THE COUNTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3511, 28 June 1921, Page 23

THE COUNTRY.

Correspondents are reminded that all letters for the enrrent week’s issue must reach Dunedin NOT LATER THAN SATURDAY NIGHT. Letters coming to hand on Monday are too late, and are thus a week old when they appear. LAKE COUNTY. Juno 24. —Exceptionally good weather for this time of the year is still being experienced. W akatipu Licensing' Committee.—A special meeting of the committee was held in Queenstown on Tuesday last, the members present being Messrs A. M. Mowlem, S.M. (chairman), Wm. Reid, and D. F. Sutherland. The application of Charles Theyers for renewal of a publican's license fo-r the Strath Taieri Hotel. Middlemarch, was further considered. Plans of the proposed new 7 building were before the committee, and consideration of the application was further adjourned to the quarterly meeting in September. Wedding.—A marriage of district interest was celebrated at Featherston on the Bth inst. The contracting parties were Mr Chas. Du3ton, eldest son of Mr and Mrs H. Duston, Queenstown, and Miss Dorothy Elliott, second daughter of Air aiid Mrs Charles Elliott, Featherston. The officiating clergyman was Kev. J. G. S. Bartlett, and the ceremony was performed in St. John’s Anglican Church. The young couple spent pert of their honeymoon trip in visiting the bridegroom’s parents at Queenstown. Personal.—lnspector Dew, who is in charge of. the Southland police district, paid liis first visit to the district during the week.—The funeral of Mrs A. Jansen, which .took place at Franktcn on Friday last, was largely attended. The Rev. J. H. Robertson conducted the burial service.—Mr S. J. Johnston, postmaster at Queenstown, is at present on his annual leave. Mr W. F. Bennetts is acting as relieving postmaster. CROMWELL. June 24. —The extreme mildness continues, and it is exceedingly hard to believe that the shortest day has passed. The earlier half of last week was very foggy, and consequently not so warm as it was during the previous week. But there has been very little in the way of frost; mild rains have fallen, and indications pcin: to still more sett led conditions. Irrigation.—Residents here are expecting great dungs in the near future from the Cromwell Development Company’s irrigation scheme. After years of labour, it seems as if the company are now about to reap tlio benefit of their enterprise. Once the water is availa'oc for the Cromwel flat, there is no doubt that that now barren stretch of waste will lie converted into a fertile orchard farming district. The company have suspended work for the winter months, but with the advent of spring the first of the water will be brought up to the flat. Athenaeum. —The athenaeum building is now rapidly nearing completion, and it will not lie long before,this much-needed convenience will lie supplying a long-felt want-. A trial of the lighting scheme was made one evening last week, when everything went elf in a most satisfactory manner. The athenleum Committee have decided cn an opening function, which fs to take the form of a free dance for all and sundry. No doubt everybody will be there. Part of the alhenjeum building is to be set aside for council chambers, and council celebrations are to he held in a more commodious and pleasant chamber than they are at present being held. Councillors have a lot to put up with, and the only solace that at least some of them have is the privilege* of having a smoke while they are transacting business. But at last meeting a non-smoking section objected, and considered it did not add to the dignity o: councillors to fumigate as well as deliberate. After 7 a heated debate on the question during which the devotees of My Lady Nicotine puff’d furiously and waxed eloquently, the mot mil to cease smoking was lest by the narrow margin of one vote. CARGTON, June 22.—Our weather surprises us, as it has continued mild, and more like spring than mid-Winter —days of bright sunshine, without frosts to speak or write of. The weather prophets say, we are likely to pay for this during the next six or seven weeks. IV, not let ns put our umbrellas up before it rains. Farming.—Teams may be seen at work on e\ ry farm and from daylight to dusk is th" rule without one exception, which would in i'. that the area in crop is intended to he larger than hitherto. Dairying.—The Waitaki Dairy Company, 1. mite d, receives the output from here, not in milk, but in cream, which is said not to he as remunerative as sending the milk, but the distance from a cheese factory prevents this being done. However, the cream lias no been a bad paying factor, and an increase of cows for the incoming season is now in contemplation by many who, at one time, were greatly opposed to cows, principally because the labour There seems to lie no drift in the sky, and this drawback is becoming, or promises to become, less. Sheep.—This market is becoming rather healthier, although far from what owners consider commensurate, with their unprecedent losses and unlooked for fall in prices. There are some hopeful people in our midst who sav that the woollies will yet assert themselves. A number .of fats are being sent on to ‘he freezing works, the closing of which is now near at hand. All stock are in the pink of condition, a successful turnip season and fine weather being responsible for tbis. More lambs are sent away at present than was thought would he at an earlier period. Rabbits are being well kept down, that- again being «, heavy tax on the farmer. The School.—Our school is kept up fairly well, but there are -seme parents who stoop to subterfuge rather than e nd their children to school regularly, and in ’ld-' way heavily handicap the conscientious, hard-working teacher, as well as seriously injure the child’s prospects. .... General. —The departure from th- district of Mr and Mrs Livingstone was much regretted. one of the re a- os bcipg their distance from a school. —On hotel at d store i . hangrd hauits the pi rcl aser being a :; r Harv< y, a Dunedini*'. All nnitt in V filing Mr and Air- Flank 'the out-going owner ) ry suc< all th< r under! akings. A hotelkeeper’s life in a country hotel ut a roses, whil th se houses are a nuce?-:ty. T. • re is a movement on foot to give M> 7 and Airs Plank a sends ff, I by a dai ce. Church Affairs.—A petition is going its Tounde asking the Southland Presbytery to approach our late home misionary, the Rev. Robert Taylor, and ask him if he would return and take charge of liis former parish. Ono and all hope that the Presbytery will grant the request, and that Mr Taylor bo found willing to accept it. Our church building still stands as before, awaiting further developments. The advent of Mr Taylor may help matters, and there ore some who fondly hope it may be so.

LOWER WANAKA. —June 24. —We have had exceptionally mild weather during this month so far; no snow has fallen, and only a- few nights of frost, but we have had the usual heavy rams, and some foggy days. School Matters.—Mr Henderson, who was a short time ago appointed head teacher to the local school, has taken up liis duties, and appears to be getting on well with the children. The school, so far this term, is without a committee, as the householders failed to elect one at the proper time. In a place like Pembroke this should not be a hard matter, as some twenty householders have children going to school. The: trouble seems to be that a good number of the eligible men live a great distance from the school, and consequently have a difficulty ill attending the meetings. The- school building is at tile present time undergoing repairs and alterations, and the classes are being held in the residence in the meantime. Presentation.—A picnic was held in the school grounds on the lying’s Birthday, and games, etc., were engaged in. During the afternoon Rev. J. Ryley, on behalf of the residents and school children, presented Miss Ivi’Kay, the lady teacher, with a travelling rug. In a neat speech, Air Ityley eulogised the young lady’s many good points, and voiced the general feeling of sorrow at her intended departure. Miss M’Kay, who has been in charge of tiie infant classes for a number cf years, has made many friends in the district, and is especially Jjeloved by the children. Ala} 7 she have .all prosperity in her new sphere of usefulness. Aliss Dewe has been appointed lady teacher at Pembroke. Roads. —Very little money lias been spent on the roads in the district lately, and consequently in places they are very bad. A considerable amount of gravelling will have to be done soon if the roads are to be kept in a passable state. Football.—Wanaka has again a strong 7 team in the' field, .and tile boys are making strenuous efforts to capture the banner. Accidents,—Mr C. Templeton had his shoulder disabled while playing football last Saturday, hut is progressing favourably.— Mr A. Allison, of Hawea, cut his wrist severely whilst working >a cliaffcutter, and had to go to hospital.—Messrs J. Smith, jun. and A. Todd, when driving a young horse last week, were returning home in the dark, the wheel of the gig came in contact with some obstruction and the occupants were thrown out. They escaped with a severe shaking and bruises. Aerial Visitor.—We Lad a visit from an aeroplane, but as the weather was windy only three passenger flights were made. A large number of people were disappointed at not being able to go up. WAITAHUNA. Juno 25.—50 far we are having a splendid winter. The weather has been very mild and there is plenty of green feed about yet. Presentation. —Prior to leaving M'ount Stuart, Air and Airs Hugh Crozier were tendered a. social and Air Crozier was presented with a fountain pen ufid Loewe pipe, and Airs Crozier with a silver cake dish. Air Crozier has sold his farm to Air James MTndoe. Social.—The Presbyterian. Church held its annual social on Alay 19, when there was a large attendance. It was a perfect night, and all enjoyed themselves. War Trophies.—At the Waitshuna School committee meeting held on Alonday night, Jun© 6, the chairman (Rev. E. Bandy) reported that the Defence Department had advised him that two captured German machine guns had been sent for the purpose of being installed in the school ground. The question of their installation was left over to the next meeting. OTAUTAU. June 24.—The Ladies’ Hockey Club made a trip to Invercargill on Saturday, 18th inst., and played a friendly match with Collegiate, the latter obtaining a win by 7 goals to nil. On Wednesday, 22nd inst., they also met a team at Winton, and lost by 6 goals to nil. They were most hospitably treated at both places. The Half-holiday.—The township has been in the throes of a controversy lately as to I the merits or demerits of the Wednesday and Saturday half-holidays. The decision of the public meeting, however, was given effect to by the sub-committee, comprising Messrs R. Scatter (chairman of the Town Board), John Fisher (Town Clerk), and 4lr Stewart, canvassing the town to ascertain the wishes of the business portion of the community. In every instance but one the business people were in favour of Saturday, and tne necessary requisition having been, forwarded to the proper authorities, the shops kept open on tlie Wednesday, and closed on Saturday. Stock Sale.—The first sale to he held on a Wednesday since the agents announced their decision, was held on the 22nd, when there was a large yarding, and a good attendance of buyers. Wethers made from 17s 3d to 22s Gd, fat lambs to 19s 3d, store lambs 8s to 14s yd, four and six-tooth ewes ] up to 21s, and failing mouths to 10s Bd. i Cattle showed an increase of 10s to .30s. | Wallace Agricultural and Pastoral Asso- | ciation.—The report to be presented a t the j annual meeting of the Wallace Agricultural i and Pastoral Association on July 8 -shows j that the overdraft increased during the year I by £29 3s, and now stands at £283 4s lid, | and a determined effort to wipe this off will be considered, it being proposed to double I the membership fee to attain this end. The j directors contributed £SB 14s Id last year j in addition to their membership fees.. The question of getting an experimental farm on the Stratford principle is also to be discussed. Messrs P. Boggs, T. A. Buckingham, R. Beggs, F. J. Collie, S. Fowl©, S. James, W. Kennedy, D. Malcolm, J. I?. AFDougail, W. J. A. AFGrc.gor, James Ryan, G. H. Stevens, W. Lindsay, W. Aitken, W. Bradley, G-. A. Burnett, L. J. Brown. W. Buick, A. j C. Cochrane, E. Clent, J. Dickson, J. P. Forde, Geo. Low, James Low, A. Alanson, J. At. Keen, A. C. M ids, J. Aluirhead', A. AFAuley, and J. Richards are the retiring directors. Wedding Bells.—Aliss Annie Timoney, daughter of Air Francis and Airs Elizabeth Timoney, of Dromahain County, Leitram, Trolaiul, and niece of Air AI. Conley, of this town, was married to Mr Wm. Rabbit in the Catholic Church on Wednesday, 19th m-!., la P v. Father Buckley. Mr M. j G on lev gave I he bride away, and she was charmingly dress d in cream crepe do • chine. M ss Winnie Gnulcy, cousin of the j bride, was bridesms ■ d, end wore a cream Fuji Ik dress and thick picture hat with • blue streamers. Tin. brideytomn was attended ! by his brother, Air AI. Rabbit. After the j ceremony tiie gut-sis adjourned to the resi- j dt-nce of Air Goulev, wtn-re the wedding breakfast was partaken of. the happy couple | afterwards travelled by the second express to Dunedin, whore the honeymoon is being I spent. The presents received wore numerous, ; costly, and ornamental.- On Wednesday, 22nd j inst,, a very pretty wedding was celebrated in St. Paul's Church, Invercargill, the contracting parties being Aliss E. Teller, of Colac Bay, and Mr George White, Otautau. Aliss O. Teller, sister of Hi© bride, officiated as bridesmaid, while Air Martin Fahey per-

formed the duties of groomsman. The wedding breakfast was laid out in Federal Tea Rooms, where th* usual toasts customary to such an occasion were duly honoured!. The newly-married couple ieit by the express en route to Christchurch. APARIMA. June 22.—The Aparima Methodist Church was (tilled with an enthusiastic and appreciative audience on Wednesday. 22nd mst., the occasion being a conceit to raise funds for the annual Foreign Mission effort. Rev. R. Richards presided., and the programme was supplied mainly by the Ota-utau parly, the following taking part—Choruses by Misses T. Seatter, G. Harrington, 13. Scatter, Messrs Kirk and Edwards; solos, Mrs Brooker, Misses Mat hie son and MTntosh, Messrs iiogg, Richards, Edwards, and Kirk; recitations, Misses Walker and Enid Wesney, and Rev. Richards; a duet by Mrs Brcoker and Miss Scatter; and violin solos by Mr Engel. Nearly all the items, were encored, A good supper was catered by the ladies nt half time, and at the conclusion of the entertainment Mr L. M. Thomson moved a hearty vote of thanks to the performers, to the ladies who provided the supper, and to the audience for attending. These remarks were endorsed by Mr Newton, and the vote was carried by acclamation. A very successful concert was brought to a fitting termination with the- Benediction. WAIWERA. June 24.—For a considerable time die weather has been more like spring tflfen winter. At present the gardens are a oi flowers, and the paddocks have quite the appearance oi spring. The fall crops., of winch there is a- good bit through the district, are getting a good chance, and in tlic meantime are doing well. There seems to be a larger area broken up than has been the case lor some seasons past. It is to be hoped prices will be better next year to encourage the farmers to push on. 11’, however, prices don’t improve* it will be a sorry day not only for 1 he farmers, but for the* whole of New Zealand. What we want, too*, is cheaper manures. The present prices are ruinous. The Government rules the prices of our products, then why not rule the price of manures, and see that tire users get them at a reasonable in-ice, seeing so much depend on tlieir use. Aerial Rides.—The aeroplane lias paid us the promised visit, making Mr M'Kenzie’s paddock the landing place. This proved an ideal place for the purpose, and after settling for a tiiii;? and taking the necessary bearings the joy rides began m earnest.. The general opinion appeared to bo that the ride was rather a costly one. Drainages.—While on Mr M'Kenzie’s farm I looked over the paddock he lately drained, and really the results are marvellous. What were before in many parts complete b-ogs almost impassable wit-li teams, constitute today a splendid paddock oi turnips, many being of immense* size. I should judge tins ono crop would almost pay for the draining, and there is still the paddock left in spendid trim for the future, and worth pounds per acre more. I have an idea that Mr MTvcnzie intends trying lucerne in part oi the paddock now that it has been both drained and limed. We next crossed ins paddock of wheat, and found it looking really well, and if the season continues favourable I think great results may be anticipated. 1 think this, is the- first time wheat has been tried on the farm, so that Mr M’Kenzie may bo admired for his pluck; such go-ahead farmers deserve success. Bees—The Messrs Robertson and Son® informed me oi an experiment carried out '-y Master li. Robertson, wMcli proved quite asuccess m its way. Having quite a fancy to try bees and what could b? made out oi them, they cultivated thorough* and timed a little paddock that was well sheltered and sowed it with a good deal oi clover which came away very well, and provided a abundance of nectar for the bec-s. I he} procured several hives, and m one season sokl honey enough to pay for the nine, which was sown at the rate of 15 cwt per acre and the extra cultivation, besides fc.dni“ the cows that grazed in the paddock a 11° summer, showing clearly tnat even bees with proper care and attention cun he n ade ! to pay in Waiwera. I may s a e heic that this is really one ot our model lot ms. SALCLUTHA. Tn-.ip ;, s—The representative of the Alan Wilkie Company was m Balelutha this week kin- arrangements for the production of t“; ’‘Merchant-of Venice. ' As it » seldom ihat a production of tons kind is staged here thore should bs a record booking. Aerial Flights. —Captain Maiming, mis been touring South. Otago Ins spent a busy time g-vin flight. . . other evenin- before descending he spiraled twice; his feat receiving applause I vailing bore. OUTRAN. | twSSelfS and SE I ike, with very little ruin H \ r* k ’ of The farmer, and ! ? hfgood order for the plough. I 1 iinusem’i’ts.—The Oddfellows’ Concert ! hekl recently attracted the largest audience f or some* time. I he proseen m 1 . f, ELiied by Mr Rawlinson and gramme was supplied jy , . ~ xy,.,|_ A'etpr* Bcv! e Bush OAMARU. o- tTp ion o ' 1 neriod ox dry weather June -o.—ine t m vo were broke oier B'ouT l ”' bi t. 'which has penetrated right about . . ■ , The autumn-sown ‘ ;TkmT w-h, i he a id -t a paddock "of oats that was sown about Ue end of March which be months atterwa 7 is. I.x » ; , hl]l g II p .“. v.' 1 Tl’l.o'Tvintor 0 Ik«s taken rather a , l ' . tn i, in Unman hie. Several elderly : i,<! ’ >7 \ .. Having and tncy arc , ; " lt j l ' Vi,'; win be missed. The hist -s ! : u, O|, jVK C. Nichols, from England, who i 7 , Vi, „f ijf„ in the Argentine be tore vh; abut « 5 ,n. « g o. He was \ X sPition manager and sheep farmer, and ; ;LrrUd a daughter of the la* Mr Lorton, ! “.‘ilvltimo ninlmUler. who survr.es him, also ; a grown-up family. I Vcrsel'nl —Mr L. E. Haines, the manager Of the Bank of Few Zealand retires on superannuation. On Friday night last the Aimlicaii Church people tendered him a social in the hall adjoining the church. Archdeacon J. D. Russell, who presided, explained in detail that for 10 years past the

guest of the evening Lad been a most valued helper of the church, as church warden, lay reader, and treasurer, and his place would be hard to fill. The Rev. Air Jamieson, vicar, followed in detail. Then Air Ruddick, parishioners’ churchwarden; Mr R. A. Bulkley, vicar’s churchwarden; and Air Daw (who said he knew Mr Haines 35 years ago at Roxburgh, where he handled more gold than any present bank manager, and oil hi® advice a reserve fund was made, which ultimately built a church), all bore testimony to the good work done bv Air Haines, both in the Sunday School and in Red Cross work. The Archdeacon explained that Air and Mrs Haines desired that there should bo no presentation-, but they really could not let them leave without presenting Air Haines with a prayer hock and fountain pen, and Airs Haines with a hymn book. There were cheers for Abss Haines. Then Air and Mrs Haines suitably replied! in detail, and they all sang “Auid Lang Syne” and “They Pvie Joliy Good Fellowsr* Refreshments were handed round, after which some of the youthful people had haif an licm-’s dancing.