THE COUNTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3590, 2 January 1923, Page 27

THE COUNTRY.

Correspondent, .re reminded that all letl**» §m the current week’s issue must reaoh Dunedia WOT I.ATEB THAN SATURDAY NIGHT. Letter* aoming to hand on Monday axe too late, and as* Ana a week old when they appear. TUTURAU. December 23.—The weather of late has been very changeable, and in consequence the sowing of turnips has been much delayed. The School.—The annual school concert and dance was held on Wednesday, 20th December, and although the night was wet, there was a good attendance of parents and friends. Hesitations and songs, also a play entitled “Our Black Boys,” were contributed by the school children. The teacher, Miss Brighton, must be complimented on the success of the children’s performance. Several items from local performers were also rendered. Refreshments were handed round at the close of the concert. The distribution of prizes took place on Thursday, 21st. Of two pupils who sat for proficiency one gained her proficiency certificate. On Boxing Day the Tuturau Ex.-Pupils’ Association intend holding the annual reunion, which will take the form of a picnic, to be held in the school grounds. WAIRUNA. December 22.—The long spell of wet weather still continues, with the result that shearing and turnip-sowing have been very badly delayed. So far very few sheep have been shorn in this district, and a few weeks of fine weather would be very welcome. Concert.—The annual break-up concert was held in the Memorial Hall on Tuesday evening. There was a large attendance, and the entertainment was a decided success. The Rev. D. S. Mason occupied the chair. The first part of the programme was given by the school children nnder the leadership of their teacher, Miss Ro3eveare. Every item was well rendered and greatly enjoyed by all present. The second part consisted of solos by Misses Roseveare and Belcher and Messrs Pilling and M’Haffie, recitations by Miss Henderson and Mrs M'Hardy, and a musical selection by Wilson’s Orchestra. During the interval Mr Mason distributed the prizes, each child receiving a book. At the conclusion of the Concert a dance was held, the music being supplied by Wilson’s Orchestra, from Clinton. The ladies, as usual, provided an ample supply of refreshments. Farewell.—A most enjoyable evening was held at Mr G. Brown’s place last night to bid farewell to Mr and Mrs Papps, who are leaving the district. There was quite a large gathering of friends and neighbours, and' the evening was spent in playing games, etc., after which supper was handed round. Mr Steel, on behalf of the residents, presented Mr and Mrs Papps with a well-filled purse. Several other gentlemen also spoke, all expressing regret at the departure of Mr Papp’s family from our midst. Mr and Mrs Papps and family are going to the North Island, and I understand their new home will be somewhere in the region of the Bay of' Plenty. We wish them every happiness and success in the north. ROXBURCH. December 23.—The year about to close has seen a number of the old identities joining the great majority. The district has progressed fairly during the year. After a nice dry winter and spring up to well on in November, but recently since the weather broke we have experienced a wet spell—so much bo, indeed, that we are hoping for a warm, dry spell, which is necessary to bring on the fruit crop. Should the wet spell continue much of the fruit will drop to the ground, especially apricots, which are showing signs of too much moisture. Shearing has also been retarded on account of the weather, also hay-making. Oats and root crops have been benefitted, and are looking well. Gold Mining.—Mining may be said to have practically ceased to exist in the district, and there is not a single venture at work either on the banks of the river or on the hills, where in former years many men were engaged in seeking the precious metal. As the old miners died out the industry waned, the younger generation having no inclination for gold mining. Hydro-electric Power and Irrigation.—Good progress is being made with the hydroelectric works, and it is expected the Power Board will be able to supply power and light about the middle of the incoming year. Irrigation is also receiving attention, especially on the east side of the river, where it is hoped the water formerly used by the Teviot Hydraulic Company, now defunct, ■will be made available for settlers. It is also hoped that Springfield and the Teviot Estate will be benefitted. Lucerne-gro-.ving is growing in favour, as the soil and general conditions appear to be suitable for its grrwth. Many small areas in different parts of the district are all successful so far. Fruit. —A fair quantity of strawberries and cherries, also early apricots and peaches, have been sent to the various centres for the Christmas markets, but the weather conditions have not been too favourbale for ripening. CROMWELL. December 23. —The amount of rain that has fallen of late is extraordinary for this time of the year—more than makes up for the long spell of dry weather that had been previously experienced. The district round about is looking splendid as a result of the recent rains, and the threatened bad season for farmers now appears to be absolutely a thing of the past. During the drought there was a heavy mortality among the nill sheep, and stock deteriorated to an alarming extent, but now conditions are very much improved, and it seems as if runholders are going to have a very successful season. Orchards are also in very good oon--dition, and the early varieties of peaches are already beginning to ripen. Given a spell of really hot weather there should be but little to complain of in regard to fruitfarming results. Bowling.—The Cromwell Bowling Club members are having good times on the green. They are leading now for the Central Shield competitions, and a rink from Cromwell proceeded last Wednesday to Alexandra and managed to win from the club of that town the much-coveted Jolly Memorial Cup. Christmas promises to be fairly busy for the town. Quite a large number of visitors are arriving by train, and with a modicum of the usual Cromwell blue sky conditions the holidays should pass off pleasantly for aUSchool Vacation.—The school broke up last Wednesday for the usual summer vacation in the presence of a large number of parents and friends. Mr Gair, chairman of the School Committee, presided over the ceremony, and in his opening remarks congratulated the school on its continued success at the inspector’s examination. Appropriate addresses were delivered to the children by the Rev. W. P. Rankin and by Mr MacGregor, Methodist missionary for Crorn veil. The pupils contributed a number of musi jal

and recitation items, which were thoroughly enjoyed by all present. The ceremony was brought to a conclusion by the singing of the National Anthem. The following is the prize list: General Proficiency.—Standard VII: J ames Gordon (presented by Mr G. Stumbles). Stand ard VI: Norma Scott .2; Edith Stephens, progress (presented by Athenaeum). Standard V: Mary Jolly, 1; Thos. Price, 2; Robert Ward, progress (presented by Duncan and Simpson). Standard IV: Daisy Watson, 1; Louisa Eason, 2; Ralph Jolly, progress (presented by Athenaeum). Standard III: Flo Betts, I; Zeala Sanders, 2; C. Vercoe, progress. Standard II: Robt. Wishart, 1; Emily Wilson, 2; Vera Stephens, progress (presented by Mrs D. O. Jolly). Standard I: Douglas Wishart, 1; Ruby Kruskoff, 2; Margt. Jolly, progress (presented by Mrs Mechaelis). Special Prizes.—Dux of school: Frank Gibson. Record attendances: Frank Gibson (seven years' record), Fay Sanders (six years’ record), William Bell (six years’ record), Norma Scott (five years’ record). Navy League: Fay Sanders, 1; Mary Jolly, 2. Good conduct: Mary Jolly (presented by Mrs Wishart), John Webb (presented by Mr D. C. Jolly). Sewing.—Standards 111-II: Flo Betts. Forty-two good attendance certificates were also given. RIVERTON. December 26. —From correspondence received at the last meeting of the Progressive League it would appear that quite a number of picnics will be held in Riverton during the next month or so by people from other districts, including that of the Invercargill grocers. A committee was appointed to take steps to raise funds to enable the league to carry on its operations, and several offers of assistance were received. School Break-up.—The local school broke up for the holidays on Thursday, when there was a good attendance of parents and friends. The infants attended in the morning, when a Christmas-tree was provided, and each child received a present. In the afternoon suitable addresses were given by the Mayor (Dr Trotter), Mr Stevens (chair man of the School Committee), and Mr E. C. Hewat, and the prizes won by the pupils were handed out. The winners in the essay competition were: J. G. Borland and J. Kibblewhite equal, Nichol 3. Cricket.—Our local cricketers paid a visit to Nightcaps last Wednesday and secured a . win. The local men were cordially received and entertained, the ladies providing afternoon tea. A'XAf A. December 27. —-Tlle. weather has been extremely cold, wit-h heavy showers of rain, and there is a fresh coating of snow on the mountain tops. Some newly-shorn sheep have succumbed through the inclement weather. Death.—Mr Archibald Kennedy, one of the oldest of Waikaia gold miners, died in the Gore Hospital on the 15th inst. at the ago of 80 years. Born in Tasmania Mr Kennedy took to. gold-seeking while young, and was at several of the rushes in Victoria. He came to New Zealand in 1861, and took part in the rush to Gabriel’s Gully. He followed other rushes in Otago and Southland, coming to Switzers about 60 years ago. He was engaged in mining for many years in the Waikaia and neighbouring district. Of a kindly disposition and of sterling character, he was highly esteemed by his old mates and the residents of the district. He was greatly interested in the local public school, and for many years provided !w:v prizes—one for the dux boy and one for the dux girl,—and was always delighted to hear of the success of any of the boys or girls after leaving school. The funeral took place on the 17th, and was largely attended, including the school children nnder Mr Brown, the teacher. The Rev. R. M’Ewan officiated. Schools Break-up—The Waikaia School broke up for the holidays on the 21st in somewhat boisterous weather, which doubtless* prevented many from attending. Despite this many of the mothers of the children were present. Mr J. Robertson, J.P., in the course of an address,, said that under the will of the late Mr Archibald Kennedy £SO had been invested to provide prizes for the dux boy and the dux girl of the school annually. Mr Kennedy had provided these two prizes for some years, and by his legacy these would be provided in years to come. The children stood up and remained silent for a minute as a mark of respect to the late Mr Kennedy Mr John Milne, J.P., secretary to the committee, said he regretted the chairman (Mr John Dennis) was unable to be present. Owing to ill-health Miss Morris, the schoolmistress, he was sorry to say, had resigned, and Mrs Hamon had been relieving mistress during the illness of Miss Morris. He then handed out the prizes to the successful pupils, Jciju kl'Ewan roceiving that for the dux hey ar.d Frances Allan that for the dux girl.—The Upper Waikaia School also broke up on the 21st, many of the parents and friends attending. Mr Hansen (chairman of the School Committee) gave a brief address, and handed over the prizes to the successful pupils. He mentioned that the Standard VI pupii3 had gained their proficiency certificates, a fact which reflected credit on Mr Watson, their teacher. School Concert.—The Wendonside School concert was held on the 22nd in the Coronation Hall, which was crowded, several from Waikaia attending. The building was nicely decorated for the occasion. Mr N. Collins (chairman of the School Committee presided, and at a suitable interval handed out the prizes won. The children appeared in the first part of the programme, while the second part was supplied by the Pyramid Dramatic Company. The ladies provided a dainty supper,, and a dance followed, with Mr Lindsay as M.C., the music being provided by Mr and Mrs Gilmour. QUEENSTOWN. (From Our Owm Correspondent.) Beautiful weather has prevailed here over the Christmas holidays, consequently the hundreds of visitors to our town have been revelling in the glorious sunshine and viewing the sosnic glories of Wakatipu under ideal conditions. Yesterday the bowling green in the park attracted a full complement of the votaiies of the good old game, the crowd being representative of players from all parts of Otago and Southland. The steamer excursion to Elfin Bay and the Head of the Lake was rather poorly availed of this morning, considering the perfect weather. Insufficient publicity, per medium of advertisement, of this popular trip may be assigned the chief contributory cause. .This seems a pity, as it is undoubtedly the best and cheapest outing in the district, and the Railway Department now only affords the public two opportunities during the holidays of making this trip at excursion rates. In pre-war days it was a regular weekly cheap excursion during summer. At Arrowtown the Returned Soldiers’ Associat on has organised a sports gathering for to-day. This promises to be well attended.