THE COUNTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3525, 4 October 1921, Page 27

THE COUNTRY.

Correspondents are reminded that all letters for the current week’s issue must reach Dunedin HOT LATER THAN SATURDAY NIGHT. Letters ooming to hand on Monday are too late, and ars thus a week old when they appear. LAKE COUNTY. September 30.—Fine weather has been experienced during- the week. Bowling.—The annual meeting of the Wakatipu Bowling Club was held in Queenstown on Thursday evening, 22nd inst. The retiring president; (Mr S. B. Pettersson) presided over a good attendance of members. The balance sheet showed a small debit balance. Mr D. C. Brown was elected president, and Messrs C. A. Thompson, L. J. Lynch, \Y. D. Warren, S. B. Pettersson, and M. J. Gavm vice-presidents. Mr W. H. Nelson was re-elec, ed secretary. It was decided to open the season on Labour Day. 24tli October. Tennis.—Toe Queenstown Tennis Club opened the season on Saturday last under favourable weather conditions. There was a large attendance. Afternoon tea was provided by the ladies. Obituary.-—Another cf the fast-diminishing band of early settlers of this district passed away at his residence, Gibbston, on Tuesday morning last in the person of Mr Thos. Kinross. The late Mr Kinross had resided in the district for over 50 years, and had reached the good old age of 86 years. Tie was a native of "Dunblane, Perthshire, Scotland. He landed in Dunedin in 1860, comiug cut from the Old Country in the Stormbird. After trying his luck at Gabriel’s Gully and other mining centres lie eventually settled in Gibbston, where he opened a store in 1868, which he conducted up to the time of his death. He also carried on farming, and had been postmaster at Gibbston for 51 years. He was chairman of the school committee for many years, a id was secretary and treasurer for the library committee for a lengthy period. A go- d judge of draught horses, he took a keen interest in the Lake County A. and P. Society, of which he was a member from its inception. He was the district’s oldest J.P., being appointed in 1885. He was a staunch supporter cf the Presbyterian Church, and took an active interest in local church matters. A man of strict integrity, he was respected and esteemed by all. He is survived by his widow and family of two daughters (Misses Helen and Bessie Kinross, Gibbston) and five sons (Thomas, Walter, and John, Gibbston; Andrew, Balfour; and James, Dunedin). The funeral took place at Arrowtown yesterday, and was largely attended. The burial service was conducted by the Rev. James Rattray. Personal.—Mr William Reid, chairman of the L ike County Council, left for Wellington on Monday to attend the annual counties’ conference. CROMWELL. September 30.—One or two very welcome showers have fallen of late, and as the weather has now taken a decided turn to that of summer heat it is anticipated that there will be heavy crops both of grain and of fruit. The stone fruit especially is giving promise of a good harvest, and given no late frosts there seems but little doubt that the best anticipations will be realised. Sport.—With the coming of the warmer days bowlers are looking forward eagerly to the opening of the season, and as most of tlie Cromwell bowlers are golfers also it is to be but an ea-sy transition step from links to green. Ail golf matches are now concluded, with perhaps the exception of one more tussle, and so golf clubs are now' to l>e put regretfully lovingly away, and bowl-s are to be cheerfully and lovingly brought into use. Tennis Ball. —One of the most successful l>alls held in Cromwell was that of the Cromwell Tennis Club, which was held last week. The hall was comfortably filled with young folk, all of whom appeared to have thoroughly enjoyed themselves. An excellent supper was served, and the hall, which was tastefully decorated, reflected great credit on the energy of tlie committee that had been appointed to run the ball. Valedictory.—At the local school on Thursday Miss M‘Lean, who has been appointed mistress of the Otnkn.il School was farewelled by the staff and pupils. A presentation of a handsome hand bag and a manicure set was made on behalf of the school by Miss Mabel Tidej*, a Standard VII pupil. Mr Mecha-°lis, headmaster, who replied on behalf of Miss M'Lean, spoke in appreciative terms of the splendid work Miss M‘Lean had done during her four years as second assistant in the Cromwell Public School. She was a most hard-working and conscientious teacher, and while congratulating her on her promotion he regiet+od losing such a willing worker as Miss M’Lean was. The singing oj’ “She's a jolly good fellow” and hearty cheers for the departing teacher brought a pleasant function to a successful termination. Hockey.—The Cromwell hockey girls had a most deliglYfu! t mo last Saturday, when they journeyed to Arrowtown to play a game of hockey against the Arrowtown Club. The Cromwell phi-vers. who came off victorious, are most enthusiastic, over their visit. The young ladies of Arrowtown went to no end of bother to give their visitors a right royal time. In the evening an impromptu dance was held, at which one and all had a very enjoyable evening’s pleasure. TUTURAU. September 30.—The weather is just like cummer —warm and mild. Farm work is -well advanced, and oat sowing is general. Feed is plentiful, and many fanners think they have too many turnips left, but we may need them all yet. The present month has been so exceptionally fine that we forget it is so early in the season. Lambs have had a, fine chance this year, and the grass is coming away well. The orchards and gardens are a picture at present. Dairying.—The dairy factory opened on the 22nd. butter being made at present. There will be a greater supply of milk this year, and the alterations and additions are now completed. A few farmers are putting in power separators, and will sell tlie cream and rear stock on the skim milk. Another 4d per lb butter-fat will be paid to suppliers. bringing the price up to 2s 7d per Jb for tlie season. Stock sales are poor at present, being between the seasons and feed not yet fit to stock too heavily. School Affairs. —On Tuesday evening, 20th inst., Tlie ex-pupils of tlie Tuturau School met in the old school to form an ex-pupils association. A school committee was formed, and a members fee of 2s 6d arranged. Tt is proposed to hold a picnic on Boxing Day. A social evening followed tlie business one, when games were played and musical items rendered. Supper concluded the evening.— Tlie scholars at tlie school wore medically examined a short time ago, and the inspector’s annual visit took place on the 27th. The new school house is now completed, and is well built and neat and convenient within. Social. The Presbyterian Church social took place on Thursday, 22nd. in the Tuturau

church. The weather was fine, but the attendance was not as good as usual. The Mat aura choir rendered all the musical items, which were well received. Addresses were given by Rev. Mr M‘Master (Mataura) and Mr Armstrong (Brydone). An abundant supper was provided by the ladies. WAIKAIA. October I.—The days have been gloriously warm and sunny, melting the snow off the surrounding snow-top mountains. The flower gardens have a fine show of spring flower 3. General.—The farms in the Waikaia Valley are all looking splendid.—Many sportsmen will be out early this fine morning fishing. Accident.—Mr James Farrington had a narrow escape from death. He has the contract for gravelling the road going up to Mr Colin MTvenzie’s farm. Mr Farrington took a pick to bring down gravel when suddenly about two loads of gravel fell down on top of him. Messrs J. M'Kay and P. O’Rilley removed the gravel immediately. Mr Farrington was stunned. Mr Sutton, with his motor car, conveyed Mr Farrington to his home in Waikaia. Dr Rogers (Gore) was telegraphed for, and was shortly in attendance. Mr Farrington has three ribs broken and his lungs hurt. I called yesterday and Mrs Farrington said her husband is making a good recovery, though still suffering pain. HERIOT. September 27. —Tlie present splendid spring weather is allowing all work on tlie farms to proceed without stoppage, as there is a larger area being sown in grain crop this season than has been the case for some time. Now that the wool and mutton is at such low prices dairying is receiving more attention. A number of the farmers are putting* in milking plants, and this should prove profitable for them, as the district is a good one for dairying. Feed is very plentiful, turnips being in over supply on account of the mild winter experienced. Changes seem to be the order of the day here. The next will be the departure of Mr and Mrs F. Collier, of the Heriot boarding house, who are going to Invercargill, where they have taken over the Commercial Travellers’ Club. Mr and Mrs J. Perriam, of Dunrobiu, are taking over the- boarding house. Train Service.—The present train service on the branch line is giving anything but satisfaction. It now takes nine hours to reach Dunedin from here in place- of five hours previously. 1 do not think that any but tlie Railway Department would run it on the present time-table, as it would not take much thought to produce a better one. There is talk of forming a Progress League. Let us hope that it will come into existence and be a live body, not a name to in a short time fade away. A.O.F. Court .Star of Heriot.-—At the last meeting of the above court the following was the result of the election for ensuing term: C.R., >ro. A. G. M'Kenzi-e; S.C.R.. Bro. 11. M'Xeil; S.W., Bro. R. Finlay; J.W. Bro. A. Bell; 5.8., Bro. R. Oliver; J. 8.. Bro. C. Herbert; secretary, H. McDonald; treasurer, R. Aitchison; delegate to the annual conference, ioros. N. M. Ritchie and A. G. M'Kenzie. BALFOUR. September 24. —The most fastidious could not complain of tlie weather we have experienced of late. All farm work is well advanced. Both wheat and oats were sown a month or six weeks earlier than has been possible for a, good number cf years. On every side the early effects of spring are visible—green fields, flowering orchards, and all deciduous frees and plants showing a lovely green, which is very cheering after tlie long winters we usually have in Southland. Social. —After being with us for two years as postmistress Miss J. M. M‘Xee has received notice of her transfer and promotion to Hamilton. A large gathering of her friends met in the hall to show their appreciation of her services, and to b ; d her good-bye. During the proceedings Mrs D. M‘Taggart presented Miss M‘Xee with a handsome gold bangle suitably inscribed. In a few well-chosen words Mrs M‘Taggart convoyed to tlie recipient the appreciation and good wishes of the Balfour people. Mrs Asher and Mr Bedford also spoke. Miss M‘Nee, in a few words, returned thanks, and stated that she owed a great deal to the co-operation of her efficient staff. Mr Charles Carmody, who comes to us very highly recommended from- Gore, has now taken up the duties of post-master at Balfour. Dairy.—At the annual meeting of the Balfour dairv factory it was stated that 942,4211 b of milk had been received for tlie year, the average test being 3.69. The total amount of cheese put through was 39 tons. The milk suppliers received £4207 1 3d. The retiring directors, Messrs J. G. Andrews, J. Warne, and J. M‘Math, were all reelected. Farmers’ Union.---Responding to a notice issued by Mr F. W. Stevens, secretary of the local Farmers’ Union, a goodly number of farmers met in the hall to hear Mr Alexander, field® inspector for Southland, give a very interesting lantern lecture, his chief topic being lucerne, although lie touched on other plants. Mr Alexander emphasised the fact that tlie TV a i me a Plains would be very suitable for lucerne growing, and no doubt in the near future his advice will be acted on. OTAUTAIf. September 30.—The Birch wood Hunt Club held a very successful meeting on Saturday, September 24th. Tho gates and “tote” returns showed a substantial drop on the previous meeting, but this is largely due to the financial stringency. Mr A. i). MMvor made his debut as starter, and got hie fields away’ in good style. The officials all worked harmoniously together, and the president. Mr A. A. Liddell, tho secretary. Mr Kwcn Mathieson, and the executive are to be complimented on the success of gathering. Farmeis’ Union.—The Dominion president of the Farmers’ Union, Mr Poison, and vicepresident. Captain Corbett, visited Otaulau on Monday, September 26, and delivered addresses to a largely attended meeting of farmers, and impressed upon them the necessity <>f co-operation in handling their produce, co-operative shipping, co-opera live marketing by eliminating the middlemen, and co-operative fin; rice, including agricultural banking. The speakers wove accorded a, patient hearing, and a hearty vote of thanks was carried by acclamation. Spinal err’ 'Mil. — A large number availed themselvos of the invital ion to be present at the -spinete*s annual ball, held on Tuesday, September 27, in the Town Hall, which was beautifully decorated for the occasion with greenery, etc. Tiie music was excellent, and was supplied bv Hunters’ Orchestra from Riverton, and Miss Violet Corkhill officiated as M.C. A splendid supper was supplied by tlie ladies, and at a convenient interval Mr Peter Beggs returned thanks on behalf of the guests for the enjoyable evening provided. Fire.—On Tuesday morning residents were awakened by tho 1 do vim- of the timber company’s mill whistle., and cn arrival at- the mill it was found that the sawdust heap had

taken fire, endangering the adjoining building. Willing hands were quickly at work, and tlie fire was quickly subdued. Competitions.—The competitions have come gone, and were a pronounced success. The vocal, instrumental, and elocution items ■were a treat, and the judges were lavish in then* praise of tlie initial attempt to establish competitions here. The attendance on both days was good, and it is gratifying to be able to record that there will be a credit balance of from £25 to £3O. Weddings.—On We dens day, September 21, a quiet wedding to-ojj: place at the Catholic Church, Otautan, when Rev. Father Spillane united Miss Ella, Gavigan, third daughter of Mr and Mrs Richard Gavigan, and Mr J. Kane, of Dunedin, in the bonds of matrimony. The bridesmaid was Miss Alice Govigan, and the best man Mr W. Kane. After the ceremony the guests adjourned to Messrs Eamg and Knighton’s tea rooms, where the breakfast was partaken of. after which the young couple left per medium of a motor car for their honeymoon tour.—The residence of Mr and Mrs David Clark was aiso the scene of another wedding on Wednesday, 2cth September, when their eldest daughter, Agnes,- was married to Mr : rer.orick Anderson, of Ermedale, the officiates clergyman being Rev. A. Macdonald, the oride was attended by Miss Powell, of v\w. lace town, as bridesmaid, and Mr Peter M Doan, of Caroline, officiated as groomsman. At the wedding breakfast Rev. A. Macdonald proposed the health of the “newlymarried couple ? in a felicitous speech, his remarks being endorsed by several of the guests, one and and ai! wishing them health and prosperity. The bride was tbs recipient of numerous presents, a large number o? which were received at a kitchen afternoon tendered bv the members of St. Andrew’s Society, and Mr and Mrs Anderson intend to reside at Ermedale. Bowling.—The official opening of the howling club takes place short!v, and it is proposed to hold a junior and senior competition this year. For the junior grade the nrsSt prize is to be a roll of bacon, valued £1 Ss; second, 101 b tea. valued £1; and third, 51 ” h^a. valued 12s fid. For tlie seniors a roll of bacon, valued £2. is to be the fast prize, 101 b tea, valued £1 10s, tlie second, and 51b tea, valued 15s, the third. Tlie green is in tip-top older, and it is honed by means of these competitions to stimulate interest in the club. OUTRAN. September 30.—The members of the croquet emb gave an exceeding! v pleasant evening m tlie Drill Hall on Friday. Tlie attendance was large, and they are to be corn-ratu-latcd on their efforts, as the finances of the club wid be benefited by nearly £l2. Tlie first part of the evening was pleasantly spent in _ jousica.l items, the following contributing - Mc-sclames Munro. M’Bryde,'' Mis=,es Doit Harrison (2), Slips Williams ('vecit.aGonM «ncl M «»r.s Taylor. Chisholm, and M'Ctmly. and s? instrumental trio by Mrs Hushes. Mrs Bathgate, and Mr J. Bathsote." After supper a short dance- was held, the music bemsupplied by Mr and Mrs Barron, of Mnmona. General. The Oddfellows' Hall has recently b?on thoroughly renovated, and is now a credit to the brethren.—The ’mveilivm ceremony of the Fallen: Soldiers’ Memorial will {>- “Cid on Saturday, the Bth of October, at 1 - 3 " P.g- 1 understand that Messrs Edie and Dickson, M.E. a, are to be present, and that representatives of the Taieri County Council, Mosgiel borough and other bodies will also be present, so that it will be a very impressive ceremony. Weather.—During the past week the weather has been fine and swine-like, with several heavy showers, which lias caused the grass to come away nicely. WAS HO A (Hawke’s Bayl. September 23.—A disastrous fire occurred here last, Monday morning in which the book shop and newspaper office owned he th e \\ airca Guardian Company was coninletelv ourned down. In the absence of’ all means o. lire prevention or extinction nothin* could he done of any value to protect adjoining buildings, but as it was a calm morning- the fire did nut spread, and, moreover, tlie adjoining buildings being- of brick tVv escaped with slight damage. The cause of the fire cannot be stated with any degree of certainty, but it is thought to hav i originated in the linotype room. Total insurances amount to £2400, and the loss is estimated to be about £4OOO. The town, being deprived of its only newspaper, considerable inconvenience was felt in the business and social life of the community, and it was with some satisfaction and relief that a small publication. The Wairoa Star, made its appearance. This will no doubt meet the requirements of the town and district for the present. A Shooting- Case.—-On the afternoon of Tuesday, the 20th. George Sessine. o Syrian storekeeper near Opoutama, was shot apparently by some unknown person The victim "’ns brought to AATiiroa Hospital, where a large number of pellets of shot were taken from his body. The police are investigating, but up t:> the present are reticent in the matter. Retiring.—Mr A. Sinclair, an ex-Otagoite, who lias served for 22 years as a member and for many years chairman of tlie TVairoa County Council, lias retired from that body. At its last monthly meeting Mr Sinclair was presented with a handsome afternoon tea service and rose bowl in recognition of his valuable services. Mr Sinclair suitably responded. Personal.—Mr AATlliam Taylor has been appointed secretary to the Wairoa Harbour Board in place of Mr G. A. lost her. who has, through ill-Jiealih, resigned.—Mr S. i Crichton, who lias been pest master here for : the past four years, is retiring on superannuation. HAMPDEN. HAMPDEN, September 30. The Town Board has been increasing the number of street lamps, and the town has been brightened. The Mayor, Mr AY. Nieolson. has erected a fine arch with n lamp at the entrance to the Presbyterian Churcii at his own expense. The foil caving were elected managers of the church . -Mrschimes Trotter, F. Robertson, and R. D. Aiichison. and Messrs AY. Nicol - son, R. Aiichison, J. Melville, Geddos, and Yi * 1 .cod ; and Messrs Bishop. (: odcles, (1 i bson, Melville, Rose, Trotter, and Walker a committee with cower to carry out the erection of the Jubilee Hall. The fishermen at Moeraki are having splendid, candies of fish at tlie present time.