THE COUNTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3549, 28 March 1922, Page 23

THE COUNTRY.

Correspondent* are reminded that all letters for the current week's issue mast reach Donedin NOT LATER THAN SATURDAY NIGHT. Letter* coming to hand on Monday are too late, and arc thus a week old when they appear.

ROXBURGH

March 24. —We have been having 1 a lot of moisture—not much rain, but enough to keep things damp, and not good for late fruit. Pastures, however, are improving. Price of Wool.—The rise in wool has made a great difference to the pastoral outlook, and farmers are looking brighter and more hopeful than for the past 12 months. "W e are hoping that the meat pool will improve the value of fat stock. The Orchard. —Apples, pears, and a fewlate peaches are now being picked, and some marketed. The former is likely to be a heavy crop, and the fruit looks well on the trees. Telephone Rates. —This district is uneasy at the prospect of a rise in charges, and if such should pccur it would be looked upon as a breach of agreement. If the charges are raised it is feared many would have to sever their connections. We hope such a step will not be required. St. Patrick’s Day.—St. Patrick’s Day was stormy. ALany visitors were about in the township. The Masonic ball was quite a success, and visitors and residents were there hod a. good time. The horse race at the racaoourse brought out a large number of people, but unfortunately there was not much to see. The pony Starlight outclassed his rival to such an extent that it practically made no race of it. I learn that a goodly number of horses ere going into training. The racecourse is to be disced and harrowed for training—presumably for the Beaumont races. Obituary.—Mr Arthur Hancock succumbed to a long illness in his forty-fifth year on the 22nd inst. He was much liked, being of an unpretentious, quiet disposition, always cheerful and hopeful. He leaves a wife and young family (five boys and one girl) to mourn their loss. He was born and educated within the borough of Roxburgh. A very representative cortege followed liis remains to the grave, Rev. Mr Moorland officiating, after which the members of the band (deceased was a bandsman for many years) played the “Dead March."

CARSTON.

March 22. —The weather lias been broken, and rain showers are frequent^—just enough to hinder harvest operations being proceeded with. Cutting is about completed, and carting when at all possible is pushed forward with all the speed ]x>3sible, but there still remains a considerable area in stook, waiting for wind and sunshine to allow of being stacked in a good condition. Stock is in good order, and feed is plentiful—almost abundant. Good prices for wellconditioned lambs are realised, while breeding ewes are being sought for. Cows are easing off. The quantity of cream leaving our station seems to be less than it has been for the summer months, but dairymen are looking forward to an increase, with improved prices. Fishing does not appear to occupy much of the anglers’ time at present. The rivers manage to keep dirty, and this interferes with eucoess in this particular line, although the fish now are in fine condition—better than in the early part of the season. Mining.—The Alley mine appears to be doing well, but the Nokomai Company’s success is not so apparent as it has been at periods. Mr Frank Soper’s mine on the Nevis side of the mountain is at present at a standstill, he giving his assistance to the farmer, who is short handed. Personal.—Our late home missionary, Mr Simpson, has left, and is at present prosecuting his studies at Knox College. He is being succeeded by the Rev. A. Rattray, of Arrowtown, who will take up his duties in April. Our postmistress is away on holiday, and we all hope she will have an enjoyable time, and came back benefited by the change. General.—The fruit season has been a good one, an abundance of fruit being found and seen in every orchard.—The County Council is busy renewing in part and repairing in others the bridge over the Foster. This will be a boon to motorists, who were often afraid to avail themselves of the old bridge, while thrashing mill owners had to pursue a circuitous route to avoid an accident.—The priest in charge of this parish i 3 obliged to have service when convenient to him, because of the extent of his charge and the hazardous nature of travel in it.

OTAUTAU

March 2 k—When it became known 1 licit Mr It Templeton had been transferred to the Bank of Xew Zealand at Tapanui the members of the Otautau branch of St. Andrew’s Society (of which Mr Templeton had acted as secretary since its inception) and townsmen felt they could not- let him depart without showing in some small wav the esteem in which he was held, and on Tuesday evening: tendered him a farewell social and dance in the Town Hall, at which there was a large and representative gathering. The -function was held under the auspices of the society, and went with a swing from start to finish. An excellent programme was submitted to the audience, who showed their appreciation by demanding encores m nearly every instance. The following ladies and gentlemen took part —Mrs Brooker and Mbs MTntosli, Messrs Adamson. M’Bougall, W. Coulter, end N Saunders; and Mrs T. H. Cupples end Mr G. Grieve played the accompaniments At a convenient interval in the proceedings the chief (Mr F. Malcolm) called on Mr J. Miller to make a presentation to the guest Mr Miller referred to the fact that while they regretted losing Mr Templeton, he felt it an honour to be called upon to make the presentation, as no one deserved it more than the guest did. “Dave” was one of the finest young fellows in the township, and a-s secretary of St. Andrew’s Society he had done his work efficiently and well. In asking his acceptance of a well-filled wallet, on behalf of the members of the society] Pipe Band, and townspeople, he wished him every success in his new sphere. The assembled gathering then sung “For lie's a jolly good _ fellow,” after which the guest (who on rising was greeted with prolonged applause) briefly returned thanks. Dancinwas then resumed, to capital music provided by Mr=> Guppies Supper was disc.-med and a re rv enjoyable evening was broiudil to a close with “Auld king syne.” Stock Sale.- - About .VMM) sheer, and 60 cat lie were yarded at tht slock s; k on \V< I:,. . ], lv Competition was keen at the start, but was very dead towards the finish. Ibices rang.'i as follows; —Fat lambs, 21s; evves pi to 14s; four-tor,th. six-tenth, and eight-loot] cwt'S, 18s 6d to 2!s: f. and f.m., 03 (*] t, 1 Is; hrokoii-moiit h 3 Os to 9s; and two tooths, 17s to 22s Cl. F:i t steers realise,£7 ; fat he i fers, £3 ; three-year-old an < 1 fo u r year-aid steers, £4 to £1 10s; two-and-nhalf year-olds, £3 to £3 los; and one-year-olds £1 to £1 15s.

Football. —The annual meeting of Otautau Football Club was held on Wednesday, when Mr E. Mat-he-son (president) presided over an attendance of 40 members. The meeting was an enthusiastic one throughout, and augurs well for the coming season. The balance sheet submitted showed the club to be in a strong position financially, having £32 11s lid to its credit. In addition the club is the possessor of a silver cup, valued at £2 12s 6d, and tin’s will probably be donated for some competition. Mr J. Miller was elected president, and returned thanks for the honour conferred, and hoped that all would take a keen interest in the game. About 40 vice-presidents (composed of nearly all the business men) were appointed, and Mr W. Finnegan was elected secretary. The president, Mr Tj. Biown, and the captain of the team were appointed a Selection Committee. The Management Committee is composed of the president, Messrs A. Macdonald, G. Grieve, L. «L Brown, and E. Matheson. Grounds Committee—Messrs G. Grieve, A. Macdonald, G. Hope, J. Lynch, and G. Fraser. Delegates to Sub-union —Messrs J. Miller and I. Henry. The subscriptions were fixed as follows:—First Grade, ss; Second Grade, 3s 6d: and Third Grade, 2s 6d. It was decided to hold the quadrilles this year in conjunction with the Hockey Club. A medal has been donated by Mr T. O’Rourke for the most improved player during the season, the recipient of same to be decided by the Selection Committee. It was decided to open the season on Ist April with a friendly match against Star (Invercargill). Tennis.—By their defeat of Nightcaps on Saturday, 18th March, the Otautau Tennis Club is the winner of the Western District competition, and is set down to play the winner of the Invercargill competition at no distant date. The members comprising the team are Misses Doiman, C. Scatter, B. Seatter, M‘Dougall, Messrs Thomas, Lawless, W. Finnegan, and Dr Stewart.

WAS WE RA

March 24.—The weather for weeks past has been very stormy and much rain lias fallen, drenching the crops, which are mostly in stook. In any case there i 3 bound to be great damage done to hundreds of acres of heavy • crops, and should the wet weather continue much longer I fear very much will be entirely ruined. Farmers are getting a very bad time of it., 'indeed. But for the rise in the price of sheep, I think we might call the farmer’s calling “down and out." I would advise our soapbox orators and agitators who speak in such glowing terms of the farmers’ position and prospects to take a trip through the country to-day’ and take an unprejudiced view of the situation. Speculation.—Turnips and grass are growing well where the land is not too wet. In the meantime the harvesting is the allimportant matter. Thousands of sheep are now changing hands, dealers and speculators being very busy. Whether this is a help or a hindrance to the farmer it is hard to say. Weeding*.—Our minister has taken to himself a wife, and the happy couple were joined in wedlock by the Rev. Mr Axel-sen in the pretty little church in the township, which was quite full of guests and spectators to witness the ceremony and show their appreciation. The happy couple left by motor car for somewhere in New Zealand. We wish them long life and happiness.

mi LBURN AMO CLARENDON

March 24.—The weather of late lias been so unsuitable that very little crop has been packed yet, most of it being still in stock. Heavy showers have always come on just when a good start had been made at leading in, and this week still heavier rains have fallen. It will now take some time for the stocks to dry. Kennedy and M‘Culiough liad made a start thrashing from the stock, but that will now have to he abandoned. School Picnic. —The annual school picnic was held on the 17th of last month on the school grounds, when an enjoyable day was spent. An abundance of toys was iorvided for the various races and sports. As a wind-up a dance was held in the evening, which was well attended. The music was supplied by local players. Dance. —On the first armiversarv of the opening of the Mil burn Hall a dance was held in the evening to music supplied by Miss Bvoom. More Changes.—Mr Hughes has disposed of Ins blacksmith and wheelwright business to Mr Leal, who enters into possession next month.—Mr A. Hampden has* also disposed of his farming property to Mr Elliot, who is to take it over next month.

MONONA

March 24 “The summer and autumn had been so wet That in winter the corn \va,s growing yet; ’Twas a piteous sight to see all around The grain lie rotting on the ground.’’ The above lines from Bishop Tlatto very nearly describe the conditions in the Taieri at the present time. Spring and summer were rather dry, but autumn is fast supplying the deficiency. The word “harvest" calls up a mental picture of beautiful weather, yellow sheaves of golden grain, and perspiring- men and horses ; but what a contrast is the reality. Grey skies, occasional wintry gleams of sunshine, and mud everywhere. By all accounts this is the worst harvest weather experienced for many years, and some farmers will be heavy losers. Much of the grain is still in the stock (and this in some cases is beginning to sprout), some is stacked, and some has been thrashed. Dairying.—Work goes on smoothly and harmoniously at the factory, but the milk supply is rapidly falling off, and three vats are sufficient to meet the present requirements. Sports. The Momona Tennis Club, although small in numbers, is great in enthusiasm, the members turning out regularly for practice. Two matches have been played with M-aungatua, the result being a win each. Several attempts have been made to obtain a decision in a third match, but the weather rendered all such attempts abortive. —A meeting of the local Football Club was called for Thursday night, but again the climatic conditions made themselves felt, and only a few enthusiastic souls answered the summons. A committee was termed, and it was decided to hold a dance on the 31st in order to raise funds.

SILVERSIDE (Taieri).

March 24. —It cannot he said that- there is as yet any improvement iii the we at hoi conditions. Showers have fallen intermit ientiy during the week, and last night anc this morninv very heavy rain fell. A riste be remoter would see m to portend a re tun to fine weather, but at the moment of writ in g there is no apparent manifestation o this. We are now in the fourth week of thi: showery weatho’-, and for those farmers who*, grain is in the ste h the situation is m; serious indeed. In many instances crop ha been more than six weeks in the stook, anc with rain practically every day for nearly ; month it requires no effort of imaginatjo! to picture the condition which much of th grain is in. When 1 wrote last week n

evidence of sprouting had come under my notice, but since then conditions have changed, and yesterday I saw a paddo-ck of oats in which the stocks, even at some little distance, showed a greenish tinge, betraying unmistakable evidence of sprouting. This is a very serious condition indeed, and if the present wet weather continues it is not difficult to forsee what the ultimate end must be. Much of this grain will be irretrievably lost. As it is, many farmers must be heavy losers. The position is made more difficult by reason of the fact that prices for most other farm products are very low, and many farmers were depending on their grain crops to tide them over a difficult period But there is no note of despair amongst farmers. Situations more difficult have been met before and successfully overcome. They are essentially an optimistic and persevering people—- “ Their work swept away by disaster, Undaunted they build, it again.” Obituary.—Mrs James M’Aueland, an old resident of the district, died very suddenly at Mosgiel on Tuesday last. The deceased lady was engaged in clearing away the tea dishes, when she took suddenly ill end expired in a few minutes. The late Mrs M’Ausland was of a. kindly and cheerful disposition, and will be much missed. A great deal of sympathy will bo felt for her family in their sudden bereavement. WftlROA (Hawke's EayY March 28. —A farewell social was tendered Rev. Mr Keene (Presbyterian missionary) and Mrs Keene at Frasertown on Wednesday evening, a moderate attendance being present. A heavy downpour of rain just at the time of starting no doubt -prevented a larger attendance. The evening- was an enjoyable one throughout, which comprised songs, instrumental duets, and several addresses in praise of the good work achieved by both Mr and Mrs Keene during their three years’ ministry in Frasertown. The chairman of the evening-, Mr Boyd, in a short address expressed the regret of the whole district at. Mr and Mrs Keene’s departure from their midst. They had only just got to know them, but he congratulated Mr Keene on his transfer to a larger charge. He had much pleasure in handing to their departing minister a. wallet of bank notes as a token of esteem and respect from the whole of the parish in his charge. Rev. Mr Keene feelingly replied, and expressed his sincere surprise and thanks for what they had all said and done for him. Songs were contributed by Mcsdames Haughton and. Macdonald, Miss R. Lambert, and Mr Hamilton. Mr -and Mrs Keene leave here in a few days for his new charge, ltiversdale, in the Southland district. Sports.—The North Clyde athletic sports were held on Thursday afternoon, 16th inst., and although the number of spectators present was satisfactory, yet it was not near to last year’s attendance. The various officials in control put through the events in a speedy manner, and the energetic secretary, Mr H. W. Brown, is deserving of every praise for the good part he so successfully carried out. Following are the results: Maiden Race, of 150 yards—H. Gouper 1. Sack Race—R. Herna. 1. 100 Yards Handicap—W. Finucane, 6yds, 1; G. Gillespie, 2yds, 2. 220 Yards Handicap—G. Gillespie, 4yds, 1; C. Ross, 11yds, 2. Girls’ Race— M. Kent 1, M. Brown 2. 440 Yards Handicap—B. Phillips, 20yds, 1; S. Lambert, | 45yds, 2. Half-mile Handicap A. Finlay, 65yds, 1; F. Haughton, 55yds, 2. Throwing the Hammer—J. Ashby, 82ft, 1; H. Lambert, 99ft, 2. Relay Race —Aramawha team 1, Frasertown team. 2. One Mile Handicap—A. Finlay, 100yds, 1; E. Goodall, 25yds, 2; Hospital Race—AY. Dinnan 1, C. Ross 2. | Consolation Race—Rua Henia 1, J. Douglas 2. Tossing the Caber—J. Ashby 1, H. Lambert 2. Chain-stepping—J. Haughton, 66ft lin, 1; AY. Wilson, 66ft 4in, 2.