THE COUNTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3215, 27 October 1915, Page 31

THE COUNTRY.

Correspondents are reminded that nil letters for the current week’s issue must reach Dunedin NOT LATER THAN MONDAY NILIIT. Letters coming to hand on Tuesday are too late, and are thus a week old when they appear.

lake WANAKA.*

October 22.—During the last week the weather has been very cold and stormy. Heavy rain commenced falling early in the week, followed by a heavy fall of snow on the mountains, and two or three nights with sharp frosts. The snow is clearing oft the hills fast; but still the weather i=> very cold, with strong gales of wind blowing. The past week has been very trying to young lambs, and no doubt a number will have perished in the storms. We have nad rather less wind this spring up to the middle of October than is usual with us here, and far more rain The oldest residents say that .we have not had a spring like thQ one just past for upwards of 30 years, and the Wanaka district has never looked better than at present. . , . , Luggate Bridge.—The official opening of this bridge is announced for next 'Thursday, October "28, when our member, the Hon. Wm. Fraser, will be present. T/icrc is to be a picnic in the afternoon at the bridge, followed by a banquet in the hall in the evening. There will probably be a record crowd at Luggate on that day. Deaths.—Word has come to hand that three old identities who lived here a good many years ago have passed away. I refer to Mr Thos. Tuohy, Mr Wm. Rossitur, and Constable Marsh (retired!. These gentlemen have not lived in the Wanaka district for some years now, but were very prominent figures here in days gone by. KENNINGTON (Southland.) October 24—The perfect climate is of course, yet unknown and undiscovered, but the man who can find much to_ complain of in Southland weather this spring must be of a particularly ungenerous disposition. Week in and week out one day has resembled another, dewy mornings and sunny days, when even the spring winds forgot to blow. Consequently, Southland looks simply magnificent, and this district is no exception. True, some folks have conjured up visions of a drought, and of bare pastures- —that is up to a week ago, but now the scene has changed. It has rained, snowed, hailed, and blown with all the vigour of October; and these people aforesaid have decided not to dig another well nor order a windmill just yet. A cold snap” is the usual description, but the farming community is in no way alarmed; and the war and its outcome arc the real topic of conversation. Queen Carnival. —The recent Queen Carnival called forth an immense amount of effort, and in some cases a good deal of self-denial; but the result passed all calculations. Kcnnington early formed a committee. with Mr K. N. Wilson (chairman), and the Rev. F. B. Lawrence (secretary), and got to work. A generous response was given to their ar.poal, the local dairy factory heading the donations with £IOO, unanimously voted at its annual meeting. Altogether, over £250 was raised for the fund per medium, of the Country Queen; while the Railway and Shipping and the Army and Navy Princesses also got a share. Considering the fine showing made by Myross district, only some three miles off, and that Rimu, the same distance the other way, also made a separate effort, the result reflects the highest credit on the community and the committee. Before the final effort was made the Rev. Lawrence resigned the secretaryship to go into camp to train for ambulance work. Mr Wm. Malcolm was appointed in his stead, and carried the work through. Recognition is clue of the assistance generously given by several helpers from Invercargill, who assisted materially in the gymkhana,_ and to the Winton Glee Party for their services at the concert.

Arbour Day. —Arbour Day was observed this year in connection with the school, the majority of members of the committee and some willing citizens assisting. By night a holly hedge had been planted, apd sundrv details in connection therewith attended to. The fences, too, have recently been renewed round the now playground, and altogether the school ground shows the effect of the work that has been so faithfully carried out during the last two years. A new playahed, too, has just been built' 1 by the Education Board's staff, and the old one moved and rebuilt in a much more convenient place, details which add materially to the comfort of the pupils and the appearance of the grounds. Tennis. —The tennis club held its opening day on Saturday afternoon, some 25 members being- present. At 4 o’clock afternoon tea was served, after which play was resumed till evening. FEBNDALE. October 16.—Like the rest of Southland, Ferndale is enjoying the loveliest of weather. "Wo can hardly get over our surprise at such good fortune. I don’t know if it has ever been the lot of Southlandors to see such weather in August, September, and October. The, sun shines clay after day with summer-like radiance, with occasionally a fine, warm, soaking rain to start the grass off and the oats that the farmers have been busy putting in. So kind is Providence that sometimes it will rain at night and clear up next day, so that the farmers need not miss a day at this busy season —real ccckics’ weather. October 22. —Dame Nature has thought fit to givo us a change—a very complete change. On Monday came a cold wind, followed by snow in the night, and for a day or two we have had real winter back again. To-day we are having a somewhat warmer wind, a nor’-wester, and the snow is gone. It is to be hoped that no damage has been done among the young lambs by the sudden change. Leaving Mataura and winding my way up the old Dunedin road, I noted the greenness of the pastures on several farms, notably Mr Dickie’s, • sen. and inn., and Mr Falconer’s. One could see that lime had not been spared nor labour. The dairy herds cn these places will no doubt bring In good cheques this coming season to the ©nergetio owners. At the next cross road we come to the farm of Mr Willie M'Gilll-

vray. Wo find him battling alone with the pyo, for his young wife lies ill. in the Dunedin Hospital. It seems no time —little over a year —since they came to Forndale, the happiest and brightest couple one could wish to meet. They have tno sympathy of all. We hope Mrs M'GilHvray will make a good recovery, and that it won’t bo long before she is back among ns. — Mr Kenneth MTvay has sold his dairy herd, and is investing in sheep. If ho makes a good start he ought to do well, and wo hope ho will. Recruits.—Jack Cameron, _ the champion piper of New Zealand, has just becip cntcr•tained with some others prior to leaving for the front. The sweet strains of his pipes will be missed in Forndale for a while only, let us hope. His brother, Angus, who is a crack rifle shot, has preceded him to the battlefield. Wo wish them God-speed and a safe return. Patriotic Fund.—Forndale is a quiet place as a rule, not much given to frivolity, but two functions have been hold bore lately a euchre party and dance and a concert — both for the worthy object of raising funds for the wounded soldiers. Tutu. —This has been causing some trouble on the rough country among cattle. Certain weather conditions scorn to cause the mischief. Bleeding tail and tongue scorn to bo the most efficacious method adopted to save the animal. It is a wonder some of our scientific men do not take up this matter and try to find an antidote for the poison. STEWART ISLAND. October 19. —Since my last matters have been moving along steadily in this little part of that Empire in wnoso fortunes at tiro present time we all lake a particularly keen interest. About a month ago a Unaai was held during three nights m order to help our side along. The result was more than surprising to many, the proceeds amounting to well over £i.oo. For such a small place this is no mean result, and wo feel well satisfied with it. The ladies and gentlemen in charge of the bazaar left no stone unturned to ensure the successful issue, and our sincere thanks are duo to all of them. Shortly after this we had a visit from a “Darktown Band,” of Invercargill and Bluff performers. This gave us a long and varied programme of vocal and instrumental items of a pleasing nature. The patriotic funds were again benefited. For the Front.—Up to the time of writing this place has sent 21 men to the front and into camp, and it is known that several more are going. It is realised that more than money is required if we are to get the best of the present titanic struggle going on in Europe. If we are to retain the freedom so dear to the British heart we must send not only money, but men. What do we who give money do compared with those who give themselves, mind and body, to the service of the nation in the firing lino? Very little, indeed. Fishing Industry. —When this war broke out the cry on all sides was for production. Everyone was urged to produce and keep on producing. That was sensible. Hero production is hindered through no fault of the fishermen. It will bo remembered that some time ago Professor Prince visited the New Zealand fisheries at the invitation of the Government. When he sent in his report ho spoke very plainly concerning the conditions under which the Stewart Island fishermen laboured. He pointed out the way in which the boats were tied by the fish merchants. Ho advocated a system by which the men could eventually own their own boats, and also advised the Government to establish a freezer and fish works. The adoption o’f these proposals would undoubtedly result in a great advance in the local fishing, and put Stewart Island in a way of Becoming really prosperous. It would also result in the fishermen becoming independent of the merchants. It would result, too, in the general public having fish at a cheaper rate. The proposals of Professor Prince were blocked, . The Government paid for but made no rise of his advice. The present position is that during the good months of the year a craft runs as regularly as the weather permits with the fish, but during the off season, when fish are not so plentiful, though they are still to bo had, it is a constant matter of doubt as to whether they can bo sent across or not. Those running the craft do not as a rule play the sport to the extent of taking the lean with the fat. The fat months, it may be mentioned, through fish and freights of general cargo, are frequently in the vicinity of £3O per man, and sometimes more. That surely should stand a bit of lean. MOSSBURN. October 21.—0 n Thursday evening, Bth October, the Lumsden Glee Club and the Princess of the Lakes paid us a visit and gave a most enjoyable concert. Several glees wore given by the club, and songs were rendered by Miss Fisher and Messrs Griffiths, A. Allan, and Sergeant-major Sutton. Miss Edginton gave a monologue, and mandoline solos were given by Miss Clisby. The Rev. Blathwayt also gave a song and conducted the party. The accompaniments were played by Miss Johnson (Princess) and Mrs Blathwayt. A flag was auctioned by Sergeant-major Sutton, who said it had flown over Mafoking, South Africa, and realised £2O. Tho total for the evening’s entertainment was over £IOO. A dance followed, for which the music was supplied by Miss Patterson and Messrs Patterson and IT. Beer. The ladies provided a splendid supper, which was done full justice to. Romo cakes were sold after the flag, and the proceeds helped to swell the funds. Weather. —Wo have been experiencing changenble weather during the month Rain fell, and the rivers and creeks were flooded. On Monday some snow fell, and showers were experienced on Tuesday and Wednesday. There is plenty of grass, and if tho weather is anvway favourable tho lambing should result in a fairly high per ccntago when the tailing takes place. AURIPO. October 23. —The period of drought, which had attained unusual severity throughout Otago, and in fact over tho greater portion of the Dominion, has now, happily, given place to genial and growing weather. Since tho break a few fine rains have fallen, which has restored parched pasture and cereal crops to a wonderful oxtent. Following the rain an almost complete absence of wind was experienced, which assisted growth materially, and allowed tho moisture to percolate to tho sub-

soil. The past, week has, however, boon on the windy side, and the surface is again in consequence getting dry, and more rain is required to ensure success in spring-sown crops. Autumn-sown grain crops have not generally proved successful locally, the seedbed being too dry last season to produce

healthy brairding, with no subsequent moisture to carry on. With further good rains, however, some of those may still bulk well at harvest. Preparing the paddocks for turnips and other green crops is at present the general order on most holdings, tho shortage of last season providing a valued objectlesson to the farmer in using his best endeavours to provide a sufficiency of winter fodder wherewith to carry stock over July and the early spring months. Forumarcly, this season the star thistle made good growth throughout tho winter, and thus made a substitute for turnips or other green food. In many instances it can be safely attributed to tho succulence of this thistle that stock has been safely carried over tho hard months. Stock.—Despite the drought and shortage in winter fodder, sheep have wintered well, and appear to fully compare with last season. Rough feed is now plentiful, and all kinds of stock are making noticeable progress and putting on condition. Lambing is not yet finished, and it ’is rather early to hazard an opinion on percentages. From observations made and opinions expressed, however, it is asserted that die mortality is not so great as at last lambing season. If this proves correct it is probably largely duo to more equable weather and warmth. Last season will be remembered as being characterised over the lambing by cold, piercing gales and stiff frosts, a class of weather admitted totally unfitted for tho operation. Bunny. —Rabbit-trapping for freezing buyers has been in vigorous operation up to the present, and good prices have been paid throughout tho season—viz., 7cl to 9d per pair on rail here. Tho factory has now closed, but other avenues _ have opened which will absorb the energies of trappers for some further time. WAIKAIA. October 25.—The weather has been most changeable—sunshine and heavy showers of rain, also cold winds like mid-winter, especially on tho 20th inst.; heavy snowstorm, bitterly cold; four inches of snow at Winding Crock, and more or less all over the country. Coronation Ceremony.—The attendance at the crowning of the Eastern District Queen (Mrs Pinckney) at Gore on the 20th inst. was interfered with to some extent by tho weather, which was cold and stormy. Nevertheless, the city was full of people eager to see the procession and the crowning ceremony, which was a grand sight. Mrs Pinckney looked regal and splendid. The queen’s robes and train were very handsome —white satin, red velvet train. The address was read by the Lord Chamberlain, and the Mistress of the Robes performed the presenting of tho ladies, who represented Queens of Commerce, Soldiers, Highland, and Waikaka most gracefully. All looked very pretty and handsome. Mr Gray, the conductor, had an able and efficient choir of about 303 voices. In tho evening the hall was crowded. School Examination. —On the 20th inst. the Inspector, Mr M'Noil, examined tho Waikaia Slchool, and subsequently expressed himself well satisfied. In Standard VI, out of eight pupils, seven gained proficiency certificates, and one a competency. Owing to the examination being held on the same day as the coronation ceremony, tho school children and tfio teachers were prevented from witnessing the ceremony. One of the teachers, Mr Clarke, was secretary for tho Eastern District Queen at Waikaia. _ . Farewell Social,—An enjoyable- social to farewell Messrs James Tolfcr, John Bryan, and Edward Cockburn (last one in camp at Trontham) was held on the 15th inst. The hall was crowded, and Mr E. Dennis was in the chair. Solos were rendered by Misses Smail (Riversdalo), Lush and E. Milne, Messrs Clark, M‘Cutchoon (Gore), Master B. Clark. The musicians 'wore Miss Smail, Mrs Lightfoot, Messrs H. Do Laurie, Jones, and Sopor. During tho evening, Mr Milne, on behalf of the residents of the district, conveyed to the guests of the evening tho good wishes of *the gathering and presented to each an Auto razor and fountain pen. The recipients suitably replied, as did Mr Cockburn, on behalf of his son, who had already departed. An enjoyable dance and supper followed, and tho National Anthem and “Auld Lang Syne” were sung at closing, OWAKA. October 18. —The weather for the past few weeks has been all that could be desired —fine warm days and littlo or no frost; and though our neighbours in the north are suffering from the ill effects of the drought, wo arc revelling in the fine weather. On most of the farms I have noticed the potato crops well up, and should there be no heavy frosts there should be a grand show of early potatoes. The grass is coming on nicely, and _ the cows are picking up -after tho winter months. All tho spring flowers are out, and the country roads are bright with tho golden gorse. Ploughing.—There is more land ploughed in the district than I have over noticed before, every available piece of land being turned over. School.—Dr Don examined the local school on Thursday and Friday of last week. A good percentage of passes was recorded, especially in Standard VI. The Pounawea School was examined about tho same time, and did well, considering tho frequent changes of teachers. Social.—On October 13 a basket social was hold in the hall in honour of Mr A. Adams, who has returned from the Dardanelles. The evening was fine, and there was a good attendance. Sneeches were made and songs rendered, and Mr Adams gave an account of some o c flis experiences. Suppe*was then partaken of. and the rest of the evening was spent in dancing. Obituary.—The district recently _ lost an old resident in the person of Air John Puller. who parsed away rather suddenly at Pounawea-. Tho body was taken to Warrington, where the interment took place. HYDE. October 20.—Tho severe drought which reisrnod during autumn, winter, and spring broke up completely on the sth inst., when welcome rain set in. lin being registered, a steady, soaking rain of about 14 hours’ duration. Since then splendid weather has prevailed. Further good rains have fallen at intervals, and the total for the month is nearly 3in, and with a liigh^temperature and warm sun the transformation of the country has boon marvellous. Since Sunday, however, the weather has become much colder, and a strong westerly gale has been blowing, aceo’ "Wl by showers of rain, hail, and snov Tho rain has put fresh heart into the farming community, and farm work, which was almost at a standstill, is now being vigorously pushed on. Crops.—All crops are making a good growth, especially those sown just prior to

tho rain. Some of tho early-sown paddocks are patchy, and in some instances resowing has taken place, but, fortunately, only in small areas. Winter-sown wheat has not done well, though a few paddocks are now well on, but others are little more than through the ground. The area sown in grain crops is larger than last year; but tho increase is not very largo, and the present state of the grain market, with the prospect of a further decline, cannot be very comforting to growers. Land is now 'being worked for turnips and green crops, and is in first-class condition, and these crops should bo put in under very favourable conditions as far as eoed-bed is concerned. Lambing.—Lambing is now general among the flocks, and until this week tho weather has been very favourable. With the longcontinued drought the flocks have suffered pretty severely in condition, and a few farmers have sustained losses. It is not anticipated that the lambing increase will be a very good one this year, and the majority of farmers consider it will be below that of last year. Pastures have made a very rapid growth, and present a very pleasant picture, the vivid green being in pleasing contrast to tho parched and bare outlook of a fortnight ago. Patriotic.—Tho Card Club brought their season to a close on the evening of the Bth inst., when they wound up a very successful season with a dance, the funds going to the Waistcoat Fund. There "was a good turnout, and the result was close upon £9. Tho club is to be congratulated upon tho success with which it has raised funds for patriotic purposes. A small charge of 6d for gentlemen was made every evening, tho ladies supplying tho refreshments, and tho total proceeds wore donated to the various funds as follow:—Wounded Soldiers’ Fund, £&; roll of honour, £2 10s; Waistcoat Fund, £2. For tho Front. —On Friday evening the residents of the district entertained Mr Ernest Howard, who has disposed of his Ivy Bridge property, and has joined the Expeditionary Forces. There was a largo turnout, and a couple of hours of progressive euchre was induged in, after which Mr Thos. Ramsay, on behalf of Mr Howard’s Hyde friends, presented him with a gold wristlet watch suitably inscribed. Other speakers also spoke of tho popularity of tho guest of tho evening, and voiced the general hope that he would return again safe and sound at the close of the war. Mr Howard suitably replied. During tho evening songs were rendered by Miss M‘Kinney,_ Messrs Curran, Maxwell, and Tapp, and music for tho dance was provided by Messrs Jno. Matheson, Maxwell, M ‘Bride, and many assistants. Changes.—Several properties have changed hands lately. Mr Jno. Kinney has sold his small grazing run to a neighbour, Mr W. J. Connolly, and Mr Howard has sold his sheep-farming property to Mr M. Cameron, of Middles rch. School Examination.—Tho local school was examined by Dr Don on the 4th with very satisfactory results, the inspector’s ■ report being most gratifying to all concerned, and 1 especially to tho master, Mr Jas. Smith. LAKE COUNTY. ■October 23. —-At the beginning of the week the weather was quite wintry. Heavy rain fell on Sunday night and on Monday. Sncw showers were experienced throughout Tuesday, and tho hills received a good coating. The weather is again warm. Tennis. —The Arrow Tennis Club opened the season on Saturday afternoon last. The day being fine, there was a large attendance of members and their friends. Afternoon tea was provided by tho lady members. I’resontation.—As mentioned last week, Mrs Melton, late head teacher at Lower Shotover, was, prior to her departure for Winton, made tlie recipient of a presentation from Lower Shotover residents. The presentation took place at Mr Peter Reid’s residence, when some 40 residents of Lower Shotover met to say good-bye to Mrs Melton. During tho evening Mr Thomas Houston, chairman of the School Committee, presented Mrs Melton with a handsome gold wristlet watch, subscribed for by tho residents In making the presentation, Mr Houston spoke in glowing terms of both tho teaching ability and social Qualities of the departing guest, and his remarks were endorsed by Messrs P. Reid, W. Churstain, and J. W. Brown. Mrs Melton suitably returned thanks. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr and Mrs P, Reid for their kindness in throwing open their commodious residence for the occasion, and for providing tho refreshments. A plcaant evening was brought to a close with the singing of “Auld Jang syne. 1 ' Fatal Accident. —News was received in Arrowtown last week that John Chalmers, son of Mr John Chalmers, Arrowtown, was fatally injured whilst working at the Bcalcy end of tho Arthur’s Pass tunnel. Lie was caught by a fall of earth, and sustained internal injuries, from which he died at Christchurch Hospital on Sunday last. Ho loaves a widow and four children. Personal. —Constable Trcacy, who was stationed at Arrowtown some years ago, is at present on a holiday visit to the district. Constable Treacy is now stationed at Lecston.—Mr Thos. Connor, Arrowtown, received word during the week that his son, Private Jack Connor, who lost Iris arm as tho result of a gunshot wound received at the Dardanelles, will arrive at Port Chalmers on Tuesday.—Sergeant 11. Griffiths, of Queenstown, will arrive at the same. time. TAJ! AKOP A VALLEY. October 24. —This is one of the most delightful springs experienced since this settlement began —just enough rain to satisfy the needs of vegetation,—and has been really lovely. There is a verdancy that delights the eye; a luxuriant growth of pasture with a greenness quite unknown in the northern districts, where the north-west wind prevails, and there is a magnificent display of forest flowers where the gold of the kowai has blended with a profusion of climbing glory in bunches of clematis. The roads and the riverside are a delight to traverse. Spring is the season to see the full glories of this forest-clad district without the attentions that our little pests, sandflies, and mosquitoes, insist on bestowing, when Christmas and New Year holidays give time and opportunity and cheap railway faros to visitors from the dusty, smoky cities. Tho War.—Notwithstanding our isolation from the activities of tho war, its influence in tho lives of industry and wealth is responsible in some degree for the absence of advancement. Our primary product (timber) should be going away in a fivefold degree, and bringing more land into permanent use. The war, too, has drawn away sons of the settlers, and one, John Hourston. will see the valley and his little property no more. ‘Others are in hospital from wounds or disease. It will be a blessing when an honourable peace spreads its wide

wings over our fair world, which is so eloquent of tho invisible Creator whom humanity seems, if not to ignore, at least to have forgotten. Surely tho war will tend to bring about the brotherhood of mankind to very necessary for peace and prosperity to rich and poor alike to file nations tho wido world over. SAWYERS’ BAY. October 24.—Tho long spell of drought has broken at last, and none too soon, as the district was beginning to feci the want of rain very severely. Short spells of dry weather have been experienced before, but this one has been decidedly the worst for 60 years. Nearly every house in the Bay was out of water, and carrying from tho creeks was quite the fashion. The crass, too, was beginning to fail, and dairymen were looking very anxious about feed for their cattle. All anxiety, however, has been, allayed by the advent of fine rains, and the whole countryside has undergone a change. Perhaps the Bay never looked so well as it does at present. Sickness.—Accompanying tho dry weather there was much sickness, and an epidemic of whooping cough broke out among the children. Right in the middle of that measles arrived, and at the time of writing that trouble has a firm hold of nearly every household. It has quite ruined tho attendance at the school for the present quarter. Last week over SO out of 150 children were absent, and there are still over 6C unabloto attend. Patriotic Concert. —Last Saturday evening another patriotic concert, under the auspices ofjtao Sawyers’ Bay Young Ladies’ Patriotic Club, was held in the hall to gather money to buy wool. Unfortunately, the evening was _ very wet, and this somewhat interfered with tho attendance. A good programme, however, was presented, and a most enjoyable evening was spent Anniversary.—Last Sunday the Presbyterian Church held its third anniversary •of the opening of the now church. Mr Falconer, tho student missionary, preached morning and evening, and also conducted a special Sabbath school service in the afternoon. On tho following Tuesday evening the anniversary social was hold, and attracted a large gathering. The Rev. A. Whyte, Moderator of the charge, presided, lie congratulated tho congregation on reaching the end of another year’s work, and gave a short account of the progress made by the congregation during tho 12 ,months just ended. The Rev. Mr Fairmaid, of South Dunedin, also delivered an address on tho subject, “To Every Man His Work.” It proved exceedingly interesting and helpful. The senior and juvenile choirs _ rendered several anthems, and the following contributed to the programme: Mrs Johnson, song; Miss Pithie and Mr Kettle, duct; Mr R. N T . Finlaj, organ solo; Miss Horn, song; Mrs Sykes, Miss Beagley, Messrs Chisholm and Latta, quartet; Misses Cook and Beagley, duet; Mrs Johnson, recitation; Mr Kett!e ; song; Mrs L. Cloghorii and Mr R. N ! . Finlay played the accompaniments. At an interval refreshments, provided by tho ladies of the congregation, were handed round and done full justice to. During the evening a presentation was made to Air Falconer, the student missionary, who is completing his studies at the Theological Hall and is leaving for Naseby at tho end of tho present month. Reference was made to Mr Falconers good work during the year ho had been in Sawyers’ Bav, and lie was asked to accept a Mosgiel travelling rug and three volumes as a slight memento of his stay in Sawyers’ Bay, Mr Falconer suitably thanked the congregation for their handsome gift. Tho evening was brought to a close by the singing of the. National Anthem and the benediction. It might be mentioned that for some considerable time tho men of the congregation have •boon at work round the church tree-plant-ing. Several hundred trees have been put in, and in a few years’ time the church grounds should look exceedingly well. They are all native shrubs, and’ most of them of the flowering kind. WAIROA (Hawke’s Bay). October 18. —A record crowd gathered at the wharf on Monday to farewell the Wairoa contingent of men going into camp. They were paraded at the Borough Chambers, marched to the wharf, there farewelled in a number of stirring patriotic speeches, and afterwards escorted as far as the Heads by the Te Aroha and Tu Abu with full loads of school children, bandsmen, and friends. The Magic took the boys to Napier, where they joined in with the rest of tho Hawke's Bay men. For the next batch 50 men are being called for as Wairoa’s quota. National Reserve. —The National Reserve at Wairoa has had its headquarters transferred from Gisborne to Napier, and at tho last parade on _ Wednesday Instructor Duglcby was assisted by Sergeant-major Griffiths, of the Napier branch. Open-air drill is now the programme, and tho men are taking a keen interest in the mysteries of tho formation of fours and squad on tho march. Male Choir Concert.-—For the Wairoa Male Choir’s coming concert Air Hamilton Hodgce, tho well-known Wellington singer, has been engaged, and Mr Macfarlane, a talented Napier ’cellist, will also assist. The' choir itself, though small, is practising assiduously for the concert, the choruses chosen being tuneful, but of an easier type than some of those rendered at the last concert. The Farm and the Crops.—The season still continues a remarkably fine one for tho farmers, there being a sufficiency of rain and a wonderful growth of fodder. From reports I understand that tho contrast between Hawke’s Bay and North Otago and South Canterbury is most striking, the verdure of the former being very different from the bareness of and dryness of the latter districts. Roll of Honour. —Our casualty-lists are still increasing, one of the latest being Corporal F. J. .Hooper, of the Auckland Mounted Riflesi to which he had been transferred. Corporal Hooper, who was an enthusiastic Frontiersman, was tho auctioneer for tho Wairoa branch of tho Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Co-operative Association, and as a genial, popular citizen, had many friends. He is reported as having died of his wounds. Change.—There have been numerous changes in Wairoa lately, a number of residents leaving for fresh fields, and their places being taken by newcomers. Mr John Holt is leaving to take charge of an hotel near Gisborne. He has been a cabinetmaker and undertaker here for a number of years. There has also been some interest in land speculations. The sections held by the late Air Timporley are for sale. Air David Black is cutting up his valuable suburban property, and Chambers Bros.’ well-known Kiwi run is in the market in subdivisions. The great Improvement _in communication caused by tho harbour improvement works is having effect.