Early-sown turnips are making fair progress, but those sown later are at a standstill. In some cases the fly is proving troublesome, and a good day’s ram is badly needed to give the young plants a start. Obituary.—Mrs J. Adam, relict of the late Mr James Adam, one of the bestknown of Otago’s pioneers, died at her residence, Bon Accord, Clarksville, on the 16th inst. at the ripe age of 90. Of late years Mrs Adam has been in indifferent health ,and the end was not unexpected. Mrs Adam was a lady of gentle manner and kindly actions, and many, especially among the older members of the community, will long keep her memory in kindly remembrance. Removal of Willows,—The willows, which grow in considerable prolusion along the banks of the Tokomairiro River and, its branches in the lower part of the plain, are the source of no end of damage during time of flood, owing to their retarding tne water and. causing it to flow over a considerably greater urea than would otherwise be the case. The natural remedy is apparently to remove the w ilows, and some operty-owners have, with the aid of traction engines, aiieaay none something in that direction. But the expense is heavy, and no organised effort has yet been made to deal with the trouble, while the County Council, it appears, has no power to compel unwilling owners to do anything in uie matter. During last winter the damage done by the willow’s was only too apparent, and a meeting of all those interested was accordingly held last Monday evening to see what steps could be taken to improve matters. The meeting was unanimous as to the need of having the willows removed; the only question was at whose expense the work should bo done. A suggestion was made that the whole Tokomairiro Riding should bo rated for the cost; but as there was no possibility of such a proposal being carried when the necessary poll was taken, wiser counsels prevailed, and committees were set up to obtain estimates of cost, and to prepare a draft of a special rating area. A further meeting is to be hold on the 30kh inst. Church Matters. —The deep affection in which the Very Rev. Father O’Neill is hold by his old parishioners in Milton was shown by the large numbers who turned out on Sunday, IBfh inst.. when he again took the services at St. Mary’s Church after several years’ absence. Father O’Neill first came to Milton some 27 years ago, and for many years he ministered to the spiritual needs of his people until ill-;hoalth compelled him to retire from the work. Since then he has visited many different parts of the world, and is at present at work in a mission charge in West Australia, and it was during a short holiday visit to New Zealand that he took the opportunity of again renewing his acquaintance with his old friends in Milton. It is pleasing to note that Father O’Neill is now completely restored to health, and has lost none of that geniality and kindness of heart which were so characteristic of him of old. On Tuesday evening a hurriedly-arranged social gathering was given in iSt. Joseph’s Schoolroom in his honour. The schoolroom was crowded, among those present being several representative men from outside the Roman Catholic communion—a testimony to the esteem in which the rev. father w r as held by all classes of the community. Complimentary speeches were made by the Mayor (Mr Chas. King), Messrs D. Reid, W. Moore, and J. W. Petrie. During the evening Mr W. Kirby, on behalf of the parishioners, presented Father O’Neill with a w’ell-filled purse of sovereigns as a token of the kindly regard in which he is still hold by his old friends. Father O’Neill accepted the gift in a characteristic speech,’ but asked that he might be allowed to return the money to the Church with a request that it be used in providing a permanent memorial to the memory of Father Ryan, who for some years acted as assistant to Father O’Neill in this district, and whose early death was much regretted by all who know him. Father O’Neill left for the north on Wednesday en route for Australia. WAIMATB3. January 26.—The trades’ annual picnic was held on Thursday in the Oamaru Public Gardens. Before 8 o’clock in the morning a long train of 17 carriages, bearing 900 excursionists. left the Waimate station. The Waimate Brass Band accompanied the excursionists, who were officially w’oleomed on reaching Oamaru by his Worship the 'Mayor. The Oamaru Borough Council provided hot water and milk, and the Lambert Bros, tea. Till the close of the day the weather was perfect, and the shelter provided by the fine trees, the beauty of the gardens, and the music of the band helped not a. little to add to the day’s enjoyment. About 1 o’clock the guests partook of luncheon. The following Oamaru gentlemen were pre-sent:-—His Worship the Mayor (Mr W. H. Frith), the Hon. Geo. Jones, M.L.C., Mr E. P. Lee, M.P., Crs Mitchell and Forrester, and the town clerk (Mr C. Kent)., The Mayor of Oamaru, in a short speech, stated that the people of Oamaru were glad to have visitors from other places see their fine- gardens, the attractiveness of which had been increased by the fine gift of a- playground for the children, where swings and other amusements had been provided. For this they were indebted to a generous Oamaru resident, Miss Chase. Mr Joseph Williams, president, of the Picnic Committee, thanked the mayor and councillors for their kindly welcome, and referred to the kindness experienced by them in the past from Oamaru public men, especially to the former Mayor, the late Dr M'Adam. Mr Atwill also spoku firefly About 4 o’clock the weather changed, but not much inconvenience was experienced, as the time for the return journey had almost arrived] The Baby Show was an attractive feature, and much interest was taken in the sports. The committee is to bo congratulated on the result of its efforts. Rifle-shooting.—The Glcnavy and Waihao Downs R flc Clubs have held matches recently. The match at Glcnavy resulted in a win for the homo team ; but the Waihao Downs Club on Thursday last had the satisfaction of an even greater victory. _ Each time the winning team shot at their own rn nge. Bowling.—On tho same day the Waimate

Bowling Club played the' Phoenix Club at Oamaru, when the latter club won by 130 to 80. _ Tennis.—The tennis match Waimate v. Hill, played at Oamaru, was stopped by the rain. At the time play ceased Waimate was loading by 8 sets to 7. The Waimate Egg Circle.—The Waimate Egg- Circle has been formed ais a co-opera-tive society to enable members to market eggs in any quantity direct from the producer to the consumer. A set of model rules submitted by the New Zealand Poultry Association has been adopted, with alterations to suit local requirements. Crates will be hired to small suppliers at a charge representing id per dozen eggs. The membership is ss, and Mr R. Nicol has given the society a part of his grain store as a receiving store. Groat interest has been taken, and a stimulus given to the raising of poultry since' the poultry lecture. There is little doubt that the practice o£ sending poultry, bee, and fruit experts into suitable districts is causing these industries to be worked on a much more scientific basis than was formerly the case. Messrs Atwill and R A. Nicol will supply information to prospective subscribers. It is hoped that the circle will be able to take advantage of the export business to Vancouver.

Coach Service. —The Waihao Downs-Wai-mate coach service has been supplanted by a more up-to-date motor service. The Waimate Branch of the C.F.C.A. took over the service when Manchester Bros.’ various businesses were bought by tiic associat'on. The car makes two trips a day to the Downs, carrying mails by the 12.20 p.m. trip (from Waihao Downs to Waimate) and by the' 5.15 p.m. trip (from Waimate). Waihao Downs. —The annual picnic in connection with the Mothers’ Union was hold at the homestead on Thursday in Mr E. Richards’s parki. Boating, bathing, games, and racing made up the programme of a very pleasant outing. In the unavoidable absence, through sickness, of the president, Mrs C. J. Hurst, the post was filled by the vice-president, Mrs P. W. Borne.