THE COUNTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3523, 20 September 1921, Page 23

THE COUNTRY.

Ceireepondentß are reminded that all letters for the current week’s issue must reach Dunedin HOT LATEB THAN SATURDAY NIGHT. Letters coining to hand on Monday are too late, and era thus a week old when they appear. LAKE COUNTY. September 16.—With the exception of heavy ra.n on Saturday night, fine weather has been experienced during the v.-eek. Ladies’ Hockey.—The Arrow team journeyed to Cromwell on Saturday last, and played a match against a Cromwell team. The latter team won an evenly-contested game by one goal to nil. Cromwell team visits Anon-town to-morrow to play a return match. Tennis.—The in or of the \ Queens tan last week. Kev. [[. (le Lam • • si led over a good - attendance. The : ilance sheet showed a credit balance of £2 Is 7d. The following office-bearers were electee : President, Rev. R. de Lambert (re elected : vice-presidents— Captain L. Roberta in Me-srs J. P. M*Bride, and W. Wi ; nd t: ’asurer, Mr H. O ■ A nioti lal cry of Mr G. B. Burns's services as secretary for the past fa nr year- was cai aed y acclamation. Tlie opening dav was fixe l for Saturday. 24tli in-st. Resident Docf r ?< r An wtown. —The Arrow Medical A ~ccia f ion has selected Lr - L Hasle 11 f u v mod .’cal < ffi ?r for the district. There were seven applications for the - t i. Dr EfasJet.l : • at present acting as locum t.enens at Midclle-m-areh. He had four years' war service, and previously 1. d been house, surgeon at the Wellington Hospital for 12 months. The selection has to be wr mi::.;;I to the Southland ' Hospital Board. Deain. — Tlie death occurred at Invercargill on Saturday last of Mr Mulct Am Brown, who was for many years a resident of the Arrow district. Deceased, who w-ns S 5 years of age, served in the Crimean war. and subsequently with the Bri. ’sh treor s ir. India at the time of the Mutiny, takb--.r ; art in the siege of Lucknow. He was unmarried. CROMWf LL, September 17.—Rain is badly wanted in the Central district. The days are gloriously fine, but a good dov.-nreu. is urgently required for the crops. Those who have been long in tlie district prophesy a very dry cummer, and as there is but little snow on the surrounding ranges it looks as if their prophecy is likely to come true. Wealth of Bloom. —The surrounding orchards are a picture. Peach and -apricot are now blooming at their best, and the wealth of colour displayed is a sight not to be forgotten. Indeed, one c: Pie most interesting eights on tlie Dunedi ;-C:omwcll railway is that which is to be seen in the Dunstan Gorge, wl after orchard presents a m st sing riew to the train traveller, to take it all in as he train leisurely puffs its way through its last lap of the journey. Meeting.— A pnh be meeting, which was attended by a re < - niati re umber of ratepayers, was h Id C • .v . I last Thursday, when ns were ( memorial, and the ruling a Town Beautifying S ie*y. Mr Black, Mayor of Alexandra, wh was present by invitation, gave some very inter ding and valuable information regarding the scheme which the Alexandra Borough Council propose io adopt —namely, to obtain power from tlie Fraser River, which has been computed to be amply sufficient to supply the wuits of Alcxai Ira, C \ft< a rent deal of d : . - •■t .-, it v m a weed that the Cromwell i o '-;, i form tliei isclves into a l J rr.visional C i. . lit'• •-* to lo • io the whole q test on. rrul that Vs IY : n tlie Mayor (Mr D. C. Cr Grn. lx? delegates to the Alexandra Pro- ’T n;d Coi t ‘ " of the memorial was tin 'W with. Some £l5O is r 11 that i = in 1 -1 • ovr/ds Hie fund, ar 1 it was desired to f-r'a r . fi rnmes to the old committee, and that they be rernmr-: ended to vigorously pr.-h cn the w id; of rawing a sufficient sum of money that would fi- worthy of the town and dir'F-*.—Tn coune tinn with q, the proposed Town ib.-u S cictv. all the ?e prc-< t for i solve : u > a committee to further : ofi;oei. Y ;-ious suggest *ons for tree-uha.--,ri'-v.- ■: «; b.rought fov- • b ’ tee, s D. C. Jollv, C. YC. Yeoman, ! - and AY. R. M; r bad is \j <-• s:c :•<■■■< ;d !•;> w in a const if iety and re*pcvt to tlre General Ccmuittce at an early date. Y ? * September IG. \\ »:rm rr.d sunny weather was succeeded on j r '.:y with heavy rain. Snow fell on the it: ur.biius nd ranges. Tlie fruit trees arc in b-u-um. sen ling a lovely sight, anu tl. re - cv... •; uLctiion ot an abundance of iruP, if n. t spoilt by late frosts. The cry has bad a fine quality cheese being the output. About 300 cows have been milked for the l ctory, and this past season lias been one of the best the farmers have had. The factory reopens on October I. Social.—Air Milligan, assistant at the AVaikeia Factoiy for th past two sea ons. has been appointed mau: . v of the Railhead Factory at- Tahakopa. Or- T h .relay. September 8, he was present d with a 1 travelling rug bv Air Lt a? n. token of the esteem hi? friends entei'uin lor him. Air Milligan feu tably responded. Masonic Banquet - On Thursday, Septeml r 15, th • ication and < c n jecrat-ion of a Kr so masons’ Lodge at AYaikaia was lieid, ard Air John Dennis was installed as the fi:st Grand Master. The Grand Master and representatives of other ledges to the numtar of 100 were present from Invercargill, Gore, and Tuatapero. They b?rs in the Coronation Hail. The ■ prepared a grand banq net in one ot the looms in e decorated with crystal b u. A of duffcdils end v au.es oi spiirg flowers. Obituary.—An < \ r V ui-t of Southland in th : ». vioca In .i .- of 03. Th Mr C a nativ of Xe'vtov.u'ards. County Lb von, Ir-.’and, unc arri :n X • .v ’/• ■■■ - , ; n 1 -STA. Fie firs' at Taieii. afte.^-ward* at Win ton nnc In • r i cud T. Mo a FbS. He suS-oqn ’• ti led i t ‘ i hr broth oi AYa kaia. Dccen- } was an ai dent ( ! v -s« I a !r horse breeder. He --ouiby t:- Clydks dale struck to 11. e M :b-• • rno m ;' Is, am was known throughout SfvuthliV-d as wel versed reganiing }»*».--► s. In J'«: 1 he i-i ! c Ireland, and on h s ref ;:; b d a‘ Pukemaori, in AY«. ster-r i b S .• ‘. A »ou t * year ago his he alth be. an f .> fail. He waf jn Riverton Ho.al f- c two months, am latterly Anderson’s b 'ere he died Deceased was a k - u-, obliging fcnd helping noighbo-u . lie never married

and leaves three brothers and three sisters — Joseph Cooper, James Cooper, Frank Cooper, Mesdames Campbell, Davidson, and ATKee. WAIWERA. September 17. —I had occasion to visit Clifton, that, is the portion of the once large estate that has been retained by tlie family for their own use, on which are the new home and surroundings. On my way thither I passed through a large portion of the AYaiwera district, the weather being ideal. I was really surprised to- see the country looking* so well so early in the spring, and so much being done on the farms noth withstanding the terrible depression now existing among we farmers so- far as prices are concerned. The amount of land being cultivated and the general appearances were j bright and full of promise for tlie next season. Another very noticeable feature to a passer-by is the increase in dairying and the smaller number uf sheep kept in the part. This is not to be wondered at. as prices -are at present for produce or all kinds. Clifton is now hundreds of acres in extent, instead of thru-:p. ;ids, as of old, the rest of tire famed estate having been disposed of for closer settlement on various terms. Air Telford’s estate as T shall choose to call it, is naturally and beautifnllv situated on low-lying terraces end river flats, with tlie famous AAoaiwera, River running through it. The land generally is very good, and in places rich. Th.? commodious and beautiful new house, or rather, T should style it, mansion, has. I understand, some 30 rooms. It is a model of architectural skill, built on the most modern plan. Tlie gardens and pleasure grounds arc being laid out on the late owner’s plans, and will, when completed, bp- n credit to all concerned. The conservatories, too, which are also being well stocked with, many of the choicest of fl vwers and tropical plan!?, rue already a treat to- sec—a, bl;:.z? of brilliant colours. Here my mind was carried bark to the Old Ccuntrv, where Ih.e lovely and the grand old castles and grounds were at fixed dates opened to the r.ubbc, treads never to be forgotten by nnnv. Just here, too. it struck mo how our children or young folks, s-ay of our schools, would enjoy a visit m the summer over to Gbfon to see the beautiful gardens, etc. A\]e next had a trip around the paddocks, which was aHo I a treat to- me, especially to the wo-ndprfiil growth even so earlv in ibe spring. Aftm* a visit to the nursery, among the young trees, plants, and flowers ! in a sheltered gully, we came to the turnip • paddocks, some- scores of acres, a roallv fine crop. T measured sonn f them, and found them 401 in around. The whole Ic-oked like a crop of pumpkins, yet -hev only received between lewt and 2cwt of manure per acre ! and no lime. Next came a large paddock j of grass that had fairly heavily stocked all winter, and still ankle high—a splendid solw which had some lime when being sown with usual mixtures. ATr Telford considers the lime ■jays, particularly for the clovers. I Here. too. J ins"- r cted a fireV of the famed stud ewes, and if I am anything of n judge of lire Rnmnev breed there -were here the models of perfection, not too fine nor too coarse, which perhaps ir-av be proved by some of our experts at the coming shows. The- other .studs and. indeed, the whole flock of many hundreds were a treat to see, and a credit to the owner. The greater part of the estate being disv-o-sed of. Air Telford intends cbvoting more time to experimental farming with various methods of manuring on tlie surface, limin'*, etc., perhaps on -a limited scelw with different feeding plants, not intending breaking un more than is really and by this method he hopes to increase the carrying capacity with far loss trouble and expense, which is tn-cluv the great drawback 1 o farmers generallv. From what T could gather from mv trip, which was a pleasure indeed, I think we may expect m future io see something good coming fro in this pro!’fir farm that may benefit the whole district. There are also some splendid s-p.'cbr mia kept of th~ Friesian cows. T understand i* is in tended l o breed and keep this herd right up to dale. T shall in the li-cantime end mv account of the trip her?, wishing the c r iirteeu3 proprietor all success in h.is under!.iking.

HFNF.EY. September 15.—General regret was expressed in this end of the Taicri Plain upon receiving news of the death of Air Harry Geoigo, of Berwick. Air George, who was born awl bred amongst the people here, was noled for his kiiidn ■ - and help in giving to others in time of distress: As -a succ'sHul farmer and cwror of tlie Po.-t Office Greek sluicing claim, lie by sheer _ rit and determinaticn fought his way to the forefront of all ib;it g c to make a success of life. His knowledge of veterinary surgery was ever given unsparingly to the lieln of i lie dncib an’mals that required his skill and attention. Dairying.—Th? shareholders -and. suppliers of the dairy factory met the other cbn- to hear address:s from Air Al'Farlan? (cf the Marketing Association') and Air Lamb .'of the South Ivsbuui Dairv Association), who spoke about the dispm al of the cheese output for the coining season per medium of the a *€ a so iations. As no nts lia\ e offered a bid for t-h? output so far. there remains" nothing for it but to consign, and the case for consigning put forth by the speakers seemed to show that, given ordinary luck, the best way to dispose of the output would be through their associations. Changes.—Another farm in our district has changed brands, Air Hugh Alar shall having exchanged his Berkley block to the APBoa.th family, of Wyndham. The latter, by the way, includes in the family a cricketer of Southland and Now Zealand fame.

HERBERT. September 17. The weather ha-s been very good of late, and in consequence the farmers are well on wilh their work. The wintersown crops arc looking green and healthy. There are a go d many lambs to be seen in the fields, and they appear to bo doing well, but. whether they v. ill bo worth anything or •ml this so a.-on is another mutter. Bell.—Last Friday evening 1 he spinsters and benedict I : bl ir 1 ill, v Inch was a hug * -u! '•:■ g 'lii? v.g.ith r was go 1 .-uid the hall v us parked, vi-im ■* con tin - l> ont ail jaP of tlie d a-1 riot. At s 30 mm. tli- .:ul jus-eli was led .IT bv Mis.s ' Jc-'-uh F- , : -.s rotary j and Air A. Bud ' (cb;. in,:-. B. Many b»G'y »i;e-.-.*s were vwr.i. but space forb (is e<» a »nto d' ta*l. k.'w 'l -.ii m:;.w> as - • plied by Ashton’s O } ■ ;| . ... . bcuig r-bayed for td da: bv A ' ■ * {bm Jd end Yu B d ,-ri. n jdamP a- ' Mr F. w ;>on (violinb A!< u s \Vi!--< ■■ d R V -din. ; a n >do rf;i-’. lit Ms. d j u;v. .. who), was d • ->• u-<*d bv ilie Mo , G. A ■ t ■ n. W.‘ Wi! m, J. ; AY. Stringer, cud K. d. {‘’oi-fves, was p:r 1 r <•-. (knee. The mvc: w • f ‘die fund on ; dm- birvr-lv to the folio win- , 1 ... :1 ; .. ■ / the con 1 h . J. \s’ - mi or, ■ \ndei on, K. J. J . For lies (s , re-t-arv), I. Ai.'Aliiiau. !b Ivuird-i. L-. AWis-ui, B,e 2), K. b’orl A Bud , i, • t,), Cl : hit 1,.-, J. W. S: ' n • ■ t • r. Jb i-’o.a. o, \\’ 111 . Wilson. T -nnis.- The T-wuM C‘!yb b- bl t!..-ir a mi ,! meeting, when he o olcci ! office bearers: —Air Jo. . Id u. , pr». udent;

Airs J. Hill, vice-president; Aliss J. Alorrison, secretary and treasurer; with a strong committee of ladies and gentlemen. The opening day was held on Saturday, September 10. The weather being perfect, a- most enjoyable afternoon was spent, afternoon tea being dispensed by tlie ladies. Concert. —On Monday evening a concert party journeyed from Oani-am to give an entertainment in aid of the Library funds. The hall was packed, and a most enjoyable evening was -spent; all the items were loudly applauded. Mr James Frame occupied the chair, and in a few appropriate remarks explained the object- of the entertainment. It is some time since the Hall Committee have called on the public for assistance, so their expectations were more than gratified. The following are those | who assisted to make the concert such a success. The Aliss.es Stick man and Thwaites, national dancing; piano solo, Mr Bell; recitation Air Donaldson; songs —Messrs-Donalds-on, Bailey, Rivier, Murray, and Stickmau. All the items were encored. Air Ball made an efficient accompanist. Mr A. Forbes thanked the perform-; s for the pleasure Ihey had given the audience with the first-class programme they had produced, and also thanked the gentlemen who had so kindly lent cars for the occasion. Air’ River, in returning thanks, said :fc would give them great pleasure to- come and assist at any- • tiling- for tlie good of the district iapplause). The performers were then entertained _ to .supper. The hall was cleared for dancing, which went merrily for hours to music supplied by Al:* Lucas. Air J. Budge made an efficient AI.C. WAIKATO (Auckland). September 10. —Dry weather is Going exi perienced with warm days and frosty nights, i Growth of grass is retarded, except in favoured localities, and some of tb? cattle are in low condition. A good rainfall would help matters n lot, as the outlook for dairy produce, which is tlie principal branen of farming in the Waikato, is very bright. Dairy cows are- bringing up to .£3O. but iat cattle are almost unsaleable, and it is reported that one grazier who exported a lot of beef had to forward a cheque for £2OO to make up the deficiency between the returns and expenses. Electric Light.—An event of great importance to Te Av; a treaty and Knhikihi was tlie recent switching on of the electric light 1 and power. The- electricity is generated al I Hora Horn, and will be of immense benefit to- the town and country. A large crowd witnessed the ceremony at Te Avamutu when tlie light was turned on by Airs Coat- s, and spec cites were given bv Hon. J. O. ! Coates, Messrs A. Young, ALP.. Armstrong, j Mayor of Te Awumutu, J. A. Johns on, and others. A ball was held to celebrate tlie event, ancl the Town Hall was beautifully decorated and electrified. At Kihikihi the light was turned on by Airs Ilockly. and congratulatory speeches were given by Al-nssrs Hackly, ALP., Sutherland, Mayor of Kihikihi. Armstrong, and Johnston. This event was followed by a social in the Town Hall, which was crowded. The following night the children were entertained at a musical function in tlie hall. Railway.—The decision of the Government not to grant an Order-in-Couneil authorising the construction of the Te Awnmutu-Puta-ruru railway lias caused a lot of disappointment among the settlers on tlie proposed route. The Railway Board seem to take the matter rather philosophically, as they realise the difficullies of raising money just now. A ray of hope is still left by the fact that the Government is practically committed to erect a huge dam at Arapvmi in commotion with the- provincial electrification scheme, and so will require large quantities of gravel, cement, etc., and some think they will put in a light line of railway from either Te Awumutu or Putaruru.