THE COUNTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3315, 26 September 1917, Page 23

THE COUNTRY.

£3T Correspondents are reminded that all Tel ters for the current week's issue must reacS imnedin NOT LATER THAN UONDAY NIGHT. Letters coming to hand on Tuesday are too late, and are thus a week old when they appear.

LAKE COUNTY. September 2'2.—Heavy rain fell on Tuesday, but since then the -weather has been very warm. Golf.—The annual meeting of members of the Wakatipu Golf Club was held m Queenstown on Thursday evening, Mr J. P- M ■ u l L ' Klc r (president) presiding. The balance shee showed a credit balance of £9 4s sd. J-he 1 - lowing office-bearers were selected : —J- resident, Mr J. P. M‘Bride; , vice-presidents Messrs L. J. Lynch, V. Paine A. Jbell, and M. J. Lynch; secretary and treasurer, Mr A. J. Campbell; auditor, Mr G. • Burns; General Committee-Captam Robertson, Messrs J. C. M'Bnde, R. Crawford, D. Murchison, and W. D. Warren, Mesdames J. P. M’Bride, Paine, and Campbeit. The retiring secretary (Mr W. D- ) was voted an honorarium of £2 2s. Eef ® r ' ence was made to the good work done by Mr Warren, and the wish was expressed tiiat he would return safely after performing the military service for which he had volun teerfid. Tennis.—The annual meeting of members of the Arrow Tenuis Club was held on Monday evening, Mr W. M. Pears pressing. The balance sheet showed a credit of 15s 4a. Mr R. M. Paterson was elected president, Messrs D. Macleod and P. H- Stickle vicepresidents, and Mr W. M. Pears secretary and treasurer. The following were appointed a committee; —Misses L. Preston, Stevenson, Anderson, Jenkins, Fletcher, Boy cl, and Cotter. The opening day was fixed tor Labour Day. .... Valedictory—Mr and Mrs Pope left Arrowtown on Wednesday fox Fairlie, where Mr Pope has been appointed postmaster. Prior to their departure they were entertained at a social by the members of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, when Sir Pope was presented with a purse of sovereigns. The presentation was made by Mr Gr. D. Baird.—On Monday evening last a number of residents of Miller’s Flat, Arthur’s Point, and Lower Shotover met at the residence of Mrs Healy (Malaghans) for the purpose of entertaining her and the members of her family prior to their departure to Mossburn. Presentations were made to Mrs Healy of an easy chair, to Miss Healy a silver-backed brush and comb, to Mr T. J. Healy a case of pipes, and to Mr M. Moran (an old friend of the family) a silver-mounted walk'ng stick. The presentations were made by Mr Geo* Cockburn on behalf of residents. The Healy family and Mr Moran also received presentations from the congregation of St. Patrick’s Church. Arrowtown, after service on Sunady last. Father Corcoran made the presentations, which were ; —Mrs Healy, an eiderdown quilt; Miss Healy prayer book; Mr Healy Case of pipes; Mr Moran, silver-mounted umbrella.

Personal.—Mr W. Dingwall, of Invercargill, is at present acting as relieving postmaster at Arrowtown. —'Messrs Jas. Cowan (G-ibbston) and J. Seffer (Moke Creek) left on Saturday to go into camp with the Thirty-fourth Reinforcements—Rifleman George Atley (Arthur's Point), down on final leave, was entertained at Arthur's Point, last week. He* was presented with a wristlet watch. —Mr L. Oakes returned to Arrowtown on Saturday last after spending three months in camp. He was unable to stand further training, and has been given indefinite leave.

Clearing Sale.—Mr T. J. Cotter, auctioneer, Arrowtown, held a clearing sale on Wednesday last of stock, farm implements, etc., on behalf of Messrs Healy Bros., who have sold their farm. It was the most successful sale held in the district for many years, everything being cleared at highly tory prices. LAKE WANAKA. September 20. —For three weeks 'past the veather has been good; but yesterday heavy rain fell, and continued for several hours. A strong north-westerly wind blew for a day and a-half before the rain set in. Today the weather is lovely, and seems more settled again. Lambs. —The lambing is well advanced on the farms, and some good returns have been heard of. Lambing has not commenced on the runs yet, but should become general within a few weeks.

Agriculture.—The crops in this district are looking well. Owing to the mild winter they are rather more advanced than usual at this time of the year. Some good crops should be harvested this coming season.

Social.—On his return from the front Private T. Trevatln-n was accorded a welcome home social. The social, which was held in the hall, Pembroke, was well attended by friends from all over the district, who one and all were glad to see their old comrade back again and to shake him by the hand. Mr F. D. Thomson was in the chair, and, after making a few happy remarks, ho called on the Rev. Mr Ryley, who gave a stirring account of the work Mr Trevathan had been assisting in at the front. In his last engagement he had had the misfortune to lose his left arm, and had also been wounded in the foot. Mr Trevathan responded. Dancing was then indulged in, and the supper provided by the ladies was done full justice to. During the evening songs were given by Messrs F. D. Thomson, R. Walker, and G. Elliott, the latter being recalled again and again. The music for the evening was supplied by Mesdames Scaife and Lapliii, and Messrs Thomson, $s T oiman, Goodall, W. Trevathan, and F. Collings.

Improvements.—Thanks to a live Expansion League it is almost a certainty that before the TCew Year we will have a telephone exchange at the post office in Pembroke, and the business places in Pembroke and farm houses at Mount Barker all linked up by telephone. This will be a step ahead, and will fill a long-felt want. Tlie people of the district will then be enabled to stay in their own homes and speak right through to Dunedin and elsewhere. At present we are able to speak through to Dunediu from any post office by paying the modest; sum of Is 6d for three minutes. This is a great improvement on the old method of sending wires.—Messrs Begg and Co. have decided to start the flaxmill again at Makarora.. The stripper arrived a few days ago. Mr John Twaddle, of Balelutha, arrived a week ago with a band of hands, and the work should soon be well forward. Mr Twaddle, who is an expert at flaxmilling, has twice previously been in command of the mill at Makarora. Mr Patterson also has the sawmill working, and sawn timber should soon be coming forward. I understand a planing machine lias also been erected at the sawmill at Makarora. It has been decided to hold a patriotic concert, eport3, etc., on Labour Day and evening in Pembroke.

TUTURAU. September 24.—We expected to have a very early spring owing to the very mild winter , but throe weeks of cold cast winds have quite retarded growth. Last wee*c was veiy tine and warm, . and the grass is beginning to make some headway; but for the last three days we have had a north-west wind, blowing to a gale at times, which had a withering effect on the young springing shoots. This morning, however, there is a gentle lain, which has freshened up everything green. We have had very little rain throughout the month. The Farm—For the most part stock are m very good condition, though there is very little grass yet, and turnips went early to seed; btifc wo have had no rough weather, and lambs, which are now making their appearance, should do well. Farmers are busy planting potatoes, which is rather earlier than usual; but the early-planted ones did best hist season. Everything is very dry, and we may have a dry season again. Dairying.—The dairy factory opened on the 20th; but very little milk is coming in yet. Social. —There was a good turnout at the social given to Trooper W. Nichol and Private B. M'Kinna, when a most enjoyable evening was spent. Private M. Ward, a, returned soldier, who has been away a year, was also present. The P.W.M.U.—At the last meeting of the P.W.M.U. it was agreed to make a special collection at the next meeting to be held on October 3 in place of the usual par cels sent, the money being easier sent than parcels this year. A parcel of bandages was sent by post this month. We are working for India this year. The School.—The school examination is expected to bo held this month. ETTRICK. September 2-4.—The spring is now well established, and the district is beginning to respond to the call of Nature to reawaken. There is evidence on every hand of an early season. Orchards.—The young orchards are now beginning to compete with the older ones in their efforts to show their possibilities, and the show of bloom is very effective. Nectarines look particularly well, and in this and the Dumbarton district the other stone fruits give good promise. Pears and plums are also carrying well, and, with the present weather conditions, another fortnight will bring the apples on, as they already show signs of a good blossom. General Farming.—The work of ploughing and sowing is now well in hand, and there are fair blocks of wheat and oats put down. Everywhere around the extending daylight is being fully availed of. Gale, —The district was visited by a most extraordinary gale in the early hours of Friday morning last. Fortunately, it did not last very long, but quite long enough to' level anything that was not well secured. It came from almost due north, so that another new record has been achieved by the wind from that direction. Patriotic.—Good work continues to be done by the ladies of the district in the supplying of comforts for our boys. General.—As the district continues to grow there is an increasing need for better postal facilities, particularly as to money order convenience and telephone, and the authorities should not lose sight of these requirements. WAI ?< Al An September 24.—The weather has been beautiful. The grass is coming away splendidly. Heavy ram commenced last night, which will do much good, as the ground was becoming dry, and tanks were nearly empty. Oil.—Lately Professor Park (Dunedin) and several of the directors of the Oil Shale Works Co., Freshford, inspected the company’s claim. After the professor’s report is mad© boring will be undertaken. Valedictory.—A gathering assembled in the Crown Hotel on Wednesday, 12th inst., to snend a social hour and bid farewell to Mr William Henderson, solicitor. Gore, well known in the district. Mr Henderson intends leaving Gore for the north. He has visited Waikaia during the last 35 years, and made many friends. Mr F. Hamer (chairman), on behalf of these friends, asked Mr Henderson to accept a gold locket and a purse as a token of their regard and esteem. He referred to Mr Henderson’s professional ability and worth as a citizen. Complimentary speeches were made by Messrs W. Christie, A. Clarke, and J. M'Donald. Mr Henderson thanked his many friends for their gifts and kindly expressions. He had pleasant memories of his trips to the mining township, and the friends he had made. "For he’s a jolly good fellow” was heartily sung, and the gathering concluded with the singing of “ Auld lang syne ” and the '.'--•Honal Anthem.

Soldiers’ Comforts.—A sal© of gift flowers was held on Saturday, loth inst. Mrs Hutton and granddaughter (denary Bush) brought a fine collection of spring flowers made up into bouquets; also button-hole sprays and ferns, and Lett’s Hall presented a gay appearance, two long benches carrying a tasteful display of violets, primroses, daffodils, and ferns in crystal dishes. The flowers were readily disposed of by little girls. Afternoon tea was greatly enjoyed. A short dance was held in the evening. 'Mrs Hutton gave a patriotic recitation. Music was provided by Mesdames Clark and Lightfoot (piano), Mr Soper (accordion), and Mr Cochrane (bagpipes). Mr Rupert MHvor made an efficient M.C. The amount realised after defraying all exnenses was .£6. Mission School.—There was a. good attendance at the Presbyterian Church Hall on the 19th inst., when the Rev. Mr Hain gave an address on mission work. The nroceeds (£4 17s Gd) are to go in aid of Miss Henderson’s mission school in India. Mr Clark ulayed a pianoforte solo, and Mr and Mrs Hain a duet. Recitations were given by Mrs Wilson and Mr ,T. T. M’Kenzie, a reading bv Mr J. M’Donald. and a solo was sung by Miss If, Wilson, while Miss Orchiston gave a brief address. The ladies brought baskets, and afternoon tea was enjoyed. The meeting closed with the benediction and the National Anthem. Second Division League.—A well-attended meeting was held on the 22nd inst. to form a branch of the Second Division League. Mr Hunter, of Go-re, explained the objects of the league,. Mr Clark was annointed secretary and treasurer of the Waikaia branch. POPOTUNOA. September 24. —A wet day—just the day for writing letters. But this wet day will be gratefully receired by the farmers, as the ground was getting baked and dry. A Tractor.—For some little time there have been strange rumblings heard away towards the Blue 'Mountains, which gave one the impression that there was going to be an earthquake or volcanic eruption; but travellers toll me it is Mr Maindonald’s motor tractor preparing the ground for seed-time. This is the first, implement of the kind in this district, as far as I am aware, doing agricultural work, and uo doubt we shall see it, or, at any rate, hear it, dragging up truckloads of manure. After what we

read, of the playful actions of the tanks wobbling down precipices and up steep embankments we shall soon have all our gullies and steep hillsides under the plough. Patriotic Society.—Some little- time ago Mrs Luke asked those ladies who could manage it to come to the schoolhouse, Wairuna, and see what could be done in the way of Red Cross work. They decided on having a concert and jumble sale, which duly came off, and they were rewarded with over £6O for comforts for the local boys. Land for Soldiers. —The Government is making a great cry about getting laud for soldiers; but there is one way in which they could benefit the soldier which I don’t see being followed. Many young farmers are called to the Colours, and they have to dispose of their farms at what they can get. Could the Government not take up those farms from the men whom they arc conscripting and either hand thorn back to the original owners should they be fortunate enough to return tit to work, or dispose of them to returned soldiers, who would not have to lay out moneys on fences or buildings. Some land the Purchase Commissioners have bought for returned soldiers is too dear, and then it has to be fenced and buildings put on. Presbyterian Church.—The session clerk (Mr John Clarke) and family have been staying in Dunedin during the winter months : but they have now returned to their farm, and Miss Clarke has taken up her duties as organist. Miss Roy acted as organist while Miss Clarke was away. TAPANUI. September 24.’—Although somewhat backward, spring has fairly set in during the past week or so. Grass paddocks are commencing to look green, and' grain-sowing is proceeding steadily. There will be a fair area sown in oats and wheat this season, and the land is in splendid order. Lambs are now showing on all farms, and if present conditions continue the percentage generally should he good. Dairying.—The Tapanui Dairy Factory resumed operations last week, and is receiving milk every other day in the meantime. A few previous suppliers have given up cows; but no doubt others will take their places, as the prices ruling make the business very profitable. Pishing.—Anglers are looking forward to the opening of the fishing season on Monday next. It is doubtful whether the Pomahaka will be in trim for the opening day, as the warm winds of the past few days have brought the snow down from the high country, and at present the stream is snowfed and discoloured. The Pom ah aka should lie a popular fishing river again this season, and is considered to be well stocked. Last week Mr Steven, of the Clinton hatcheries, liberated 500 two-year-old fish at the Rankle-, burn, and further consignments are expected next month. As the Pomahaka is fished from the opening till the closing day, and_ in the off season by eels and shags, it is imperative that it should be restocked annually if good sport is to be maintained. The cost of tackle and its probable scarcity are matters that are concerning anglers at present. Police Changes—Constable Beadle, from Riverton, is now in charge of the Tapanui station, and Constable Carroll has gone to Riverton. Constable Carroll was stationed in Tapanui for only about two years, but proved himself a most efficient officer, who is sure of promotion in the service. ■ Consf able Beadle comes well recommended as a good all-round citizen. Farmers’ Club—The annual horse parade takes place on Saturday next, fo 1 lowed 'ov the annual meeting of th > Farmers’ Club. There are now very few Clydesdale stallions in the district, as there has been a decided lull in draught horse-breeding of late years. Present prices are certainly not encouraging to farmers to breed young stock. Returned Soldier. —Rifleman Guss Miniyard returned home on Saturday, and was welcomed by the Mayor, councillors, and friends. He went to the front with the New Zealand Rifle Brigade, and saw considerable service until he was severely wounded and invalided home. At present he is not looking too good, but has improved greatly during the sea voyage, and, with the comforts of home, should soon be himself again. —Another local soldier (Stafl-sergeant Oke Barton) is due home this week, having gone out with the Main Body. He, too, is on the invalids’ list. BALCLUTHA. September 24.—Weather of almost tropical heat was experienced last week-end—-weather reminiscent of th© storied isles of the South Seas, with days of blazing sun tempered by cool zephyrs from ’he ocean. With the fine days and cool evenings come the summer attire. The thoughts _of th© winter are banished, and all the delights of the coining ’ season are soon in evidence. Dust-raising motor cars whirr their tuneful way with cargoes of pleasure-seeking human freight, and the seaside resorts are once more the scene of revelry. Forsooth, wo have merry months! But what of the war? ’Tis hard to realise that thousands of New Zealand’s sons have left our shores, not on pleasure bent, but to take their share in one of the hardest and most sanguinary conflicts that has ever darkened the peace of the world. Christmas Gifts.—To send Christmas cheer to the boys at the front is the objective of the local Patriotic Association in their Christmas gift effort that is at present receiving the whole-hearted support of the public. Last year a hamper was despatched through the High Commissioner to every Clutha boy known to have left on active service. Numerous replies were received from the men, gratefully acknowledging the thoughtfulness of the people, so it was decided to raise money for the same object this year. A fair amount has already been gathered in; but it is expected that £l4O or £l5O in all will he required. Bag Day.—Following the example of similar bodies in other centres, the Balclntha Ladies’ Patriotic Association has inaugurated a local Bag Day. Excellent prizes are to be placed in the “lucky” bags. Ton thousand tickets are issued at one shilling apiece; eo, with the enthusiastic support of the public, a large amount of money should bo raised for the Red Cross Funds, the object of the campaign. Nearly every New Zealand lady has a personal interest in some of our hoys; all have a vital interest in the way the scale shall balance for the Allies or the enemy. It is a tribute to the ardour of the ladies that, after three years of incessant work, they arc still as keen as at the commencement of the struggle to *’ do their bit ” by providing comforts and raising money for any deserving cause. Truly, they deserve success.

Borough Water. —The present body of "city fathers " has at last reached the sinmblingblock of all yr«vioufl councils—the water supply, and is to make an effort to remedy the present state of affairs. Certainly no brilliant ideas were brought forward at a special meeting held last week to discuss the matter. One councillor even had the nerve to suggest that the ratepayers may as well be killed off by sand from the- river as by ru3t from the water. The scheme

Was to pump the water straight from the river and force the silt that would enter 1-Tie pipes to the consumer’s tap. "What the consumer was to do with the silt when it arrived was not said, that evidently being considered the other fellow’s business. However, one sensible proposal was at last brought to light. Messrs Hunton and Handel offered to pay for the cost of conducting boring operations in the vicinity of Hosebank if they proved unsuccessful, the council to pay the cost if sufficient good water to supply the town’s needs was obtained. MOMONA. September 22. —The weather conditions during the week have been ideal for farming operations, and work on the land has progressed rapidly. Teams have been at work early and late, and a good deal of grain has been sown during the week. The ground is in good order, and the seed deposited under excellent conditions, so that, even though we are considerably later than in normal seasons, we may yet expect good returns. There is a great amount of warmth in the ground at the present time, and seed sown now will germinate rapidly, and, with favourable climatic conditions, will progress steadily. Some farmers are sowing manure with their grain this season to ensure the earlier maturity of the crops. There can be no dorrbt that the use of fertilisers does encourage a quicker growth and earlier ripening; but on the heavy lands of the Taieri it often tends to cause the crops to lodge badly. However, on lands which are not too heavy the use of artificial manures is certainly a step in the right direction, especially when, as in the present season, the crops are being sown late. The grass paddocks present a bea'utiful appearance at the present lime, and if the present rate of growth is maintained therr should be an abundance of feed by the end of this month. Accident. —Mr Dan Snell met with a painful accident near East Taieri on 'Wednesday last. The motor cycle he was riding skidded, and Mr Snell was thrown heavily on the roadway. He sustained injuries to his face, which, though painful, are not of a serious nature.

Reinforcements. —Ford M'Hattie, who < enlisted voluntarily immediately on attaining military age, went forward to Featherston with the last draft of Reinforcements.

Entertainment.—Last night a progressive euchre party and dance were held under the auspices of the Momona Patriotic Society. Mr A. "W. Amos presided, and there was a wry large attendance, the hall being quite filled. In the euchre tournament the first prizes were won by Miss Annie M'Neill and Mr W. Stewart, while the booby pri>xs fell to Mrs A. Hastie and Master Willie Thornton. The dance music was supplied by Mr and Mrs J. A. Bruce and Mr :>nd Mia W. Barron. Mr A. M'.tTattio officiated as M.C. Supper w.w provided by the ladies of the district.