THE COUNTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3196, 16 June 1915, Page 35

THE COUNTRY.

/fgy 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 Tuesday are too late, and are thus a week old when they appear.

LAKE COUNTY. Juno 12. —During the past few days the weather has been mild for this time of year. To-day rain is falling. Dairying.—The Lake County Dairy Company’s factory has closed down for the season. At a meeting of directors, held on Monday evening last, it was reported that the season’s operations had turned out verj satisfactorily. The quantity of cheese manufactured this season _ was 36 tons. The secretary submitted an interim statement showing the financial position of the company at the close of the season, and the figures were considered very satisfactory. , 1 ho final shipment of this season s cheese was despatched on Thursday. Death. —News was received in Arrowtown to-day of the death at Anderson’s Bay of Mr' Patrick Barron, a former wellknown resident of Arrowtown, where he followed mining for many years. Personal. —Prior to leaving Arrowtown, Master Charles Martin, who has been messenger in the Arrowtown Post Office for two years, and has now been promoted to Oamaru, was made the recipient of a presentation from telephone subscribers and residents. The presentation, which consisted of a purse of sovereigns, was made by Mr D. Maclood, who referred to Master Martin’s unfailing courtesy as a post office official, and said ho would carry with him the best wishes of all for his future advancemont. —Master D. Callaghan has been appointed messenger in Arrowtown Post Office.—Messrs Alex. Webb (Arrowtown) and Hugh Hunter (Malaghans) left Queenstown on Wednesday to join the Seventh Reinforcements. General. —Messrs Allan Bros., Thurlby Domain, have purchased a now Buick motor car. The car, which carries all the latest improvements, arrived from Dunedin on Monday.—The new post office at Arrowtown is now completed, but owing to the non-arrival of some of the office furniture, the contractor will not bo able to hand over the building to the Postal Department foT another fortnight. Arrow Debating Society. —The Rev. G. 11. Gibb; 8.A., Queenstown, delivered a most interesting lecture under the auspices of the society on Tuesday evening. The subject of the address was, “ Elocution, Public Speaking, and Debating.” During the evening the following musical programme was carried out: —Pianoforte overture, Mrs A. G. Lea; song, Miss E. Connolly ; song, Miss Jopp; duet, Messrs W. F. Stevenson and A. T. Bell. Social and Dance.—A most successful social and dance for the Belgian Relief Fund and the hospital ship was held at Skippers recently, when the sum of £l2 9s was realised. The music for the dance was supplied by Messrs Jacobson and Manson. a nd Mr D. Ward acted as M.C. An abundant supply of refreshments was provided by the ladies of Skippers. LUMSDEN. June 15.—The weather for the past month has boon all that could bo desired; but at the time of writing there are indications of a storm browing. The barometer is at a very low point. Farm Work—Every farmer is now busy ploughing, the open' season having given every opportunity for outdoor work. Early spring work and seed-sowing are fully anticipated. The pastures and feed are holding out well, and all stock are in very good winter condition. Sale of Work. —The Lumsden, Mossburn, and Castle Rock Presbyterian Church management had a very successful sale of work on May 26. Everyone connected with the church and their friends of other denominations worked well together, making the project a thorough success. About £l5O was taken from all sources. Recruiting League.—The WallaccTrucrcargill party held a most successful concert and sale of produce, etc., on Juno 14. I am told that the proceeds a record for Southland—namely, £970, of which £l7O is for the Belgian Fund and £l4O for the hospital ship. All this was taken in the hall in the evening. All the ladies worked together most energetically, and with them special mention may bo made of Messrs S. E. Griffiths and Alex. Macalister, who assisted very largely in making the function the huge success that it was. The Reinforcements—The batch of recruits for the Seventh Reinforcements as they departed for Trentharn were entertained, and received a rousing send-off. Town Improvements. —A large iron store is being erected on a central site for Mr Brown, of Invercargill, a wool, skin, and bide buyer. This goes to show that some shrewd men have faith in the future of the town and district. Business Changes.—Messrs T. Soper and Sons, having purchased from Mr W. Watson his bush work business at Five Rivers, the new firm intend to extend their operations by -installing a sawmilling plant. It goes without saying that this now industry must he a great boon to a large number of settlors and others throughout this wide district. Wo wish them every success in ,th'dr venture. The Awful War.—A message has reached here to the effect that Konnoar George Fraser, a Lumsden boy, commonly called K. G. by bis school mates, had been killed in action at the Dardanelles. Another brother is at the front serving in the Ambulance Corps. OTAR A. June 12.—We have had quite exceptionally good weather for over a week, and all stock that have boon put on turnips arc doing well. Dairying.—The local choose factory closed at the end of last month, and theymanager (Mr C. Boniface) lost no time in volunteering for the front. •Social.—A social evening was given on Friday, 4th, in honour of Mr and Mrs Sparke and family, who aro leaving the district, and Mr C. Boniface, who is going to the war. When presenting a silver tea and coffee service to Mr and Mrs Sparke,

the chairman (Air M'Calman) referred to the many neighbourly qualities of the recipients, and also to the important part they took in anything pertaining to the well aro of the district. Mr Sparke, as chairman of the local Sports Club, showed groat tact and good sense in the position, and In’s place will be hard to fill. Mr Sparke suitably responded. The chairman ako presented to Mr Boniface, on behalf of the residents of the district, a wristlet watch and a safety razor, at the same time expressing a hone that he would soon be able to return once more to his friends. Mr Boniface, in rising to respond, was received with loud applause and cheers. ‘‘For he’s a jolly good fellow” was then sung by the whole audience, and three cheers given. Items were given by Misses Clark, Currie, M'Kinnon, and Thomas, Messrs Taylor. Watson, King, Thomas, Mackenzie, and Master E. Taylor. Other items were given at suitable intervals during the dance, and a very enjoyable social was concluded in the small hours of the morning. I have heard lately that three other young fellows are leaving this district for Trentham, eo this end of the island is doing its part. WAIWERA. Juno 14. —The spell of fine weather we have been enjoying lor so long has broken, and wo are at present getting quite a cold and boisterious spell. L'p to now stock have kept their condition remarkably well on the grass paddocks. After this, however, a greater demand will have to be mackon the turnips, cte. In this respect I tear that, on the whole, wo are not too well off lor the quantity of stock that will nave to be fed. The block in the freezing works lias made quite a big difference in the calculations first made cf our feed requirements to carry us through the winter, in the meantime all is well, and should the winter prove mild we may yet puli through it all right. High Brices. —The present high prices are causing many to rush their produce on the market with all possible speed. The demand for seed oats is good, and high prices are being given lor anything of a good sample. Black Oats. —Mr Garden, of Clinton, lately asked mo why it was we farmers went in so much for growing black oats in preference to white ones. The only reason I can give is that the black can be much easier seen in the chaff, and the purchaser can better know what he may be getting. I really know of no other advantage; perhaps some more experienced hand can advise. One thing I am quite certain of—that is, there is a very great deal in knowing what kind of oat is most suited to your land and climate. This past season 1 sowed’ two kinds side by side under the same conditions. From the one I cut a good crop, while the other was almost a failure; so that it is not altogether safe to advise which is really the best until the nature of the soil is fully understood. The oldest of us have much to learn yet even in growingoats. Sheep. —The sheep market is pretty much at a standstill just now, very few changing nands. Ncw-comers. —Two young men have lately come among us from the Central. They lately took possession of the late Mr M’Lcan's place. They will no doubt find this a different climate from what they have been used to; still, there is no reason why 'they should not do well. They have a. good average farm for roots, grain, and sheep. We wish them prosperity. Recruiting.—Some of our young men arc still coming forward, offering their services for the front. Brave boys, say I. May they be spared to return with honours. Our Major Waite, D. 5.0., has set a nobio example to follow. It is to- be hoped wc have no shirkers among us. KYEBURN. June 7. —The weather up till now has been all that could be wished for, but on Saturday night rain set in, which turned to snow on Sunday morning; about 2in fell on the low ground, and the hills, judging by the look of them, have a pretty heavycoat. Frost has now set in, which will keep the snow lying for some time. Farm Work.—Although the ground has been very hard for ploughing, a fair amount has been turned over, but the plough will very likely be stopped for the rest of the winter. Stock aro likely to have a bad time from this on, as feed is scarce, and lias been all season. Turnip cropi in the most of cases have been a failure. War. —War is the chief topic of interest here, as in other places, and a cruel year it is. The latest news is eagerly looked for. So far not many of the young fellows from hero have gone to the front, but our best wishes go with those who have gone, and wc hope to see them all back safe when the war is over. Much sympathy is felt here for the relatives of the late Lieutenant Preston Logan, who died through wounds received at the Dardanelles. Church Affairs. —We . have no stationed minister in the Mount Ida parish just now, our late minister. Mr Adams, having accepted a cal! to the Chalmers Church, Dunedin. The best wishes of the people of this district go with him in In’s new charge. Mr and Mrs Adams will be very much missed from here, and it is to he hoped that before long we- will have another minister as popular. HYDE. June s.—The dry weather of April and May somewhat hampered ploughing operations. as only stubble land could bo cultivated. Several farmers have sown a fair area of wheat on stubble land, but with the dry weather germination has been slow. Tin-ashing was completed about a month ago, and though the yield in bushels was not very high, with the high prices ruling for,all grain and chaff, the yield financially works out at a profitable figure. Relatively wheat crops yielded better than oats, the latter crops on the whole being poor. It is probable, that a larger area than usual will be put in grain crops during the coming year, and two factors conduce to this; first, the certain tv of payable m-iccs, and, secondly, the reduction of the flocks consenuent upon the drv autumn and shortage of feed for winter. The dry autumn, while it lias had a very prejudicial effect upon the growth of feed for winter, has been very hehaful to stock, as they have thriven well on somewhat scanty pastures, and flock-owners are now entering upon the winter months proper in a much better position than many anticipated, and unless a severe winter is experienced stock should come through all right. The shortage of refrigerated steamers, and consequent blocking of the freezing works, has caused those fanners owning fat stock considerable

anxiety, and in some eases loss, as in. instances where feed gave out before the works opened fat stock had to be disposed of at much below their value. During tha past fortnight, however, the local representative of tiie Christchurch Mont Company has been buying lambs in moderate quantities, and the worst of the block seems to bo now over. The worst of the business was. that many farmers were forced to give to the fat stock the food intended for the flock for winter. The turnip crop generally cannot be termed even fair. Some few good crops are to bo seen, but many others were late in coining and are pooq and their feeding value is not great. Personal.—The news of the death of Lieutenant P. Logan, eldest son of Colonel Logan, was received with sincere regret by all in this district who knew Lieutenant Logan. Though not a resident of this district, Colonel Logan and his family wore well known hero and by many ex-members of the Maniototo Mounted Rifles, which, squadron Lieutenant Logan joined at an early age as trumpeter, afterwards becoming successively corporal, and on the merging of the Volunteer system into the present Territorials he was appointed to a lieutenancy. Always a keen and efficient soldier, the greatest regret of his old comrades is that that he was called on to make the supreme sacrifice ah the very beginnh g of his active service, and but a very slum time was granted him to strike a blow for his country. OTAKOU. Juno 12. —After a long spell of bad weather we have been treated to a few beautiful days, and everybody thoroughly enjoyed them. Farm work is about at a standstill for the present till ploughingtime. Concert and Dance.—On Saturday, sth hist., several members of the Port Chalmers Operatic Society travelled to Ofcakou and gave a concert to help to wipe out the remaining debt on hail and church. The night was line, and a large crowd travelled down from Port Chalmers, and with our own people the hall was packed. The company submitted an excellent programme, and everybody enjoyed the several items, and loud and repeated appluusu showed how well the efforts of the performers wore appreciated. It would bo an invidious tack to particularise any of the performers, as everyone did his or her very best to give pleasure to the audience. Hospital Ship.—The ladies of Otakou, with the help of a few friends from the Heads, collected about £l4 to Help in tho outfit of the s.s. Maheno for service as a hospital ship. They bought material, and met in the Otakou Hall on several occasions to sew and talk, the result being that two bales of pillows, sheets, blankets, quilts, pyjamas, etc., have been despatched. Tho school children of Otakou also gathered among themselves, and the result was tho despatch of 67 handkerchiefs. Taking tha smallness of our district into consideration, this may bo considered very good indeed. School. —I am sure we are all very proud of our teacher (Mr G. Swan) having volunteered for service at the front, although wa are very sorry to lose him, for during the time he has been with us he lias made many friends, and lias become a general favourite. He will leave this district in about three weeks’ time, and wo all hope that he may go through all tho vicissitudes of active service unharmed. Mr Swan ha« a younger brother at the front already. Week-enders. —An addition to the cribs at the Kaik for several gentlemen of Poit Chalmers is getting near completion, and we are looking forward with much expectation to the official opening, which Is to take place shortly. DUNTROON. June 13.—We have had a long spell o( dry weather, and farmers are having -a lot of”extra work preparing the land for solving. It is next to impossible to plougii grass land. Feed is very scarce, altiiougi: stock are looking well, owing to the fi ■ weather. A good many farmers are giving up hope of getting any more fat sheep ... lambs away. Wo had 53 points of rain during the month of May, and we registered 32 points this morning; but tho weather is. dear again. Like other parts of tho country, all our women folk, young and old, arc doing their best for the hospital ship, and Rod Cross work. They collected over £7O. also material, which is being made up into the different articles required, a large amount of which has been forwarded. FLAXBOURNE. June 12. —The winter here is turning out as dry as tho summer; only a little over lin of rain has fallen during the last two months. The subsoil is now much drier than at this time last year, and if we have no heavy and continuous rain soon the outlook for next season will bo even worse than for the year just past. The Farm.—Feed is very short, and an crops are at a standstill. From some oc them that- are just through the ground tho birds are taking a large toll, and there is every appearance in some cases of thenhaving to be resown. Recruits. —We are getting very scarce of voimg men here, all. or nearly all, available having left for the war. Eight loft withm the last fortnight, and a good many previously. More are waiting their call. A branch of the National Reserve has been formed here, and is strongly supported. The freezing works here are expected to reopen about the 24th if we get relief of 1C 000 carcases, as promised. This included, wo will have had space for only 50me45,000 all told this year. PALMERSTON NOTES. PALMERSTON, Juno 14. On Sunday evening a daring burglary was perpetrated in Palmerston, when the tailor’s shop in Tiverton street occupied by Mr T. iloclgctts was broken into. An unsuccessful attempt had evidently been made to force the door by a crowbar, entrance to the shop eventually being made by means of breaking the glass in tho front window. Spine rolls of tweed and several articles of clothing were stolen. The weather was very stormyT and probably this prevented the sound of the broken glass from being heard. On Saturday afternoon the members of the Palmerston Gun Club wore entertained at Goodwood by Mr R. Cameron. The unsettled state of the weather accounted for a small muster. However, some 14 "tins wero present, and a most enjoyable shoot took place, the members for tho first timo shooting from handicap marks. Mr M'Donald made the best record for the day. After the match all hands adjourned to Mr Cameron’s house, where abundant refreshments awaited them. Mr Kennedy (Wa,:koualti), who took part In tho shoot, lias in*

vited the club to visit Waikouaiti on Wednesday, June 23. Several more volunteers left for Trentha.ni on Saturday. This district is certainly holding its own in the number of men leaving for the front.