THE COUNTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3519, 23 August 1921, Page 23

THE COUNTRY.

Correspondents are reminded that all letters for 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, August 19.—Tlia weather continues very unsettled, and a good deal of rain has fallen during the week. Hockey.—Two hockey matches were played at Queenstown on Saturday last. The first match was between the Queenstown and | Arrowtown schoolgirls, and the second was a ’ return match between teams from Queen- j stown and Arrow ladies' clubs. The conditions were anything but favourable, heavy rain falling, and the ground was in a very sloppy state, pools of water lay all over the field, and consequently the games were more or less a mud and water scramble. The schoolgirls match ended in a draw—two goals each —while the senior game r suited in a win for Queenstown by one goal to* nil. Mr W. X.' 1 .-- n acl . refer* for both matches. Football. —The return mutch between Arrow and Lower Shotover junior teams was played at Lower Shotover on Wednesday. The Lower Shotover again proved that they were the best team, winning easily bv 24 points (eight tries) to nil. Mr Robert M‘Allister was referee. District Nurse.— A well attended meeting was held in Queenstown last week for the purpose of considering the matter of procuring a district nurs ■ for Qu enstown. The Mayor (Mr A. Simeon) presided, and Mr ft. S. F.die, district representative on the Southland Hospital Board, was also present. Mr Fdie said that the sum required to be raised by tlie residents was £IOO, and the Health Department would subsidise this to tlie extent of 21s in the £, making £220 in all. All fees would be payable to the board. After discussion a committee was formed for the purpose of raising £IOO, and to take such steps as are deemed necessary in connection with the project. CROMWELL. August 20.—Spring lias come with mild days, and consequently tlie townspeople are busy in their gardens. Fruit trees are just about to burst in o blossom, and, given no late frosts, there should be record harvests this year. The snow is fast disappearing from the lower levels of the surrounding ranges, and conditions are already pointing to a warm summer. "Water Supply.—Of late the town water supply has been far from satisfactory, that from the Mount Pi-a supply being absolutely unfit at times for human consumption. On the other hand, the water from the reservoir to the east of the town is remarkably pure, buc it has been available only for a few of the residents. At the last meeting of the borough council a letter was received : protesting against this state of affairs. It : was explained at the council that the fault ‘ was partly due to the one in charge of ; the Mount Pisa supply being temporarily off duty, while his place was filled by one who was new to the work and who consequently did not know how to regulate the flow of water into the town. The council, however, intend to see to it that a purer supply is in tlie future maintained for the whole of the residents. Soldiers’ Memorial. —The committee of the Cromwell Public School have taken in hand the erection in the school of a memorial to those soldiers of the great war who were once pupils of the school. The memorial is to take the form of an honours board or tablet to be erected in the vestibule of the building. Subscription lists to defray expenses are now being circulated in the town, and it is confidently expected that the required amount will ho easily raised. Sport.—Last Saturday the Cromwell Hockey Club received a visit from the Alexandra High School Club, when a most enjoyable and interesting match was played on the Recreation Ground, which finally ended in a win for the home team by the narrow margin of one goal to nil. Quite a number of the residents proceeded to Dunedin last week-end to witness the Springboks’ match. One very enthusiastic party left by motor . arr ving in Dunedin early 02 Saturday morning. They were thus able t ,• sc • the match, and they left again for the Central on Sunday, arriving back in Cromwell at about seven on the* Sunday evening. The trip speaks volumes for their enthusiasm, especially as some of the party were of tlie fair sex. WAKSCAV A. August 20. —The weather lias been very changeable—cold winds and heavy rain, alternating with fine, sunny days. Lecture.' —In the Presbyterian Church, on Frida>-, .A roust 12, Mr Snowball gave a lecture. . 1 rated by lantern slides, on n gland." Personal.—The engagement is announced of to Mr Max Deans, youngest son of Mrs Deans, Riccarlon. —On Friday, August 12, Mrs Deans gave a birthday party in the Coronation Hall to her son, Mr Dan Cronin. There was a largo attendance. Obitiiarv.—One of the early pioneers of tl - dist v in the >erscn cf Mrs Turnbull, died, at her home, Haiv© street, South Dunedin, on August IS, at the age of 71 years. The svmpitliy of tho district is extended to the husband and relatives in their bereavement. Mr Todd, for many years a resident of Waikaia, died 011 August 15. OTAMA. August 19. —Though the weather lias been somewhat indifferent of late yet it has been such as is to be expected for this time of the year. Some time back we experienced a fall of about three inches of snow, but as the weather turned out fairly warm afterwards this scon clear :d away. Winds from the cast liavo been also prevalent, but farmers do not mind its icy blast so much to dry up the ground in order to ennhL them to carry on with spring preparations. ' ngnst 'sf Shis dis1i ,rt the nrivihve r.f ;i veit from their J.::: Here -s Yct; hh and E civ Jellicoe and dan fit r, tlie I !', I. L ev Jr!Accompxnivd by the mayor of ‘ and cv i councillors the Vice-regal pa,tv motored o«* by way of tlie M i !<>• ill, 10 »d to Oianiit ~ end thence on from tffire hv the bottom *oid, ani’ ng a; >o f 3 t >., .. On tin ir nKdi*::: ' at tho FAT •• Mims’ Monument they were most entbus';* tirally wei.-om d by a I a rye g:i tm ring or pro* l , ... who had coine from miles around to pay home to ...no Mr 1 hoi is T.- • - n -b! half . . • met tlie r Kv He el< s, ami h.f< r on,' - - Cord .Mlicoe h d irsp. elfl the Knripdulo and Otama school children, who. with their teachers, wove lined n, mi cither side of the >th leading 1 o the ument, w h im d then to the district. Mr Logan said as

that bad been the first occasion a Governor of New Zealand had visited them they felt proud indeed that he had come amongst them.. Although they had not seen him before yet he did not come as a stranger, for his name was a hou sell eld word. He pointed out to the Governor that they could claim) to be a loyal people, as instanced by the memorial to 13 brave men who had sacrificed their lives for King and Country. Mr R. L. Byars welcom'd their Excellencies on behalf of the school children. The children then sang tlie well-known hymn, “God Bless Our Fatherland,” and at the conclusion of this Lord Jellicoe specially requested that as they had sung so well and had impressed him; so much by their healthy and neat appearance that they be given a j holiday. A little girl, Elsie Cross, pre- ' sen ted Lady Jelliooo with a beautiful kou- ! quet of flowers. .The party then proceeded | to l the hall, -where a sum-ptous tea was laid out. Certain ladies, neatly attired as waitresses dispensed tea in a very commendable manner to the large gathering < people. At tho conclusion of this repast Lord Jellicoe rose to acknowledge the welcome given him. He said that of all tlie honours he had received since coming to New Zealand none bad impressed him so deeply as that occasion when such a large and hns istic gatl ring had ass mbled to meet him, especially when it was to be considered ihat they had come from miles around in a sparsely populated district. He made reference to the splendid achievements of the New Zealand soldiers in France, where a most efficient fighting unit had been kept always at full strength. Concluding, Lord Jeliicc-e again reiterated how deeply he and Lady Jellicoe had been impressed by the warmth of their reception. Cheers were then called for their Excellencies and ihe Hon. Lucy, while Lord Jellicoe called for tliT-ee cheers for tho King. Tlir party then repaired to a corner of tlie hall grounds, where an oak tree was planted by Lord Jellicoe in commemoration of his visit. During this ceremony, as was the case throughout, it was particularly noticed how very free their Excellencies made themselves among- the people. They chatted to. old and young alike, and thus proved by their democratic bearing that they have the interests of the people at heart, and are not going to emulate the stiff-necked, autocratic bearing of some of cur previous representatives of the King. Benedicts’ Rr. U.—On Friday, August 12th, I a ball was held in the local ball, and as bn edicts of all ages -and sizes were present th: gathering served to leinstate something of the functions of old, and as a consequence it proved to be one of tho most successful halls hold here' for some considerable time. The function was in the capable hands of Messrs Regan (chairman) and J. C. Dickson (secretary), both of whom are to bo complimented on the arrangements made for the benefit of all. WILBURN AND CLARENDON August 20. —After a comparatively dry winder spring was ushered in with very wet ; weather. j The Farm.—Farmers have started to pro- ■ ; ly- the ground for grain, but no sooner docs the soil get dry enough when down ; comes the rain again. There lias been no scarcity of winter feed, the mild weather 1 having caused some growth most of the winter. Young lambs are putting in an appearance, quit: a large number are to be seen on some of the farms. Social Club—The Milburn Social Club meets every "Wednesday evening in the hall, i nere has always been a good attendance, and many card matches- have been played against players from the surrounding disti ic.s during* the winter. These l games arc followed by supper, and a very "enjoyable evening is spent. Ihe' bachelors and spinsters have both had their annual balls. Loth were well attended, and were successfully kept going till tlie early hours. Th: music was supplied by Miss Broom and Mr Burrows. A"\ e regret to have to record the departure of our lady teacher, Miss M‘Caughan, who has been appointed to a position in the Kaitangata School. She is to leave at the end of the month to take up her new duties. O UTRAM, August 19.—A concert was hold in Woodside recently for tho benefit of an old resident, who has been in inchffer nt health, and the committee are to he congratulated on th-ir efforts, tlie sum of £27 l.Tcing raised. J he progi amine, which was most enjoyable was supplied by Misses Southgate’ (solo)’ Williams (recitation), Lorna Budge (Jancss)’ and Mesdames M’Bvyde (solo), mid Hughes f violin solo). Instrumental ikins wove given by Me ad a me s Hughes and Bathgate, and Mr J. Lot ligate, a pianoforte duet 1 * Mr and Mrs M'Bryde, solos bv Mcssi - Ch ; - : - hoimi, Taylor, Rob. Marshall and James Bathgate, and a quartette (Bathgate’s). A Pip© hand, consisting of Messrs P and Jas Dow and Budge and drummers Colquhoun and l imm-s, played selections before tlie concert and during an interval, and was rnueh appreciated. A short dance v, as held after the concert. Weather.—Following the recent cold snap the weather has taken up again, and all farm work is well forward. In the vicinity of the towmhip potatoes are being planted. SSLVERSSOE (Taieri). August H.-One naturally feels a certain amount ot dilhdence in contributing his first ! ! lr ’ T, fro l n * n ? w strict. Ho is restrained o\ trie tear ot committing inaccuracies m descriptive detail, but with a closer ncquaint'J ,th tl ! e <gsil-ict and ils inhabitants r’g e f'-ga should be dispelled, and I hope to be able from time to time to contribute short notes from this little district of Silverside. Dairying.—ln common with other ports «-f t.m laieri Plain dairying is tlie principal industry m tins district. Tlie Mosgiel Co- . operative Cheese Factory is situated hero and is a fine up-to-date building w (t|, Heetrie light and telephone installed. uj mrK Findlay is tlie manager. There are indhations of an increased output of cheese for tho ensuing season. Mr Steele BlaeMe L installing a milking plant, and intends milk!,,.. ■I large number of euw«, and there are otic r nc'.v ■ nnpliers. „ v ' (ijthi r he w< a(h< r during tlie j : days has ix en very ni Id and sprin ;- like. I o-night heavy rain is failin'", tl'e itmoaphere ir still mild. 1 .’or one. 1--Mies Charters, of Urv Far!-: " ; 's "'en staying in Dunedin for the p-st weeks, but will probably be return innoma shortly. MO MON A. ■ : A; g'-d it). - Wintrv ViT.i 1 her h a , 3 prevail".! online the- last for.' weeks, heavy rains and , he ■ e" fallen, the niixiare la ng very u"i ed, and ' Inn W iaii'd a‘ l 'la l r< Jim" ' >.f wheat has been sown. r bah" of Work.—The h di. s. wing : l i i 1 . 1 is 1 kv pi 1 11 ; v preparing for tie- Mile of work i 1 iii aid cf cliurch fu ids. A gift evening was

very successful, gifts of goods and money being handed in. A mistake was made in my last notes by stating that Mrs J. Bruce was vice-president of the guild. It should have been Mrs ’V. Barron. Mrs W. MTlattie lias been appointed secretary owing to the resignation of Mrs F. Douglas, who lias gone to reside in Dunedin. We are very sorry to lose her, as she has helped us in many ways at our social functions. Dairying.—The dairy factory, after having been closed down for the month for overhaul and repairs, opened' again on tlie 15th. The prospects for the pro e of butter-fat look considerably brighter than they did some time ago. After the directors’ meeting on Monday night a social hour was spent In honour of the chairman, Mr J. Campbell, on the eve ni his marriage. The secretary, Mr A. \V. Amos, presided, and. after the toast ot the lvmg had beerf honoured, thetoast of the chairman andl his future bride was drunk with musical honour I *. Mr Campbell was presented by the chairmen with a case of pipes and tobacco pouch nr "i his fellow-directors and tire secretary of 'the company. Mr Campbell returned thanks, and a number of toaso- were duly honoured. A special vote < f thanks was parried to Mrs Amos for providing tire snpp.-r, and lliU treu-ht to a close a very cnjnya b!c c von ''nr. B np'.or-.' I’.; I;. Tlie bachelors hld a very .successful ball las; ivecic. o::d altho-u.h th" night was v : v wi.di " tl. .g . .. - : r at fen. la !"t Ti:v iii • ra ::■. . - v. i; • ... a blue and white, and had a very ret off ■ ! which with the decorations made a gay scene. The mus e v.. s -up ! I by Pre no I Stewart’s oicia's'ra. A "uv .'ainty supper was provided. M J. \Va!i« ’id hi. vnihan, in d K S van on w re : ; . :m <.f enemoviies, and a strong committee, with Mr F. D ' as sc< rt rrj . can 1 < t t! ir duties ui an aide manner. Concert.—Tlie Social and i >1 nil) • icty continue to ii.jid sncce-:sful wceivlv t■ ■ -t.ugs, but on "Wednesday a concirt was given by the Dunedin ffuiety Company in aid of the Library Fund. On Wcduc '.day Ik- 21th tho season will be brought to a close, when a progressive euchre party and dance will be held.