THE COUNTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3609, 15 May 1923, Page 27

THE COUNTRY.

Correspondent* are reminded that all letter* for the current week’s issue must reach Duneditt JTOT LATER THAN SATURDAY NIGHT. Letter* Coming to hand on Monday are too late, aDd a 39 thus * week old when they appear. LAKE COUNTY. May 10. —A cold snap was experienced on Saturday and Sunday. A good deal of snow fell on the high country. The weather cleared on Monday, and the snow disappeared quickly. County Elections,—The polling for two councillors for Queenstown Riding and one councillor for Greenstone Hiding, in the Lake County Council, took place yesterday. For Queenstown Riding Messrs Leo Lee and J. E. O’Connell were elected, the voting being as follows:—Leo 70, O’Connell G 9, James M'Mullan. jun., 35. There was a close contest for Greenstone Riding, Mr George Reid (the retiring member) defeating Mr Henry Adams by 28 to 23. Southland Hospital Board. —The election of a representative for the combined district of Lake County and Queenstown and Arrowtown boroughs also took place yesterday. Mr George S. Edie, who has ably represented the district for the past three years, was opposed by Mr J. W. Miller, of Wharehuanui. Mr Edie is not now a resident of the district, having removed to Birchwood, Southland, some time ago. The contest was a keen one, and resulted in the return of Mr Miller by 38 votes. The voting was — Miller 284, Edie 246. Bluff Harbour Board..—Mr Peter Reid, who has represented the district on the Bluff Harbour Board for the past six years, was opposed by Mr J. J. M'Bride, of Queenstown. Mr Reid was re-elected by a majority of 77, the voting being—Reid 304, M‘Bride 227. Householders’ Meeting.—The following School Committee was elected at Gibbston: Messrs F. C. Perriam. (chairman and secretary). T. Kinross, Joseph Miller, S. Cowan, and Mrs J. Reid. LUMSDEN. May 11. —The weather the past month has been very erratic —a lot of rain with snow on the tops, and some frosty nights, with heavy morning fogs. This has greatly retarded the cutting and ingathering of the late grain > rops, of which a 'few uncut patches are to be seen. There in a, good deal of grain still in stock. Much of which is sure to be discoloured and otherwise damAll stock are in splendid condition, but it is predicted that there is to be a scarcity of winter feed, as the turnip crop is not quite a success this season. Obituary.—Mr Peter MTntosh a highlyrespected erstwhile Lumsden resident, died at Dunedin on Monday, the Stli. Mr MTntosh was held in high esteem by all with whom lie came in contact, a man of integrity and straight in all his dealing and f. £ ue , and reliable friend. Air John Pox ( etter known as Jack Fox, ar.d known here tor many years) passed away early this week at Invercargill after a short illness . Football.—The opening match of the seaeon was played here on Saturday, sth inst between the Balfour and Lumsden Clubs’ A fast, even and friendly game resulted in penalty"' goal. 1 “** “ Curiaar a tr * and a CROMWELL. May 11,—'Winter sports are now in full Go f °i >cnfd °n Saturday with a drive —a match President (Mr A. Stephens) v Vice-president,—but owing to rain had To 'f. “ banda ? ed //ter the first nine holes u -i i to f, S " ho .follow the lure of the we« l ''l Wl!1 b= of ' illfcere3t to know web flnf ks ar , e El tuated on the Cromwell flat, alongside the Kawarau River—a true sporting course, which provides a great deal of play. \ isitors to Cromwell should brinto tL g toL fH. an , d introduce themselves vear aud e 0 :, VVh<> iS this year, and a good sport. Rugby football opened this year by Cromwell plivin* and 22 h'f'fki 11131 yeAr ’ 9 Premiers, by well hut ,'r, tl/ 0 t l Howburn played eas lv first If r rear «;i ,ard Cromwell were ,V rst - ", Cromwell can maintain their form they will take some stooping to w D them this year from regaining the fla c* At hard Ud* y n OUn ,s ladie s Practising’voty team’ , f ° r TZ against Alexandra District High SchooT^Rl Thi ay tn T re th ‘ 3 u appears in Print 01 The Anglican Church held their mnut’.Kdance and card evening last WedneSav 1 The Horticultural Socmtv T 1 meeting was held la-t ' T' ,c annual tiring officers were re-eW k d yeau The only the Atochalis J '\ k rlsignedr r,S Mr ry j'" <u ?a f e of Mr appointed assistant’ secretary ”, Was sheet showed a consffierabL"’ crSft a* "the avings hanx, and credit was given to Mr Mechahss organising ability for this rrlhl Pl i : a"ch POnt n a] Britato, ! ' d ind 'ssssrjr&g? an., I understand, nine informal papers. ngapara. tb!f a n 7 -Ngapara, along with the rest of the Dominion, has been geTinoshare of the rainfall At nrodent J, i r quite a superabundance ‘ of Tater about, but nothing in the ehine of J ln u as yet. Up to two week" SXo clmed to comment on the prospects of a dry spell, but that is all chnnod 1 a wl-.en you l ad the big flood in Dufedin tTo weeks a™ we got about Sin of rain, which vas badly wanted at the time, as the ground was badly m need of a soaking Rain set in again on Thursday afternoon, and lias been raining off and on ever since. From Saturday noon till noon to-day (Monday) wc We had a fall of 171 points, making for f ° r r t u e , r,,<mt!l > and to date for 1923 the rainfall has been 12?,in, »o if wc only get our average rainfall for the remainder of the year we will be quite set. However if we get a few dry days again things will got dry underfoot, and one will be able to got about again without any inconvenience and carry on his work as usual Farming.—Threshing has been very much retarded on account of th© rain. In one or two instances mills have done a day or two’s work last week, and in other places they never started. Crops have been very light this year; 20 bushels of wheat per acr c pulls most of them up, but 15 to 18 bushels is about the general run, with a few below that. Oats, on the whole have

run fairly well. It v;a.s anticipated that the mills would have a short run this year, but it is going- to be a dragging season for the mills. In several cases, when the stook thrashing was finished, the mills pulled in, as nobody was keen to put the stacks through, being inclined to wait a while for the grain to become more fit. "When they did start again the rain set in, and, aa everybody in connection with farming know 3 the amount of humbug caused by having to wire rope the mills by getting the paddocks cut up with traction engines, perha.ps a few wet stacks, the days getting short, and sharp frosts in the morning, etc., do not make it very enticing work. In several cases teams are at work getting ready to sow more wheat, so, you see, wo nevlr say r die. There is quite a lot of cowgrass cut and lying on the ground, at present, with no prospect of gathering it in as yet. Election. —Up till a week ago Ngapara was excited over the election. The arguments put forth by the two candidates wore always fully discussed by one and all who had a vote; in fact, by everybody, whether he was an elector of the district or not. However, when the final returns camo through on Tuesday the supporters of the defeated candidate wondered how it happened, and the followers of the successful candidate went away rejoicing. Mr J. A. M'Pherson, who was returned by a majority of about 340, is an old resident of the district, having farmed on various properties in the district for about 30 years previous to his retirement to Oamaru about two years ago.

'import.—The final cricket match of the season was played between Kurow and Ngapara, on the Ngapara ground, on Saturday, 28th of April, in beautiful weather. The Ngapara team proved too good for Kurow. I understand that tlie Ngapara team now gain the second cup that is being presented. —Owing to the shortage of players locally Ngapara, it is said, is not able to put a Kugby team in the field this year.—Now that the tennis season is over the young ladies have again taken up hockey, having had their first practice last week. Death.—Much regret was caused locally when it became known that Mr G. Thorpe had passed away. The deceased gentleman had been in the employ of Milligan and Bond, as miller, for some years, and was highly respected by one and all. When duty called he responded, and during the time that he was on active service lie was gassed, and this may have hastened his end. Mr Thorpe leaves a widow and throe of a family to mourn their loss. Several ex-residents have passed away quite recently. Mr A. Hall, who died at Weston some time ago, was a highly respected settler of the district for quite a number of years. He was well known throughout Canterbury and Otago, having competed at various ploughing matches. Mrs W. Dick, also of Weston, Was another of the old pioneers who did her share to promote, the welfare of the district.—Mr T. Liken, of Pukeuri, who died suddenly two weeks ago, was also an exresident of the district previous to his settling at Pukeuri, where he used to occupy the farm now possessed by Mr J. New lands. Mr Liken, having leased it from the late Mr H. Edwards. V/AIKATO (AuGk!a?id). May 4. —The mild flood a fortnight ago was succeeded by fine clear weather, but rain has sot in again, but the temperature i 3 still fairly high. Most of the herds are going olf now. as regards the milking, but I hear of one farmer who intends milking 25 cows right -through the wilder. Peed is plentiful, and stock are looking well. It has been a record output of dairy produce from the Waikato. It is a pity that beef keeps so low. A rise of 2d per lb would make all the difference to the fat stock producer. Local Elections. —The local body elections created a fair amount of interest, but there were not many great surprises. On the half-holiday question Hamilton and Cambridge retains Saturday, while Te Awamutu and oth®r places revert to Wednesday. Aiizae Day.—The day was observed in r.eariy every district by a combined service which, was largely attended. A handsome memorial was unveiled at Kihikibi, consisting of a- gTamte obelisk 17ft high, with the names of 34 of the local boys who made the supreme sacrifice. Mr F. Lye MP . unveiled the memorial, and addresses were also given by Messrs Hockley, M.P. J. A Young, M.P end others. The combined Kilnkiln and Te Awamutu bands led the singing, and also played selections of suitable music, which were very impressive . b i?° tba I' football season has opened with every prospect of a successful season’ Rugby, League and soccer each have their followers, out tho former still has the most