THE COUNTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3149, 22 July 1914, Page 35

THE COUNTRY.

ftZr Correspondents are "Ycnrinded that all letters for the current week’s issue must reach Dunedin NOT X.ATEB. THAN MONDAY NIQHT. Letters coming to hand on Tuesday are boo late, and are thus a week old when they appear.

LAKE COUNTY,

July 18. —There was rather an unwelcome change in the weather this morning. Know commenced to fall at 10 o’clock, and continued until about 2 p.m., when there was a depth of about 2in on the fiat country. I he weather is still unsettled. Football.—The second match for the cup was played at Franktoii on Wednesday, when Arrow defeated Country Pirates by o points to 3. Mr A. H. Gravvshaw acted as referee. , Bowling.—The annual meeting of the Wakatipu Bowling Club was held at Queenstown on Friday evening, lUtn inst. The balance sheet showed a credit balance of £4 10s 10d. The following office-bearers were elected:— President, Mr J. B. Collins; vice-presidents. Captain Robertson and Mr D. Murchison; secretary, Mr A. Domigan; auditor, Mr W. D Warren; General Committee—Messrs M J. Gavin, L. J. Lynch, W. D. Warren, C E. Graham, T. J. Kelly, P. M'Oarthy, and A. Clark; Match Committee —Messrs Gavin, Lynch, and Domigan. Mr J. Wallace was appointed as the club’s delegate on the Southland Bowling Centre. Presentation. —Mr W. G. Blackie, who has been head teacher of the Arrow Public School for the past four years, and who was recently appointed head master of the Bluff Sbhool, was on Thursday afternoon enter tained by the pupils arid parents, and pre sented with a handsome dressing case by tire pupils and a beautiful carved tray from the parents. The presentation from the pupi " was made by Miss Irene M‘Master, and the: of the parents by Mr A. Goodley (member of the school committee). In making th presentation Mr Goodley referred in eulogistic terms to Mr Blackie’s. worth as i teacher and citizen, and these remarks were endorsed by Messrs A. J. Campbell (chairman of the school committee) and R. M. Paterson. The eulogiums were well deserved, as Mr Blackie has proved himself an excellent teacher, and : has endeared himself to his pupils. Ho has also been a good citizen, and has taken an active part in all outdoor games, being a member of the tennis, golf, bowling, and cricket clubs. The goed wishes of residents of Arrowtown will follow him. Hospital Bill. —The ball in aid of the Wakatipu Hospital Guarantee Fund, held in the Garrison Hall, Queenstown, last evening, proved a most successful affair. The music was supplied by Miss Gudgeon (piano) and Mr J. Fraser (violin), and Mr A. Domigan acted as M.O. The Ladies Committee provided a most dainty supper. Death. —An old familiar face, that of the late William MTntyre, better known as “Old Mao,” will be seen n Arrowtown streets no more. Deceased, who was a bachelor, took ill on Sunday last. He was taken to the Arrow Hospital, and passed away on Thursday night. The cause of death was a general break-up, deceased having reached the advanced age of 84 years. He was a native of the Isle of Man, and came to New Zealand m the early sixties, and after following various rushes settled in Arrowtown upwards of half a century ago, following the occupation of a labourer. About 35 years ago .‘*e lost an arm while working on a thrashing mill. Since then he lived in Arrow, and for many years acted as bellringer and bill-poster. Of a genial nature, “Old Mac” was well liked by all. He had no relatives in the dominion. The funeral took place this afternoon, when the remains were following to their last resting place in the Arrow Cemetery by a number of old friends. The funeral service was conducted by Mr J. Ryley. General. —Messrs Lnder and M'Soriley’s livery stables, Queenstown, were broken into last week and the sum of £6 odd was taken from a bag which was in a desk in the harness room.—The funeral of the late Mrs Pickon took place at Arrowtown on Sunday last, the Rev. W. Uphill conducting the burial service. ERMEDALE (Southland). July 17. —Th© weather, which for some time past has been dry and mild, has turned to frost, which has been very hard the last few nights. - , The Farm. —Work on the farm is being pushed on rapidly, and ploughs are to be seen at work on every farm: The fine weather is a great inducement to keep the teams going early and late, as early sowing means generally an early harvest. The greater part of the ploughing for cereal crops is finished, and if the fine weather continues, a few days, will see it all out of hand. Land for Settlement.—The Government surveyors have been for some time surveying the Crown lands adjoining Ermedale, and the sections will shortly be open for selection. Postal Arrangements. —A movement has been on foot for some time trying to get a post office at the Ermedale School, or a rural delivery from Riverton; but as t does not suit more than half the residents, nothing definite has boon done. When the Fairfax Dairy Factory is open a number of the residents - can get their mail ever** day." and if it were changed to Riverton, there would be the possibility of getting it only twice a week. When the Crown Lands sections are taken up it may bo possible then to get a post office in the local school and a mail-carrier from Fairfax; Education Board Election. —The election ot new members for the Southland Education Board is engaging the attention of comm’tteemen at the present time, and as a number of country schools in Southland have great disadvantages in regard to distance, and also not sufficient average attendance to keep some of the schools open, those who supnovt the country schools are likely to get support at the ballot. FAIRFAX. July 17.—50 far we have had an excellent winter. There was little or no frost throuehout June, and only two nights of hard frost durag the present month. The mild weather experienced has’allowed farmers to get the full benefit of their winter which is anything but plentiful in this district, and should the spring prove a backward one, stock will be on short commons fo,r some time. Draughts.—On the, evening of the lltb Inst a team from the Fairfax Draught Club journeyed to Otautau and played a match with the Otautau players, which resulted as follows: —Otautau, 11; Fairfax ; 23 ; draws, 4. At the close of the match the visitors were hospitably entertained by their

opponents in the Wallace Hall. Members of the Fairfax Club, who are greatly indebted to the ‘‘Spey Bank” veteran for advice and encouragement, have practised regularly this winter, and consequently play has considerably improved. Debating.—The local Literary and Debating Society is having another successful session. On the 9th ult. the subject debated was, ‘‘That the Barbarian is Happier than the Civilised Man.” Mr T. M'Keazie led for the affirmative and Mr D. M‘Farlane for the negative. The subject proved an excellent one for debate, opinions on the matter being evenly divided. The vote was in favour of the affirmative by a narrow majority. On the 23rd ult. Mr J. Forde, of Invercargill, gave a capital lecture on “ Socialism.” The night being wet and stormy, the attendance was below the average. The lecturer’s matter was good, and his manner of imparting it very pleasing indeed. After answering a number of questions satisfactorily, Mr Forde was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for his interesting and instructive address. On the 7th inst. the society held its political evening, when Mr J. Brovvnridge moved a vote of no confidence in the present Government. Mr Geo. Meek (Prime Minister) taking up the cudgels in defence of the Massey Ministry. The motion #as lost by two votes. Mr Thos. M'Ke.nzie acted as the Speaker for the occasion. Changes.—Mr P. Foggarty, one of the Ermedale settlers, has sold his farm to someone at Fortrose.—Mr Gray, of Kingway, has also disposed of his property, his near neighbour, Mr Matthews, being the buyer. MANDEVILLE. July 20. —Under a fortnight and spring will be with us again. It the next two weeks are to be as mild as the last two, then we will say that the winter right through has been one of the mildest ever experienced in Southland. So open has t been that one can scarcely realise that winter is so nearly over. The grass fields in favoured localities still retain a rich green, indicating growth—in fact, on closer observation one can discern beyond doubt that a growth has taken place during the month of July, the like of which I have never noticed before. Feed. —The prospects that winter feed would not hold out in the event of a prolonged winter caused some apprehension in the stock markets at its approach, but very few weeks had passed wdren such fears had exploded, and a decided rush set in at all the selling centres! Sheep in particular were in great request, and prices advanced by shillings, with every indication that the top has not yet been reached, for the province v is very much understocked, if this district is a fair indication. Hall Improvements.—-The alterations to the local hall are now under w T ay, and the carpenter hopes to be able to hand it over in the course of 10 days or so. The improvements will add much to the convenience and comfort of those who are in the habit of attending the local entertainments. Amusements. —The euchre party was again largely! attended, although the night was the severest, so far as frost is concerned, that we have experienced this season; but as a high pitch of excitement was kept up, Jack' Frost's penetrating qualifications were not allowed to enter, and the only discomfort experienced was when the lights were put out and the home journey had to bo made. Miss M. Wayte again gained first place for ladies, winning every game, while Mr Stewart, of Croydon, took off the prize for gentlemen. The booby prize fell to Miss M'Doull and Mr C. Mills. The School.—The School Committee decided a few weeks ago to appeal to the public for funds through the medium of a concert arranged for the 31st of this month. The secretaries—Messrs Beeoot and Hargest—are leaving no stones unturned to make it a success ; and should the night be favourable, a bumper house is expected. The School Committee have been put to considerable expense in draining and metalling the school grounds, and as they rarely appeal to th? public for help, the response will, I feel, surely surpass the expectations of the most sanguine. Bachelors’ Ball. —The bachelors held a meeting on Saturday 'evening, which .was well attended,. Mr Hargest was voted to the chair, while Mr G. Carter and G. Friend were elected joint secretaries. A strong committee was formed to make all necessary arrangements, and the ball is fixed for the, 'next moon. KENNINGTON (Southland.) July 20.—Such a season as the present naturally leads the farmer to look on the bright side of life. The weather is showing its best winter qualities, and this is practically nothing the fawn produces that is not bringing satisfactory prices—bar oats. The growing of, oats, however, is a steadily diminishing industry, all, too, in quite recent years. Where once waved fields of golden grain can now bo seen chiefly green grass, unpoetic turnips, and still less poetic cows. For the cow has conquered the cornfield, and the milk-cart has displaced the reaper and binder; and the end thereof is not yet. But with butter from Is to Is 3d per lb, and cheese from 6d to bid, who shall attempt to check the cow’s triumphal march ? All of which says in other wo; ds that Kcnnington has had a prosperous year, that the dairy factory pays about Is 2d per lb for butter-fat, that its output has been higher than ever before, and that suppliers wear that satisfied express on that prosperity gives. Not the least cause of their satis--faction lies in the high prices ruling for good calves —and our dairymen have learned to rear good calves —prices reaching up to nearly £2 being paid for well-fed ones. Time was when these were scarcely cons:dered to be worth rearing, or, if reared, were considered a mere by-product that might add a few shillings each to the cow’s earnings. But those who wisely reared their calves and treated them well are now reaping a substantial reward. Valedictory.—The most important event that has stirred our little community of late has been the transfer of our head teacher (Mr A. E. Foatherstonc) to the Middle School, Invercargill. Some notice of the farewell social tendered him has already appeared in your columns, so need not he repeated here. Suffice it to say that friends mustered from a very wide radius, that an address and a substantial purse of sovereigns were presented to him by the community, and a student’s Bible by the Presbyterian Church Choir; while presents, both beautiful and useful, were given to Mrs Featherstone from her friends, and to Misses Norma and Annie Featherstono from their mates The speeches wore of a high order, and attested the genuine appreciation in which the guests of the evening were held. On Mr Featherstone’s last day at school ho was presented by the pupils with a pair of

gold sleovelinks and a fountain pen, and with hearty good wishes and three ringlabours in Konnington came to a close. Welcome Social.—On Monday, 6th inst., a welcome social was accorded to Mr and Mrs Wilson in the school. The chairman of the committee extended to Mr Wilson a hearty welcome to the head teachershin of ’ the school and, with Mrs Wilson, to the district. Ho assured him that while in Konnington they had all the frailties of human nature, he would find a splendid loyalty to tho school and hearty support in his work. Mr Wilson, replying, thanked them all for their welcome, and assured them that he highly .appreciated their thoughtfulness in arranging it. The meeting was as informal as possible, and a very enjoyable evening was spent. Gravel.—The Konnington Hall Proprietary have had a few trucks of gravel laid down around the entrance, an improvement that will be of public benefit and much appreciated. LUMSDEN. July 20. —The weather during the last month has been very changeable. A good deal of rain has fallen, and we have also had some enow following hard frosts at night. Snow has fallen in the back country, and good fall is reported at Mossburn and *at Athol. There is every appearance now that the worst is past, and that we shall soon have some good spring weather. Feed is plentiful, and, stock are lookin" well and in good condition. Stock Sale. —The entries, for tho opening sale in the new Lumeden- cattle yards are numerous. The gale will be held on the 24th inst. The yards are well and substantially built, and they fill a long-felt want. Obituary.—The death of Miss B. M'Kenzie (Iza), oldest daughter of the late Sergent M'Kenzio and of Mrs M'Kenzie (now of Invercargill), occurred at her mother’s residence on the 30th of June after a long and patient illness. The young lady was of a most happy nature, and was much loved by her girl friends. Great sympathy was expressed throughout the Lumsdon district for Mrs M'Kenzie in her great sorrow.—Mr Thomas EDagg, one of Lumsdcn’s early settlers, passed, away at Invercargill on the 4th inst. He was much respected, and sincere sympathy is felt for the relatives Football. —A return match between Waikaia and Lumsdon was played on the 4th inst., and resulted in Lumsden winning by 3 points to njl. Wedding.—Mr Alex. Dawson and Miss A. M'Cauley were married in Lumsden on the Bth inst. The wedding was a very pretty one. Tho Rev. Mr Blathwayt officiated, and Miss Johnson presided at the organ. The happy pair left for Queenstown lor their honeymoon. They intend to settle in the North Island. WAIKAIA, July 20. —At Domevillc Farm, the residence of Mr Joseph Davidson, on Wednesday, 13th inst., a , pretty wedding was solemnised by the Rov. W. Ham, when Miss Agnes Stanley Davidson, third daughter of Mr and Mrs Joseph Davidson was united in the bonds of matrimony with Mr Joseph Simpson. Mackay, of Nevis. The bride was given away by her father, and looked very nice in navy blue serge and tagerine hat, with long feather of the same colour. Miss Joannie Davidson, sister of the bride, was bridesmaid, and Air Mackay’s brother acted as groomsman. The bridegroom’s present to the bride was a lovely pendant; also one to the bridesmaid. The bride presented to the bridegroom military brushes. The wedding breakfast was partaken of, and a short toast-list honoured! The bride received many useful and handsome presents, including cheques. Mr and Airs Mackay, amid showers of rice and confetti, left by motor car for Riversdale, where they joined the train, eh route for Christchurch, where they will spend their honeymoon. Mr and Mrs Davidson entertained a large party at a social evening. Mr H. De Laurie played the piano. Dancing, songs, music, etc., resulted in a most enjoyable evening being spent. Before breaking up all joined in singing “Auld lang syne.” Weather.—On Saturday morning there was a heavy fall of snow at Waikaia, and the ground was covered. The snow melted on Sunday in the township, but it is still very heavy on the ranges above Waikaia. Cold, rainy weather has set in on the low country. MILTON. July 19.—The number of subscribers to the local telephone bureau is being steadily increased, and is now practically at 100. With this number of subscribers the exchange will be kept open till 10 p.m. instead of 8 p.m. as at present, a concession which will be much appreciated by all those connected with the exchange. Increased Wages.—At its last meeting the County Council decided to increase the wages of the surfacemen employed by it to 9s a day, in keeping with the general rise in wages. The matter of the wages of the borough daymen is also under com eideration by the Finance Committee of the Borough Council, the present rate of 7s 6d and 8s being about the lowest paid by any local body. Improvements.—St. John’s Hall has recently been much improved by alterations and additions, which will allow of a large supper room being provided 1 , suitable for holding small meetings, also of a kitchen, complete with range, boiler, etc., and of ladies’ and gentlemen’s cloakrooms. These additions will add much to the convenience of the hall for social gatherings, and the church authorities are to bo congratulated on their enterprise Troublesome Willows.—The willows which block the Tokomairiro River above the Fairfax bridge are a source of continual trouble during flood rime, damming the water back on adjoining properties, and even on to tho lower end of the town. The County Council considers that it has no authority to enforce tho removal, of the willows, and that anything done must be done by concerted action on the part of those immediately concerned. At tho last meeting of the Borough Council tho matter was again discussed, and. in the absence of any more effectual proposal, it was agreed to approach tho County Council again with a request that something be done. The formation of a River Board, which, would have power to deal with tho trouble, would appear to bo tho only feasible way out of the difficulty. Y.M.O.A. —The local branch of tho Y.AI.C.A. continues to show considerable activity in its work amongst tho young men of the cEstrict. A membership campaign to secure now members as well as the renewal of tho subscriptions of those enrolled last year has boon in progress during the past week, and concludes tonight, when the branch will hold its anni-

versary meeting. Mr A. Jameson, ALA., national secretary, is at present in Milton helping on the ■work of the organkat.on. In addition to the religious side of the work, the branch docs a good deal of work of a social character, which appeals strongly to its members. Through the enterprise of the association Mr Dan Crawford, the wellknown missionary and' lecturer, is to include Milton in his itinerary. As considerable interest has boon taken in Mr Crawford and his work since the publication of “Thinking Black,” his lecture on Friday evening first is being looked forward to with the keenest interest, and ought to draw a bumper house. Valedictory.—There was a very large gathering at Glcnkelrie Farm last Wednesday evening- to bid farewell to Mr and Mrs Thos. M‘Donalcl and family on the occasion of their leaving the district for Morton Maine. Mr and Mrs M’Donald have been noted for their genial hospitality during their residence here, and the largo company which assembled on Wednesday evening gave evidence of the host of friends they have made and the esteem in which they are held. During the evening Mr John Porter, on behalf of the residents of the district, presented Mr M ‘Donald with a handsome gold watch, suitably inscribed, Mrs M'Donald with a solid leather dressing case, and Miss M'Donald with a gold brooch, as a tangible token of the esteem in which, they were severally held, and, in making the presentation, expressed the best wishes of all for the future happiness and well-being of the recipients. Mr D. M'Donald responded on behalf of hia father, and Mr Alex. Campbell for the ladies. Mr J. B. MTntosh made an efficient chairman. After supper a few pleasant hours were spent in dancing, and the gathering broke up shortly after 2 o’clock. On the previous Friday evening Mr Frank M'Donald was the recipient of a dressingcase from the Tokoiti Club, of which institution he was an active and useful member. \ ___________ / MILBURN AND CLARENDON. July 20.—The weather conditions have lately been decidedly wintry—cold winds and rain, snow andi sleet,—but on the whole v>-e have had a good winter, with little frost lately. Farm work is well advanced, and nearly all the ploughing is finished. The turnip crop is lasting better than was expected, but there is a good demand for any turnips that are offered for sale. As far as can be seen, there will bo Ices grain crop grown than before in this district, as farmers are going in more for sheep and cattle. Church Affairs. —The quarterly communion service was held in Milburn Church last Sunday week, when two new members were received into fellowship. For the position of three members of the Church Committee Messrs W- Grey, E. Pilling, and G. S. Tomkinson were elected. The Lime Kilns.—Work is rather slack at both lime kilns, but a good lot of phosphate is going away from Clarendon. For many years it has been the custom of the Milburn Lime and Cement Company to pull the railway trucks, loaded with coal, from the bottom of the kilns to the top, with an ongipe and wire rope. Last week by some means the rope became detached, and the truck rushed down the incline at a great rate and bumped into two other trucks at the bottom, one truck being smashed and the others damaged, but fortunately no one was injured. Personal, —Mr Roland Hare returned home to Clarendon recently after being for nearly 13 weeks an inmate of the Gore Hospital as the result of being crushed in a stone quarry near Waikaka. It will be some time before he is able to resume work. Social. —A Debating Society and Social Club has been formed at Clarendon, with Mr Stanger as chairman and secretary. The first meeting wag held last • Tuesday evening, when the subject for debate was “Should Bachelors be Taxed?” Mr J. T. Brown, supported by Mr Stanger, took up the-affirmative, and Mr W. T. Brabyn, supported by Mr T. Muir, the negative, which was declared carried by 20 to 12. During the evening a vocal duet was rendered by Misses Grey and Brabyn, and a solo by Mr Mow at.