THE COUNTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3197, 23 June 1915, Page 31

THE COUNTRY.

£3" 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 o!d when they appear.

LAKH COUNIV. Juno 19. —A good deal of rain has fallen during the week, with snow on the high country. Acclimatisation Society.—The annual meeting of tho Lake District Acclimatisation Society was held at Queenstown last week, Air P. APCarthy presiding. The balance sheet showed that the receipts for the year ended Alarch 31 amounted to £l5O lss 4d, and the expenditure to £35 0s Id, leaving a credit balance of £124 14s 6d. Tho following office-bearers were elected :—President, Mr L. J. Lynch; vicepresidents, Alessrs G. D. Baird and L. Curtis; treasurer, Air W. D. Warren; auditor, Air H. Upsdalc; committee —Messrs Collins, Edgar, D. F. Sutherland, P. APCarthy, A. Simson, H. Buckham (Queenstown), A. Lambic (Skippers), Geo. Reid and F. Finch (Head of Lake), L. Lee (Lower Shotovcr), G. D. Baird and D. Macleod (Arrow). R. Cameron (Kingston), with power to add. Tho annual subscription was fixed at ss. The Fighting at the Dardanelles. —Quite a gloom was cast over the district on Alonclay morning last when news came to hand that four Queenstown lads had boon killed in action at tho Dardanelles, and that Sergeant Allan APDowall (who volunteered from Arrowtown) was among the missing. Tho names of tho Queenstown men are: Private Bertram Henry Anderson (oldest son of Air and Airs B. Anderson, of Clive, Hawke’s Bay, formerly of Queenstown), Private William Black (son of Airs Alary Black. Waikaka), Private Ernest Cable (fourth son of Airs M. Cable, Queenstown), Private James Mulholland (fourth son of Air and Airs William Alulholland, Queenstown). Private Robert Samson Chapman (son of Air and Airs Robert Chapman, Queenstown) is also reported missing. Sergeant Allan lu'Dowall’s widowed mother resides in Arrowtown. Personal. —Troopers John Dagg and R. S. Cotter, of the Sixth Reinforcements, spent a few days in the district this week on a visit to their parents. On Alonclay evening Trooper Cotter was met by a few friends in Arrowtown, and was presented with a wristlet watch.—Air A. Lc Brun, who has been clerk in the Queenstown railway office for the past 18 months, has been transferred to tho Kingston office. General.—Air J. SI. Collins has again taken over the lease of the Mountaineer Hotel, Queenstown, which has been carried on for the past two months by tho owner, Mr P. APCarthy.—The Queenstown and Arrowtown Golf Clubs are endeavouring to arrange for tho services of a coach during a portion of tho present season. The Chorniavskys.—Residents of Queenstown and Arrowtown were afforded a musical treat this week, the famous Cherniavsky trio giving concerts in Queenstown on Wednesday and Arrowtown on Thursday evenings. WAIMATUKU. Juno 21.—The exceptionally mild climatic conditions which prevailed throughout, the first month of winter came to an end last week. Since then -wo have had boisterous gales interspersed with rain, had, and snow. Those who have stock to attend to are kept busy at present. Tho Farm. —Ploughing is well advanced, farmers recognising tho advantage of getting to work before the severe _ weather sets in. Cropping seems to bo coining much more into favour, and next harvest should produce a good surplus, instead of a shortage. such as exists this year. Memorial Service, —A memorial service to Private Robert Buchanan, wtio was killed at the Dardanelles, was hold in the Presbyterian Church, a largo congregation attending. A number of Territorials wore on parade, and marched to the church. The Rev. Air Chisholm rendered an impressive service. A roll of honour, containing the names of those who enlisted from here, was hung in the church. Robert Buchanan's name being at tho head of those who wont with the first contingent. Personal. —Another brother, Air Alex. Buchanan, immediately volunteered, and left the following week for Tronfbam.— Alias Marion Brown, who joined the nursing staff for Imperial service, also left last week for tho front. Changes. —Still another farm lias changed hands. "Air Win. Fran r, a respected resident in the district for many years, has sold out to Mr J. Anderson, son of Mr Anderson. Almonde 11. Wedding.—A wedding of interest locally took place in the Presbyterian Church last Wednesday, when Lizzie, youngest daughter of Mr Jas. Robbie. Broomfield, was married to Air W. Jukes, youngest son of Air M. Jukes. Tu the afternoon the young couple" left by motor car for Mokctua, where Mr Jukes has purchased a farm. KAIHIKU. June 21. —After a lengthy period of favourable conditions throughout the autumn and first months of winter, the weather has taken a sudden change, with cold rain and snow showers. The prospects at present are decidedly wintry. On Thursday evening last a brilliant display of tho Aurora Australis was in view on the southern sky. and quite a number of people 'in this, district have commented on the unusual sight, while others with warm regards for tho fireside on a cold night failed to see it. Farm.—Ploughing is now the principal work on tho land, and is being pushed along at every favourable opportunity. The bulk of the grain having been carted, the county roads have not suffered to any ox*tent. A considerably greater quantity of grain, especially oaten chaff, has boon railed from tho local siding than lias been Uie <v»so for a great many years. And with tho high prices ruling for practically all farm produce the farmers must feel themselves on a pretty sound wicket. No doubt when the call comes to support the country queen, it will bo on a very liberal scale. g a ] r- _A clearing sale at auction, conducted by Alessrs Dalgety and the National Mortgage and Agency Company, was hold at Air Nicol’s homestead on Friday, the 18th inst. Mr Nicol was fortunate in

making his selection; of land in the early days, and later secured part of the Albert Downes Estate, making a very compact and desirable property. His land, being leased to his eons for a number of years, and the term having expired, all the stock and implements were submitted for sale. The prices localised. except in the case of horses, wore very satisfactory. A very liberal luncheon was provided. TAWANUI. June 19. —Tho weather of to-day is the only topic. All through the week it has boon rough, with a good deal of rain, while yesterday (18fchl it rrenod almost incessantly all day, and at bedtime it had turned to snow, and when we awoke this morning it was to find fully bin of snow on tho ground, a most extraordinary fall for hero. Only once do I remember more, and that was about 20 winters ago, when wo had from bin to 9in all along the Gatlins watershed. To-day at noon there arc at times showers of snow. So far there is no thaw, and it appears as though there is more to come. Appearances from hero point to a very heavy fall inland. All work is at a standstill. Our midday train has not yet put in an• appearance; but wo expect it any minute now. I cloidt think there is a heavy enough fall of snow to prevent it coming. WAIKAIA. Juno 21.—The marriage of Aliss AI. L. Cameron and Air J. A. Willocks was solemnised at Wcndonsido Presbyterian Church on tho 2nd inst., not at tho bride’s homo, Ardlaniont, as stated. After the ceremony the guests drove in motor cars and buggies to She breakfast at Ardlamont. The AVar. —For the hospital ship Airs Tull has donated one feather pillow, Mrs Wilkie one feather pillow, one pair hospital socks, one pair pillowslips, and one Balaclava cap. The wounded at flic Dardanelles include Air Marshall and Mr Hume, and tho killed Sapper Alurdoch Mackenzie, son of Mr Alurdoch Mackenzie, formerly of Hyde Homo. Waikaia. hut now of the Balfour district. The Waikaia people deeply sympathise with Air and Airs Alatkcnzic. whose son died nobly for his King and country. —Air J. Pinckney, eldest son of Air G. Pinckney, Glenary Station, is now fighting at tho front in Franee after 10 months of camp life -in England. The Weather. —There were severe snow and in tho township 3gin fell. Last Friday storms on the high country last Monday, also there wore heavy storms of snow, rain, and elcet, and on Saturday morning there was snow s?in deep in the township. It was very thick on the mountains. Korn frosts have also been experienced. Tho weather altogether has been very hard for the slock. WAIMEA. Juno 21.—For tho time of year we are undoubtedly experiencing seasonable weather—the most wintry wo have had for several winters. Saturday morning revealed the- countryside clad in Tin to Sin of snow, and still falling. However, on Sunday morning an effective thaw set in, and the show is rapidly vanishing. Stork are, on tho whole, well provided for, and will easily como through the ordeal. Up to this fall of snow things had been going fairly well with holders of stock. Tho pastures have boon holding out well, and maintained in good condition quite a number of sheep. Some - very good crops of turnips arc to bo scon in the district, but in general they are only fair. However, as the winter is now well advanced, there is quite an ample supply for all local needs. Sheep Sales. —At tho sheep sales held last Friday, although the day was anything but favourable, the animals looked their best, and prices wore very firm. The yarding was only moderate, however. Patriotic Funds. —In efforts for the different patriotic causes tho district is not wanting in enthusiastic workers and liberal givers. The Hospital Ship Fund was very readily subscribed to and the donations very quickly dispatched. Now tho ladies are devoting their energies to swelling the Wounded Soldiers’ Fund. Several meetings have been held, convened 1 y Airs Clearwater and Airs James Reid, and extensive arrangements have been made for a big concert and sale of produce in the Drill Hull next Friday night. The Casualty List.—The toll of war is reaching an ever-widening area. Mr Wm.. Walker, of Windon. has had tho misfortune to lose his son William in the Empire’s, cause. Trooper Walker enlisted when the first call sounded, and loft in the First Expeditionary Force. L. and D. Society. —Tho Rivorsdalo Literary and Debating Society has again resumed its sessions. This year it meets in the Athenaeum, and tho usual interesting evenings are maintained; Last evening tho Rev. D. Campbell road a paper, giving a vivid pen-picture of Waterloo, the causes leading up to it, and its results. Afterwards" a question-box brought to their foot a number of young people, who acquitted thcmselvee well. The next evening will be devoted to a debate, “Should the Government Impose a War Tax?” For the affirmative. Mr Ronald; and for the negative, Air D. ATKay. A number of others , were selected to assist. WAREPA. June 21. —The weather has turned wintry, and about 3in of snow fell yesterday; but a thaw has sot in. Tho Farm. —The opening of the South Otago Freezing Works has enabled farmers to get away their fat lambs. Food is none too plentiful. Ploughing is at a standstill owing to the weather. .Other farm work is well forward. A lot of chaff has loft hero lately, most of it having been sold for forward delivery. War. —We have to mourn the death of one of cur native-born young men—George Ross. —one of the first to volunteer. He was also one of the first to fall. In paying our tribute of respect 1o him, we extend onv sympathy to his sorrowing brother and sisters. Social. —A social was held in tho hall to bid farewell to Mr and Airs Sarginson. who have exchanged their farm for one further south. During the evening Air W. Keys presented Mr Sarginson. with a purse of sovereigns and Miss Sarginson with a gold brooch. • Air Sarginson also received a very line, Bible from the church people. Improvements.- -During tho year some building has been done here. Air David Farquhar has added extensively to his house, and Air Walter Tvinrray is also enlarging Ids. Mr R. Shearing, who has lately come to the district, _ lias built a very up-to-date residence, on his property at Croydon. A few months ago at the invitation of Air and Mrs Shearing over ICO people assembled to take part in a housewarming function, and a most enjoyable

evening was spent. The house is mostly built of timber cut from Pinus insignia trees, and some of the timber produced is very fine indeed. The builders (Messrs Cross Bros.) deserve credit for their workmanship, and Mr Shearing is to be congratulated on his enterprise. It would take too much space to describe the house'in detail; suffice it to say that it is fitted up with all the latest conveniences and presents a handsome appearance, being quite a credit to the district. OWAKA. Juno 21. —Our township is experiencing a quiet time at present, and, indeed, wo would not have it overwise. A large percentage of our young men are at the front or in training, and this has brought to a close practically all amusements, with the exception of an occasional social or sale of work in connection with patriotic affairs. In tho late casualty lists some familiar names have appeared, and it is with great regret that wo learned l of the death of Mr A. Mmaill, of Owaka Valley. Heartfelt sympathy is extended to his sorrowing relatives. Private 1.. Cook and Corporal J. Lcnannc are amongst tho wounded. Weather. —The weather broke last week, and wo experienced some cold days, with sleet-showers and cold rain. On Friday evening much snow fell, covering the ground to a depth of Tin or Sin. This is rather a record for our part of the country. Indeed, though wo have so much rain, snowvery seldom falls hero. This morning the weather continues cold, with a steady barometer, and there seems very little prospect of an early thaw. Health. —The cold and damp is responsible for a good deal of sickness, and influenza and colds are prevalent, and I know of at least one case of scarlet fever in the district. Patriotic Affairs. —The energetic lathee are busily preparing for a sale of work, to bo held in the immediate future, to aid our wounded soldiers. Nurse Campbell has been chosen queen for the Catling district. Farming.—Until recently the grass supply had been holding out well; but while tho cold snap lasts tho cattle and sheep will bo making large inroads upon tho store of winter feed. The farmers have begun feeding much earlier this season than formerly, and it is to bo hoped tho supply will stand tho extra demand made upon it. MILBURN AND CLARENDON. Juno 19.—Tho winter on the whole has been mild and dry, but the last few days have been rough. Last Sunday night snow fell to the extent of about lin, and this has helped to soften the lea ground, which was rather dry for ploughing. The turnip crop this year is only fair, and considerable quantities of straw chaff are being used 10. and also sent to Dunedin. Chaff - buyers are offering high prices for both sheaf and straw chaff, and as both wheat and oats are very high, it has been a record year for many farmers. ■Scarlatina.—l am sorry to report that two fresh cases of scarlatina have broken out in tho district. Patriotic.—A meeting was held in the school last month to consider what steps should bo taken to help the Relief Funds. Mr T. IT. Russell was voted to the chair, and after considerable discussion it was decided to hold a gift auction in aid of tho Wounded Soldiers’ Fund, and an executive, consisting of Mrs W. Grey, Messrs W. Grey, Jas. Muir, A. P. Grey, P. WilliamSon; jun., and W. ,T. Brabyn were appointed to canvass for same. I ho response was very good, and Mr APKinnon, of Messrs Donald Reid and Co., kindly conducted the sale, at which a considerable quantity of grain, fancy work, etc., was offered. Including tho cash donations; the splendid sum of £222 Is 6d was realised, the donations ranging from £25 to Is, and from a rooster to one ton of chaff. Hockey.—A meeting was hold at Mr W. Grey’s homestead, for tho purpose of forming a Ladies’ Hockey Club. Mrs W. Grey was elected president. Airs Somerville vicepresident, Miss Wilcox secretary, and Miss Russell captain. The club decided to knitami sow for tiie wounded soldiers, and a social was held in tho school after tho gift auction. The attendance was large, and a good programme of music and recitations was given, and about £6 was raised. Personal. —It is reported that Air S. Fryer has disposed of his property at Clarendon, and intends residing in Dunedin. Recruits.-—A fair number of young men have enlisted from this district, _ Their names areG. Pilling, P. Knight, J. Haro, G. Riddel, J. Hallett, G. Shanks, and 11. Roulston. All honour to them. G. Pilling was in the fighting at the Dardanelles. and recently sent a cable to his parents at Alilburn, reporting himself as “ halo and hearty.” WAIMATE. June 19. —The death of Air William Alillcr on Sunday night is felt by all classes in tho community. A constant visitor himself to tiie hospital, he elected to be taken there when the accident at Willowbridga a few weeks ago laid him low. Bom m Brisbane, lie came to Otago a lad of 10; but later the family settled near Geraldine. In 1875 the deceased purchased a farm at tho Hook. As manager for Mr Hayes at Haknfearamoa* farming on his own account, conducting a bakery business in W annate and later catering for stock sales, it will be seen that Air Alillcr’s life was not without variety. He was an active member of the Presbyterian congregation, and during his residence in Waimato honourably filled posts in the Borough Council and th§_ Hospital and School Committees. He also filled the offices of P.C.R. and Senior Woodward in tho Foresters’ Lodge. Ho leaves a widow and daughter. Aliss Miller is well known in tho district for her services a - a musician in public entertainments. Weather. —Mueh-noodcd rain has fallen during the last week or so, and though there is good feed in some parts, farmers have to keep the fat stock on it, as they are unable to dispose of thorn; consequently tho feed on which the main flock should ho kept is being rapidly eaten off by the “fats.” The farmers will suffer materially unless shipping can soon bo provided. A.- and P. Society.—The annual meeting of tho A. and P. Association was held last Saturday, Air C, ,F. d" Auvergne in the chair. After a motion of sympathy with the relatives of the killed and wounded, carried in silence, the report and balance sheet were read and adopted. The year began with a debit'of £202, and closed with a debit of £304. Tho balance of assets over liabilities was £1263. Thirty-throe new members have joined during tho year, making a total of 255. Six have hit th<f district, and four have boon removed by death —Messrs R. Cameron, J, W. Freeman, IT. Meyer, and S. Bird. The flection

of officers resulted r.s follows President Mr Goddcs; vice-president, Sir P. W. Borrio; treasurer, Sir W. H. Beckett; auditor, Sir G. V. Cochrane; committee— Messrs G. P. cl'Auvcrgne, W. Cheverton, W. Bell, W. J. Roberts. A. Garland, J. Bitchener, J. r l'. Hay, J. Henderson, A. J. Lwjan, E. Stokes, H. Saunders, J. 11. -'inne, T. Vv. Manchester. J. O. Faulkner, W. Ha yin an, R. Sinclair, J. W. Haves., P, Hunter, B. P. Whitney, A. Carter, 'Wi (X Brydon, R. Pashby, W. Coat It, James Man* Chester; delegate to Clydesdale Society, Sir 11. Saunders. . Salvation Army.—The head of the Sal ration Army in tho Dominion paid a weekend visit to IV annate, and roceivoel a publio, welcome. Among those present were. Dr* Hayes (Deputy-mayor) and the Revs. J. A, Julius, M.A., and A. S. Morrison, M.A, An apology for absence owing to sickness ■ was received from the Rev. G. F. StockMrs Hodder and Major Newbury, divisional officer, accompanied the party. The Deputy-mayor gave some reminiscences of the work of the Army in Waimate in earlier days, and extended a hearty welcome to the visitors. Local ministers and Mr R. Meredith also gave addresses of welcome. 'Adjutant. Hugh son. on behalf ol the. local corps, also addressed the meeting briefly. Commissioner and Mrs Hodder re* sponded. In the evening a meeting was held in the Oddfellows’ Hall. At the afternoon and evening meetings and throughout the -Sunday gatherings stirring aihlressca were given by the visitors. For tho Front.—On Saturday last 13 young men wore entertained nrior to their departure for Trentham. The Deputy-mayor and the Rev. J. A. Julius addressed the men. and Piivate Harry Hawke responded on behalf of the cnlistcrs.