The Country

Otago Witness, Issue 3756, 9 March 1926, Page 59

The Country

LAKE COUNTY. March s.—For the past week the weather has been more seasonable, bright sunny days now being the order. As a consequence, the grain crops are coming in fast, and harvesting is general. The crops appear to be well up to the average. The Arrow Irrigation Scheme. —Upwards of 40 men are now employed on the Arrow River irrigation works, and, judging from the number of huts being erected, it is evident that a much larger number will shortly be engaged on the works. Licensing Committee Election. —Six nominations were received for the five seats on the Wakatipu Licensing Committee, and a poll will be taken on Tuesday next. The eandiates nominated are:—Messrs L. Faigan (Miller's Flat), C. E. Murphy (Alexandra), William Reid (Arrowtown), O. A. Thornton (Glenorchy), D. F. Sutherland (Queenstown), and Johannes Hansen (Waikaia). The first live are members of the present committee. This will be the first election for a licensing committee in Wakatipu since 1915. Death.—On Monday last news was received in the district of the death at Masterton of Mr John M'Allister, a former wellknown resident of the Lower Shotover district. The late Mr M'Allister came out to New Zealand from Scotland in 1869, and shortly afterwards found his way to Wakatipu. For some years he was engaged as a shepherd on Kawarau Falls and Ayrburn Stations, and for some years, prior to his departure from the district, he was engaged in farming on his ov/n account at Lower Shotover, Mr M'Allister married a sister of Mr John Gray, Frankton, and they had five sons. One of these (Peter) was killed at the Great War, and another (William), who also served at the war, met his death by accident at Lower Shotover a few years ago. The surviving sons are John and Hugh (of Masterton) and Robert (of Arrowtown). Mrs M'Allister predeceased her husband 10 years ago. Mr M'Allister left this district about eight years ago for Masterton. He was 74 years of age, and was held in the highest respect and esteem by all who knew him. OTAUTAU. March s.—Seven members attended the annual meeting of the Otautau Ladies’ Hockey Club, held in Mr Hodges's office, Mrs Collett presiding. The balance sheet revealed a credit balance of £1 14s Id. The report showed that a successful season had been experienced, although the club was not in such a good financial position as last year owing to the heavy travelling expenses incurred. During the year the club has sustained the loss of its vice-president, Dr Stewart; the two deputy-captains, Mrs Strudwicke and Miss Burnett; and Miss Aitken. The number of games played and the keenness in the competitions had resulted in a higher standard of play. Several friendly games had been played during the year, with Union (Invercargill) and Drummond, these being played on the local ground. The match with Drummond was returned, and they hoped to return the Union game this year. Western Star had to be congratulated on again winning the banner, as were also the Otautau players who had been chosen for the Western District team. Two balls, held in April and September, had been the means of providing a large sum for travelling expenses. Messrs Lumsden and Hodges were to be thanked for coaching and refereeing the matches, Messrs Ballani and Matbeson for the use of their rooms for meetings, and all those who had promoted the success of the club in any way. The report and balance sheet were adopted. The following office-bearers were elected for the ensuing year:—President, Dr Reekie; vice-presidents—Messrs L. J. Brown, J. C. Millar, Ballam, Corkhill, Hodges, and Lumsden ; secretary and treasurer, Miss Stroud ; captain, Miss W. Arthur: deputy-captain, Miss Lock ; committee—Mrs Collett, Downey, Hope, Fisher, Arthur (2), and Lock; delegates to Western District Hockey Association, Misses Lumsden and Lock. The resignation of Mr G. Hodges as referee was accepted, the secretary being instructed to convey to him a letter of appreciation of his past services. The subscription was fixed the same as last year—viz., £3, along with 6d registration fee. A vote of thanks wa6 accorded the retiring president (Mr Lumsden). It was resolved that the official opening be held on Wednesday, March 17, afternoon tea to be provided by the ladies. It was decided to ask permission from the Western District Hockey Association to change the present uniform to a black gymnastic dress, with black blouse and gold facings, and in order to pay all the travelling expenses of the team it is intended to hold monthly dances. Mr Hodges was accorded a vote of thanks for the use of his room, and a vote of thanks to the chair concluded the meeting. School Matters. —The monthly meeting of the School Committee on Monday evening was attended by Messrs Allison (chairman), M'Dougall, Bone. M'Gregor, Campbell, and Liddell. The following report was presented by the head master. Mr Griffiths:—The roll number at present tfiands—llo boys and 111 girls, a total of 221, and last week’s average was 209. A window was broken in the infant room, the face of the clock in the infant room was detached, the organ required tuning badly, furniture was required for the office, which would be supplied by the board, a lawnniower had been purchased as decided, and stated that Mr Tunnicliffe would like authority to procure material to make a shelter for the wheelbarrow, and also recommended the erection of a bicycle rack. Mr Griffiths also mentioned would like an expression of opinion regarding a school trip to the Exhibition, and asked if the school hours were satisfactory to those attending from long distances. He thought the school should organise and develop a system of finance in order to allow of future operations being planned in advance, and he had a number of suitable books for pupils' privnto study, which ho would lend provided they were suitably bound. " His wbrk had been very much dlßorganised up till now owing to the trials of removal, and he thanked the committee, through its chairman, for its tolerance. Ho wished to state in conclusion that as long ns he was In charge of the school Its interests would be considered, and he would co-operato with the committee in everything which was for its advancement. The report was adopted. The Chairman reported that the committee appointed had been unable to visit the outlying districts in connection with the consolidation of schools, but they would do so at an early date, accompanied by Mr Griffiths, who had made a study of the subject. It was resolved that the parents bo approached through the children as to the prospects of a trip to the Exhibi-

tion. Application is to be made to the head master to open the school at 9.30 from April 1 for the winter months at least. A letter was received from the Education Board notifying that the dental clinic could not be established in Otautau on account of the fact that the only available nurse had been appointed to Gore. ALEXANDRA. March 6.—Delightful weather is at present being experienced in Alexandra —real Alexandra weather. Most of the fruit farmers have by now overcome the busiest part of their year's work, for the stone fruit is nearly done with, and things will be a little quiet until the apple harvest comes properly to hand. The season has been a phenomenal one for the amount of rain that has fallen, and consequently the quantity of green grass round about the Alexandra district is quite remarkable. Ministers on Tour.—Possibly for this week the weather was on its best behaviour, on account of the visit of the Right Hen. Mr Coates, Hon. Mr M'Leod, and Hon Mr Hawken, who were on tour to make a visit of inspection to Central Otago and its capital city Alexandra. On Tuesday evening a large crowd assembled in the Town Hall to welcome the visitors. The stage was tastefully arranged, an attractive decoration of fruit being very pleasing. The Mayoi of the town, Mr William Black, decorated with his insignia of office, occupied the chair, and warmly welcomed the distinguished visitors on behalf of the citizens. The Ministers, lead by the Right Hon. Mr Coates, returned ihanks for the hearty welcome received, and all of them referred to the potentialities of Otago Central. The speeches, which were most interesting, were irequently punctuated with hearty applause. During an interval a few musical items were rendered, which were well received. At the close of a most successful function quite a number of the townsfolk were introduced to the ministers and alo a number of deputations were received. The fruit that was displayed on the stage was packed up in boxes, evidently for distribution among the visitors. One Minister of the Crown, by no means the slenderest one of the none too slender ministers, was hearu to exclaim in stentorian tones, “There go those secretaries with the fruit! Lucky dogs!” Next morning the party left Alexandra by motor and continued their tour of inspection, their first stopping place being Galloway, where irrigation matL>rs were brought under the notice of the ministers. School Jubilee.—Arrangements are now well in hand for the school jubilee, which commences on Sunday. In fact, by the time this appears in print, the whole of the celebration functions will be practically over. It is antiepated that quite a large gathering of ex-pupils will be to Hand. Some of them are coming from as far away as Auckland, and there are also some from Australia. Church service will take place on the Sunday morning. The roll call is to be on Monday afternoon, and the social reunion in the evening. Ex-pupils will entertain the present-day pupils on the Tuesday afternoon at a picnic in the recreation ground, and the grand finale will be a ball in the evening. Valedictory.—Mr E. Diack, second assistant in the Alexandra District High School, has relinquished hie duties in order to continue his studies at the Otago University General regret is expressed at his departure, for he was a most efficient and popular teacher. Mr Diack took a most keen interest in the sports of the pupils. At the close of school on Friday afternoon, he was made a present of a set of military brushes and a watch. The rector, Mr W. R. Mechaelis, expressed general regret at the departure of Mr Diack, and wished him every success for the future. Miss Hull, Messrs Thomas, and Belcher, members of the staff, also voiced their sentiments. Mr Diack. in responding, thanked them one and all for their kindness to him. and hoped he would have a chance of again joining the Alexandra District High School. OPHIR AND OMAKAU. March s.—The holiday season is now well over, our summer visitors have nearly all left for their homes, and soon our little communities—in the new township of Omakau and in the old township of Ophir—will be “on their own ” except for the bagmen, the casuals, and the -nany motorists running through. County Negligence.—The disgraceful condition of the main street of Ophir, referred to in ray notes three mouths ago, still continues with the only difference that the rank weeds then mentioned —hedge mustard, dock, horehound, mallow, Scotch thistle, pigweed, sow thistle, barley grass, and Canadian thistle—are now seeding, about enough to sow the county. An Ophir resident reckons* that Vincent County Council collects about £IOO annually from this township, which it spends elsewhere, so that it cannot afford to spend the £3 or £4 in wages of a couple of surfacemen for a couple of days to do the work that would transform disgraceful into decent.

Ophir Hall.—Three men have been hard at work for over a week laying the foundations and putting together the framework of the Peace Memorial Hall, which will soon be a visible shape. The timber has been lying on the ground for over two months, which is necessary before ft can be used. It is very remarkable how “bone-dry” timber from other parts of New Zealand, and even from America, shrinks and warps and twists and cracks In this “ drier-than-bono ” atmosphere. On the 2nd inst. a public meeting was held In Blacks School, when an incorporated society was formed in connection with the hall. The officers elected were: President, Mr John Clare; vice-presi-dent, Mr James Craig: secretary, Mr O. C. Austing: treasurer, Mr John M'Knight.

An Enterprising Townsman.—Mr James Craig, who 18 months ago took over the general store business from Mr B. Flannery, and who at that time opened a bakery and, later, a butchery In Ophir, has now opened a branch store In Omakau, In place of Mr Taylor Cannon, who was sold off on February 22. Mr Craig now employs some eight or 10 hands, and there seems a reasonable hope that his enterprise will be rewarded. “ School: Drive Slowly.”—Tho Otago Motor Club has at length put up two warning boards for tho benefit of reckless motorists. The worst of it is that although the boards were easily visible to the moderate pace driver, the road hog who rushes through the township at 25 to 40 miles an hour requires a big red cross In the middle or the road to slow him down. However, the Blacks School has a spacious playground

toward the street, and the street is wide, so that the likelihood of an accident is minimised. February Weather. —February opened well in the matter of rain here. I am aware that what is “ well ” here may be reckoned “ ill ” beyond the Central, for we welcome gladly all the rain that falls during the summer months. On February 2 we had 43 points, and on the sth 9 points, making over Jin. But during the next 16 clays only nine more points fell, and the whole unirrigated country was burnt up. Then came the last week of the month with the following falls—6l, 15, 8,0, 25, 29, and 10 points, making the splendid total for the week of 1.48 in, and for the month 2.09 in. With the normal mild temperature and the inch or two of rain that March usually brings there should be an abundance of winter feed for the stock in this district. The mean day (shade) and night temperature for the last mouth of summer was 57.9, which is higher than for December (57.2 deg), and only 3.2 deg lower than for January (61.1 deg). The warmest day was February 16, when the reading was 83.1 deg, and the coolest night on the morning of the 25th —• 35.1 deg. On only three nights the ground temperature tell to below freezing, the lowest being 28.0 d (4deg of frost) on the 14th. The mean wet bulb reading was 51.3 deg. To-day (March 5) has been a glorious day—ll6deg in the sun and 73!deg in the shade.

WAIKAIA. March 6.—Last week the continued rains kept Waikaia River swollen, the culminating point being reached on Friday, when a steady downpour continued for an unbroken peiiod of twenty-four hours. On Saturday afternoon the river was rising and over the bank. At 6 p.m. Glenaray by telephone reported river rising rapidly to farmers to remove all stock off the river flats and lowlying country. By 10 p.m. Dome Creek was in full flood, and there was four feet of water on the road to the bridge on the Waikaia side. The flood waters reached the highest point at daybreak, reliable measurements giving five inches less than the flood in 1913. Above the township the water extended from side to side of the valley. Fences were ruined, grass crQps and hay stacks were earned away, and many good crops of oats damaged. There was eight inches of water in Switzer’s dairy factory, about £IOO worth of cheese being damaged, and many cheese crates washed away. The Switzers char-a-banc returning to Waikaia on Saturday evening had an unenviable experience. The bus had been delayed for passengers attending the theatre. Mr Ileenan at Riversdale thought he might continue his homeward journey. When near Mr J. Cooper s the Waiparu water on the road came through the flooring, and the engine stopped. A horse and trap took four ladies and five gentlemen to Mr Newall’s residence, where they were hospitably' received. On Sunday the gentlemen members walked by way of Otawa Hill. On Monday, by aid of a motor lorry, the char-a-banc was tewed on to the Waiparu bridge, and reached the township after 36 hours’ immersion. On March 1 the Mataura River rise Bft above normal. It was fortunate for Gore that the Mataura River was not in flood when Waikaia was at its highest on Sunday morning. The last few days have been bright sunshine, ancl farmers have been repairing fences. Some pigs and a few sheep were drowned, and crops destroyed in a few cases. LUMSDEN. March s.—After a period of heavy rain, so so that within a week two floods occurred, the weather lias taken a decided change for the better, and five sunshiny days have had a cheering effect. Entertainments.—On Wednesday night of last week the members of the local Brass Band held a social evening in Johnson’s Hall. Progressive euchre occupied the first part of the evening, the winners beina Miss Jean Wavte and Mr A. Earl. The booby prizes fell to Miss O. Henderson and Mr Drummond. Supper, which had kindlv been provided by Mrs Reidy, was then partaken r °f. *fter which dancing was indulged in. The music was supplied by the band. Misses May Jack and May Wellman. Messrs J Sarginson, W. Adair, and the Tomlin Bros., Messrs A. Reidy and W Wellman made •'fiScierl M.C.’s. Barton’s touring circus paid us a visit, when there was a good attendance. The programme consisted of the usual acrobatic feats, etc., a troupe of performing dogs being of especial merit. Stock Sale.—The second stock sale for the year was held on Wednesday, the 3rd inst., when there was a good yarding of sheep, ♦ hough prices were not. up to the high staud ard of last year. Church Matters.—A meeting of the P.T.M.U. was held in the Pres'bvterian Church vestry on Friday afternoon, the sth inst. This was the first meeting of the year, and there was a good attendance of inter ested members. The Anglican Ladies' Guild arc again hard a« work preparing for a sale of work to take place in the near future. CROMWELL. March s.—Touring bowlers from Gore and Invercargill visited us. and had enjoyable games, and although defeated by the local representatives went off with the promise that next vear they would come back and have another go. The visitors were entertained in the evening with song and story. Golf.—Two of our local golfers played in the ntnateur championshm at Dunedin. Mr R. E. Hayward annexed a first and third prize. Mr A. Scheil found the course just a wee bit strange, but revertheles? did well in Qie events he entered. Tennis.—Pembroke defeated Cromwell Northern section team by 11 sets 89 games to 5 sets 51 games. Gold Mining.—Tt is confidently expected that the Kawarau River dam will be comoleted in June or July. Further activity Mr M. B. Edwards has pegged off g claim at Quartz Reef Point. Mr Edwards was fairly successful in the same vicinity a few years aeo. The latest development to gold prospcctin" should surely meet with the sun port of all miners. That is instead of subsidisipg nrospecting parties. A conference of the deflartment’s geologists should be held, and it would decide what areas should be prospected, headed by a mining geologist. Cabinet, has approved of the scheme, and will place a sum on the next estimates. Prospectora have a good opportunity, and are invited to make anplicationp to participate in the scheme. It haa been the complaint of all local prospectors that they were handicapped in tho past Now surely is the opportunity to {Jet busy.

Distinguished Visitor.—Sir Frank Heath, secretary to the British Department, of Scientific and Industrial Research, visited Cromwell. He was intensely interested in the irrigation problems, and information was gladly given. We also had a visit from the Prime Minister. Hon. .1. G. Coates, the Hon. Mr M'Lood. and the Hon. Mr Hawken. At a meeting convened by the Mayor, several matters were brought forward by the settlers. The firßt the Roaring Meg, a creek up the Kawarau Gorge. Tt was stated that if this creek was brought in, it would irrigate the whole of the Cromwell and Loburn flats. Promises were given by the Prime

Minister that a member of the Agricultural Department would visit tho district, and confer with the settlers anent the matter. The second quest ion was the enlarging of the post office. This was also agreed to when the finances of the department allowed. DUNTROON. March 3.—Harvesting has been held lip during the past live da s owing to the late rain, and has been broken at intervals with wind and rain. There is stiu a lot of crop in the stook, and it will want a good wind to firm it up again before it will handle. Very little i. s been threshed yet, and what has gone through the mill has yielded well —SO to 82 bushels of oats per acre, barley 50, and wheat 43. We want some fine weather now to complete the harvest, and relieve those with stooks of an anxious time; otherwise, the weather has suited the rape and root crops, and freshened up the feed all round. A lot of fat lambs have gone to the freezer, and stock is doing well. During February we had 12 days with raiu, and registered 3.37 in. It was mostly electrical. We have had 4.83 in for the two months of the year. Hall. —We have received word that the plan of the intended improvements at the hall have been approved by the department, and a meeting will be held as soon an possible (with harvesting in hand) to further consider the matter. Departure.—We are losing some of Duntroon’s oldest residents shortly in Mr R. L. M’Boan ancl family, who are taking a farm at Teschemakers, and will be leaving the district. They have taken an active part in everything for the good of the district, and will be given a farewell social and presentation on Wednesday evening next. WAIROA (Hawks’b Bay) March 7.—The drought which has been prevailing for some months broke on Saturday morning last, when light showers fell. During the night the showers became heavier, and by Sunday morning there was a very pronounced downpour all over the district. Feed and water have been very short for stock of late, and before many days feed of all kinds should be in good supply. The rain will be worth thousands of pounds Stirling to this country, and Hawke’s Bay generally. School Sport.—lt was a notable record that put up by T. j. Haughton, second son of Mr and Mrs J. F. Haughton, the former an old Roxburgh resident. The boy was formerly a pupil of the Wairoa District High School, and now being educated Napier Boys’ High School. On Friday at the annual championship swimming sports he annexed the senior championship of the school by 39 points, the runner-up, Rolls, securing 16 points. Incidentally Haughton broke the school record for the 100 yards by five seconds, his time being 63 3-5 seconds. He also annexed the 33 1-3 in 17 3-ssec, the 66 2-3yds in 59sec, 66 2-3 senior championship in 42 2-ssec, and the ‘22oyds in 3min 7 4 ssec.

Stock. —At the last local stock sales there was a good yarding of sheep, but cattle were not in good supply. For the better class of sheep the bidding was spirited, but it was evident that the dry weather had a marked effect on prices. Musical.—Mr Lionel Harris (brother-in-law of Mr B. G. Signall), county clerk, who went Home with Ins sister, Mrs Signall, last winter to further prosecute his musical studies, has gained his L.R.A.M.

The Exhibition. —Every week now sees small parties leaving for the Dunedin Exhibition, and all those who come back are loud in their praise of what is to be seen. Doubtless as soon as the big influx of visitors slackens a little there will be an increased exodus from this part of the North Island.

Sport. —A visit was recently paid to Poverty Bay by crews from the Wairoa Boating Club, and our boys annexed the Junior Fours, Youths’ Doubles, and I'ouths’ Fours, and the Novices event.

Fire.—Bv a fire at Whakaki (12 miles east of Wairoa)' during the absence of the owner, Mr Pater Te Rito, at the big hui up the coast, an outbuilding containing a buggy and harness, chaff, etc., was destroj'ed by fire. The worst loss was that four valuable sheep dogs chained up on the building were burned to death. There were no insurances. Electricity.—The demand for electric curjcut from Tuai, Waikaremoana, is increas ing so rapidly that unless the Public Works Department puts in another unit there can be no further expansion till the major hydroelectric scheme is put in operation. On several occasions recently the momentary load has reached 700‘ k.m., which is the full rated capacity of the plant. The monthly units have increased from October 1, January from 138, 766 to 211, 953, and. the maximum demand from 428 to 674 in six months. Inquest.—At an inquest held on Saturday night into the circumstances attending the death of Bertie George Eli Abraham at Whakapuare hill in the Wairoa-Napier road, a verdict of accidental death was returned, no blame being attachable to any of the parties. The cause of the mishap to the car in which Abraham was being driven was that the road was too narrow for two cars to pass, and just a touch sent the outside car 160 feet down the bank. Abraham was a London Jew in good circumstances, a single man aged about 38, without any relatives in the Dominion. March s.—Misses A. Osier and S. Smyth, of Wairoa, are visiting the Dunedin Exhibition, and afterwards leave on a further holiday to Australia. Messrs J. Ainsworth, F. Shortland, and G. Deminings left Wairoa to-day on a visit to the Dunedin Exhibition. Messrs R. Sinson and L. Chuvchall. of the local public works, have returnod to Wairoa again after visiting the Dunedin Exhibition. Messrs S. Paulo and G. Claire, of Dunedin, are on a visit to Lake Waikaremoana. Mr James Hemmingway accompanied by his wife and daughter, are spend ing a holiday in Wairoa with friends. Mr Alfred Seymour, who has been recuperating from a severe relapse of wounds in the late war at tho Hot Springs, has left here to take up an important position in Dunedin.