THE COUNTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3332, 23 January 1918, Page 27

THE COUNTRY.

£2T Correspondents aro renfinded that all lef ters for the current week's issue must roaei S)uneuin NOT LATER THAN MONDAY NIGHT. Letters coming to hand on Tuesday are too latd and are thus a week old when they appear.

LAKE COUNTY. January 19. —During the past week the weather has been "very unsettled. A good deal of rain has fallen, and shearing- and harvesting have been interfered with. Death.—Mrs Beeby, relict of Mr Charles Beeby, passed away at her home. Queenstown, on the 9th inst. She was the oldest resident of that town, and had reached the age of 88 years. The funeral took place at Queenstown on Saturday last, and was largely attended, the Rev. E. G. Coats conducting the burial service. Going to the Front.—Prior to his return to camp Private Donald Watherston, who was - home on final leave, was met by a number of friends at Glenorchy, and was presented with a wristlet watch and purse of sovereigns. The presentation was made by Mr J. O'Connell, who referred to the high esteem in which the departing soldier was held by the residents of the Head of the Lake. Arrow Hospital.—At the last meeting 'of the Southland Hospital and Charitable Aid Board the Executive Committee reported in connection with the disposal of the Arrow . Hospital building. It was stated that two offers to purchase same had been received, but, in -view* of the Minister in Charge of Hospitals suggesting that the board should hold over final consideration of the disopsal of the property until he had time to confer with the Minister of Public Works, it was decided that the whole matter be held over until next meeting. Welcome Home.—Petty Officer William Wright, who left Queenstown in March, 1915, for the Old Country, where he joined the navy, returned to Queenstown last week. On the arrival of the steamer Mr A. Simson (Mayor), on behalf of the citizens, extended a hearty welcome to P.O. Wright. The Queenstown Band was also in. attendance, and played appropriate tunes. P.O. Wright contracted malarial fever . at Sierra Leone. in September last, and on his return to England received his discharge. Clearing Sale.—Messrs Wright, Stepheneon, and Co. (per Mr T. J. Cotter) held a successful clearing sale on Wednesday last at Lower Shotover on account of Mr James Shaw, who recently sold hi 3 farm. Cows brought to £l4 3s 6d, a heifer £9 2s 6d, two calves £6 15s, and draught horses to £ls. The farm implements and furniture also brought good prices. Personal. Privates William Gordon (Skippers) and John M'Kenzie Boyd, recently invalided home from the front, arrived in ihe district at the end of last week.—Mrs M'Kinlay, Arthur's Point, has received advice that her son, Sapper William David M'Kinlay, has been awarded the Military Medal. —Dr Watt, medical exiperintendent of the Lake County Hospital, is at present on extended holiday leave, his locum tenens being Dr Budd, of Dunedin. General. —The net proceeds of the Bed Cross G-arden Pete held in Queenstown during th 9 holidays, amounted to £275 2s 2d. With amounts still to come in, it is expected that this satisfactory totla will be increased to £3OO. NEVIS. January 18.—At the present time we are being visited by an abnormal lo± of summer and almost tropical rains, causing no small inconvenience by retarding the operations of both shearing and haymaking. The abundant moisture, after ''such great heat and dryness which immediately preceded it, is causing an unusually vigorous growth of grass and vegetables, and is bringing up the later sown crops finely. The miners are Jubilant over the pTospect of abundance of water for the latter part of the season, and as the snows of last winter Were not up to their • usual that fraternity was led to anticipate a shortage in that essential element. > School Picnic. —Our annual school picnic was held on New Year's Day at the old school" grounds, and was a great success. Quite a large crowd' attended, and the youth and beauty were well represented, also the athletic element. The prizes were well competed for, and the stakes were unusually liberal. The day was perfect, and all seemed to enjoy the fun and the mutual interchange of friendly greetings and good fellowship. Roll of Honour.—ln common with ihe rest of the Dominion, we are suffering by the casualty lists now coming from the fighting line, and the uncertainty of the present outlook is causing no small concern. General.—So far we are net suffering much from the fact of our isolated position in the matter of household supplies, and, compared with other centres, I do not think the tariff of charges which we pay to our local proyisiohers is excessive.—o\ir Library building still remains in its wrecked condition, although there are funds in hand to " fix it," as Uncle Sam would say. The timber needed for the purpose is still «at Garston.—The School Committee is allowing the use of the school for religious purposes. WAIKAIA. January 21. —The weather has been most changeable—sunshine and again very heavy showers of ram nearly daily. The sheepBhearing at Glenaray and Avgyie Stationa ' has been greatly delayed. Presbyterian • Churoh. —Messrs W. Aitken, J. Davidson, T. Moffat, H. Sproat, and J. Handyside were nominated for the position of elders of the Presbyterian Church. Only " three are required. Welcome Home.—A large gathering of residents from Wendonside and surrounding' district assembled to do honour to ;eturned trooper C. B. Collins on Friday night, 18th jnst., in the Wendonside Half, Mr Shepherd, in a eulogistic speech, referred to the good qualities of the guest, a native of Wendonside, end presontcd him with a gold medal as a token of respect and esteem from his many friends. " For he's a jolly good fellow " was heartily sung. SOIO3 were rendered by Itesdanies Anderson, Cameron. Didkson, ■ana Messrs Bond', Burns, and Sanson, and a recitation Was given by MSaster Tumbiill. Mr and Mrs Gilmour .(piano and violin) supplied the music. Mr D. Sanson made an feffioient M.C. A nice Bupper wns handed round. Wounded. —The many friends of Mr and Mrs iiandysicie are sorry to hoar of their eon, George Handyside, being seriously wounded in the right eye, forearm, and left shoulder in France. Ho has been at the front for some time, and enjoyed good health until being wounded. It is hoped he will 1 make a good recovery. 1 Death. —An old identity of Switzevs, Mr , George Benjamin Dennis, passed rather suddenly on the loth inst., at the Ugo of 73 years. He was on a visit to his daughter, Mrs Mbffiti, of Abbotsford, and went out for a walk with one of his gandsons. Feeling unwell, he sat down, asking the boy to go and play. On going to his

grandfather the '.)oy found he was dead, the cause being failure of ,the heart. Mr Dennis was born at Milor, Cornwall, England, in 1814, and came to the colonies in 1864. He was a successful gold miner—a pioneer at the Taiori, Naseby, Dun3tan, and Switzcrs goldfiolds. He was married at Switzers to a daughter of the late Mr John Ellis, of jJumferlire, and eventually settled on a farm at Waikaia. Ho leaves a family of three sons (M<esre Edward, George, and John Dennis, sheep farmers of Waikaia), two daughters (Mrs Crowley, Waikaia, and Mrs Moffitt, Abbotsford), and 18 grandchildren. Much sympathy is felt for Mrs Dennis and the family in their bereavement. The funeral on Saturday, 19th inst., was largely attended, included amongst whorn were many old identities and the Oddfellows in their regalia, the deceased having been •one of the oldest members of the local lodge. The Rev. Mr Button officii)ted at the service in the Waikaia Church and at the graveside. LUMSDEN. January 20. —After much agitation and innumerable letters written to M.P. s, Cabinet Ministers, and others, the railway authorities liave decided to close the viaduct at ihe Ma-ra.roa bridge, through which much water has flowed and done considerable damage to the farms in the vicinity. The work is being done right away, and it is to be hoped the result will be satisfactory to all hands. ■Sudden Death.—l regret having to report another sudden death in our community, Mr W. H. Olark, schoolmaster, receiving his call lest Thursday morning whilst working in his back yard. The deceased gentleman has held the position of schoolmaster in Lunisden for over 20 years, and during that period has turned out some very brilliant scholars. He was a man of very high scholastic attainments, and as a teacher was painstaking and thorough in his methods, believing that if a thing was worth doing it Was worth doing well, and many parents have rejoiced that their children had the services of such a man to assist them in their educational sttidies, and prepare them to take a prominent and profitable place amongst the workers of the world. As a patriotic worker in connection with the war he, in conjunction with his wife, prepared severa 1 lectures and concerts, which were the means of gathering a gcodly sum to the patriotic funds. He was also an enthusiastic member of the local Miasonio Lodge, a.nd held the office of secretary for many years. He leaves a widow, two sons, and a daughter to mourn their loss, and to them the. sympathy of friends from all over the province is extended. The funeral took place at Portobello on Sunday, and was largely attended. Haymaking.—The farmers are very busy with the grass harvest, and some good crops are reported. WAIWERA. January 19. —The weather is still changeable 5 a good deal of rain falling from time to time. Although not altogether unfavourable to the turnip crop, it is not by any means the most suitable for the grass seed harvest, which is now, jor at least should be, in full swing. I notice there are some splendid crops about; but, of course, the state of the weather from now on is allimportant for the successful saving of it. The other crops are now coming on fast—some will soon be ripe for cutting, while others will be rather late. As the season has been all through, so will be the state of the crops—\ T ery irregular. Shearing.—l think I am safe, in stating that the shearing is now finished for the season, with varied results. I have heard, too, that some have not been altogether satisfied with the values put on their clips. Indeed, I am quite safe in stating that the sheep-owners generally would be much better pleased if the prices were fixed by our agents, who have dona it for us for so many years with the utmost satisfaction. Our experience of Government valuers newly appointed—at Clifton Estate, to wit—is that they hc.ve been a complete failure. If we discarded one-half of our gingerbread officials we would be much better off, and not be so eager to get rid of our holdings, as we now undoubtedly are in the majority of cases.

Clifton Estate.—lt is an unfortunate thing for the whole district that the Clifton Estate purchase and settlement has been such a rank failure. Surely the cutting-up of the late' Mr Logan's and Mr Gibson's splendid properties, which was done without the aid of the Government officials, should have been a good guide, and a means of saving a great amount of public money. These two estates have been a thorough success as settlements.

Lime.—lt is not an uncommon thing to be asked why this, that, or the other paddock is not growing clover like Mr So-and-so's, and it is equally common to hear the wiseacres say it's for the want of lime. Perhaps so. Just now I would like some of our prophets to take a trip along and see Mrs Turner's paddock of splendid clover, where there has never been a handful of lime used. I could state many other cases of the sort, notwithstanding the important and judicious use of lime. Troiit.—For a considerable time otir district has been famed for the good quality of its mutton and fat lambs, and lately our splendid Waiwera River, with its abundance of fish and record catches, etc., has been much in evidence in the papers. Should the funny man chance to call on me I might enlighten him still further about the wonderful catches' that have been made in the neighbourhood the last few years with several devices. Perhaps I shall be given an opportunity later on, when my revelations will prove of public interest. WAIPIATA. January 19.—Last Monday the district experienced the severest fttorin that has been felt for some considerable time. In. a very short time the roads were rivers, and fences were washed away and Considerable damage done. Generally speaking, the weather this season has been wet, bui on the whole the season has been an exceptionally good one for the pastoralist. .Shearing operations have been much hampered by the continued wet weather. Harvesting has already commenced in the district, ancf the crops are well forward and looking well. Sports.—A very enjoyable picnic and sports were held at Waipiata on Boxing Day. The weather, after being squally for a few days previously, cleared tip and was all that could be desirjd. The results of the various events are as follow:—100 Yards for Youths— L. Bleach 1, J. Padgett 2, H. Bleach 3. Boy3' Race (120 yards)—S. Slater 1, G. Dundass 2, A. M'Cambridge 3. Girls' Race (100 yards)—M. Slater 1, A. Paterson 2, J. Darling 3. Returned Soldiers' R.ice (100 yafds)—F. Howell a.nd Edgecomo 1, C. Bleach 3. Children's Race (boys)—Paterson 1, Duncan 2, Slater 8. Children's Race (girls)—E. Scherp 1, R. Cooper 2. 100 Yards for Youths—F. Thurlow 1, J. Padgett 2, L. Bleach 3. Married Ladies' Race—Mrs Scherp 1, Mrs Moore 2, Mrs Kinsman 3. Young Ladies' Race—Miss Darling 1, Mies M'Laren 2, Miss Dimdnss 3. Married Men's Race —J. Howell 1, G. Howell 2, J. Slater 3. A social was held in the evening, when songs, recitations,

step-dancing, and dancing were indulged in. The thanks of the committee are duo to all those who so ably assisted to make the day a success. The profits are to be donated to the loco,! Patriotic Committee. Social.—A social- was held in the Waipiata Hall, the object being to bid farewell to Private Samuels, who was home on final leave. In the absence of the chairman (Mr J. Howell), Mr Tregonning presented the guest of the evening with a roll of notes. Mr M'Alpine also spoke a few words. Private Samuels suitably responded. Songs were by Misses Tregonning and Howell, Mrs Johnstone, and Mr Saul. The singing of the National Anthem and "Auld long syne " brought a pleasant evening to a close.

Personal.—Trooper R. Paterson is at present «.t home on extended leave. —The .Rev. Mr Calder, of Mosgiel, is at present in the district on. holiday leave. During his stay he conducted the services in the different churches of this parish. Several visitors are spending their holidays in the district.—Our teacher has returned from her vacation prior to opening the school on the 2Sth inst.

TOTARA. January 21. —For some weeks the weather experienced here has been very changeable. There has been a good deal of rain, andi last week it was very warm and most oppressive; but. as I write it has turned a trifle colder, with a little more rain. Harvest Operations.—The work of securing the crops is now well started. A good area has already been cut and stooked, whilst in a few cases there has been a start rmado to lead in, and some of the mills are already out. There seems to be difficulty in getting harvest- hands, and those already engaged are asking anything from Is 6d to 2s per hour, with fiv9 good round meals thrownin. It is contended that the Government, having fixed the price of wheat, they should also have fixedl a reasonable wage for harvest labour. As far as I can see it just conges to this, that we will have to turn our attention more to sheep and dairying, as then we can manage with considerably less labour. Dairying.—-The local cheese factory seems to be having a good innings, as although the supply is now on the down grade, still about lOOOgal are being received. I had the pleasure recently of sampling some of tho cheese sold locally, and as I consider myself a fair judge I must say that- the cheese made reflects great credit on the manager, Mr P. Ward, formerly of Goodwood. It is stated that last pay day here a total of fully £IOOO was distributed amongst about SO suppliers, and above that we had the whey homn to feed pigs. The price paid last pay day was Is 7d per lb of butter-fat and expect the same on the coming pay day.