THE COUNTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3216, 3 November 1915, Page 31

THE COUNTRY.

g£T 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 axe thus a week old when they appear. LAKE COUNTY. October 50. —The weather has again been somewhat changeable this week. _ Heavy rain fell last night and this morning, and it is still unsettled. By-election.—Nominations of candidates for the extraordinary vacancy for Queenstown Riding in tiie Lake County Council, caused by the resignation of Cr. J. J. M‘Bride, closed at noon on Thursday last. Two candidates were nominated —viz., Air John Cock-burn, ex-chairman of the council, and Air Cecil A 1 ‘Bride, of Frankton. The election takes place on Wednesday next. Lake Comity Jockey Club.—A committee meeting was held in Queenstown last week. The programme was approved, the amount to bo given away in stakes being £560, including four trots of £SO each. Air T. J. Cotter was appointed hon. starter, and Mr A. Jones, of Winton, handioapper. Owing to the dates originally selected clashing with the Southland A. and P. Show, it was decided to apply for Thursday and Friday, 9th and 10th December. It was also decided to ask Air W. F. James to work tho totaiisator on the same terms as previous years. Word has since been received that the change of dates has been approved of by tho Racing Conference. Personal.—Hon. W. Fraser, Alinister of Public Works, arrived in Queenstown yesterday evening from Luggate, whore ho assisted at the official opening of the Luggate bridge. Tho lion, gentleman was accompanied by the Hon. H. F. Wigrara, A1.L.0. They left for Dunedin this morning.—Mr H. D. Were, of Cecil Peak Station, and his wife and family left Queenstown on Wednesday morning. They are going to England, where Mr Were intends to enlist for active service. He and his family have the good wishes of a largo circle of friends for their future welfare. Death.—The death took place at Rotorua on the 15th inst. of Airs Alontgomory (nee Alisa Elizabeth Oldfield), who was a- native of this .district, her father, tho late Air Samuel Oldfield, being one of the earliest settlors in the Arrow district. Our Returning Soldiers.—Meetings have been held in Queenstown and Arrowtown during tho week to make arrangements to give receptions to the young men from this district who returned by the Tofua. Privates T. B. Scott and A. Sutherland, of Queenstown, arrive home this evening, and Private Jack Connor, of Arrowtown, on Monday evening next. FELDWICK. October 27.—Apart from the usual routine connected with farm work and dairying little of interest to the general reader has transpned in this locality for a considerable time. Owing to an all-round abundant supply of winter feed, stock of every description is looking well, and with the promising outlook of gra.£3 in sight tho intake of milk at the Oravvia factory should this season prove a record. Patriotic. Patriotism in this district is not lagging behind, either in providingmoney, or kind to carry the groat conflict to a successful issue. At the Orawia Hall a bazaar and several successful entertainments have boon held in aid of our so^ 1 ' c ry and their dependents; and at these gatherings a most enthusiastic and patriotic spirit was manifest. Grain Crop.—The ready and cheerful response made by farmers to the GovernniGnt,s request last season that larger areas ot wheat and oats should bo sown did not prove of much advantage to the country generally, nor to the Southland farmers particular,y. The reason of this was no doubt chiefly due to that unwarranted and misleading shortage of wheat scare, entailing large and unnecessary importations, as well as the unwise embargo on oats, which completely severed our Australian market whilst it opened a profitable channel of trade for Japan, Java, and South America. Still our_ Western district farmers are this year agam_ devoting larger areas to grain crops than in former years, in the hope, no doubt that wiser statesmanship will prevail under a National Government. Railway.—As the railway has now been started from the Tuatapere end, I shall only add the opinion of many thoughtful people in this district, that a huge blunder has been committed in starting this important work from the wrong end —a blunder that will handicap this largo undeveloped district for all tune to come. However, it appears our Government prefer going round Cape Horn instead of passing through the Panama Canal on a voyage between New York and ban Francisco. MANDEVILLE. November 1. —The weather continues all that could be wished for —the rainfall is' sufficient, the sunshine above tho average and the nor’-wosters conspicuous by their absence. Such has been our lot right through tho spring. No wonder things never looked better at this time of tho year. May it continue right up to and through harvest, for an abundant harvest was never more needed than now, when this awful war, tho end of which is not yet in sight.

is the means of preventing the cultivation of the greater part of Europe, and also the destruction of so much footstuffs. A good market is assured for all wo can produce if we are able to reach the consuming countries, and the prospects in that respect have brightened considerably during the last six months, thanks to the British navy. Lambing.—The lambing throughout the province must be much above the average, although complaints arc numerous as to the death rate. It is held by some that the over-abundance of food is responsible, as it is noticeable in nearly every instance that the deaths arc not to bo found where there arc twins, but amongst the singles. It is j claimed that if the sheep arc removed to : bare pasture the death rate will be reduced I Crops.—Grain-sowing is completed, and farmers aro now preparing the ground for rape and turnips. A large acreage isto be so treated; in fact, as far as this district is concerned, I should say never before was there so much set aside for fattening and winter feed. Angling.—l can never remember such j attention paid to our two far-famed fishing streams, the Otarncta and Waiuiea, by those who enjoy bagging the speckled beauties. From early morn till late at night, seven days a week, anglers can bo seen whipping these favoured streams for miles. The fine bags obtained this season are bound to increase the estimation in which our streams are held by anglers, and, as they are convenient to the railway siding, and accommodation is excellent, wo can look forward with confidence to a greater number of visitors to our township during the fishing season as the years go on. Back from the Front. —Every ship now returning from the seat of war brings large numbers of wounded, some of whom will never bo fit for active service again. Two from this district who went with the first Expeditionary Force aro expected to reach I their homes this weekxl.ieutonant Hargost their homes this week. —Lieutenant Hargcst' is wounded in the leg, and from last reports was making satisfactory recovery. Trooper R. Ross, who received a kick from a horse, has not made such good progress, and_ it is rumoured that he may have to remain in the Dunedin Hospital some timo before he will be fit to come to his mother’s home in this township. PUKERAU. October 25.—The season now being experienced is the most favourable for many years, the rainfall and warm, sunny days having a most beneficial effect throughout the district. However, a cold, stormy few days were experienced last week, followed by some high winds, but this did not last past the end of the week. Owing to the mild weather the grass paddocks aro looking remarkably well; oats also arc showing up well. Cheese Factory.—The Pukerau Cheese Factory opened for another season a fortnight ago under the management of Mr O’Malley. There aro a few now suppliers this year, and, given fair weather, a successful season is assured. The season’s output of cheese was sold at a very satisfactory figure some timo ago. The _ butter-making plant, installed in the winter in the factory, is proving most successful. Two rooms have been added to the factory manager’s residence. Milking Plants.—Messrs Miller and Brough and Mr Marshall, local dairyfarmers, have this season put in milking plants. One machine is a “Zcalandia” and the other a “Eureka.” Both machines are giving great satisfaction to their owners. Lambing.—Lambing is about over in the district. The mild weather has been much in favour of the lambs. Land Ballot.—The Pukerau coalpit reserve is now being surveyed to be cut up into small sections, to be balloted for by householders who already hold not more than two acres of land. The sections are keenly sought after by the township residents for a pasture for their cows. WAIWERA. November 1. —We have lately been getting more rain showers. What we require now is more sunshine. Feed, however, is very plentiful, but, I fancy, rather inclined to be a bit soft owing to so much moisture. Stock generally is doing well; crops, too, at this stage promise good. At our last sale prices wore said nob to be quite so good as at the previous sale, probably on account of the war. From what I can gather the area under turnips will bo much as I usual. I imagine, too, there will bo more grass seed than there has boon for some years past owing to the demand and very high prices. The percentage of lambs so far will bo above the average. It has been a most favourable lambing season. Experimental Potato-planting.—Mr Borthwick, manager of the Kuriwao Estate, has let a block of fern land to be planted with potatoes. Air G. Wilson is the contractor. This experiment will be watched with interest, as in its present stato the land is practically useless. Angling.—Taking a trip among the anglers on the famed Waiwora River, all are high in their praises of the quality and quantity of the fish this season. Many” good catches have been recorded already. Unfortunately I have to record what seems to be a very suspicious case of illegal or foul play. On different occasions dead fish have been found about, one found being about 131 bor 141 b weight. It is to bo hoped that all honest anglers will do their best to bring the offenders to book. Death of a Pioneer. —Our ranks arc still being thinned. Another pioneer settler has just been taken away —the late Air Pagan, one of the very old hands. A friend who was acquainted with him for many years told me he was a genuine man. with a noble character, a splendid specimen of the old stock. TUTURAU. October 29.— The weather ia fine and warm again after a week of very severe weather—heavy rain, hail and snow showers, with high wind. It was bitterly cold for three days. Considerable damage was done to small fruit. The Farm. —Work on the farm is well advanced. Grass ia very plentiful, and stock looking well. Dairying.—The dairy factory ia taking 1100 gallons of milk, and will increase for°soine time. The alterations are nearly complete, and a fresh supply of water is under way, as the old supply is not now sufficient. Valedictory.—Some parents and members of the School Committee met at the school to bid farewell to Miss ATKay, the teacher, on the last day of her office hero, and after some songs by the children (who have greatly improved in that branch during her teaching) and from the visitors, she was presented with a silver tea service, and her niece, Vera ATKay, with a. jewel casket as a token of our esteem. The school has been closed for 1 three weeks, but is now open again under Mr Dalzcll, -- - -

Social.—The first annual church social took place on the 12th. The evening was fine, and there was a large attendance. Mataura supplied the musical items very efficiently. There were anthems from the choir, solos by Mrs Galandc-rs, Miss A. Cathness, Miss' P. Teller, Mrs Times, Mr Johnston, and Mr A. Mac Gibbon, and a duet by Air Tait and Airs MTnnes. Addresses were givon by the .Rev. W. W. Brown (president), and the Rev. Air Pringle, of Edendale. Air W. Dickie read the financial statement, which, Mr Brown said, was very satisfactory. Tho church was built last year at a cost of a little over £4OO. Some £350 was paid up then, three years being allowed for the remainder; but tin amount was paid off in the year, >so that there is no debt now on the church. The ladies also cleaned the church free of charge, and the organist gave her service gratis also, so that the church was in a very prosperous condition. The usual votes of thanks were carried, and the social was closed with- the singing of “ God save the King” and the benediction. Tea and cakes were provided in plenty by tho ladies, the young men looking after tho tea. P.W.M.U. —At tho monthly meeting of tho P.W.M.U. a number of bandages were handed in for the Indian Mission. AY A IRAK I. November 1. —The weather continues cold, with occasional rains. Labour Day saw a regular downpour late in the afternoon, which must have considerably spoilt any sports or picnics in the district. A whole holiday was observed in Nightcaps by the miners and business people, the hotel excepted, which did its usual holiday trade. A quoit match was played in the sports ground, and attracted, besides local people, a large number of men from Moretown. Farm.—The wot season is favourable towards dairying in the Bivchwood district. The grass this -season has come away well on most of tho holdings, and tho flow of milk is relatively good. The directors have sold tho bulk of their output of cheese from th-i factory at about 7|cl, f.o.b. at Bluff, which means a substantial increase in profits for the shareholders. The settlers, ae usual, are rearing all the best of their calves, and pig-raising is being more extensively carried on. Coal. —Tho Mossburn Colliery is busy supplying coal to the local consumers and to more than one traction engine for- trucking to the railway.—The Wairaki Coal Co. have closed their mine for the present, owing to the prevalence of gas. 'Air Excell, the secretary for the company, is in the meantime assisting in bringing the Alount Linton Coal Company’s coal out on to the Alain road, and the Wairaki Coal Company’s plant will be used to handle it when it gets there. —The Thistle Coal Company have applied for and been granted the right to- erect a tramline alongside the Alain road from- their pithead to Wairio, a. distance of about five miles The Wallace County Council, which granted the application, thought that the tramline might help to -spare the roads if constructed. Cr APGregor was opposed to the application being granted, on the grounds that other similar pit-owners might apply, and would have to be given tho same consideration. The suggestion that the tramline should be a public convenience was not considered by the majority of the members of the council to be practicable. Patriotic.—Among others who have returned wounded from the front is Air Percy Quested, of Nightcaps. Mr Quested was born and brought up in the township, and although he went to the front from Wellington, the Nightcaps people gave him a warm welcome home. He has lost one eye, and looks haggard and old for his years; but when one considers what ho has come through, _ the wonder is that he ever cama home alive. We who have known him so long hope that he will soon get strong and well and take his place in the world again. —The Nightcaps Ladies’ Patriotic Committee are forwarding to the front Christinas parcels for the boys who have gone from the district, or whose parents reside here. The coi:tents will cheer their hearts whether they receive them in the trenches or in the hospital. We sent away another batch of our young men last Wednesday morning to Trentham, about eight in number, who bade farewell to those near and dear to them, and have gone to prepare to do battle for the British Empire. It is when those we hold dear answer the call of duty that the seriousness of the war comes home to ua. Church.—lntercessory services wire- held in the Nightcaps Methodist Church last Sunday morning and evening. Alisa Dickson sang a sacred solo in her usual acceptable style. This young lady is a singer of no mean ability, and gives her services- wherever asked ungrudgingly. Her voice is beautifully rich in tone, and well worth having trained. Her musical education up to the present has been conducted by her father, who is well known in _ musical circles in this district. Air Swinerd, of the Presbyterian Church, is taking a great interest in the young people, and has been very -succacsful in bringing them out to church services and forming a Sunday afternoon Bible class. General. —Air Semple, of Red Fed. fame, paid a few days’ visit to this mining district, and last Wednesday he had a. public meeting in the Coronation Hall (ladies specially invited). The gathering was poorly attended, but those who took the trouble to go gave Air Semple an attentive hearing. He criticised the “ fusion ” Government and Alt Alassey. A local farmer suggested that Air Semple should go out among the small farmers and organise t lie in, as it was badly wanted. MOMONA. October 30. —The weather during the past few weeks has been rather changeable, with frequent rain showers on the surrounding hills, but little on tho plain. However, on tho whole, it has been what wo term “ good growing weather,” and pasturage and the crops generally are looking well. Turnipsewing is well advanced, and another week or so will see most of this work completed. Potatoes are corning on well, and in some instances are ready for hoeing. Obituary.—Since my last notes were written Airs John Dow, of Bnmtsfleld Farm, has pa-.-sed away after an illness of some weeks. Tho deceased lady was a very old resident of the Taieri, having lived on the plain practically all her life, and was well known and very highly respected throughout the whole district. She leaves a family of three sons, for whom much sympathy is felt. The Roll of Honour.—Private advice has been received from Chaplain Rankin at Alexandria that Private Freddy Sprott, who was severely wounded at the Dardanelles on August 7, has had his loft leg amputated. In the course of his letter the chaplain remarked that the- doctors tried hard to save tho limb, but. without success, and at length the pain became so severe that Private Sprott asked the doctors to take it off. The operation was on August 30, and he came through it well. Five days after the operation Private Sprott wrote a cheery letter intimating that he was getting on well, and expected shortly to embark for England, Early this week official intimation was received that Private Percy George Sprott (a brother of Fred’s) had been wounded on August 0. No particulars are available, and as no report has been received from Private

Sprott himself, his relatives are naturally feeling very anxious about him.- —Gunner George Bruce, a member of the Eighth Reinforcements, has spent this week at home on farewell leave. Ho left for Trentham this morning. OUTRAM. October 25.—The weather still contiirues rough and unsettled, with occasional heavy rains. Grass is coming away nicely, and farm work is well advanced. There is every prospect of an exceptional season. For the Front.—On a recent evening a number of friends of Mr A. Little met for the purpose of entertaining him before ho leaves for the front. The evening was pleasantly spent in song and speech. During an interval Mr Little was presented with a wristlet watch and a purse of sovereigns. Similarly on Saturday evening Mr Arthur Stewart was presented with a travelling bag, and by tho members of the Tennis Club with a fountain pen and a writing companion. Bowling.—The official opening of the Bowlm.g Club was held this afternoon. There was fair attendance. Mr Al’Lean, in a neat little speech, declared the green open, and called on Mrs Al’Loan to roll the first bowl. Tho usual match, President v. Vice-president, was played. A local orchestra was in attendance, and greatly enlivened the gathering, Afternoon tea was dispensed by the ladies, and was much appreciated. WAIMATE. October 31.—0 n Monday the carnival in aid of the Bed Cross and Belgian Funds was hold in Victoria Park. Considering that it is not many weeks since tho commencement of arrangements, both the entertainment provided and the attendance of the public were more than satisfactory. Tho procession, some quarter of a mile in length, left Lower High street at 11 o’clock, and passed along Queen street. Several firms had trade displays oxiiibiteci. Decorated vehicles, decorated bicycles, school children dressed in character from AYaimate, Morven, and Willowbridge, and sports clubs were all represented, while no fewer than three bands provided the music—the Brass Band, the Pipe Band, and the Salvation Army Band. Ou entering the ground several tents and marquees cam© into view, tho first that of the secretary, where desired information could be obtained; then the sweet stall, in charge of Ales dames Dash, C. Meyers, and the Misses Meyers, Meagher. O’Brien, and Lindsay. Both in this tent and its neighbour, tho refreshment tent, a roaring trade was done. The latter was ably managed by Mesclames Searle, Francis, S. J." Adams, O. Manchester, Orholl, Simpson, Wright, Wills, Keen, Hoskins, Watson. Grant, Piteaithly, T. Manchester, and the Misses King, Smith (2), Hodges, M’Donald, Cochrane, and Lindsay. Tile flower stall, under the management of Mcsdames Nicol, Adams, Miss Bates, and Nurse Smyth, with a- number of flower girls, also did good business. NT ext the Pierrots discoursed sweet music, and added to. the takings the sum of .-£l9. Following this Ib© laughing gallery, with the added atti action of several freak animals, was carrying on a continuous, if less crowded, business than its neighbours. The last tent doing business for the purpose of raising funds was the court, where most of the welfknown visitors found themselves during the course of the day answering to charges quite new to the students of law and equity. Tho efforts of the Bowling Club members and the pockets of the visitors accounted for £23 of tho day’s takings. The last tent, while not adding to the funds, proved itself a necessary part of all open-air gatherings for the people. This was a rest tent, where mothers could _ retire and enjoy a comfortable seat, and, if they wished, leave their infants in the care of those in charge. This duty was undertaken by members of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union. The total taking's for tho day were not far short of £3OO. HAMMER SPRINGS. October 30.—A very pleasant gathering was held in the Tea Kiosk on Tuesday afternoon, when Dr Moreland invited all the returned soldiers and the staff at the Lodge to afternoon tea to say farewell to them. Dr Moreland has been resident medical officer for seme months, and is leaving Hanmer Springs. Sergeant-major Keen, on behalf of those present, thanked Dr Moreland for the kindness which she had shown to them, and said how sorry they all were that she was leaving Hanmer Springs. He wished her all health and happiness in her new sphere. Dr Moreland suitably replied, and the gathering concluded with “ Auld la-ng syne.” The following arc among the visitors to Hanmer Springs:—Mr M'Donald (Balfour, Southland), Mr Oughton (Wyndham, Southland), Mr S. Kirby '.Dunedin), Mr L. M'Coll (Dunedin).