THE COUNTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3263, 27 September 1916, Page 27

THE COUNTRY.

£2T 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.

FERNDALE. September 18.—Our hopes of an early season have been shattered by the bad weather, the cold winds putting a check on the grass. Lambing has commenced early on some farms, the first I saw appearing during tho first week of August. [I ho severe weather will be a serious handicap to them. Social. —Mr Benjamin Finlayson has exchanged his farm for that of Mr M Oorkindale, of Morton Mains. Mr and Mrs Finlayson and family were farewelled at asocial held in their honour on the evening of August 25. Mr George Smith, of Norham Park, kindly lent his barn for the occasion. Mrs Smith and the Mesdames Wasscll (2) provided refreshments, and Messrs Bradley and M'Cready supplied the music for the dancing. A very enjoyable evening was spent. At a later date Mr and Mrs Finlayson were presented with a bookcase by their well-wishers in Ferndale, to show the esteem in which they were held in this district. ThjAr departure will make a serious gap in the school, depleting it of five pupils. Patriotic. —The Southland War Funds Association, Invercargill branch, has extended its operations to thi3 district. A meeting was held on Thursday evening last, Mr K. M'Kay being in the chair. Mr John Paget is district secretary, and a good number of the settlers are enrolled as members. Joined the Colours.—Mr Walter Wass'ell has enlisted in the Twenty-first Reinforcements, and left for Trentham on Wednesday, 20th September. Mr William Finlayson has rnlisted in the Twenty-third Reinforcements. Wo hope they have good luck and a safe return. Changes.—Mr Baxter, our school teacher, has left, having been appointed to Spar Bush School. The change means for him promotion and a better salary. Miss M'DonaldJs acting as relieving teacher till Miss Lopdell, who has been appointed, arrives to take charge. Miss M'Donald had to scour the district, on the morning of her arrival, looking for a place to board at. It is terrible to think of what a teacher, especially a . girl, has to go through in a country charge. It often happens that where a man is received with open arms a girl is turned away. MANDEVILLE. September 28. —The weather conditions are not all that could be desired, rain falling more or less practically every day for weeks past, keeping the soil in far too wet a condition for cultivation. Spring work is getting tcuibly backward. All the rivers and streams have been above normal for weeks, and last week the Mataura River was in high flood, _ being higher than at any time since the big flood. Those who timed their lambing for this month are having anything but a good time, and tho percentage of deaths must be heavy. The majority of farmers in Southland have given up tho idea, of early lambs, and find from experience that the end of this month is quito early enough to commence, when the grass is better able to supply a good flow of milk, giving the little strangers a* good start in life. Farmers in this district are going in less for grain this season than ever, and making greater provision for fattening feed for stock. The high prices anticipated for grain last season, but which did not eventuate, combined with the high prices for meat and wool, will not be easily forgotten by those who went in wholly for grain, and it is fast becoming apparent that to grow grain for export is out of the question as far as New Zealand is concerned. The Empire's Call. —Our little township never had such a lifeless appearance as at present. The great response by the young men of the district to tho Empire's call has left us without any single men, save a few above military age and one or two that wero turned down by the authorities as unfit for service. Mr Edwin Hurgest is at present on leave, and is calling on district friends before sailing. Mr G. Carter is expected home in a few days, which will bo his last leave' before sailing. Mr J. Crombie went into camp last month, while Mr A. Crombie has received word to leave here next Wednesday for training. BALFOUR. September 24. —On Thursday evening last tho Town Hall was packed to its utmost capacity by an appreciative audience, the occasion being the visit of Hull's Picture Company, which submitted an entertainingly varied programme. Personal. —The Defence' Department has decided to remove Sergeant-major Sutton from our midst. Both Mr and Mrs Sutton will bo greatly missed in musical circles, having proved an asset, which Gore will in the future benefit by. Obituary.—lt- is with tho deepest regret that T record tho death of Mr Dugald-Blue, an old and respected resident. A very large number of residents paid their last tribute to the deceased gentleman in the Balfour Cemetery on tho 23rd inst. ROXBURGH. September 25.—The, weather during spring has been varied. We seem to havo our bad weather—that is, rain and snow and frost, if not in winter months, in spring timo. However, barring a week of bad weather, w©

have enjoyed some line days. Winds nave been severe, and a lew trosty nigncs, but not sulhciently severe to cause damage to iruit crops, uiaia in some parts oi the district are doing a lut ot harm to tne fruit LaiUs. Fruit Industry.—Fruit-growers are to be taxed is per acre lor iruit planted areas m future. An endeavour is to be made throughout New Zieaiand to federate the {riiu-giowmg industry, it is a big undertaking, and many Side issues present themseives. At the' Wellington i< nut-growers' Conierencc, held this month, at winch our representative, Mr John Bennetts, attended, 1 learn much valuable business towards this end was entertained, and the appointment wad made of a capable man to carry out the wishes and intentions of tho Fruit-growers Association of .Now Zealand. The outlook tor every kind of fruit at present is good. Apples this season have brought record prices, up to 14s per bushel for well-coloured apples. Mining.—Mr Ewing is vigorously pushing forward the stripping and blasting of rock, clearing a large area of ground, in preparation for sluicing, which will soon begin The Amalgamated Company is in liquidation, and under reconstruction; the Lady smith Company is still on the metal and giving fair returns. Tho Commissioner Company is now in full working order, and is reported to be scooping it up. This private company deserves all the success it gets. The Kaikorai dredge is opposite the Ladysmith claim, but has not done anything very practical in regard to dredging. The intention of the company at first was to work with sluice-boxes, but it was discovered that the material was too heavy, the big stones not being able to get free; therefore it was decided to put up the screen and tables as before, which has been done. This plucky enterprise, thoroughly local., it is to be hoped will yield good returns. Stock.—Notwithstanding the severe storm stock is looking well, and I have not heard of any losses Rabbits are showing up. Too many are in evidence, particularly as prices for rabbits are ruling high—9d per pair. It would pay to breed rabbits at, that price. Returned Soldier.—Mr F. J. Tamblyn, of Coal Creek Flat, who left with the Fourth Contingent and was severely wounded at Gallipoli, has returned and has_ been discharged as unfit for further active service. Mr Tamblyn is getting on well, and hopes in time to make a complete recovery. OWAKA. September 25. —During the past few weeks we have had almost all the kinds of weather known to man; sleet and snow, then a tew days really hot, then ram and high winds, and the past tew days have been bright and sunny 'and summer-like. Although we are well on into the second momh ot spring it taiinot bo said that there is much growth. However, 1 have noticed that the wild flowers (more especially the clematis and kowhai) -promise a wealth of blossom. The cold snap was rather hard on the lambs, but I have not heard of many losses. . A large amount of land is now being turned over in readiness for crops, and folks arc beginning to get busy in their gardens. Concert.—Four little 'girls, the Misses Nellie Latta, Ruby Sargeant, Ivy M'Nutt, and Vera M'Gillvray, organised a concert, their aim being to procure funds to provide Christmas gifts for soldiers. The concert was held on Friday, 22nd inst., and was well attended. The little girls must have been well repaid for their effort when they learned that over £6 was taken. A Scotch concert was to have been held, but owing to rough weather had to be postponed. Show. —Tho horticultural show is advertised to take place in February. This is giving plenty of time to intending competitors, and it is to be hoped that a great many will rally round and make it a grand success. TAPANUI. September 25.—After the storm experienced in the middle of this month, we are now having a good samplo of spring ■weather, and it is much needed to bring along the grass and enable seeding to proceed. Lambs aro now to be seen on all farms, but teed is not too plentiful. A fortnight's fine weather, however, would make a wonderful difference and change the appearance of the pastures. So far little grain has been sown, as the land has been unfit for seeding. It is not likely that there will bo a large area sown in wheat and oats this season, as farmers can do better out of grazing. Suicide.—A sad incident happened at Crookston on Wednesday last, when a man named Johnstone hanged himself at Mr P. Sim's farm. It appears that the unfortunate man had previously been an inmate of Seacliff Mental Hospital. Ho came to Crookston and was engaged as a general farm hand by 'Mr Slim. On Wednesday morning last he went to an unoccupied hut on an adjoining farm, and apparently hanged himself with a piece of fencing wire, after having fired the hut. The body was much burned, the hut being completely destroyed. An inquest was held on Thursday, when a verdict o{ suicido whilst temporarily insane was returned. Horticultural Society.—The annual meetingl of the Tapanui Horticultural and Industrial Exhibit Society was held on Friday evening last, Mr W. R. Quin (president) in the chair. Tho balance sheet showed a credit of about £3O, an increase of £5 on the previous year. Mr A. H. Hawkins was elected president, Messrs J. O'Dowd and W. R. Quin vice-presidents, and Mr Jas. Clouston secretary and treasurer (re-elected). The next show was fixed for the second Slaturday in February, 1917, and the usual routine business was transacted. Angling.—Fishermen are looking forward to October 1, when the fishinrr season will open. The Pomahaka should bo in firstclass order this season, and should afford good sport. There is still a considerable amount of snow to come off tho high country, and this may affect tho early part of the season, but November should see tho river at its best. Tho smaller streams nowadays are pretty well neglected, as most anglers preler the river, where they hava not to.*pend most of their time detaching their flies from "snags." Bowling.—The local bowling green is now being got in readiness for the' opening of the "season, and promises to be in good playing order. This is about the on T y recreation now patronised, since all the young men have gone to the front. Football, beyonxl a few scratch matches, has been dead, and there is no prospect # of cricket being revived during the coming season. The boys who wielded the bat are doing bayonet exercises for the defence of the. Empire, and the sports ground is meantime deserted. Dairying.—The local dairy factory commenced tho season last week, but tho supply

will not bo groat until the herds arc in full milk and grass is more plentiful. The price for butter-fat this year is in the vicinity of 18d, and dairyists are therefore in for a good season if weather conditions are favourable. Brass Hand. —The local band gave a musical programme in the main street on Saturday evening, and their performance was much appreciated by the public. If the band would play out more frequently it would liven up the town, and tend to popularise the institution. .racing.— The Tapanui Racing Club has obtained the permission of the Minister of Internal Affairs to hold the annual race meeting at Gore whilst the local track is being cultivated and improved. Dates arc now being arranged, and a successful meeting is anticipated. BALCLUTHA. September 25.—After a spell of very boisterous weather sunny days have set in, the atmosphere being more spring-like. Most of the townspeople arc busy with their gardens at present. Recruits.—Another batch of recruits, comprising this district's quota for the Twentyfirst Reinforcements, left on Wednesday evening last for the training camps. Local men were accorded the usual send-off fiocial in the Oddfellows' Hall on the Monday night. The concerts to our departing men arc losing none of their popularity despite the fact that they are becoming a regular institution. The men are being enlisted now under the new method by the Defence authorities. Two more staff officers of the Defence Department, in the persons of Staff Sergeant-major Meade. Q.M., 12th M.R., and Lieutenant Bell, adjutant 12th M.R., have come to Balclutha, These officers were lately stationed at Gore. Sergeant Instructor "Gray, of the Balclutha office, is to be transferred to Kaitancrata, where a branch office will be opened, School.—The local school pupils and teachers are now enjoying their term holidays, the inspectors, Messrs Richardson and Bossance. having completed their inspection of the school. Entertainments.—The Tivoli Follies Concert Party are booked to appear in the Oddfellows' Hall on Friday night, and it is expected they will draw a bumper house. Motor Agents —Both of the local garages, which lately extended their premises, are making still further additions to their business. Each has bought a branch shop_ at Milton, and the agencies for their various motors will be extended to that town. There is no doubt from the rapid strides made in this industry during the past few year? that it has come to stay, and contains great possibilities for the future. Magistrate's Court.—Great satisfaction was felt locally at the decision given by the magistrate (Mr H. A. Young) in the case in which C. R. M'Lay, a cadet in the employ -of the Balclutha goods office, was charged with the theft of 10s Id from Alexander M'Donald, farmer, To Houka. In the first hearing M'Lay was convicted, but an application for a rehearing was made on Wednesday last, and the rehearing granted. At the rehearing, after the evidence for the prosecution had been partly given, the magistrate said it was useless to proceed further, as he was satisfied beyond all doubt that M'Donald, jun.. had Hod. He was satisfied that Stewart M'Donald was not worthy of belief, and was also satisfied that defendant, M'Lay, was innocent of the charge which had boon brought against him. ROXBURGH NOTES. ROXBURGH, September 19. The weather since the beginning of the month has been most perplexing. In addition to the winds peculiar to this time of the year, we have nad one or two howling gales, and considering their force it is remarkable that such a small amount of damage was inflicted. During the past week we had a visitation of both wind and snow. On Thursday snow fell all day, and by evening all manner of trees bore a mantle of white. During the night a thaw set in, and by next day the snow had completely disappeared. Bright, warm weather was experienced till Sunday morning, when there was another cold snap. For a couple ot hours it was very wild,, blowing and raining with hurricane force, but by 11 o'clock the Bky had cleared and the sun was shining brightly. This class of weather has been the cause of much apprehension among fruitgrowers. Strange to say, these cold snaps have not so far been accompanied by frosts, which at the present time would do incalculable damage to the apricot crop. There is a very heavy crop right throughout the district, and judicious thinning would save the fruitgrower a great deal of trouble later on. " Jack Frost," however, does not enjoy a very good reputation in this respect, and a visit from him is not wanted. In the more exposed areas the growers have all arrangements ready for heating their apricot blocks, but most growers seem satisfied to take their chances. Indications point to a very heavy yield of all classes of fruit, and already agents are calling on growers with a view to business. At a send-off tendered a few nights ago to a recruit going into camp the Mayor announced that over 120 men had enlisted in this district, of whom 84 are now at the front or in camp That, he considered, was very creditable for a small district. In the borough very few single men are left. Several members of the Eighteenth Reinforcements who had been down on final leave returned to camp on Friday morning. A large crowd gathered to see them off. and they were given three hearty cheers as the car moved away. Mr J. C. Falconer, who is going into training as an N.C.0., was tendered a "smoke" concert last Friday evening. Despite the short notice of'his departure there was a large attendance, the Mayor presiding. After a light repast a toast list was gone through, the principal toast, " Our Guest," being proposed by Mr J. Rattray. A very pleasant evening was spent. Mr Falconer left for Trentham on Monday morning. A branch of the St. John Ambulance Association has been formed here. Dr Gilmour has generously consented to act as surgeon instructor, and the first lecture will be given this week.