The Country

Otago Witness, Issue 3808, 8 March 1927, Page 35

The Country

LAKE COUNTY. March 4.—With the exception of heavy rain on Sunday morning last, tine weather has been experienced during the week. The result is that the crops are coming in fast, and cutting is now general throughout the district. At Gibbston most of the grain is in stook. The crops in that locality are exceptionally good this year. Lawn Tennis.—The Arrowtown Club's team journeyed to F'embroke on Saturday last, and played an Association fixture with the Wanaka Club. As the latter club had not been defeated this season, while Arrow had lost only one match in the competition, great interest was taken in the match. After .a most interesting contest, Wanaka won by nine sets (66 games) to six sets (71 games). Wanaka has now won the northern, section of the Vincent Association’s competition, and will meet Cromwell A (the winners of the southern section) 'in the final match for th’a banner. Valedictory.—Mr William M’Kibbin, who recently sold his farm at Crown Terrace, and who will be leaving the district shortly, was tendered a farewell social by the Crown Terrace residents on Friday evening last. The function was held in the schoolhouse, and was largely attended, friends from Arrowtown. Queenstown, Gibbston, and other parts of the district being present. The greater portion of the evening was devoted to dancing, and prior to the supper adjournment a pleasing ceremony took place. Mr James Stevenson, who presided over the gathering, said he was pleased to see so many present to do honour to the guest of the evening. Mr Stevenson said they all regretted that, owing to illness, Mrs M'Kibbin was not able to be present. Mr Stevenson referred to the active part Mr M Kibbin . had taken in all public matters during his 50 years’ residence at Crown Terrace. He had been a member of the Arrow Hospital Trustees during the whole, time that institution had .been in existence. He was one of the original members of the Crown Terrace School Committee, of which he had been chairman and secretary for the past 28 years. He had also represented Arrow Riding in the Lake County Council for many years, and had taken a keen interest in the Lake County A. and P. Society. Mr Stevenson t’eferred to the many good personal qualities of Mr and Mrs M’Kibbin as neighbours, and in presenting Mr M’Kibbin with a gold pendant (suitably inscribed) and a lady s companion for Mrs M’Kibbin extended the best wishes of the people of Crown Terrace for the future happiness of Mr and Mrs M’Kibbin. The Rev. W. Powell and Messrs R. M. Paterson and D. Macleod endorsed Mr Stevenson’s remarks, and expressed regret that such good residents were leaving the district. Mr M’Kibbin feelingly returned thanks. It is understood that Mr and Mrs M-Kibbin intend making their home in Dunedin. Hands —Mr George H. Hansen, motor lorry proprietor and coal merchant Ar rowtown has disposed nf his business to Mr James,Shaw. OPHIR AND OMAKAU. March 4.—While horses and dogs have kept quiet o nights these two months, the motor hog still pursues his noisy way. There was a dance tins w’eek after Monday's pictures, and between 2 and 3 o’clock next mornina motor car went hoot-hooting through the town, the driver quite ignoring the fact that he was interfering with the rest of tired mothers with little 'children, besides others who were not at the dance. One of the disturbed sleepers nut his head out of a Window whereupon the following dialogue took place; D.S.: “I say, mate, cut that I want to sleep.” M.H.: “If you want something else, come out here.’* Unfortunately there is a good deal of liquor consumed by aome dancers. »nd probably this particular offender was half-drunk. He will get more than be wants if he keeps up this sort of thing. Blacks School.—Our oublic school reopened on February 1 under Mr O. C. Austing and Miss McKinney. This year the number on the roll is 49, of whom 28 (girls and bovs equal) , are in the junior room. In the masters- room there are nine -iris and 1° boys.—The annual school picnic, which lapsed in 1925 owing to the paralysis epidemic and in 1926 owing to much sickness, took place on February 4 in a paddock kindly lent by Mr S. Leask, bordered alou° r one side by a beautiful stream of sprinwater and shaded on the sunrrv side by a fine row- of silver and Lombardy poplars. Over SO persons, young and’old, spent an enjoyable day in ideal weather—the heat of the sun modified by a light breeze. The Bum of £6 wae provided for prizes in the large number of 23 competitive field events for the school children, besides four events for those under and over school age. Mr I). Cameron and Mis-s M’Kinney acted as handicappers, Mr Austing as starter, Messrs S. Leask nad T. Berry as judges, and Mr J. Holden as secretary. Two rounds of refreshments were provided, and the whole programme was put through in good time. Messrs V. C. Richardson and R. Martin a.so assisted, and the ladies were, of course indispensable.

Obituary.—Another of the Central Otago pioneers, and a nonagenarian besides, passed away at Becks on February 16, namely, Mr Thomas Mee. The burial took place on "the 18th in the Omakau cemetery, a long procession of motor cars following the hearse akmg the 12 miles from Becks. The Rev. W. F. Craigie conducted the funsral services. The deceased left a widow and a large family of sons and daughters. Religious.—The Pre?byterian parish of Lauder is still without a settled minister, the Rev. W. F. sCraigie supplying.—On February 8 three Salvation Army officers paid a visit to both townships and held a meeting. in Blacks school in the evening. The visitors were Captain Gray and Lieutenant Askew, of the Cromwell "station, and Brigadier Burton, from Dunedin. The lastr named has a very wide range of information about the Army officers, and conveyed the interesting information that a girl who was a servant maid ip Ophir nearly 40 years ago is now a brigadier in Australia, a talented contributor to the Way Cry, and whose eldest daughter went to China last year as a Salvation Army missionary.— Father O'Dea. who has been away on an extended holiday of over 29 months, is expected to return to Omakau to-morrow and to officiate in the Ophir chapel next Sunday. The Credit System.—Another of our local tradesmen has felt the pinch of “too much credit.’’ A well-known Dunedin merchant recently pronounced the credit system to be “the curse of the country,’’ and if it be so, then-it is a pretty weighty curse in a region where about 90 per cent, of the business

transacted is on credit, short and long—some very long. Indeed, the kinema proprietors (and we have two shows weekly now) seem to be the only traders who follow the “cash on (or before) delivery’’ method. The storekeeper and draper, “the butcher and baker and candle-stick maker,” find soomething else rotten besides potatoes. Post and Telegraph Extension. —The Omakau post and telegraph office was opened for business on February 16, but the official opening has yet to come off. Linesmen are busy erecting poles and laying wires to connect with the telephone, and it is expected that fully 50 subscribers will adopt this method of bringing the rest of New Zealand nearer. On the other side of Blacks Hill, the Poolburn pest office and subexchange, which opened for business some time ago, was officially opened on the same day. At present it has 26 telephone subscribers. and 14 more are awaiting connection. The poles for connecting Ophir with Omakau are already lying whers they have to be set up, and in due course the old township will be more closely connected with the new.

An Accident. —Ophir boys (and some girls, too) are notorious trae-climbers, and the way they “shin up” the trunks of poplars and willows and creep along the slender branches during the bird-egg season is amazing. A little chap of over 10 years, Edwin Guildford, got a very nasty fall on Wednesday evening off a tree near the public hall Mrs Guildford at once sent for the medical man, who ordered the lad into Dunedin Hospital for X-ray examination, because it appeared like a fracture of the -elbow joint of the right arm. The latest news is that the injury was X-rayed last evening, but the exact nature of the fracture is not known. The little fellow is a general favourite, the onlv child of his mother, and it is hoped by all that his right arm will not be injured permanently.

The Weather. —We have had a really good summer, and even this first month of autumn is like a continuance. The fru’t season opened late locally because of the heavy frost in October; but the amount of warm (even hot) weather experienced last month has more than counteracted the lateness. Locally-grown tomatoes were ripe 12 days ago, which is three weeks earlier than last season The first half of February was the hottest period of the summer, but the average teipperature during the second half was reduced considerably by 10 frosty nights out of the 14. Some extraordinary ranges of temperature between the maximum in the sun and the minimum on the ground have been experienced. Yesterday morning was 30.2 deg and the afternoon 127.5 de g—a range of 97.3 degrees. But the greatest range yet recorded here was on February 21 —viz., morning, 22.2 de g; afternoon, 123.1 deg; range, 100 J) degrees. The principal figures for January and February are as follows: — Average pressure; January, 29.99 in; February, 29.88 in. Mean shade temperature: January Gl.odeg; February, 60.5 deg. Average sun temperature: January, 104.8 deg; February. 106.9 deg. Average ground temperature: January, 39.2 deg; February, 38.1 deg. Nights frosty: January, nine; February, ten. Rainfall: January, 1.37 in; February, 1.67 in. Days with rain: January, nine; February, four. Heaviest fall: January, ,Ssin; February, 1.35 in. Calm at 9 a.m.: January, 2° days; February, 21 days. LUMSDEN, March 4.—The weather of the past week has been more settled, cold nights, with slight frosts, being followed by clear, warm days. The absence of the usual winds makes the days pleasant. Flower Show. —A very successful show under the auspices of the newly-formed Horticultural Society was held in the Masonic Hall on Saturday afternoon and evening. February 26. There was a. good attendance at both sessions, and the number of entries was good in all sections. The numerous special prizes were won by Messrs James Ogilvy (M’Kinnon Cup). Clouston. G. W. Johnson, M. Soper, J. Isaacs, and W. Hunter, Mesdames Ogilvy (trophy most points in show). Adamson, Clouston. Sim, M’Cutcheon, Dykes, Sproat, Shuttleworth. Jamieson, J. Menzies. H. Hall, E. Hall, and Dey, and Misses Galbraith, Drummond, Cochrane, and Clouston. The judges of the various sections were : Industrial: Mesdames Hamilton and Gerrard: preserves: Mrs Gill: schools: Mr J. Nelson : vegetables: Mr J. Pnllar: flowers and fruit: Mr A. Newman. The duties of secretary were ably carried out by Mr T. M’Cutcheon. Tennis.—On Saturday, February 19, the Lumsden Tennis Club met a team from the Balfour Club on the local courts when a final test match for the Campbell Cup was played. The day was fine, and there was a large attendance of spectators. After a strongly contested match Lumsden Club proved the winner by 9 games to 7. thus being the first to have its name inscribed on the cup. The local players were Miss Brotherston. Mrs Biggar, Miss Belsham, Mrs M’Donald, Mr U. Crosbie, Dr Brown, and •Messrs J. and D. Ogilvy. A dainty after-noon-tea was served by the Lumsden ladies. Cricket.—The result of the match Winton versus Lumsden was a win for the latter club. The local players were: Messrs A. and H. Heath. V. Richards, W. Richards. H. Richards. D. and J. Ogilvy, C. Belsham, O. Taylor, A. Johnson, and A. Norman. Social Evening.—On Wednesday. February 23. the Lumsden Brass Band Committee commenced for the season its series of fortnightly euchre tournaments and dances in aid of its funds. The prizes, donated by Miss Heath, were won by Miss Lee and Mr E. M’Donald. Picnic.—The railway staff on this section of the line held its picnic at Colac Bay. The dav. which commenced with rain, gradually cleared up, and a fine dav- was experienced. The Lumsden Brass Band was in attendance, and livened up proceedings. OTAUTAU. March 3. —The final of the handicap doubles in connection with the bowling club's competitions was played between W. Roberts and Moore (scr) and Lea and Lumsden (2), the latter winning by 7 points, with tho score 23 16. Walker and J. Scatter put in a challen<ra to Hall and Porteous (the holders) for the ferns and bowls. After a runaway game the former secured possession of the coveted, trophies by 41-9. A challenge was immediately put in by Duncan and A. Buchanan, but Walker and Seatter succeeded in retaining their honours by 6 points, the score registering 22-16. Athletic Society.—At a committee meeting of the Otautau athletic Society, over which the president, Mr G. Sinclair, presided, it

was resolved, to apply for Labour Day for the next sports, and to pay last year’s accounts. For the purpose of putting the Society, in a financial position it was decided to approach the territorials, who are holding a ball on Wednesday, March 30, to gi”o up that date, it being the intention of tgr society to hold, a ball to pay off the rema.ning deficit, which is somewhere in the vicinity of £26. Since the meeting, ths secretary has received advice that the request for Labour Day for the sports has been granted by the centre.

Dsntal Clinic.—The committee appointed to raise funds to carry out the improvements in connection with the establishment of a school dental clinic for the township recently decided to hold a series of three euchre socials. The first of these was held on Monday evening, and proved a. great success, close on eighty being present. The ladies’ prize was won by Mrs Hall, and the gentlemen’s by Mr Lynch. Mrs Moore and Mr Sheedy secured the “booby” prizes. The chairman of the Dental Clinic Committee, Mr A. A. Liddell, after thanking those present and outlining the object of the gathering, presented Mrs Hall with a daintv cup and saucer, and Mr Lynch with a pack of cards. He intimated that the next socials would be held on Monday, March 7 and 14, respectively, and asked for the liberal support of the public. Cricket.—On Wednesday afternoon a cricket match was played on the recreation ground between the tennis and cricket clubs, the latter proving victorious by 137 runs to 77. Messrs M’Gill", Smith, Ltd., donated two trophies—viz., a pair of tennis trousers for the individual batsman on either side making top score. These were won by Mr Townsend. The other trophy was a pair of tennis shoes for the bowler securing the best average, the winner turning up in the veteran cricketer,*. Mr E. Matheson. -Afternoon tea was provided, and an enjoyable afternoon was spent. It is expected that a return match will be played. WAIKAIA. , March 4.—We have hac’. very changeable weather lately, some, clays being warm, bright, and sunshiny, and others again having very cold winds and downpours o£ mini There arc some big heavy crops of grain in the Waikaia Valley. All hands are busy at harvest. Rifle Club Meeting.—The Rifle Club met on Thursday, March 3. at Waikaia. The match Balfour v. Waikaia resulted in a win for the home club. There was a large gathering of ladies and gentlemen, the former supplying baskets of dainty refreshments, which were greatly enjoyed. Mountaineering.—Mrs Andrew Christie, of Inverlochy, Mrs Hervey, of St. Clair, Mrs Hamer, of Freshford, and Miss Hurley, of WendonsiJc, went mountaineering. The last three ladies motored to Piano Flat and walked tli*rough Glenaray Bush, being there all night. Mrs Andrew Christie rode up on Monday, met the others, and they had all walked to Mr Christie’s hut at Whitecombe by the evening, and camped there for the night. On Tuesday morning they walked to the Blue Lake in bright sunshine. The camp was reached in the evening. On Wednesday morning, when returning, they gathered many very beautiful mountain flowers, and reached the Whitecombe hut in the evening. They left the mountains on Thursday morning. Very heavy rain fell while they were going through Glenaray Bush. All had a most enjoyable holiday. Mr W. Christie met the ladies with a motor car at Piano Flat, and brought them to Inverlochy. Drowning Accident. —Robert Shand Duncan was drowned on May 2, 1926, in a deep hole, 20tt deep, near the ford at Argyle Station, while he was riding a horse across the river. His body was found by Thomas Woodward about two miles below where the accident happened on Tuesday night, February 15, 1927. An inquest was held in the courthouse. The jury returned the verdict that Robert Shand Duncan was accidentally drowned on May 2. 1926, while riding a horse across the Waikaia River.

SOUTH TAIERI. March s.—Beautiful weather lias prevailed during the week, and harvesting has proceeded without interruption. In some instances cutting is about completed. The surface of the ground has again become very dry, and root crops and pasturage would benefit by a good downpour of rain, though possibly this would not be welcomed by those who are in the midst of harvest operations.

River Embankment.—Th-a drag-line excavator which has been in process of overhaul during the past few weeks, resumed work at 4 a.m. this morning. As usual, two daily shifts will bo worked.

Accident.—Miss Annie Mitcjjell, oldest daughter of the Rev. Mr Mitchell, of Otokia, met with a serious accident near the manse last Wednesday evening. In company with Miss Ethal Fleming and Mr Russell Fleming, she was cycling home from Bible class at Motnona, and when near the"’ manse, a young man named Stewart M’Kay, who was cycling in the opposite direction, collided with her. Miss Mitchell sustained very serious injuries to the head and face. Site was removed to the Dunedin Hospital in the ambulance, where the latest reports are that there is a slight improvement in her condition. Much sympathy will be felt for the folks at the manse. Mr Mitchell has only just recovered from an accident received several months ago. Personal.—Very general regret will be fe’t all over the Taieri Plain at the death which occurred early, this morning of Mr James Findlay, manager of the Mosgiel Co-operative Cheese Factory at Silverside. The late Mr Findlay had many friends in this district, as indeed he had all over the Taieri. As a cheesemaker Mr Findlay had few equals in Otago, and on several occasions carried everythin? in front of him at the Dunedin Winter Show. All forms of manly sport made a strong appeal to him. and "he will be jnissed in many ways. For some time prior to his death. Air Findlay was drum maior of the Taieri Pipe Band, and always took the deepest interest in the affairs of that organisation. In private life Mr Findlay's qualities were such as to endear him to all those with whom be came in contact. He had the faculty of making and retaining many friendships, and universal regret will be felt at his untimely end. During a long acquaintance, the writer has been indebted to him for many acts of persona! kindness. The deepest sympathy will be felt for Mrs Findlay and her five boys in their great bereavement. SOUTH CANTERBURY. March 4.-—After many years’ interval, Temuka cricketers met Waimate, and were defeated by 141-76. Zingari beat Timaru by over an innings, and High School beat Celtic. The first South Island town match played by the visiting Melbourne Club was staged in Timaru after a civic reception by the Mayor. South Canterbury made 146 runs against the visitors 35 for two wickets. —South Canterbury bowlers beat Otago at the . Park by 111-105. Park Club again won against "West End. They ’ also won their section of the champion pairs. The championship was won ’ by ' Asbbnrv Club. Geraldine beat Kia Toa’ in a match, 3-I.—

Av large crowd witnessed Old Boys' annual swimming carnival at Century ‘ baths. Lawson won the inter-club handicap, and the ladies’ event was won by Miss Sutherland. la. Harper won the high school boys’ race. Dual relay race was won by Eaton and Miss Kogers. The South Canterbury championship gold medal was won by H. Graham. The school swimming events were won by the South School for the third year in succession. P. Foden won the two-range shoot of the Defence Rifle Club match at Scarborough. . . Peel 1* orest he first meetin o " of the board was held, with Mr J. M. Tripp as chairman. Representatives of county councils, lands, automobile associations and forestry were present. By-laws were framed dealing with fires, native bush and birds guns, dogs, and rubbish. Campers are to b e charged a small fee. The reserve of 1309 acres on the slopes of Mt. Peel were inspected. With the money from the Scenic Board and Scotsbufn Domain Board, a hall k e subsidised and land purchased Hie Harbour;—Soundings taken in the bay and harbour show little alteration in the levels—Wharfage accommodation and labour offering are fully taxed by the three home liners Matatua, Rimulaka, and AngloColumbian. . G ® ne , ra V — Thc popular W.E.A. Saturday night lectures are to commence iu Jlav The resident tutor, Mr H. G. Miller, outlined the proposed course—the study of modern plays, the French Revolution, great books and New Zealand history. Other circles are being arranged on literature, painting and music.—An excelbe.it showing in all classes was made at the autumn floral ®b° w ’ , the Hurdley Shield 10 schools bv mP TemiikI lniarU l • winuin S* followed vL./ 1 and Marists.—An unusual vis. tor, extremely rare in this island was shape'of o «b e Temuka High School in the shape of a shining cuckoo.—Grain and pro‘iuee bus mess is comparatively dull. Prices ThP^ emU<a sto , ck sale remained steady PoFnt Tit a arg , e yardin S at Pleasant 1 oint. Ihe annual stock sale at Tekano was mostly of aged sheep. Th-ere was keen ompetition for the young sheen—The is by Mr raCe Ge ‘ ald ine-Orar? was\-on

WAI ROA (Hawke’s Bay). A ! arch . 4-—Considerable progress is be : nsr at a TSil W 'w a ’ir he main ,lydr °- el ectric schcml at Tuai W aikaremoana, Wairoa. The public works is pushing on this work with comveeardai 9 e 28 aCti t l ity ’ fi a " (! at the end'of nert -ear, 1928 the first instalment of the scheme will be completed if the present rate of progress is maintained. Over 300 men are now employed, and these with the present up-to-date methods adopted, such as advanced machinery and steam shovels are making rapid progress with a work whtch JL , Ulas " ltude ’ The contractors for the excavations tor the main pipe line hone to complete in two weeks. Good work has VV S ’ a ?, the cuttin B s have been made sufficiently wide so as to meet anv emergencies of slipS? etc. The contract for the laying of these pipes has been given to a Dunedin engineering firm, and it intends immediately to install machinery of an up-to-date nature suitable for the manuiacture of all the pipes required on the spot. These pipes will be of a heavy nature and the making of them in the locality of the pipe line is going to save a considerable amount by way of freight, wharfages, and handling. The machinery will be electrically driven by local power, and an 80 n.p. engine will ■be used. A new weir i*. being constructed, which will divert sufficient water from the main stream to supply the new power station. The latter is situated about a-quarter of a mile from the present power house, and at a spot where an abundant fall for the new pipe line will prevail. It is being constructed wholly of reinforced concrete, and will be two storeys in height. The concrete foundations, which are nearly completed, have been sunk in some’ places to a depth of 50ft. and levelling preparations for the building of the walls are now in course of progiess Social Activities. —The social side of this busy township has not been by any means neglected. A very line tennis court has been laid down in close proximity to the main street, as well as an excellent cricket pitch, which is now completed. Several games of cricket have been put through A football ground has been prepared in readiness for the coming winter, and several teams have been nominated for competitions. The last-named pastime should give a good account of itself, for there are prominent players from Otago, Manawatu, and Waikato engaged on the works. Moving pictures are shown every Saturday night, and serious consideration as to the erection of a social hall and billiard room is now being given. The Public Works Department is deserving of every praise for the energetic manner in which it is pushing on with this work—a work which will mean so’ much for the prosperity of the Wairoa district and for the North Island generally. Personal.—Miss M. Winter, for many years on the Wairoa telephone exchange, is at present an inmate of a private hospital. —Mr George Rice, an old resident of Wairoa, is making very favourable progress from an operation recently undergone at the Wairoa Hospital.

Road Work.—Good work is now being done on the Wairoa-Waikaremoana road, and large quantities of metal are being laid. This is well formed and consolidated by., the road grader and roller, and before the winter sets in the road will be one of the best in the district. A contract has been let for the metalling of it from the outlet to the lake accommodation house, and when completed, at an early date, there will be an up-to-date metalled road from Wairoa to the hostel. The persistent efforts on the part of the various chambers of commerce are largely responsible for the pushing on of the metalling of the road. Items. —At the recent annual meeting of the Wr.iroa Collie Club Mr S. A. Dickie was re-elected president, and Mr H. Lyall re-elected secretary.—The Wairoa Dairy Factory at a special meeting resolved to increase its capital by £lO,OOO through the issuing of further shares. ASHBURTON COUNTY. March 4.—The replayed cricket match, Tinwald v. High School, resulted in the former winning by 83 runs. Ashburton A were declared winners of the Senior competition.—At tennis, Dunsandel defeated Rakaia 95-73. The Gala Cup matches were played in ideal weather. They were won as follows: Cuff (senior men). Miss Cowan (ladies). Miss Vesty (junior ladies). Barnett (junior men).— Allenton bowlers beat Rakaia 68-48. —Methven ladies’ croquet competition was won by Mrs H. Fryer. The Ruapuna Club’s swimming events were won by G. King, D. Glassey, and D, Lane.— Attendance at the annual carnival of the high school was large. The junior championship was won by H. Field, and the senior championship by A. Bradford. Other winners were Sims, Cook, M’Elrea, C. Galbraith, Milsom, Pawson, Clarke, Shaw, Mackie, Furby, and L. Mathiesoiu Fishing.—Over the week-end there was a great run of salmon in the Rakaia, both in quantity and size. A party from Christchurch caught 15, all over 16 pounds. Mr D. M. Christie, of Methven, landed a 30pounder. Fish of good weight were taken from the Rangitata. The Acclimatisation Society is asking the Tinwald Domain Board when they can allow perch to be taken for liberation in the back country. This'season a large number of trout have been taken illegally from the Hinds River by nets, and the private landowners have now given the

society permission to prosecute poachers on their properties. Permission' bus been given ■ by the county council to plant more trees on the reserve at Lake Clearwater. Reports on the state -of local rivers can be seen posted up outside the society’s rooms. Farm. —A record crop of 42 bushels is reported from Pendatves. Garton oats are yielding better than Algerians; and average oS to 63 bushels. One grower in the country procured sacks for 5090 bushels, but / iad return later for enough for SOX) bushels. One business man says that he has not seen such a season in his 20 years’ experience. Grain is not offering-so freely, because of lower prices. The potato market has livened up with improved prices. There is no change in grass seed. There is little tear of an epidemic of the wheat-scab that has ruined some crops at Methven. Manygrowers have never seen the disease, and know nothing of its ravages. The use of grain haulers is so general that one flourmiller states that oniy two growers have brought their own grain to his stores. The recent ram was welcomed by dairy "farmers, and two more weeks of fine weather will see the close of the harvest work. Six thousand bushels of grain, a record, were , from Dromore. At the stock sale aOOO sheep were yarded at prices much the same. The store market was s slow- that most were passed in. Favourable consideration was promised to the effort to get faster despatch of store stock from Addington over Methven branch, as well as better passenger accommodation. -General.—At the railway station an official welcome by the mayor was given to the returning bandsmen. Reference was made to their fine performance in winning the Quickstep. Lieutenant Osborne (conductor) suitably responded.—The GovernorGeneral will be a visitor to the county at the end of March, and an itinerary lias been provisionally made. It includes attendance at a special Masonic function, the returned soldiers’ dinner, visits to town schools, and a motor tour via ‘ Rakaia'Gorge, Mount Somers, and Maylield. A book of views of town and country is being prepared.—The Advance Ashburton Association continues its good work. A visiting committee has been appointed to inspect all of its works. Efforts are to .be made tc have thc railway reserve in V.'est street beautified. In spite of dry weather, the native plantations are doing well. and thanks were passed to the fire brigade for giving it a good soaking recently.—Stakes, posts, and firewood are being piled near the Dundas plantation on Seafield road, where alternate trunks of bluegum are being felled. —A motorist has applied the term “the world's worst road’’ to that, portion from Rakaia towards Christchurch. The assistance of the county council is being evoked by the A.A.A. in replacing worn-out road signs in the county.—Miss Shanks, who is leaving Alford Forest school for Orari, was the recipient of gifts from the school and residents.—Mr R. Scott, S.M.. Tinwald, on his removal to Reefton. was presented with a well-filled purse from fellow servants and residents.