THE COUNTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3513, 12 July 1921, Page 23

THE COUNTRY.

Correspondents are reminded that, all letters lor the current 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. J aly B.—Up to yesterday exceptionally mild weather has been experienced during the week. Last night there was a hard fio3t, and from present indications it looks as if the frost will continue. Football. —A C'up match, Arrow v. Queenstown, was played at Queenstown on Wednesday, and resulted in a win for Queenstown by 10 points, (two concerted tries) to 3 (a try). Queenstown, and Glenorchy aro now equal for the Clip, with 4 points each. The final game of the second round will be played at Arrow town on the 16th inst., when Arrow and Glenorchy meet. If the latter wins they hold the Cup for the season, but if Arrow is successful each of the three teams will be equal, and it will be necessary to play another round.—A match was played at Arrow! ewa on Saturday last between Lower Shot-over and Arrow Juniors, and resulted in a win for Lower Shotover by G points (two tries) to nil. Wedding.—A quiet wadding was celebrated at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Queenstown, cn Wednesday morning, 23th nit The contracting parties were Miss Annie Hunter, eldest daughter ot' Mrs ’ Hunter and the late Mr Hugh Hunter, cf Miller’s Flat, and Mr James M‘Lean, eldest son of Mrs M'Lean, of the same place. The Rev. J. H. Robertson was tile officiating minister. The bride, who was given away by her uncle, Mr Robert Hunter, was attended by Miss Annie M'Lsan, sister of the bridegroom; and Mr L. Hunter, brother of the bride, was best man. Immediately after the ceremony ilie happy couple left by steamer, en route for Invercargill, where the honeymoon is being spent. Their future home will be at Miller’s Flat. Accidents—District footballers have been rather unfortunate this season. -In the Queens town-Glcaorchy match on the 28 th nit. Mr Walter Farrant, a member of the Queenstown team, had his collarbone fractured, and a similar accident befel Mr James Gavin (Queenstown) in the ArrowQueenstown match on Wednesday. Personal.—Mr Thomas Scott, son of Mr and Mrs A 'ex. Scott, Gibbston, has been appointed temporary teacher cf the Gibbston School. General.—At a meeting of the Arrow District Medical Committee, held last week, it w-os decided to invite applications for a resident doctor for Arrowtown at a salary of £4OO per annum, with free residence and unrestricted private practice. CROMWELL. July 9. —The weather still continues to be mild, and although some rather keen frosts are being experienced, yet the days are really glorious. So far there has been no fail of snow this winter. Indeed the snow-level on the surrounding mountains has „been except ion ally high. Railway—At last the Clyde to Cromwell section of the railway is to be taken over by the Railway Department—on Monday, 11th inst. Residents are delighted to think that a comfortable service between Dunedin and Cromwell will now be maintained; for, though the railway has been open for traffic for some considerable time, yet the changing of trains at Clyde and the consequent delay at that station caused a great deal of inconvenience to passengers. The train now, instead of leaving at 7.5 a.m., will depart at 7.40 a.m., and will also arrive at an earlier hour in the evening. The shortening of the journey will be much appreciated. Rut still there is much room for improvement, and it is the opinion of many that a considerable amount of speeding up could still be brought about, for the. Otago Central express is certainly not a lightning conductor. P.P.A.—The Rev. Howard Elliott and S. O. Griffith visitc-d Cromwell last week in the interests of the Protestant Political Association, when there was a large and enthusiastic audience that practically filled the nail. Doth speakers, who received an excellent hearing, clearly put before their listeners the aims and objects of the association, and at the conclusion of their speeches enrolled quite a number of members for the P.P.A. A branch is to be formed in Cromwell, and n: doubt it will have a big membership and strong support. Hockey.—The newly-formed H-cckey Club has now got going, and the first match was played by the Cromwell ladies against the Clyde C.ub, the game resulting in a win for the latter club by 2 goals to- nil. Quite a number of interested spectators witnessed the match, and, though the home team was beaten, it was but by a narrow margin, and the Cromwell ladies are to be congratulated on the excellent stand they made. LUMSDEN. July 9.—We are passing through a very mild and open winter—more like spring than winter. Fruit trees and bushes are budding, and bulbs are coming through the ground—a very unusual thing for this district in midwinter. Farm Work.—Farmers are having exceptionally good wcathc-r for outdoor work, and all hands are busy ploughing and otherwise getting ready for the incoming spring work. It is anticipated that a largo area will be under cultivation this year. Stock e.re in first-class winter condition. The country side is looking green and fresh, and there is abundance of turnips, etc., for winter feed. What concerns the farmer insist now is how to profitably dispose of surplus stock. Personal.—A highly respected resident for many years in Lnmsden, Mr Peter M‘lnto3h, left tbis week to spend his declining days in Dunedin. Sc'-osl Affairs.— The school roll has now reached the highest yet recorded. The average attendance is very good, considering it mid inter and tlvi attack of whooping cough, from which a numb.r cf the pupils aro suffering. The- head master (Air R N.. Wilson) and staff of assistants (six male and female teachers all to'd; find it impossible to do justice to themselves or pupils, owing to tile inadequate floor space of the classrooms, much of 11 1 .■ work having to lie done outside in the open play sheds. Hunt. —The Dirchwood Hunt Club had a very su cessful meet on the 2nd inst. A large gathering of the townspeople turned out. The day’s sport wound up with a jumping competition over three flights of sticks erected on the town green. Amusements. —The town is well supplied with winter evening pastimes— two picture shows weekly, with skating and concerts on other nights. The ladies’ hockey team pTayed the gentlemen on Thursday afternoon. A well-contested game ended by the gentlemen winning by 2 goals to the ladies' 1 goal.

OTAJV3 A. July 9.—The weather lately has neither been what one would call perfect nor could it be termed bad. Taking 1 into consideration the average for the winter, one cannot fail to recognise it as exceptionally mild—perhaps one of the mildest winters we have bad for some years. Practically no enofcv has fallen as yet, except on the high lands, while of frost we have had very little indeed—too little to be beneficial to the farmers. On Friday, Ist, we experienced one of the heaviest gales for some time, followed by a veritable deluge, as evidenced by the phenomenal rise of all creeks. Stock.—Fat stock is, if anything, a little easier in. price than when I last wrote, while cattle show a marked improvement, due no doubt to the demand for milkers for dairy purposes. There appear® to be, strange to- say, a shortage of beef in Southland, and this fact, coupled with the afore-mentioned demand, undoubtedly accounts for the stimulation of the market, thus enabling those who bought at high prices to realise at same. It will be of great interest to farmers here, as well as to outsiders, to know what this district lias done in the matter of fat stock for this season. This year no less than 20,000 fat sheep have been - sent to the local freezing works at Mat aura and Burnside, the largest vendors being Messrs Cross Bros., with 2000 to their credit. Messrs F. Wallis and Co., Gore, have been the principal buyers. In regard to the fat lamb market, it must be a matter of great concern to all farmers to know that they are losing approximately 9s i o 10s per lamb on what they are entitled to get. In proof cf this, let it be understood tlia-t lamb in England was 13d a lb at the beginning of cur season, and still remains practically the same at the present time, yet the prices heme dropped here in New Zealand from 29s io about 17s to £l. The fanning community in Southland and Otago should band together in a grand union and, with a man at Heme to manage their affairs, soil their produce direct on to the London market, and thus prevent unscrupulous rings from exploiting their interests. Farm Work.—The farmers in this district have- abundant feed on hand this year, and from the reports to hand there now seems to be plenty of land to go under the- plough, a fact w::Tch goes to show that farmers are going to take .advantage of the rise in oats. It is very difficult to say what cats will be this year, but, judging from reports that come to hand from time to time pertaining to this staple article in Canterbury and tlie North Island, one would naturally be inclined to the opinion that they are. likely to rise still higher. Let u 3 sincerely hope so, for the farmers are really in need of some- remuneration alter a terrible year of jsoor crops and poor prices. "Wedingd Bells.—Wedding bells were ringing in the district to. commemorate the tying of the knot between Mr William Dickson and Miss Effie Sison, of Dunedin. The ha.ppy couple were married in Dunedin on the 6th. All friends here join in wishing them the very best of luck, and in congratulating them upon their embarking upon the in-: <■ imonial sea. of troubles. Concert.—The district is shortly to be favoured with a concert of a high, standard, half being contributed by tire school children, while the other half is to be given byMr Inglis W. Todd’s well-known orchestra, assisted by such well-known singers as Messrs ft. L. Stevenson and Williamson. The fact that Mr Todd’s orchestra, which lias proved itself by previous concerts ill Gore, is coming to assist us should ensure a bumper house. Bachelors’ Ball.—The bachelors of Otama held their annual ball on Friday, Bth, and as tlie night was tine a great gathering assembled, and indulged in their frolics on a well-prepared floor. Tlie programme was very wall arranged indeed, ancl the management on the whole proved that such members as Mesrs Cross, Bruce, and Regan know their business. The music supplied was good, and dancing was continued till tlie early hours of the morning. Messrs D. Bruce and S. Horrell made efficient M.C.’s. GTAUTAU. July 8.-“-The final match for the Banner Competition was played on the Recreation Ground on Saturday, July 2, between Nightcaps and o‘. a uteri, and was keenly watched by about 400 people. The scores were 8 points to 3 in favour of the coal miners, and tlie defeat of the local team can be attributed to the fact that during the first spell they placed with the sun in their eyes and to the off-side play of two cf the Nightcaps forwards. “Scotty” Baird, who gave- up his chance of being selected for the interisland and New Zealand teams, was also a tower of strength to the visitors. The game should have been a draw, but for the fact that the referee gave a wrong decision, thereby preventing Oututau from, scoring. Dr Brown, of Invercargill, controlled tlie game. t Death.—Mrs George. Lee, an old resident of Otantau, passed away at her residence on Sunday, 3rd inst., at the age of 54 years. Deceased had been in ill-health for the' past 1') years, and until lately had been a little better. On lire Thursday previous she took a- stroke. The funeral took place on Thursday, Rev. Mr Richards officiating at the graveside. Cantata.—There was an attendance of between 400 and 500 at the Choral Society’s concert on Tuesday evening, when the cantata “Esther” was presented. The concerted parts were excellently rendered, and showed that a large amount of time had been spent in training the members by Dr Stewart, the conductor. The solos were also appreciated, and the whole performance reflected the greatest credit on those taking part. Miss Campbell presided at the piano and Mias D. Harrington at the or«an A large number of the items had to" b» repeated, the aiulier n showing their appreciation in la unmistakable, manner The following took the p; incipal parts: —Esther Mrs A. A. Holmes; A hnsnerns, C,,. Kim-’ Rev. It. Richards; Mordmsi. Air H h„„J7 Hainan, Mr il. Gould; Zoresh, Hainan’s Wife, Miss M. K. Gould; Queen’s First Maid of Honour and High Priestess, Miss 11. Holmes. Pedigree Stock.—During a rc-cent tour of th ? North Island and Canter bury Air T Norman, the well-known breeder of Jersey cod tic, added two cow.! and three heifers to his herd. A,s t Uese are “top-nof ehci s,” we tail expect to hear more of them when tlie annual show comes round. ‘-li-i! ol Co in mi t tec. — flic monthly meet i tig on Thursday evening was presided over bv Alr G. If. Stevens, fin chairman. The head master’s report showed that, tlie roll nuni.ber w«a 217 and the average a tendance for tlie month was 226, while the average for tlie quarter ended June 30 was 221, the highest attained so far. 'Hie school was visited by the medical officer and school nurse. The Glee Club has now become an established fact, and under tlie capable leadership of Mr JN. U. Saunders, the members are making encouraging progress. By order of the Education Department, the flag is to be saluted and the National

Anthem sung- at least once a week, and it lias b:en arranged that the ceremony take place every Monday morning previous to the pupils entering school! The report was adopted. The matter of draining and improving the grounds is to be attended to during tlio holidays, and it was intimated that the Glee Club was prepared to give & concert in the near future, a proposal which the committee decided to take advantage of. Accounts amounting to £l9 2s 8d were passed for payment. Stock Sale. —There- was a large attendance of buyers and a fair yarding at the stock sale on Wednesday, when sheep values were back 2s .per head on the previous sale, hxtra prime* wethers realised £4e Gd, prime up to 20s, ewes up to 22s 3d, fat lambs up to 16s, dairy cows £lB ss, and heifers £lO *2s 6d. A line of 30 dairy cows, gold on behalf of Mrs Swap, averaged £l2 5s per head.

Annual Meeting.—The annual meeting 1 of the Wallace A. and P. Society, which was to have been held on afternoon, was attended by only 12 members. As there wag not a quorum present, it was decided that the meeting be adjourned till next sale day at 3.30 p.m., and that those members present endeavour to secure a large attendWAIKATO. July s.—Wo have been favoured with a very mild winter, and this has been very welcome lo- the dairy farmers. The effect of the mild season is already seen in the increased price- given at most of the- stock sales, and P looks as if we have turned the corner. School.—A iicvv Roman Catholic convent school was officially opened at To Awamutu cn iSimdiiy, June 39. Dr Liston and several others took part in the- cerein-ony,. and a large collection was given. The new public school is slowly progressing*, and already there is a doubt as to it accommodating all the scholars, owing to the increased population. Quake. —A sharp shock of earthquake was felt all over the district at 1.30 am. on June 29, but no damage is reported. Dairying.—As showing the immensity of the dairying industry in the Waikato, it was decided at a recent meeting of the- Nbw Zealand Co-operative Dairy Company at Hamilton to increase the capital of thecrmp aii y to £l, QUO.OOO.

Football.—Keen interest is taken in nearly ••>•]! the Buy by football competitions. On Saturday week a team representing the Waipa- Union -defeated the Hamilton B team .after a hot game. Sale. —A record Jersey sale was held by the- Farmers’ Auctioneering' Company at Mr Griffiths’s farm,* Fencourt, near Cambridge. The 74 cows and bulls brought in a- total of £10,355 —an average of nearly £l4O per head.

Ministerial Visit.—The Hon. J. B. Coates, Minister of Public- Works, acco mpa nied by | M.r Bollard, M.P., had a strenuous' trip over tracks and bad roods on a trip round Kawhia, Raglan, and Pircngia, and received many deputations regarding the roads, light railways, etc. Hospital.—A movement is being made in To A'.yamutu to erect -a maternity home in ! the district, and canvassers have been appointed. Ail agree as to the necessity of such an institution, but all are not agreed •as to the way it 13 to be managed. HENLEY. July 11.—Tire recent ly-f or mod football team is meeting with great success as far as enthusiasm goes, thanks to the efforts of Messrs C. Biros, T. Geary, and J. Aitkin, old and tried players. In their- first match against Allan ton on Saturday week they met defeat by the small margin of 6 points to 3. Of the players who- stood out prominently on the A 1 billion side mention may be made of Finney, Cullen, Christie, Rondel], and Jarvis, while for the local side Bob Cowie (who scored), R. Dickson, Jim Brown (hooker), T. Geary, and C. Birds may be mentioned. Mr Alex. Fleming made an impartial referee. A return match is to be played at Henley on July 23, when another interesting gam© may be looked for. The thanks of the club are due to- the- local farmers, who allow their men off for the afternoon, and to Mr Alex. D-oull for the use of his pad dock to play on. In connection with the club, a very successful social was held in the local hall on Friday night. Music- vms supplied by the Gray Family, and the M.C.’s wme Messrs J. M'lndoo, G. Slu re. and Tommy Garth. Accident. A motor accident took: place at the ferry the oil r night, when an" elderly ady, Mrs Connor, sister to Mr James Knarston, sioreko per, was run into by a motor car and badly injured. Changes.—The White Horse Hot 1, well known throughout Otago, is Gicrtiv to change hands. Air Amos Al'Kegg, who hr.s so ably conducted the house in recent years (as did his father before him back to the old coaching days), has sold out to Air Gillespie-, manager of the Excelsior llot-el, Dunedin. . PALMERSTON NOTES. PA-LiIERSTON, July 7. In a ladies’ hockey match played here yesterday between AVaikou-aiti and Palmerston the visitors secured a win by 3 goals to nil. A concert and dance was held in the Town Hall last night in aid of the Dr Barnardo Homes. There was a large attendance, and a mu cl programme was supplied by the following:—Mesdames Smith, Wedge, Misses Hurndell, Teviotdele, Messrs Adams, Diack, Hayes, Al‘Leunan, Rev. Foreman, and Alaster Adams (songs), Airs Arkle (pianoforte solo), Mieses Moody and Bain (pianoforte duet), Alas ter Appleby (violin solo). At the monthly stock sale, held to-clay, there was an ordinary all-round yarding. Prices were much on a par with those ruling at the last sale.