LAKE COUNTY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3555, 2 May 1922, Page 23

LAKE COUNTY.

April 28.—For the past few days' fine weather has been experienced. This haJ been quite a welcome change for fawners. Four thrashing mills are now busily engaged in the district—Messrs James Shaw, J. Butel, M. Winders, and Resta Bros. (Gibbston). A large quantity of peas has been grown in the district this season. Mr James Shaw’s mill has already thrashed 2500 sacks of peas, the greater portion of that quantity having been grown in the Lower Shotover district. Queenstown Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial. — The memorial arch erected at the entrance to the Queenstown Park was unveiled by Sir William Fraser on Anzac Day. There was a large attendance, and the ceremony was an impressive one. The religious part of the ceremony was conducted by the Revs, de Lambert (Anglican) and Robertson (Presbyterian), and the speakers were Sir William Fraser, Rev. de Lambert, Messrs A. Sdmson (Mayor of Queenstown) and G. H. Romans (representing the people of Arrowtown). A f tor the unveiling ceremony, Mrs Reid (wife of Mr W. Reid, Lake County chairman) opened the gate beneath the arch, and all present filed through. “The Last Post” was sounded by Mr R. F. Anderson, a returned soldier. The hymns “O God our help” and “Lest we forget” were sung, Miss M. T. "Warren presiding at the piano. The proceedings closed with the singing of the National Anthem. , Found Dead.—On Saturday last. Constable O’Shea (Arrowtown) was informed that a Chinaman named Konsr Kai, who had lived at Eight Mile, Arrow River, for many years, was missing from his hut. On Sundaymorning Constable O'Shea organised a party to search for the missing man. After spending several hours in the search and finding no trace, the jiarty returned to Arrowtown. Mr James Cowan, of Macetown, continued the search, and on Sunday evening found the body of the Chinaman on the side of the hill about half a mile from his hut. The body was lying face downwards, and was much decomposed. He had evidently gone out to cut firewood, as he had a tomahawk in his hand and a- bamboo was lying close by. The body was removed to Arrowtown, where an inquest was held by Mr D. F. Sutherland, ooroner. Dir Anderson gave evidence that death was due to natural causes, probably sudden heart failure, and a verdict in accordance with this testimony was returned. He was last seen alive on the 21st March by Mr James Cowan, when he appeared to be in his usual good haaltli. The late Kong Kai was 67 years of age, and as he was able to speak good English he had acted as interpreter for many years in court cases. Hockey.—The annual meeting of the Arrow Ladies’ Hockey' Club was held on. Friday evening, and was well attended, Mrs George (president) being in the chair. The balance sheet showed a credit Balance of £3 15s. The following office-bearers were elected:—President, Mrs S. George; vicepresidents—Mesdames Baird, Barron, Garth, and Jopp; secretary and treasurer, Miss L. Callaghan; committee —Mrs Douglas, Misses M. Summers, Baird, # Feehly, G. Stevenson, E. Fletcher, G. Cotter, N. Cotter, M. Romans, Y. Stevenson, A. Summers, and L. Mackie. It was decided to play two teams, and Misses L. Callaghan and G. Stevenson were appointed captains. Mesdames George and Douglas were appointed delegates to the Hockey Association, and Mrs was appointed coach and sole selector.

Wedding.—At Cardrona on Wednesday, April 12, a quiet wedding was celebrated. The contracting parties were Miss Ettie Little, daughter of Mr W. Little, of Branch Creek, Cardrona, and Mr Noble Meachong, of Waik-aka-. The officiating clergyman was Rev. James Rattray, of Athol. The bridesmaid was Mis 3 Dolly Little, and Mr J. F. M’Dongall acted as best man. Death.—Mr William Mulholland, who had been a resident of Queenstown for close on 50 years, died at home on Tuesday last. Deceased, who was 69 years of a<re, was a , native of County Derry, Ireland. He arrived in New Zealand in 1873, and shortly afterwards settled in Queenstown. For some years he was emiploved on the lake steamers, bring in charge of the Jane Williams (which is now the Ben Lomand). He was subsequently engaged in mining at Shotover, and later he was coal mining at Kaitangata. He leave® a widow and two sons and five daughters. Two other sons were killed in the Great War. WfIRFPA. April 28.—After a long spell of unsettled weather we are no-v having o. few fine davs. Th-re are still a few farmers with c on standing in the stank, but the most of the grain is safely in the stick. It has been a very trying harvest. Most of the spring crops will be more or less damaged, and the grain will be discoloured. The autumn-sown crops were mostly saved in good order, and will be a better sample. The turnip crops are looking well, and there should be plenty of non ter feed. Stock are looking well, and prices for fat stork a.re verv good. Altogether, farming Seems to be looking np again. Social.—The Hockey Club have commeuced the season, and played a match with R Omaha pa. at Warepa. In the evening a dance was held in the Warepa Hall. There was a good attendance, and « very enjoyable evening was spent. A -New Store.—Messrs J. A. Somerville and Son have opened a branch of their business at Warepa. It is about- 17 years since we have had a store iu the district, and Messrs Somerville and Son will fill a long-felt want. Weddings.—Two of our young men have lately joined the benedicts. Mr Ain Stewart was married to Miss Carr, youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs J. Carr, of this district. Mr R. M’Kerrow was married to Miss Heckler, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs W. M. fi'v k]er, of Warepa. The ceremonies were conducted by the Rev. W. R,. Hume, who during his three years’ ministry here has married 16 couples. I am sure that is a record for this district. WAIWERA. April 29.—1 was hoping to be able to report that harvest operations were finished by this time, but unfortunately there are still some small lots out here -and there. The crop 3 were generally good, but the loss In some cases will be pretty big, so much being damaged and discoloured. This is only another of the many drawbacks the farmers are subject to, for which there is no redress but to grin and bear it. The storms wo have been subjected to latelv in the meantime seem to have ceased. The upward move in the prices of stock, particularly sheep, is keeping things lively in that line; but I fear the poor farmer does not always get the full benefit he deserves. Crop Yields.—l have just heard that many

of the crops are not thrashing* out as well as might be expected—that is, the yield according to the bulk of straw. Especially is this the case with the later crops, while some of the earlier crops have been remarkably good. Besides many other good crop;:, the Mackenzie Bros. (David and Kenneth) had crops of wheat estimated to yield between 50 and 60 bushels per acre; so with all our troubles and adversities we have come bright spots to encourage us. Anzac 1 y 1V. — Although very wet, Anzac Day was observed according to the wishes of the authorities with appropriate combined services in several centres. Let us not forget our duties to the memories of our fallen heroes. -■* LUMSDEN. April 25. —Anzac Day was commemorated by a large gathering of combined church congregations (and of the public) in Crawford’s Hall. The Rev. D. K. Fisher presided, assisted by Rev. C. Webb, Mr S. E, Grifith, and members of the Town Board were on t-he platform. Well-thought-out and very appropriate addresses were given, and highly appreciated by the large audience. Mr Wilson (conductor) and members of the choir assisted by the singing of well-chosen and appropriate hymns. The services of Mrs Wyley (organ) and Mr Wyley (cornet) as accompanists were much appreciated. A solemn, enthusiastic, and patriotic gathering was brought to a" close by the singing of the National Anthem and the playing of “The East Post” by Mr Wyley. A collection was taken up, the proceeds of which are to be given to the Unemployed Returned Soldiers’ Fund. Crops.—The weather during the past six weeks has been very stormy and wet, and right through the harvest season, retarding operations and doing a lot of damage to much of the grain crops throughout Southland and the western districts. The farmers about Lumsden and surrounding districts upwards have been fortunate in securing the grass and grain crop in first-class condition. Thrashing is now nearly finished, and good samples and large yields everywhere are reported; but what the season’s prices are to be is not yet known. So. far they are quite satisfactory. Sale. —The trustees in the estate of the late Mr Andrew Small submitted some freehold and leasehold sections for auction. A Jenr-acre block was knocked down to the bid of Mr G. Tomlin at £IOO. Other sections were passed in, not reaching the reserve put on them. Sale of Work and Bazaar.—The Lumsden, Moss burn, an d Castle Rock Presyterian Women’s Guild held a most successful sale of work and bazaar in Crawford’s Hall recently. Proceedings were officially opened by the Rev. Lawson I. Robinson, of First Church, Invercargill. The various stalls were all full of valuable wares of all kinds, including a large quantity of grain, produce, and vegetables. The stallholders were kept very busy both afternoons, and a large quantity of stuff was* disposed of at satisfactory prices, the sum of £ll2 being taken odver the counter and at the various side shows. Entertainment.—On Friday evening, 7th inst., a play entitled “The Gypsies’ Camp” was attractively produced by local amateurs, and drew a crowded house. Mr and Mrs Wyley (cornet and -piano) were the accompanists for the evening. The total takings amounted to £IBO, which is to be applied to liquidate the church debt fund. WAJKAIA. April 27. —While the weather in the early part of the week was changeable, we. had bright sunshine on Tuesday and Wednesday. The country is looking beautiful. The trees are putting out their autumn tints, but there is an abundance of grass. The season for fruit has been a# good one, and some splendid apples and plum® have been sent away to various centres. Dredge Fire.—On Saturday last during a strong gale a fire broke out on the Kgjsira Company's dredge at Freshford, and blazed away until the hull sank in deep water. The dredge had been stopped for repairs, but when the fire was discovered there was bo one on board, and nothing could be done to save the structure, which was insured in the Royal Exchange Company for £2OOO. The dredge, which was the only one out of 20 at one time operating in the district, had been a most profitable venture. Anzac Day.—The beautiful weather on Tuesday enabled people from far and near to attend the Anzac Day memorial service in the Masonic Hall, and the building was crowded. The returned soldiers marched in procession to the hall, as also did the school children, who first assembled at the school. Kiev. it. M’Ewan presided over the devotional exercises, and also gave a brief address suitable* to the occasion, being followed by Mr John Milne and Mr C. Robertson, J.P., both paying a tribute to the splendid men who had given their lives for the Empire in the cause of humanity. Appropriate hymns and psalms were sung, and “The Last Post” was sounded by Mr Fir.nerty. SILVERSIOE (TaSeri). April 27.—The weather is fine, but there is a chill in the merning air, which reminds us that winter as at hand. The Farm.-=®ie busy season is practically over. All pressing work on the farm has been accomplished. Looking back upon the past season, it cannot be said that it has been a particularly successful one. The prices for most farm products have been low, while prices for all material essential to production are still comparatively high. That is the chief difficulty which farmers are confronted with at the present time—• the cost of production is too high. I do not write in any spirit of discontent or pessimismt. I do not hold with the suggestion that farmers are noted pessimists. My contention is that they are, for the most part, optimists. They must be so in the nature of their calling. The farmer must have a large faith and a- firm belief in the future; otherwise he would have no incentive to persevere. Dairying.—The milk supply is rapidly dimiini.shii.ng. Next week separating will commence, and the factory will run on alternate days only. A meeting of shareholders and suppliers will be held in Mosgiel on Saturday afternoon to discuss a proposal to instal a new boiler in the engine room, the present one being too small for the requirements of the factory. Anzac Day.—The services held in Mosgiel in connection with the commemoration of Anzac Day were largely attended and very impressive in character. It is well that as the years go by we should continue to remember and hold in honour the heroism of those men who sacrificed so much for us. Mr Ogilvie refers to them as—- “ Bra-vest where half a world of men Are brave beyond all earth’s rewards. So stoutly none may charge again Till the ’ast breaking of (he swords. Wounded or hale, won home from war, Or yonder by the- Lone Pine laid, Give him his duo for ever more—‘The bravest thing God ever made!’”