THE COUNTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3148, 15 July 1914, Page 35

THE COUNTRY.

Correspondents are reminded that ad letters for the current week’s issue must reach Dunedin l LATER THAN MON PAY NIGHT. Letters coming to hand on Tuesday are too late, and are tbu* a wcee old when they appear. . LAKE COUNTY. July 11—With the exception of a couple of nights’ hard frost at the beginning of the week, exceptionally mild weather lo time of the year is being experienced ihe weather is so good at present t are engaged in ploughing. , j Football.—The first cup match was played ah Arrowtown on Wednesday, when teams from Queenstown and Arrowtown met. After a strenuous and interesting game, victory rested with Queenstown by 12 points to 9 ' Mr F. F. Dunlop acted as referee. Auction Sale. —Mr T. J. Cotter auctioneer. held a clearing sale oi Dr liiomson’s furniture and effects on Saturday last There 'was a good attendance, and satistactory prices wore received. The E.M.fi. motor car fell to the bid of Mr Audi cw Jopp at £3OO. Death. —Mrs Ann Picken, a very old resident of Macetown, died at the Arrow Hospital yesterday afternoon, after a short illness. Her nusband predeceased her seme years ago. and there was no family. The interment takes place at Arrowtown to-morrow. —The death is announced from Invercargill of Miss Isabella Jane Mackenzie, eldest daughter of the late Sergeant Mackenzie, erstwhile of Queenstown. Deceased had been in- failing health for some time. Persona!. —Dr Thomson and Mr W. G. Blackie, two prominent members of Lodge Arrow Kilwinning, were fare welled at the monthly meeting of the lodge on Monday evening last. —Mrs and Miss Jopp left Arrowtown on Tuesday last, when they were accorded a hearty send-off by a largo gathering of friends. After spending a short time in Southland, Mrs and Miss Jopp intend paying a visit to the Old Country. Mrs Jopp has been a resident of Arrowtown for the past 38 years, being for over 20 years hostess of the Royal Oak Hotel. Her many friends will wish her a pleasant trip to the Homeland.—Dr Thomson ]fiit Arrowtown this morning for Dunedin, en route for Auckland, to take up the duties of medical inspector of schools for Auckland district. - Dr Ewart Brown has been appointed to take temporary charge of the Arrow Hospital, has entered upon his duties. —Mr H. M‘Kibbin (Mayor of Arrowtown), accompanied by his brother, Mr Wm. M Kibbin, left on Monday last on holiday trip to the North Island- Or L. E. Adams has been appointed acting-mayor during Mr M‘Kibbin’s absence. LAKE WANAKA. July 10. —The weather for the past fort night has been very mild, more like spring than winter. The days have been bright and sunny, with very little frost at night, and very little rain. Mutual Improvement.—This society is advancing steadily, a good number taking part in the various discussions. It should greatly help the young people to become better speakers, etc. For next Monday evening a mock banquet’ is to bo held, with speeches and songs interspersed. School Affairs.—The Wanaka School householders’ annual meeting was caleld a week or two back, and some new members were elected. The committee now consists of Messrs R. J. Halliday (chairman), C. Morris (secretary and treasurer), J. iu'£wan, if. Templeton, and J. Halliday, jun. Miss Cur; e, oi Balciutha, is m tne charge of the school. —The Pembroke School have also elected their committee for the ensuing year as follows:—Rev. J, H. Thomson (chairman), Messrs A. Bremner (secretary and treasurer), J. Perrow, Geo. Patersbn, Geo. Ballantyne, F. D. Thomson, and Clark. The annual concert of this school was held in the hall, Pembroke, on July 3, and was very successful, a record number attending. Rev J. H. Thomson occupied the chair. The children were well trained, and sang and acted their parts exceptionally well, and the teachers (Miss Daphlin and Miss Gray) are deserving of much praise for tho very effi-cient-manner in which they have brought the children on. The action song, “Cloud and sunshine,” was prettily acted, and Seemed very real. The Swedish drill by the boys was done without mistake, and was very interesting to watch. The duet, “Where are you going, my pretty maid,” by two of the little ones, had to he repeated, and a “Family quarrel” was also encored “Topsy Turvcy,” by the infants, was most amusing. Following is ,a list of songs and rec-itat ons by those who helped:—“John Brown’s knapsack,” infants; “Cloud and sunshine,” senior girls; Swedish drill exercises, boys; duet, Annie Goodall and Stanley Anderson; “Topsy turvey,” infants; “A family quarrel,” May Norman and J. M‘Kay; ABO duet, junior girls and boys: “Golden slumbers,” senior girls; recitations —Misses Ethel Smith and Rose M‘Kay; songs —Mrs T. M'Kenzie and Miss M. M‘Kay, Rev. Mr Goldthorpe; Messrs P. R. Sargood, Barron, Matheson, Young, Bovotf. and Clark., Mrs Goldthorpe, Miss Johnston, and Messrs Thomson and Barron played the accompaniments. The concert terminated with the singing of “God save the Kine.” The refreshments were in tho capable hands of Mrs Norman. After the concert the hall was cleared for dancing, which was kept up till the small hours. Messrs A. Bremner and Geo. Norman controlled tho dancing, and Messrs Millar and Hunt supplied excellent music. MOSSBURN. July 8. —On Thurhday evening, July 2, a large gathering of residents from all parts of £he district assembled in tho hall to bid farewell to Miss E. Southberg, who has hold the position of head teacher fer tho past eight years. Dancing commenced at 8.30, and during the evening Mass Southberg was presented with a handsome dressingbag as a token of the esteem in which she was held. Mr A. Roy, in making the presentation, referred to the many good qualities of the parting guest (Miss iSouthbcrg). During tho eight years she has boon/ in charge of the school, has so carried on her duties as to win the approval of all the parents, which is no small matter in country schools, and was always ready to assist in anything that pertained to the good of the district. She has also acted as organist for the past six years. Mr Dawson and Mr Marshall also added a few words, and referred to the excellent work Miss Southberg had done both as a teacher and social

worker. Miss Southberg suitably responded, thanking 1 everyone for the many kindnesses she had received, and also for the very valuable 'present, which she would always treasure Miss Annie Southberg was also presented with a set of silver-mounted brushes. During the evening opportunity was taken to make small presents to Mr A. Dawson and Miss M'Oauley on the eve oi their marriage. They will also be much missed in the district, as both were always willing to help with any social affairs. Ihey intend to settle in the Auckland district. Mr Dawson was made the recipient of a suit case, and Miss M‘Oaulcy a travelling rug. Dancing was kept up until the small hours, when the singing of “Auld lang syne brought the evening to a close. An afternoon tea party was held in the school on Wednesday, the occasion being to make Miss Southberg a small present from the pupils. One of the pupils (Miss Edith Graham) was called upon to make the presentation, and in doing so asked Miss Southberg to accept a gold pendant as a small token of the regard and esteem in which she was held by the school children; they had always found in her a good friend as well as teacher, and all regretted her leaving. Miss Southberg suitably replied, and thanked the children for their kindness. WAIKAIA. July 11.—The annual meeting of the P.W.M.U. was held at the manse on June 25. The Rev. W. Plain presided. Officebearers for the coming year were elected as follows Mrs Ham, president; Mrs Stirling, senior vice-president; Mrs Sproat, senior vice-president; Miss Orchiston, secretary; Miss Sproat, treasurer; Miss Ayson, secretary of the Harvest Field; Miss Thompson, Tsecietary of the Maori Mission Birthday Teague. Band of Hope.—The monthly meeting of the Waikaia Band of Hope was hold on the bth mst. in the church hall. There was an attentive’ and good gathering. - A long and varied programme of songs, readings, recitations, and dialogues, etc., was nicely rendered. Special mention must be made of the toJo wing : —Mr G. Robertson (Invercargill), who sang ‘‘He wipes the fear from every eye” and ‘(The broken heart” very nicely; Miss Lush, who sang ‘Tn happy moments'”'; and Mr J. Sproat, who sang holy city.” Mr J. T. M'Kenzie gave a very amusing reading, and Mrs M'Donald and Miss Stirling also gave readings. The Rev. W. Ham was chairman, and gave a short address. Mr M'Narey proposed a vote of thanks to the performers, and the evening ended by singing the National Anthem and by giving benediction. Uiea'iihg Sale.—Mr TTreen, auctioneer at Gore, held a dealing sale at Mrs Trethew.ay’s, butcher, Waikaia, on the 9th inst. a here was a largo attendance. The land sold comprised the following: Half-acre; with butcher's shop and residence, went for £4-7 ; Oi acres at £l4 per acre and 30 acres at uxO per acre. The furniture, horses, etc., were sold very cheaply. Mrs irethoway, -who has been 40 years in business, is with iher family leaving the district. They are highly esteemed, and will be greatly missed. Changes. —Messrs Telfer Bros., butchers, have sold their business to Messrs Cook and M‘Allan, of Port Chalmers. Mr W. Cronm, Commercial Hotel, has exchanged his hotel for a farm about five miles from Gore. He is leaving the hotel at the end of the month. Weather. —The weather has been very cold, and there have been heavy rains. The last lew days have been sunny, causing the snow to melt, and thus making the rivers rise. The ladies’ ball was held in the Coronation Hall. It was a great success. Carmodys, from Gore, were the musicians, and Mr VV. Wallace catered* Bazaar. —The ladies in the district are very busy sewing and making things for the bazaar, which is to be held on the 6th August. TAPANUI. July 13. —The storms predicted of late have not reached this part, but, on the other hand, a few spring-like days last week were quite a pleasure. The roads dried up quickly, and motor car traffic was resumed. On Saturday night, however, rain set in, and Sunday was a dull, wintry day. It is hoped that the month will not be a repetition of June, for although the rainfall was not great in the aggregate, it was well distributed:, and extended over 20 days. Land-working has been interfered with, and stock cannot be doing well when the paddocks are so badly puddled. Some pieces of road in the vicinity of the borough have been in a very bad state this winter, and the local authorities would do well to have them attended to during the dry season. There is plenty of good metal available, and where traffic is heavy these “missing links” cause much annoyance. Bridge Repairs.—The repairs to the Tapanui bridge' over the Pomahaka are now about complete, and . the structure open for traffic. The whole of the woodwork has been renewed, and the decking set on a solid body of iron girders. The raising of the concrete piers puts the bridge well above high-water mark, and will also prevent the decking from rotting through becoming water-logged. The work has been carried out by Mr James Doake in firstclass style. It is now notified that the bridge at Pomahaka siding is unsafe for heavy traffic, so that there is a further expenditure in store for the joint counties in this class of work. Court. —There was a full-day sitting of the Magistrate’s Court on Saturday before Mr H. A.-. Young, S.M. A number of charges were preferred against E. D. Mackenzie, a farmer on Tapanui Flat, and police officials and, lawyers were present in force. A great amount of evidence was taken, and as a result the accused was committed for trial on charges of forgery and placing an obstruction on the railway near Pomahaka siding. In the latter case a heavy post was found by the ganger on the permanent way. Mr Indcr (Gore) appeared for the defence, and the charges will bo hoard at Invercargill at next session of the Supreme Court. Some further charges await the result of the two on which the accused was committed for trial. Shooting.—There was a splendid muster at the rifle range on Saturday, when the second shoot in the Cup contest wars got off by the Rifle Club. Twenty-five members shot off at 200yds, 500yds, and 600yds, and the service targets were used for the first time. There was a moderate wind, and the light was good. The highest Cup aggregates were registered by F. E. Stent (98), W. W. Mackic,' C. Moore, and K. M'Kenzie (921, M, Robertson and A. Wethey (91), and John Moore (90). The range prize at 200yde wai won 'v J. W. Nicholson with 34, at 500yds by F. Slpittlo with 34, and at 600yds by F. E. Stent with 30. The conditions arc seven shots at each distance, and the three highest scores out of a series of five matches

will decide the holder- of the cup for 12 months. The members are showing a keen interest in the Rifle Club, and their energy has resulted in the acquiring of a wellequipped range, with shutter, targets, telephone, and shelter shed. Football.—A game of considerable interest was played at Waikaka against the Heriot team on Saturday, which meant that a win for the home club placed the four contesting clubs in the district on a level for the premiership after having played two rounds. The White Star gained a victory, and, as a final, another round will be played, commencing next Saturday. It has been arranged that all the teams will travel. Tapanui and Heriot will play at. Kelso, and Waikaka and Kelso at Tapanui. The winners will then play off to decide the premiership, and the games should > attract a good attendance of tlje public. A district match, will be played at Tapanui on the 29th inst., the gate money to go to the local Hospital funds. Tickets are now on sale, and a good turn-out of the public is assured. . . Poultry Show. —There was quite a stir m Tapanui on Saturday, with a number of attractions. The annual Poultry and Produce Show passed off most successfully, and was well attended afternoon and evening. The Agricultural Department’s exhibit in the Town Hall was arranged on an elaborate scale, and was a most 4 -educative and interesting display of grain, roots, seeds, etc. Fields Instructor M'Culloch and his assistants had a busy time in preparing the exhibit, but the work was clone in a thorough manner. There was a fair entry in many of the open classes for winter produce, and turnips were a creditable display. In the Central Hall the poultry exhibits were slightly in excess of last year, and the buds were of good average quality. The show throughout was well managed, and should bo a financial success. The addition of a Winter Show to the annual exhibition of poultry appears to have saved the, latter from a collapse, and in their own interest farmers should exhibit more largely of grain and roots, as a means of comparison and ascertaining the varieties of seeds and manures best adapted to the different classes of soil. ROXBURGH. July 13.—Never in the remembrance of the oldest pioneer of this district was there a more beautiful open winter than that we are enjoy mg up to the present. What the result of this beautiful season will mean on the-fruit industries is a query. We will hope no one suffers. Miners have abundance of water, and there has been sufficient rain to thoroughly soak the subsoils, with scarcely any frosts. Streets. —Our streets are in fairly good cyder. A few gravel crossings have been provided for foot traffic, but they seem tobe a source of danger to horsemen. Licensing—l hear that one of our publicans, the licensee of the Goldfield Flotel, is making a start to build, which, is a step in the right direction. No doubt there is danger at the local option voting, as strange things are done at the ballot box, and the whims of people are a quantity that cannot be gauged until the numbers go up. However, I am of opinion that the licensing conditions will remain much in the same state as they are. Election.—There is not much talk about the general election. It is generally understood that the Government will win the seat, or in other words, retain this constituency, hands down, against all comers, as the Government platform suits Central Otago’s way of thinking Mr Scott, M.P., need not bother about making up a fighting speech; he need only say, “Ladies and gentlemen, I represent the Government ”; that will bo ample, and will not confuse things. Railway Matters. —The roads are of far more concern at present than railways. Unless the Government lay down a light line, and run the haulage by motor traction, or electricity, of which our district could supply sufficient power to run all the railways in the South Island, and light up Dunedin and Invercargill as well, our lines will -be too expensive, and instead of costing over £IO,OOO a mile, should not exceed £SOOO. If they are likely to cost more, my advice would be not to continue. If a light line was constructed either from Beaumont or Edievale into Coal Creek Flat, and worked by electricity from our motor power, it would be' better than having the expensive system at present in vogue. Or even if we had a good level road on which motor traction could work, properly, there would be no need for any further construction of railway line. What we want is £IO,OOO spent oh the main roads to ptit them in efficient order, and this £260;000 estimated to bring a line through to Miller’s Flat from Beaumont would be no more considered. It will, no doubt, be unwise for the Government to consider further authorisation until a better understanding exists as to what this district requires. Motor lorries are going to have a big say ■in things, and will this season revolutionise traffic.

Beautifying.—The Beautifying Committee set up has not made much progress as yet. The project is good, but the -workings are difficult. There are some very dilapidated looking places in the township, with_ broken paling fences that do not know which way to fall; old dirty ruins of fire-destroyed buildings, and neglected sections. To my thinking the city fathers, or councillors, should take this matter up, and draw out a programme. No one should bo able to build anything near the main street that the Town Board has not sanctioned. Then the sanitary condition of the town wants looking into. If more sanitary measures are not soon adopted, portions of Roxburgh will be a festering disease bed. Local Hospital.—This brings us to the question of a local hospital, which., no doubt, would be the very best possible acquisition our district could have. Nearly, if not quite, £IOOO a year is spent in one way and another for the welfare of the souls of the people of the district, yet nothing is being done for the welfare of the casket that holds those precious souls. Is it not time that' a practical lead was_ taken in this matter? Tapanui Hospital is an object-les-son well worthy of following. Clyde and Alexandra have a hospital between them; Cromwell, 14 miles distant, has another; Arrowtown has another; and Queenstown, 1/1 mi id es distant, still another. Roxburgh is situated between 30 and 40 miles from any such conveniences, and we have to hustle our sick and wounded away for medical attention should extra assistance be required, and then often with dire results. Excuse me losing my nerves. I am getting near the end of the journey of life, and I fear, should I become ill, that I may wake up and find myself going along those nasty ruts to somewhere far from home, probably never to return, because the doctor says ho requires and wishes other advice and assist-

anco to patch up the old man. Who would be more grateful and thankful if allowed to stay near home, and if I did not get better, die at home. WAIWERA. July 13.—From a farmer’s point of view the weather has been remarkably good for a considerable time. There has been rain, of course, and a little frost; but, fortunately, so far no snow, consequently most of the stock are in good' condition, feed in most cases holding out well. The land, too, is in splendid condition for ploughing—a most important item on turning up the land. From what I can gather there will bo a larger area than usual in turnips next season, which has become one of the most important branches with the farmer nowadays. Having occasion to take a trip along the hillfoot road lately, I noticed a splendid crop of fall-sown oats on one of Mr Anderson’s paddocks, also a very good crop of turnips. Farther on, on reaching Mr Ivied's place, Keldirvine, I was surprised to see such magnificent swedes. A Well-managed Farm. —Having had, a little time to spare, and the day being beautifully fine, I took a trip around a part of the estate with Mr Neil to see some of his stock flocks, etc., and after my inspection of the various lots and Mr Ned’s methods there was no doubt on my mind as to Mr N. being thoroughly up to his business. The sheep were a very fine lot, and many lambs ready for the fat market were indeed a credit to the owner. The estate horses and cattle, too, were a good lot, all in the pink of condition, with abundance of feed everywhere. As Mr Neil’s is chiefly a sheep farmer, he does not cultivate a large area, but what is done is undoubtedly done well; none of the slipshod methods will pass here. The house is situated on a dry, healthy spot, surrounded with giant bluegums, and, there is a nice orchard, a nice stream of water constantly flowing by near .at hand, making it an ideal estate. I may mention that in my trip round I only saw two rabbits on- the place, and these were two white pets. It was also easily seen there was quite as good a manager at the head of affairs in the house. On leaving, my impression was that the proprieto of “ Keldirvine ” and his better half were the right sort to drive such a valuable property. Hospitable and kind to a degree, I wish success to our young friends in their sunny home. Changes.—We continue to have changes. One of the latest is the removal to the Gore district of Mr and Mrs Guthrie after several years’ residence among us. ' They have made many friends, and left with the good wishes of all for their future. They received valuable presents as souvenirs.—A new farmer has come to take possession of “Clifton Park.” Wo heartily welcome him and his family, and wish them every success. Personal.—We are pleased to And that our muoh-respectcd friend and neighbour Mr Tait, sen., who has been ill for a considerable time, is recovering. We hope to see him about again in his usual health. WAIKOUAITI. July 13. —The members of’the Waikouaiti Bowung Club met on Friday evening in the Borough Council Chambers for the purpose of bidding farewell to the president of the club, Mr Colin M‘JJonald, who for the last four years has been a prominent and popular member of the club, and who is leaving the district. There was a good attendance of bowlers, Mr R. Templeton, vice-president, presiding. In the course of his remarks the chairman staled that Mr McDonald's removal from Waikouaiti was a serious loss to the club, which could ill afford to lose the services of. so good a player. He asked Mr M‘Donald to accept a handsome clock, suitably inscribed, as a small token of the esteem in which he was held by his clubmates. A number of those present expressed their sincere regret that Mir M'Donald was leaving Waikouaiti, and wished him happiness and success. Mr McDonald replied In appropriate terms. Smoke Concert. —At the conclusion of the bowlers’ gathering, M?r M'Donald was entertained at a smoke concert in the Oddfellows’ Flail. The function was arranged by the Waikouaiti Dairy Factory milk suppliers and other friends, .and was largely attended. Mr Neil Stewart presided, and the proceedings were of a most cordial nature. During the evening Mr M'Donald was present with a case of pipes and a silver cigarette case as parting gifts from his many. Waikouaiti friends. The recipient made a suitable acknowledgment of the gifts and kindly remarks.

Sal© of Work. —The Waikouaiti Presbyterian Ladies’ Guild held a most successful sale of work on Wednesday last in the Public Hall. The sale commenced in the afternoon and continued during the evening, there being a fine display of goods in the various stalls, and the public attended in large numbers. The net proceed® of the sale were £llO, and this amount has been placed to the credit of the Church Building Fund Account. Borough Affairs.—The borough balance sheet has boon received from the Auditorgeneral, and was considered and approved at a special meeting of the Borough Council held on Friday evening. The following amounts were standing to the credit of the various accounts on March 31 last—viz., DisFund Account, £230 18s 4d; Waterworks Loan Account, £1226 15s 4d. The borough valuation roll has now been revised, the total rateable value being given as £67,718 —an increase of £1278 since last year. A general rate of lid and a special rate of Id in the £ have already been fixed, and the total revenue of the borough for the current year is estimated at £1461. MACKENZIE COUNTY. July 11.—This part of “ God’s own country” has bqon eo blessed with the very best of treatment in the way of weather so far that wo are becoming buoyed up with the hope that again another record favourable winter will be experienced—another fillip to the favcura-ble opinion that has grown xe--cent years towards the pastoral possibilities of the Mackenzie runs, which for the most part are recovering from the devastated condition the rabbit pest left them in some years back. The high price of sheep tends towards the maintaining of nominal stocking, it naturally following that where over of heavy stocking obtains the more favourable pastures suffer chiefly. practice that has obtained, and is becoming more general, of wintering a number of the station flocks “ down country ” also helps materially. In so wide a field it naturally follows that a considerable difference in the nature of lands exists; consequently, whereas the greater area benefits by the practical immunity from heavy falls of snow, Jhere is the lower-lying “ safe ” parts that would benefit materially by the thorough soaking these visitations afford; and experience seems to prove that no amount of summer rain has so good an effect on these dry parts as does snowfalls in their season. The bringing of these “out-back” regions into direct touch and association with the fruit

country and towns has naturally had much to do with the advancement of “ the wild Mackenzie” of recent, years., and I think it can safely be allowed that speculation has been the main factor therein—an experience common the world over. The enterprise there engendered sets the ball rolling, and once on the more, if kept along a judicial course, progress follows as a matter of course. That has been our good experience. Our good old times ” had gotten so grooved that we were content to graft on, and complain when a break was made by the advent of that shrewd, pushing “ speculator,” who, firstly buying into Sandon, has kept the objective on the move ever since, with a consequence that the gentleman’s name must ever be associated with the marked progress out of the old rut. The enterprise manifested in Mr Wigley’s spec in the formation of the now far-famed Mount Cook Motor Company is entitled to no small share of our country’s marked prosperity, and the ‘‘linking up” of practically the whole of the stations with the telephone, also a manifestation of enterprise that rewards speculation; and so we march on to meet advancement wherever conceivable—the true spirit and reward of honest speculation, such emulation that prompted our forefathers, the stout-hearted, noble-minded, kindly pioneers, to brave the perils and hardships of the early days. . What they were 50 years ago can be fairly gauged by latter-day grumblers. When we compare to-day with even 20 years ago it takes little comparative reflection to place one in a fair position to appreciate the amount of pluck necessary to qualify for pioneering in those " wayback days,” even in man. How much glorified needs be those virtues in our women folk who braved such attendant dangers and hardships! One such truly British heart passed away early last week in the person of Mrs Burnett, wife of Mr Andrew Burnett, of Mount Cook Station. The hospitality of the Bnmetts was far-reaching, and their steadfastness of' purpose in honour of their adopted country bore fruits of appreciation far and wide. In later years these good folk were in the fortunate possession of a beautiful home doitn country, which, like their original home, was a reflection of enterprise, care, and judgment. Aorangi, hear The Cave, was acknowledged to be a really fine place indeed —good house, beautiful grounds, and wide fields that would gladden the heart of many a lord, but, above all,; a great bom© cheer and good-fellowship worthy of the highest. Here the old folk had resided for some years, the greater care of responsible management having been handed over to younger members' of family, of whom there are two sons—Donald, of Sandon Station, and .Tom, of Mount Cook, —who have with them in sharing a father's grief five sisters, all of whom, needless to say, have the sympathy of a very large circ 1 e o! friends.