THE COUNTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3430, 9 December 1919, Page 31

THE COUNTRY.

fgT Correspondent* are reminded that all Ist•rs for the current . week's issue must reach

Dunedia NOT LATKa THAN MONDAY. NIGHT. Letters ooming to hand on Tuesday are too late. md adre thuo a week old when they appear.

LAKE COUNTY. December s.—During- the last few days th* weather has taken a turn for the- bettor. At the end of last week the weather was quite wintry, but it is now more seasonable, but it does not appear to be settled. General Election,—Matters political have been stirring during the week. "We have had a visit from the Prime Minister, who spoke at Queenstown on Friday evening, when there was a large attendance. On Saturday -evening Mr Ashworth, the official Labour candidate, spoke at Queenstown to a fair attendance. He received a vote of thanks. Mr Bern, the Liberal candidate, had a. good meeting in Queenstown last night, and was accorded a unanimous* vote of thanks and confidence. Mr Scott, the Government canaldate, speaks a£ Queenstown. As far ias this end of the large electorate is concerned, the contest will be between Messrs Horn and Scott, and the former will have a strong vote, in this district, as he ia well known and very popular. He has the support of many strong supporters of Sir William Frassr. Wedding.—A wedding of district interest took place at Roslyn, Dunedin, on the 26th ult., when Miss Jean Shaw, sixth daughter of the late Mr and Mrs John Shaw, In choline, was married to Mr Richard Jones, son of the late Mr Samuel Jones and Mrs Jones, of Queenstown. The Rev. E. Adams, Roslyn, was the officiating clergyman. Clearing Sale.—Mr T. J. Cotter, auctioneer, held a successful clearing sale yesterday of stock and farm implements on. account of Messrs Romans and Thompson, who recently disposed of their fann at Miller's Flat. Light draught horses brought up to £3B, cows to £l3, and sheep to 245. The implements and harness brought good prices. Sale of Privileges.—The privileges in connection with the Lake County rocs© on 39th and 20th December were, sold at Queenstown yesterday. The publican's- booth brought £36, and the. race books £6. OTAUTAU. December s.—The monthly meeting of the School Committee was held in the school on Monday, Ist inst. The head master's report was submitted, showing en average attendance for November of 198. Misses Cupples and Macdonald, who have completed their two years' term, are leaving for the Training College at the end of the year. In order to raise the necessary funds for the prizes a benefit picture entertainment is to be held in the Town Hall on Saturday, 13th December. The break-up of the school takes place on Thursday, 18th inst., when all the members of the committee are expected to be present. • Clearing Sale.—Mr George Seatter, who recently sold his farm,, held a very successful clearing sale last week, his dairy cows averaging over £2O. Prior to his leaving to reside in the township, the neighbour? and friends gathered at hia residence, when Mr John Lindsay, on behalf of the farmers, presented Mrs Scatter with a travelling rug, Mr Seatter with a suit case, and Miss A. Seatter with a roll of no'es, wishing them at the' same time long life, happiness and frcsperity. Mr Seatter suitably responded.— t is rumoured hero that the purchaser of Mr Spatter's property has .again turned it over at an advance, of £6 per acre. —Mr James M'Dougall has bought Mr J. A. Thorn on's property, a few miles out from Otautou.

Bowling.—Jupiter Phivrus has been very unkind to the tennis and bowling clubs this year, hardly a fine day being recorded to carry on these favourite pastimes. On Wednesday, 3rd that., however, the looal bowlers journeyed - "to Riverton to play against Aparima, four rinks making the trip. Although a cold wind prevented any enthusiasm being worked up. still a very enjoyable game resulted in a draw, 72 points being scored. Mr A. C. Mills, the president of the Otautau Club, thanked the Aparima bowlers for the hospitable manner in which they had been treated, Mr Eraser, president of the Aparima Club, responding. The visitors were entertained to tea in Mr de Clifford's hotel.

Welcome Home.—A social evening, under the auspices of the Young People's "Guild of the Presbyterian Church, was held on Friday, 28. h tilt., to welcome home the returned soldiers whose names are on the Church Koll of Honour. A short but excellent programme was submitted, under the leadership of Mrs Macdonald, end wns much appreciated by those present. The following item® were .given:—Anthem by the choir; sdng by Moira Eenowden and Mina Macdonald; dialogue by eight girls; song, Miss Mills; song, Miss Mathieson; and a two-part song by a • baud of boys and girls. The accompaniments', were tastefully played by Mrs Macdonald and Mr Jellyman. The remainder of. the evening was filled in by playing some entirely new games. The Rev. A. Macdonald welcomed the soldiers in o few appropriate words. A very dainty supper, which reflected the highest credit on the ctilinary abilities of the lady members of the guild, was served. Mr Walter Burnett proved himself the right man in the right place as leader of the evening's proceedings. The function concluded with the National Anthem, and three hearty cheers for Mrs Macdonald, president of the Young People's Guild. The Eecent Fete.—At the last meeting of the Progressiva League the balance sheet of the Labour Day Fete was submitted, and, after payment of expenses, the handso*r>e sum of nearly £350 will be available. This result is largely due to Mrs Porteoua and her willing band of lady assistants, and the league is greatly indebted to Ihem. The New Town Board.—Following on the extraordinary vacancy caused by the resignation of the whole of the members of the Town Board, nominations close on the 10th inst. for the election of a new one, and in the event of more than seven nominations being received an election is to take place on Wednesday, 24th December. Gore Show. —Mr W. Kennedy was again successful in the sheep section at the Gore .Show. Besides carrying off a large number of first and second prizes, he annexed the champion certificate for best ewe in the Border Leices'ers, champion certificate for best ewe : n English Leieesters. and champion certificate for Jjest ram and tux- in the "Rbmney Marsh section. ORETI. November. 29.—Like other parts of Southland, we have had so far a very backward season. Cold winds find frequent hail showers are not conductive to the growth of grass and oat crops. A much smaller area than usual has been sown in oats in this district. Farmers who commonly grew up to 100 acres have this year only somo 10 or. 20 acres sown—just enough for their own requirements. As feed was so scarce,

very little grass has been saved for seedthreshing. I notice Messrs Flannagan Bros, have -two nice paddocks to cut. Social.—A welcome-home social was held in the local hall en Friday, 28th, when Private Sharp, the last soldier from this district to return, was entertained by the people of Oreti. Mr Gazzard, in presenting the returned soldier- with a gold medal, suitably inscribed, xeferred to the esteem m which he was held in this district. Mr W. Heales gave a song and an acrobatic display, and Messrs Bailey, Taylor, and Edgerton supplied the music for the danc<» Election.—The Hon. Sir J.' G. Ward addressed, a large meting here on Wednesday night, and had a good hearing. The Reform candidate, Mr J. R. Hamilton, speaks the following" Wednesday, and is assured of a good meeting. General.—Land continues to change hands about here. The latest to sell is Mr Charles Proctor, Mr S. G. Woods, an adjoining farmer, being the purchaser. Mr Proctor has brought another property at South Hillend, and his friends will, I am sure, wish him success in his new venture. HYDE. December 5. —A 'correspondent hflSi forwarded ah account of a function at Granity, on the West Coast, some of the parties.concerned in which are well known in' Hyde and other parts of Central Otago. Mr and Mrs Tapp belonged to Hyde, and the Rev. Thomas Knight was a few ' years ago stationed at Lauder. Here is an abridged account of the function:—A rather unusual gathering was held at the residence* of Mr and Mrs Tapp, Granity, on tlie lOih October. It wias held for a double purpose—the christening of their two daughters (Amy and Ethel) and the celebration of the eleventh birthday of the former. There was a largo attendance. The baptismal "service .was conducted by the Rev. T. Knight. The service over, the whole party were liberally entertained by Mr and Mrs Tapp, a handsome birthday cake adorning the centre of ft beautifully-decorated table. Justice having been done to tho many good things provided. recitations, songs, and dialogues were nicely rendered by the children, who later engaged in various games. Songs were rendered' by Mrs J. Kerr and Messrs Tapp, Black, and Knight, and duet 3 by Mr and Mrs Tapp and by Messrs Tapp and Black. During the evening Mr Tapp gave several items on the piccolo, accompanied by Mra Tapp on the piano.- Needless to. say, all enjoyed themselves thoroughly, not the least Amy herself, who was the recipient of many pretty birthday presents,' inclusive of a purse of silver. After a well-merited vote of thanks to Mr and Mrs Tapp for their handsome entertainment, what had been a pleasant function throughout was brought to a fitting close by the singing of the well-known hymn "Childhood's years are - passing o'er us "

w» a I w *•»a Dec-ember 4.—The weather is very changeable, cold winds and very heavy showers of rain. On Tuesday we had showers of rain, hail, and snow, the day being as- cold as in mid-winter. The high country has a deep covering of snow. Social.—On November 13 a. farewell social was held in honour of Mr and Mrs Busbridge in Mr Dickson's barn, at Freshford, which was crowded. Mr W. Bond (chairman) .referred in feeling terms to the departing guests, who' had sold their farm and were going to live in Gore. Mr J. Davidson and Mr Barron also testified to.the worth of the guests as old residents of about 30 years' fiianding in the district. Songs were sung by Mrs J. Cooper, Miss S ; Dickson, Miss marson, Messrs D. Sanson and Busbridge. Messrs Gilmour and Sanson gave selections on the violin. At an interval the chairman presented Mr and .Mrs Busbridge with two handsome Morris chairs as tokens of esteem and regard. Mr Busbridge suitably returned thanks for the hear y and kind speeches and kind gifts to his wife and himself. Dancing was 4 hen engaged in, Mr W. Hickey making an efficient M.C. The ladies brought baskets, apd an enjoyable evening closed by singing "Auld lang syne." Election.—Mr Horn held a meeting in the Coronation Hall on November 29. The large gathering included a few ladies. Mr Milno was chairman. A few questions were asked, and a vote of thank? and confidence passed. Accident.—Mr and Mrs H. Collins, Wendonside, were driving home when the young horse they were driving took fright at a motor cycle, and bolted below the Presbyterian Church and crossed a fence. Mr and Mrs Collins were thrown out of the gig. Mrs Collins was bruised, but is now better. They had a narrow escape.

BALCLUTHA. December 6.—So far there is no improvement in the weather, and we arc experiencing the most unseasonable conditions recorded for some time past. Perhaps, after the general election, things will settle down, for certainly th-a atmosphere, politically, is tense. Balcratha District High School.—The monthly mee'ing was held last Wednesday, when it was decided to hold the on Tuesday af'ernoon, December 16. The Otago Education Board wrote stating that it would comply with the committee's request for the renovation of the' interior of the .school building.. The. Elections.—Mt Malcolm's address on Tuesday -night is considered -o be the best political address delivered here during the present campaign. He spoke clearly and decisively on the various questions under review, thus lea-vine his audience quite conversant with his opinions. There certainly was a total lack of the "padding" so habitual in the majority of election addresses. December 4.—The prevailing dry wea'her is bee/inning to have a disastrous: f flo C i OTI the district, many parts of which are thus early in the season showing signs of drought. Political. —Electioneering- is increasing both in activity and in keenness as the polling l day approaches. W'fch throe candidates out for Gisborne and four for Hawke's B,iy. and W-airoa right on the boundary line betw«en the two electorates, with interests in both, political rspirants are giving u« a cw>d d*"il of a-t+eu'ion. Sir James Carroll is considered fairly safe for Gisborne, and Mr Campbell-is thought to be likely to win his old seat again. But Wairoa would not b? surprised if Mr M'Kay. the Liberal candidate for Hawke's Bay, should succeed in upse'ting the latter prediction. In both electorates Labour is represented by candidates from "Wellington. Tb»y will ho doubt ob'r.in a block union vo l e. bu* are qul'e unknown to the general body of the electors. School Affairs.—The local School Committee is- beine faced with very serious financial difficulties in its work of carryins on the school, and has for some time been seriously considering the ques'ion of resignation, eo as to throw on other shoulders the onus of carryine on with a totally inadequate grant. However, more moderate counsels are prevailing, and' a further attempt will be made, chiefly with the assistance of funds raised by the pupils and

teaching staff, to battle ahead. The recent school concert realised a gross total of £55, net £46, of which £ls hae been voted to general fund'3, £ls to further playground improvement, and £l6 to the priao fund, which has been, considerably reduced tine year. Thus the school itself has raised during this year a net sum of about £BS, a considerable portion of which has been expended in much-re quired improvements to the school grounds.