THE COUNTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3594, 30 January 1923, Page 27

THE COUNTRY.

Oorrecpaßdcnta are reminded that all letter* (W the cnrrent week’* issue must reach Dunedi» jot later than Saturday night. Getter* Mning to hand on Monday are too late, and aM •la a week old when they appear. LAKE COUNTY. January 25.—With the exception of a cold snap on Wednesday the weather continues warm. Occasional showers at night is interfering with shearing at Glencoe station, which is the only district shed not yet cut out. Wedding.-—A wedding of considerable local interest was celebrated at St. Paul's Anglican Church, Arrowtown, yesterday. The contracting parties were Miss Gwen Preston, youngest daughter of Mrs Pres.ton. and the late Mr L. H. Preston, Arrowtown, and Mr James Reid, fourth son of Mr and Mrs .William Reid, of Wakatipu Flour Mills, Anow-town. Th* officiating clergyman was the Rev. R. de Lambert. The bride, who was given away by Mr William M'Kibbin, Was attended by her sister. Miss Lucille, and Mr Charles Reid (brother of the bridegroom) was best man. After the ceremony the wedding guests were entertained at after- : noon tea at the residence of the bride's | mother, after which the happy couple left j for Queenstown, en route for Dunedin, where i the honeymoon is being spent. Their future i home will be at Arrowtown. Death. —The death occurred at liis resi- | dence. South Dunedin, on Thursday last of | Mr Edward Fitzgerald, a former resident of j the Arrow-town district. After leaving Arrowtown, he purchased a farm at Balfour, where j he resided until about' ten years ago, when ! he sold out and retired to Dunedin. His j wife, who died four months ago, was the j eldest daughter -of Mrs Butel and the late j Mr John Butel, Arrowtov.-n, and he leaves ■ a family of three sons and three daughters. ! Personal.—On the eve of her marriage, [ Miss Gwen Preston, who has been teacher | of the Crown Terrace School for the past nine years, was entertained at a social and made the recipient of a presentation by the residents of the district. Miss Preston’s popularity was evidenced by the large attendance of parents, ex-pupils, pupils, and other friends, the Crown Terrace Schoolroom being crowded to the doors. The evening was devoted to dancing, and at a suitable interval, Mr William M'Kibbin, chairman of the school committee, presented Mi ss Preston with a handsome silver s ilver, Buitably inscribed. Mr John Stevenson, c-n behalf of the pupils and ex-pupils of the school, presented Miss Preston with a set of Doulton and silver table requisites. Mr James Reid suitably returned thanks on behalf of Miss Preston. The members of St. Paul’s Church, Arrowtown, also made a presentation to Miss Preston, who had acted as organist for the past five years, and had been a prominent church worker. The presentation (a roll of notes) was' made by Rev. R. de Lambert. —The Rev. J. N. Goodman, who recently assumed the position cf curate of the Arrowtown portion of the parish of Wakatipu, was suitably welcomed at a social evening on Monday last. Cricket.—The return match between teams from Arrow and Queenstown Cricket Clubs was played at Arrowtown yesterday. Arrow Blade a poor stand in the first innings, being all out for 37. Queenstown responded with 68. Arrow did much better in the second innings, declaring the innings closed with eight wickets down for 74. Queenstown had lost seven wickets fqr 41 at the call of time, and thus won by 31 runs on the first innings. OTAUTAU. January 25.—An effort has recently been made to re-form the athletic society, and several meetings have been held with that object in view. It has now been decided t-o hold a sports meeting on Saturday, February 17, and a good programme of events has been drawn up. The sum of £2O is being offered for the Sheffield, and £2O for the underhand chop. Members’ tickets have been selling freely, and everything points to a successful fixture. Wedding Bells.—A quiet wedding took place at the residence of Mr E. Chilton, “Redfern,” on Wednesday, January 17, when Miss Elsie, third daughter of Mr and Mrs E.\ Chilton, was united in the bonds of matrimony to Mr J. Lloyd, the officiating minister being Rev. W. E. Sleep, Nightcaps. The bride was attired in a handsome navy blue costume, and the bridesmaid, Miss Agne3 Laidlaw, wore a navy blue dress. Mr J. Norris acted as best man. After the wedding breakfast had been partaken of, the happy couple left by motor, en route, for their new home in Eltharo. Installation.—The annual installation of officei-3 of Te Ara Rebekah Lodge took place on Thursday, January 18, when the following officers were installed into the various offices for the ensuing year :—P.G., Sister M. Sheedy; N.G., Sister C. Hope; Y.G., Sister A. Hardy; Chaplain, Sister W. Mills; Conductor and R.S., Sister D. Mills; Warden, Bister M. Johnston; F.S., Sister Sutherland; 1.G., Sister A. Laidlaw. Bro. Jordan, Sisters Hayward, Bennett, Smith, Grand and Mitchell, of Takiara Lodge, Invercargill, conducted the installation. A social hour was spent, and an enjoyable supper was provided by the lady members. Death.—One of the oldest identities connected with the early history of the district passed away on Sunday, January 21, in the person of Mr Richard James, sen., at the age of 88 years. Deceased was born in the Bodmin parish, Cornwall, England, and left his native land in ,1853 in the barque Ascendant for Australia, the voyage taking 16 weeks. He landed at Brisbane, and shortly afterwards sailed for Tasmania. He eventually came to New Zealand, and landed in Invercargill in 1862. After a spell of six weeks on the Wakatipu diggings, the land Claimed his attention, and for a time he worked for the late Captain Howell. The deceased gentleman married Miss Rawlings at Riverton in 1863, and a year after removed to Wrey’s Bush, the late Mrs James being the first white woman to settle in that district, and many a traveller found hospitality under their roof. The late Mr James was well-known throughout the district, a.nd Was always ready to help in 'everything that was for its advancement. He was also an active worker in the Methodist Church. He leaves a large family, comprising Messrs R. S. James, S. James, G. James (all of whom are farming in the Aparima district), Mrs M. Newton ’(also of Aparima), Mrs John M’Naughton (Riverton), Mrs T. J. Coombes ißnd Mrs E. Clent (Aparima), Mrs Lightfoot (Woodlands), and Mrs Charles Creighton; 36 grandchildren, and a number of great grandchildren. Mrs James pre-deceased him six years ago. The funeral took place on Wednesday, deceased being interred in the Otautau (old) Cemetery, and was largely attended, Rev. R. Richards officiating at the grave-side.

MANDEVILLE. January 26.—The general complaint at the present time, especially amongst the farming community, and the shearer, too, is too much rain and not enough sunshine. Feed for stock is in abundance, indeed on the majority of holdings it has -got right away from the stock, but it is soft and does not possess the fattening qualities. Although stock is in good condition everywhere, the percentage of prime is small, and those expecting a laree draft of fat lambs from the mothers will be disappointed. It is getting more widely recognised each year that the best results are to be obtained by keeping the pastures short. Indeed, quite a number of farmers are mowing paddocks that have grown away from the stock, and claim that the result is most beneficial. The holiday season is over, only a few of the more fortunate who were able to take extended trips have yet to return. It has certainly.been a very busy time, exceptionally so at all seaside resorts. The bitter prospects for wool, meat and dairy produce is reflected in the good Christmas trade in all branches. More local people have spent their Christmas away from home than ever before as far back as my memory serves me. Indeed, for a week or two one would have thought that the whole residential portion of our little town was “to let.” General.—The shearers have had a bad j spin. The lost time through wet sheep has | disheartened them, and few there are who will not be delighted when the last sheep ! of 1922-23 season has been shorn.—-The local I picnic is to be held in Mr Crombie’s pad- : dock alongside the main road in the second week of February. A strong committee has | been formed, with Mr Roche as chairman i and Mr IV. Herd as secretary. Should the i elements prove favourable it is confidently | anticipated that the picnic pf 1923 will have | no equals.—Unfortunately our farhous fishing j streams are not attracting those from a i distance that was the case but a few years | ago. Indeed, it is questionable if this drift | has net been taking place for over a decade. I Surely it is high time that “the powers that j be” investigated the cause. Two finer | streams so conveniently situated are not to be found anywhere, and yet one hears that that it is bow possible, indeed quite a common occurrence, to fish all day and scarcely get one big enough to bag.—The Waimea Plains School excursion to Queenstown yesterday contained possibly ’ the greatest number that ever travelled through the plains on one train. The day could not have been more suitable. The cloudless sky gave the sightseers the very best- opportunity of viewing the wonderful scenery to the greatest advantage. WAREPA. January 26.—The weather conditions improved during this month, and the farmers have been able to complete turnip sowing and shearing. A few have just finished both, about the latest for many years. Autumn sown crop is being cut, but the spring crop will be a month or six weeks before they are ready to harvest. Feed for stock is plentiful, but rape and fattening feed for lambs is very backward. A good few lamb. 3 will be fat this year off their mothers. School Matters. —The Yvarepa School attendance is increasing, a few more attending, and the school would be entitled to a second teacher. The children at present are enjoying tlieir holidays. At the “break-up” the money for their prizes was raised by the usual school concert. Mr L. Edward, chairman of the school committee, presided over a large gathering, and Miss Emily Ay son had her pupils well trained for, their different items, and the children did credit to themselves and their teacher. The Rev. -W. R. Hume distributed the prizes, and called for three hearty cheers for Miss Ayson and the school committee. A good supply of refreshments was handed round, and a short dance followed. The music was supplied by Mr J. Murray and Mr George Farquhar acted as M.C. Changes.—Mr S. Morris, who has sold hi* farm to Mr J. Parker, is leaving the district this week. OUTRAM. January 26.—The weather still continues changeable and unsettled, the continued rain making it difficult for the farmer to engage in turnip thinning and haymaking. Grain crops are looking exceptionally well, but, unfortunately, the potato crop is more or less affected with the blight. Anglican Church.—At the conclusion of the service on Christmas Day the Rev. Bushj King, who is much esteemed by - his ! parishoners in West Taieri, was the recipientof a well-filled purse, the gift of the members of the congregation. Accident.—Mr F. M. Wright's youngest girl, who is not quite a year old, met with a nasty accident on Friday evening. The little “toddler,” who is just beginning to walk, fell down a bank, sustaining a broken arm and injuries to her ribs. The child was attended by Dr Peters, who ordered her re inoval -to the hospital. Cemetery Affairs.—The cemetery trustees are appealing io the public for funds, and the collectors who were appointed at the previous meeting will canvass the district at an early date. No doubt your recent anonymous correspondent will be pleased to head the list with a subscription. Improvements.—The town beard intend asphalting the footpath from Tracey’s Hotel to the railway station. Later on, as funds - become available, the improvement will be ’ further extended. The board is also in--1 stalling a Sin pipe line from the station to ’ the school corner in place of the inch pipe line which is used at present. SILVERSIOE (Taler)). January 26. —There has been little or no improvement in the weather conditions since my last notes were written. Certainly we did experience one or two fine days towards - the end of last week, and for these we were, I hope, sufficiently grateful, but since then the weather has again been windy and cold, With intermittent rain showers. We are now , within a few days of the end of the summer months, but we have had no weather such i as we usually associate with this season. However, it is not yet too late for a reason- ; able expectation of better things, and meanwhile we live in hope. There is no calling i in which the weather conditions play such an important part as in that of the farmer, i His whole outlook is bounded by the prevaili ing atmospheric conditions. He i 3, in a manner speaking, at the mercy of the i elements. The nature of the weather is to ; him always a matter of vital importance ! and anxious concern. People not immediately concerned say that the farmer is always grumbling, that he is never satisfied. ■ Doubtless to them there is some justification i for Punch’s playful lines quoted a few weeks • ago:— ! “The farmer will never bo happy again; He carries his heart in his boots; For either the rain is destroying his grain s Or the drought is destroying his roots.’ The Crops.—Cereal crops are ripening, hut > the process is slow, due to the comparative absence of sunshine. Harvesting has com-

me need, but only in isolated instances, and will not be general for some time yet. As I said in a previous letter, the crops are heavy, but it is too early yet to speak with any degree of accuracy as to the yields. One thing is certain, there will be a large bulk of straw. The small birds are levying their usual toll. Root crops are looking splendid, and there is every prospect of an abundance of winter food. Pasturage also shows little falling off, and stock are all in good condition. Dairying.—The milk supply at the local cheese factory is being well maintained, and with the abundance of feed available the cows should milk well on into the winter Prices are also better this season, and the outlook for the dairy farmers is much more hopeful than was the case last season. DUNTROON. January 26. —It is very seldom we can say we have had any amount of rain; however, that is the position just now, and everyone would like to see some sunshine for a while. The crops are getting a black look with so much rain, although apparently no damage has: been done yet. I remember the crops going black on a former occasion with too much rain just before harvest, but they thrashed out all right. There is a lot of difference in the crops; some very good and some middling and thin, several paddocks are bad and some patchy with take all, and several paddocks were fed off just about the time the rain came last October, and the area of wheat in this district .will be reduced thereby. All the crops are well headed and should yield well in the hulk. There is less straw in all crops than last year. The rape and turnips are all doing wewll, and there seems to be a good area sown. Rainfall. —The rainfall for the year ending December 31, 1922, was 20.21 in, about an inch below the yearly average. No one expected this after the six winter months being a record for dryness. So far this month we have registered 3.07 in General. —The Sunday school picnic was held on the 11th inst., and was very successful. A very hearty vote of thartks was passed and cheers given to Mr and Mrs J. Rutherford for supplying hot water and for the US3 of their paddock for the picnic.— There is a lot of shearing to be done yet, and unless the weather takes up soon there will be shearing and harvesting together. QUEENSTOWN. QUEENSTOWN, January 23. An engrossing subject ,at the present tune is the proposal to introduce hydro-electricity into Queenstown. The utilisation of the One Mile Creek—the source of the town water strpplv—for the generation of electricity forms” the basis of the present proposal. Upon this Mr A. P. Aldridge, electrical engineer, Dunedin, has now reported, and his report has been approved by the council and by a public meeting of townspeople. Though not providing an illimitable supply of power, the scheme is said to be one that will meet the needs of the town for upwards of 10 years. Should an extension then be required, this can be’ met by going higher up the creek. An auxiliary supply of water would also be available in other streams. A referendum will be taken on February 7, and if the proposal to borrow £7OOO is carried a very definite step forward in the progress of Queenstown will have been taken. Apart altogether from the boon it will be to householders, the introduction of electricitywill do much to increase the attractiveness of Queenstown as a tourist resort. The almost romantic proposal to dam the Kawarau at the outlet of the lake and flume the feeders of this river in order to lay bare the bed of it for the recovery of the gold deposits is attracting cot * - siderable attention at present. J/he formal application for a license _ for a dam will be made in the Warden’s Court at Queenstown on February 3. This will doubtless set in motion the machinery of more than one Government department making investigation of the possible and probable effect on Queenstown of the holding up of the waters oLthe lake in the time of floods. ALEXANDRA NOTES. ALEXANDRA, January 23. Residents, and occasionally visitors, seeing the remarkable results of irrigation, and realising the value of the regular sunshine received o in this locality, sometimes are led to remark: “ What a wonderful place it would be with a good fall of rain once a week. ' Such a vision has been more than realised during the past few weeks. Rain has fallen about three times a week, malting the older settlers wonder if they are really int the month of January, the month of perpetual sunshine and sweltering heat. Last week 63 points of rain fell, and for Monday and Tuesday of this week 80 points have fallen. The soil is. so porous that, in spite of all the rain, the ground is not sodden, but continues in a nice friable condition. Growth is remarkable and feed plentiful. ' Ne-w records are being established in the despatch of fruit from the Alexandra railway station. A total of 1251 tons, comprising 8536 crates and cases, were despatched for last week. This is the highest weekly total recorded, the previous highest being 117 tons for one week last season. Another recent record was the total of 40 tons despatched on Monday morning, that being the largest quantity of fruit despatched on one morning. Large quantities of aprocots are going forward, and there was one small consignment of tomatoes, among the first of the season. The growers are not satisfied with the action of the Railway Department in trying to give better ventilation in the fruit wagons. The large bogey wagon which wrought so much havoc on the fruit last season by overheating has only had the narrow door at each end of the wagon taken off and replaced with a louvred door. This will give some ventilation, but will it give enough? It would look as if the Railway Department was experimenting to discover the least possible ventilation. The proposal to dam the Kawarau is giving rise to much interested speculation even around this district. With the Kawarau nearly dry during the winter months, the Molyneux will leach an unprecedented lowlevel, and offers opportunities for gold seeking never before presented. With this possibility very apparent, there has been something of a rush to peg out mining claims in the gorge between Alexandra and Roxburgh. Four parties have been at worki one working from Roxburgh, one from Alexandra. another party arrived from Cromwell, and the fourth party beifig two experienced miners. The whole of the Alexandra-Rox-burgh gorge has been pegged out in 19-acre claims, and it is reported that the same has taken place in the Cromwell-Clyde gorge. The next sitting of the district warden’s conrts will ‘probablp revive memories of old times.