THE COUNTRY

Otago Witness, Issue 3274, 13 December 1916, Page 23

THE COUNTRY

HOLIDAYS AND CORRESPONDENCE. Cmintry correspondents will please note that owing to the Christmas and New Year holidays communications for the issues following this should reach us not later than the 16th, 23rd, and 30th inst. respectively. LAKE COUNTY. December 0. —'During the past week the weather has been very warm, and rain is badly wanted- for the crops. Wakatipu Licensing Committee—At the quarterly meeting- ol' the committee, held in (Queenstown on Friday, Ist inst., the following applications for licenses, which had been held over from the annual mectmg pending the completion of certain repairs recommended by the Health Department, were granted-.—Crown Hotel, Waikaia, Leah A. Cruickshanks; Wakatipu Hotel, Kingston, K. R. Cameron; Royal Mail Hotel, Lumsden, Alice M'Dougall; Central Hotel, Arrowtown, Mary Johnston. Bowling.—The Arrow Club opened the seaeon on Wednesday, 29th ult. The weather was fine, and there was a good attendance of members and their friends. Mr A. J. Campbell (president) declared the green open, and after Mrs Campbell had rolled the first 'bowl the usual President v. Vice-president match was played. Mrs Campbell kindly dispensed afternoon tea.

Marriages.—At Queenstown on November 22 a quiet wedding took place at the residence of Mrs Murray (grandmother of the bride). The contracting parties were Miss Christina Hope, .eldest daughter of Mr Thos. Hope, and Mr Henry F. Hicks, of Mount Pisa. The ceremony waso performed by the Kev. R. G. Coates. The marriage took place at St. Joseph's Church, Queenstown, on the 23th ult., of Miss Nellie Munro, niece of Mrs M'Chesney, Arthur's Point, to Mr James M'Mullan, eldest son of Mr and Mrs James M'Mullan,' Arthur's Point." The Kev. Father O'Donnell was the officiating clergyman, and the bride was attended by Miss Monica M'Bride, while Mr H. M'Mullan was best man. At Oibbston on the 29th ult. Miss Sarah Louisa. Perriam, second daughter of the late Mr and Mrs Charles Perriam, Gibbston, and Mr James Cowan, second son of the late Mr and Sirs James Cowan, Gibbston, were joined in the bonds of wedlock by tho Rev. R. G. Coates. The bridesmaid was Miss May Perriam, and Mr W. Ewart acted as best man.

Personal.—Prior to her departure for Queenstown, Mirs A. J. Campbell was presented with a handsome cake stand by her lady friends in Arrowtown. Mrs Pope, who made the presentation, referred to the many services that had been rendered to the community by Mrs Campbell during her residence in Arrowtown. Mr Campbell suitably responded on behalf of his wife. Mr W. M. Pears, who was recently appointed head teacher of the Arrow School, assumed charge last week. Miss Macdonald, who has been acting as relieving teacher, returned to Invercargill on Monday last.——The following, who recently enlisted, have been passed as medically fit:—Messrs A. J. Collins (Queenstown), A. Smith, T. Moloney, and A. Tobin (Arrowtown). Deaths. —The death is reported from Goro of Mr "William S. Johnston, a former resident of Skippers. Deceased was the second son of the late Mr -Samuel Johnston, former proprietor of the Oiago Hotel, Skippers. The death took place at Timaru last week of Mrs Rose Mary Lyons, who resided at Skippers for some years. She was a sister of Mr M. Trainor, of Arrowtown. -Sergeant John Nicholson, whose death is reported 'at Featherston camp, was well and favourably known in this district, having been employed for some time in Messrs Cotter Bros.' store at Arrowtown.

General.—Owing to the small number of nominations received, the Lake County races, which were to have been held yesterday and to-day, have been postponed. They will probably be held in March. The daily intake of milk at the Lake County dairy factory now exceeds 500 gallons.——Fifty week-enders arrived in Queenstown on. Saturday eveninglast. Mr A. Tull has disposed of his storekeeping business at Queenstown to Messrs Miller and Co., of Invercargill. A garden fete, in aid of the Belgian and Red Cross Fundsk, is to bo held in the Queenstown Park on December 28. MANDEVILLE. December 11. —We are again experiencing a favourable season, although at the present moment a good fall of rain would not be objected to, as the soil has become rather dry and hard on the surface. Although growth is good a continuance of the present conditions without moisture must very soon have a deteriorating effect, especially as nor'westers have made their appearance frequently of late. Feed is plentiful, and stock of all kinds is consequently in the pink of condition. I think I am safe in saying that never before were the lambs in this district bo good and in such numbers as they are at the present time, and, unless they receive a setback before the works open record drafts will Ixs sent right from the mothers to tho freezer. The acreage under cereals is very small, .the majority of farmers providing just enough for their own requirements; and, unless Canterbury has a surplus, our Dominion will have to look to outside countries to feed her own people before the coming year is out. Tin's will, no doubt, bring home to the town dwellers more forcibly than any amount of argument the need of producing at least enough for our own requirements. The commandeering of our wool by the Imperial Government is approved of by the great majority of farmers, and it is to bo regretted that a few, who think of nothing but money-making while tho Empire bleeds, should he allowed to go forward as representing the farmers in their endeavours to squeeze out the last farthing in such a critical period as we are now passing through. The War.—Our little township continues in the lifeless state that crept over it shortlv after the war broke out. Mnndeville was well represented in the Main Body, and one of Mandevillc's sons was amongst the first to make the supreme sacrifice. Fvery few weeks we meet to bid farewell to more young men who are going forward to take the places of those who have fallen. How many more calls will havo to bo made no one knows, hvi the end seems yet a long way off. FAIRFAX. December 8. —Tho weather conditions are excellent. The fine rains that fell a short time ago were followed by warm sunny days; consequently, feed is plentiful and crops have made rapid progress. A big area is being sown in rape and turnips. Shearing has commentwl, aud will bo srencral during tho next week or so. Leaving for the Front.—On the evening of the sth iiiflt. a lirco number of people mot In the Public Hall to bid farewell to Liouf.enanl M. M'lntosh and Messrs A. Bail 1 and if. Devaney, who have volunteered for

tho Twenty-fourth Reinforcements. Unfortunately, circumstances prevented Messrs Laird and Devanoy from being present; so that Lieutenant M'lntosh was the only guest of the evening. Mr K. Jones, the local station master, presided. Tho presentations were made by Mr Wm. Ford, at the close of an appropriate speech. Short speeches wevo also given by Messrs U. Mitchell, J. Hardy, and J. Brownridge. The presents consisted of a set of military brushes for Lieutenant M'lntosh, and a case of safety razors each for Messrs Baird and Dcvaney, which wore taken charge of by Messrs Andrew Baird and J*. Adams, who returned thanks on behalf of the absentees. Lieutenant M'lntosh, in replying, thanked the company for the useful present and the speakers for their kindly remarks. Dancing was indulged in during tho greater part of the cveninvr, Ihe music being supplied by Misses Cull, Bell, and M'Laren. Ample refreshments wore supplied by the ladies of the district. Lieutenant Frascr M'lntosh., who is the youngest son of the late Mr Donald M'lntosh. Rmgway, is the first commissioned officer to go from Fairfax. His career will bo watched with interest by his many friends in this district. Dairying.—The daily intake nt the dairy factory is somewhat bplow that of last reason. The company installed a plant for extracting whey butter, which ha 3 proved highly satisfactory. The cream is sent to an Invcrcargill creamery.

Repairs.—The township is particularly quiet just now, owing: to tho closing of the bridge against all wheeled traffic. As pome 16 or 17 piles have to be driven, it will be some considerable time before it is reopened. New Settlers.—For some months past men have been enc;nged in making a road through the bush sections which were taken up sonic time ago. So far, none of the fortunate drawers have commenced operations on their holdings, which will require a good deal of strenuous labour ere they give any returns. ERMEDALE (Southland). December 6.—From a farmer's point of view the weather could not be improved on. During tho past fortnight a continuous heavy, warm rain has fallen, making all vegetation grow luxuriantly. Grass is in abundance, and, as stock is so dear to buy, and most farms understocked, a number are keeping a few of their grass paddocks for seed, and more than the usual amount of grass will be cut this year. A smaller areais under crop, and looks well. Potatoes are also making rapid growth, and are much earlier than iisu.al, although not planted earlier. Turnip-sowing is not yet general, the wet weather hindering it, although small areas are through the ground. Fruit promises to be very plentiful here this summer, and gardens look exceptionally well, both in regard to fruit vegetables and flowers. Mushrooms are making their appearance much earlier than usual, having been conspicuous for some time. Bridge Improvements.—Air D. Clarke is to be congratulated on getting the ErmedalcFairfax bridge attended to, and making it safe for traffic, with strong railings on each side. Farm Changes.—Two farms have changed hands recently—Mr T. P. O'Conner and Mr T. White (Gummie's Bush) exchanged, and Mr C. Stalker bought Mr J. Costello's farm. Butter-fat Tax. —The war tax on butterfat is the general topic of conversation. The Southland Farmers' Union forwarded to tho Minister of Agriculture, through Mr J. C. Thomson, M.P., a resolution protesting against the butter-fat tax, and received the reply that it was not a class tax, but to control the price of butter, seeing it was a necessity of life, and threatened to' reach famine prices in the height of the season, and other commodities will ba controlled in the same way. Farmers do not look at it in that light. Every farmer knows that the energy and cost of production of butter-fat is a great deal more than any other industry. Dairying is really a slave trade, and buttertat is only produced by very hard labour, and those engaged in it would like a little more than a bare living. This tax appears only to help those who get "eight hours' work and eierht hours' play, eight hours' sleep, and eight shillings a day," without considering those who produce it—those' who work 16 hours and get very little out of it. LUMSDEN. December 11. —A musical evening was given by Mrs W. H. Clark's pupils in the Public Hall en Friday, Bth inst. The proceeds will be handed over to the Bed Cross Fund. Mrs Clark is to be congratulated on the pronounced success of her pupils' performances. There was a packed house, and the takings were estimated at £ls. Auction Sale.—Messrs W: Todd and Co., of Invercargill, held an auction sale of Mr H. Shand's up-to-date home and furniture on the 7th inst. Mr Shand is severing his connection with the New Zealand railways, of which he has been a member for over 14 years, and for some considerable time a popular and highly-respected guard on the Lumsden-Invercargill section. Mr and Mrs Shand arc removing to Dipton, where they are to be associated with the firm of Messrs M'Curdy and Son, of that town. "Mr and Mrs Shand will be much missed from Lumsden as highly-esteemed citizens and Presbyterian Church workers. We all wish Mr and Mrs Shand every prosperity and much happiness in their new home. Weather. —Warm and gusty winds have been experienced during the past few clays. Growth and vegetation in all its branches are most prolific. Large and small fruit tree;- are simply laden, and the vegetable garden crops are almost crowded out. TAPANUI. December 11. —The weather has been verydry for tho past week, and Saturday was probably the hottest day experienced so far this season. Up till a week ago frequent showers ensured great growth, and grass paddocks and grain crops look well. Turnip-sowing is proceeding, and thinning will soon be the order of the day. Shearing is now goin°- on steadily, and many farmers' lots have°becn completed and a few sent into store. Generally speaking, wool-growers are not seriously disturbed at the commandeering of the wool clip, no doubt recognising that a high price is ensured —certainly much higher than any farmer anticipated this time two years ago. Tho wool should be of first-class quality this season, and the clip a good all-round one. Bowling.—The Clinton Bowling Club sent a team to Tapanui on Saturday to play the return match with the local players. The aflornoon was delightful for the game, and a very even match resulted in victory for the homo team by the narrow margin of four points. The visitors were hospitably entertained by the local players, and a very friendly spirit exists between tho two clubs. Saturday's win makes the second for this season against Clinton. Bowlers are turning out well to practice this season, and tho green is patronised every evening that tho weather permits. It is regular practice that ensures ,-!( fcory in any outdoor game. Sr liolastic.—The High School break-up tikes place on the 20th inst., when, a concert and prizo distribution will take place. The school concert never fails to a.ttract a full house, as all turn out to see the juveniles

arrayed in their best dollies and with smiling' countenances.

Induction.—The induction of the- Rev. Sydney Hill to the Presbyterian charge of Tapanui and Waikoikoi takes place on Wednesday, 13th, and the vacancy will once again be settled. The Rev. Mr Chisholm (Dunrobin) has proved a most capable moderator, anefhas made many friends during the past few months in the parish adjoining his own. It is expected that there will be a. goodly array of speakers at the induction ceremony and social.

Patriotic.—Various methods of helping the patriotic funds are being persevered in. The girls organised a concert last week, and netted over £l3, putting on an attractive programme. On Saturday afternoon the Red Cross Society conducted a stall in the main street, and disposed of a quantity of garden produce, etc. Every little helps, and the grand total raised to help our soldiers ia steadily mounting up. Racing.—The stewards of the Tapanui Racing Club have now p.ll arrangements made for the annual race, meeting, which will be held on the Gore course on January 10 and 11, 1917. I notice that the trotting horse Cathedral Chimes is to be brought from Christchurch to attempt to lower the time record, and this should prove a great attraction. With fine weather there should be a very successful meeting, as slakes amounting Town Improvements. The early-day method of "pitching'' street channels with stones is being superseded by the more desirable form of concrete, making a much neater and cleaner appearance. The cost entailed by the local borough council during the past 30 years in chipping weeds from the water channels must have been very considerable, as well as being an almost useless one, as iby the time one end of the task was reached the weeds were springing l nicely at the other end. The introduction of a dustcart should also ensure more cleanliness m borough properties. WAIKOUAITI. December 11.—The rainfall of 212 points during November came at just the right time, and. started the crops and grass away with a great rush, so that good crops and an abundance of feed during the present season are now assured. Most farmers in this district are rather understocked as a result of two bad seasons in succession, and, as prices for both sheep and cattle are exceedingly high, there is feed going to waste everywhere at the present time. Shearing- is likely to be somewhat protracted on account of a scareity of men, some sheds having started with one or two shearers in place of about four; but if the weather continues favourable''good progress will be made. Angling.—Anglers report that the Waikouaiti River is very well stocked with fish this season, but as yet not many have been caught, probably on account of feed being plentiful and the river being rather badly covered with weed. A good rain would assist in cleaning the river, and put it in good fishing condition. Dairy Factory.—The daily supply of milk received at the Yvaikouaiti dairy factory is now 1200 gallons, and the quantity of cheese manufactured is approximately lOcwt per day. The price paid to suppliers is Is 7d per lb of butter-fat, so that dairying is a profitable indusfry at present.

Waikouaiti Show.—Good entries have been received for the Waikouaiti Show, which is being held on Friday, the 15th inst.; and, given good weather, this year's fixture should a very successful one. PALMERSTON MOTES. December 7. On Monday Mr King- (field secretary of the Y.M.C.A.) gave a most interesting lecture on the work done at the front by the Y.M.C.A. Earlier in the evening he met some of the members of the local Patriotic Committee, and urged on them the necessity of raising funds to help to erect a North Otago hut in France. Many districts in New Zealand have already huts named after them, and it is proposed to erect a North Otago hut at a cost of about £6OO. Those who were present were in favour of doing all they could to help, and at a meeting on Wednesday evening it was decided to appoint a special day throughout the district for the purpose of collectingl funds, and in the meantime to open a subscription list. The Palmcrston Red Cross Guild has donated £5, and over £6 was collected at the close of Mr King's lecture.

The weather is still very dry and hot. Although on two nights there were slight showers the ground was _ perfectly dry before morning. Shearing is in full swing in all parts of the district, and the clip is said to be in first class order. High prices were again the rule at the monthly stock sale on Monday, the abundance of feed making all farmers desirous of increasing the number of stock on their farms.

The Goodwood Co-operative Dairy Factory, has had a most successful year in spite of the bad Season experienced, and there is a substantial balance for the year's work. Everything points to a still more prosperous season this year. The ladies of the Palmerston Red Cross Guild have undertaken to manage all the refreshment booths at the Palmerston Show. Donations in the shape of edibles of all kinds are pouring in, and if the returns are commensurable with the efforts of the ladies a handsome sum should bo made for the guild.