The Country

Otago Witness, Issue 3828, 26 July 1927, Page 35

The Country

LAKE COUNTY. July 21.—during the past week the weather has been changeable. Heavy rain on Monday cleared most of the snow from the low-lying country. There is very little snow on the high country, and so far sheep owners have had no occasion for worry. A thaw at the end of the week and the rain on Monday caused a rise of about five inches in Lake Wakatipu. Postponed.—All football fixtures arranged for Saturday last had to be postponed, owing to the grounds being unfit for play. Queenstown plays Country Pirates at Frankton on Saturday next.

Death.—The sad news was received in Arrowtown on Monday last of .the death at Timaru of Ronald, third surviving son of Mr and Mrs Thomas Reid, of Timaru, and formerly of Macetown and Arrowtown. Deceased lad was 16 years of age. Sympathy is general in the district with the parents in their bereavement.

Personal.—At the last meeting o£ directors of the Lake County Dairy Company, Mr A. .7. Jackways tendered his resignation as manager. The resignation was accepted. Mr Jackways has been in charge of the factory for the past 11 years, and his departure from the district will be regretted by his many friends. He will be missed in football circles. He played for Arrow for nine seasons, and retired from active play this season, when he was appointed a referee. OTAUTAU. July 21.—The members of St. Andrew's Scottish Society tendered a kitchen evening to Miss Jean Morgan last Friday on the eve of her approaching marriage. There was a large attendance, and a large number of gifts were received. Chief A. A. Liddell asked the guest to accept these, and on behalf of the members of the society, presented her with a handsome cake stand and copper bowl, at the same time stating that she was always willing to assist at any of the functions, and he wished her every success in her new sphere. Items were contributed by the following, and met with much acceptance: Solos by Mrs Brooker, Misses Mathieson, and V-’ilson, and Mr M'Connell ; duet my Misses Campbell ; and Highland fling and sailor's hornpipe by Miss Halpin ; Mrs Cuppies acted as accompaniste. Dancing was indulged in to music supplied by Mrs Cuppies (piano), and Messrs Sutherland and Hawthorne (pipers). Mr W. Burnett officiated as M.C. Birchwood Hunt.—A meeting of the committee on Monday evening was attended by Messrs A. C. Mills (chairman), F. M'Kav J Ryan, 11. O. Williams, J. Looney, C. Gardiner, A. Liddell, and G. Saxelby. The question of a further series of meets was left in the hands of the Meets Committee. Applications lor flag steeplechases were received from Benmore. Turi, Eastern Bush, and Otautau, and dates for these were left in the hands of a sub-committee. It was decided to reduce qualification certificates to lOs for the present season. The president, Messrs Williams, Looney, and Irving were appointed a sub committee to make arrangements for a hunt ball on Wednesday, August -1. The Kennels Committee was empowered to spend up to £2O on tree planting on the hunt property at Ringway Accounts amounting to £4B 10s 5d were passed for- payment. Euchre tournament. — Monday night's euchre tournament was well attended, CO 1T S °, cc . u l ,ic(3 - The prize winners were. ladies, Miss Hay ; gents. Mr Humphries , while the booby prizes were awarded to Miss D. O Brien and Mr Robson. The Baker 863 WCre MeSilalues w - Porteous and . of „ llo P e —The monthly meeting was held on Monday evening, and Rev. J. b Bickerstaff officiated as chairman. Solos were rendered by Misses M. Stroud. Cartwright, Doris M'Fadgen, Eileen Collett: duet Misses Sybil Wesney and Edith Hill • recitation, John Brookes, Florence Cartwright Snd Gr ® nv,lle Lightfoot. Misses O. Stroud and J. Jaquery acted as accompanists. MANDEVILLE. July 22.—The weather during the past two iuonths_ has been exceptional. Right throughout June it was frosty every night a continuation without a break almost un Now r < T e<! a nd - at times extremely hard' Low July is drawing to a close. The month TL Ve , 100ke<3 u P<>n as the most severe and thus far it has been very mild— at times almost spring-like. Taking the winter thronjh. it has been nothing to complain of and stock is entering the spring in good Ue'm ItIO f n i The turnip crop was on S the light side, but from present appearances these will be ample. Several farmers are only now putting 'heir flocks on turnips feed Ch meaas a short season on prepared Rabbiting.—The local trappers are experiencing a lean season. Rabbits are by Pitiful locally. and it looks as if good prices and the use of strychnine has got them well under control. Social. Socially, things were never more buoyant. With the improved conveniences there has been a great demand for the hall Hockey is well supported, and the local huntsmen have things well in hand for their an J! ua ’ meet.—The young people met in the hall last night, and decided to hold their annual ball in three weeks. With Mr W Miller as chairman. Miss Dodds and Mr Kmnedy as joint secretaries, and a strong committe the ball of the season is anticipated.—The Plunket ball is advertised for next Tuesday, and judging by the run on tickets floor space will be at a premium. PUKEMAORI. July 21.—One more week of winter and already the signs of spring are at hand. Last week and the week previous heavy snow fell on the higher country, but did not lie on the lower. With the" lengthening of the days the frosts seem to be correspondingly milder, though ice is still to be seen on the ponds and pools in the early part of the day.

Farming.— The farmers are all busily ploughing, and, on the whole, are well on with their work. Owing to the abundance of moisture distribute.! this winter some of the low-lying land is fairly damp, and some of the farmers can testify as to the quality of Southland mud.

Flaxmill—Messrs King Bros, are busy at the present time establishing a branch of their business at Scot's Gap. They are erecting a stripping plant, and the fibre will then be conveyed to the Pukemaori mill, where the scutching and finishing processes will be carried out. Football.—The local schoolboys are still holding their own in the school fixtures, though when they inet Tiiatapere they lost the match by 2 points, the scores being

9—7. Last Friday they met Clifden, when they were victorious by 13 to 6. Euchre Party.—Another of the series of euchre parties and dance was held last Tuesday evening, when in spite of the wintry aspect of the weather over a dozen tables were filled. The games were keen, and when play concluded the honours went to Miss M. King and Mr J. Ballantyne respectively, whilst the consolation prizes went to Miss P. Whyte and Mr R. Brown. Music for the dance was supplied by Messrs Burns and Bradley. Bazaar.—A meeting of ladies was held at the hall on Thursday to discuss holding a bazaar to obtain funds for paying off the hall. A committee was formed, with Mrs W. Johnston chairwoman, and Miss A. King secretary, and an energetic following of 12 capable workers. It was decided to hold the bazaar yearly in November, and in the meantime various entertainments to help raise funds.

Personal.—Mrs E. K. Sim returned on Wednesday from an extended holiday in Hawke's Bay.—Mrs C. King is visiting friends in Invercargill.—Miss Ada King has returned from a visit to Dunedin.—Mr E. Sim, president of the Southland Farmers’ Union, leaves on Saturday morning by the first express to attend the Dominion Conference of the Farmers’ Union. SOUTH CANTERBURY. July 23.—At a meeting of citizens of Timaru in connection with unemployment an executive was formed to assist in relief -work, its nmmbers consisting of the Mayor (Mr G. J. Wallace, chairman). Archdeacon Julius. Rev. Father Kerley, Revs. P. Gladstone Hughes and T. Stinson, Messrs G. P, Cliffin, Dickson, G. Johnstone, and P. Revell, Mesdames F. A. Raymond and W. C. Unwin and the Salvation Army captain, and the executive has power to add to their number. Rural.—Farmers in the Waiinate district are helping to solve the unemployment problem by having gorse hedges on their property cut and burnt, and the gorse grubbed from their land. Of course, there are a number of farin’ers who are not able to have their gorse cut, although they realise the urgent need for employment. Winter sowing of wheat in this district has been held up on account of the moist state of the grotfnd, due to the recent heavy rains and frosts. Good drying winds are urgently needed to let the farmers get on w’ith preparing the ground for further sowing. Unemployment.—Private people having found work for sonrj of the unemployed, only 22 men registered at the town clerk's office in Geraldine this week. Of these eight are married. The Mayor has called a public meeting, and asked representatives of the County Council, Town and District Association, and the Beautifying Committee, as well as the general public to attend. Athletics.—Following on tire success of South Canterbury and Canterbury Harriers at the recent New Zealand championships at Christchurch, keen interest was evidenced in the Temuka-Timaru road race, held last week. The entries, totalling 44, included runners from Timaru, Waimate, Christchurch, and Dunedin. The presence of J. W. Tapp (Otago champion) and R. J. Hillary (Timaru), who ran second in the Canterbury championships and seventh in the New Zealand championships, brought a large crowd to the starting point to witness the race. Fastest time, 67min 40sec (actual running time*), went to R. J. Hillary. Harper was first home, Mahan second, and Hillary third. The competitors were tendered a complimentary luncheon in Timaru in the evening. The Mayor (Mr G. J. Wallace) presided, and presented prizes to the winners. The Dunedin man, Cameron, takes the prize for fourth place. The “ booby prize ” goes to J. Moseley, Christchurch. Farmers' Union.—At a meeting of the South Canterbury Executive of the Farmers' Union the following remit from Nelson was approved : —“ That all vacated soldiers' farms which have been offered for sale or lease, and which have failed to find a purchaser for 12 months from date of vacancy, should be offered for lease by tender or for sale by- tender, and any reasonable offer should not be refused.” It was decided to approve of a remit from Auckland that none but dehorned cattle should be offered for sale in any public saleyard or be trucked. It was said that this was a reform which would have to come in gradually. It was also decided to oppose any movement to centralise the control of schools, as it was stated that there is already too much centralisation. ASHBURTON COUNTY. July 23.—A grant of £lOO from Poppy Day funds has been given by the Ashburton R.S.A. to be divided equally between the Borough Council and County Council to subsidise wages to unemployed returned soldiers, subject to a subsidy of £ for £ by the councils. Burglary Epidemic.—The recent epidemic, numbering five in a week, has made shopkeepers very uneasy, and some are augmenting their safeguards by additional locks. Dental Clinic.—At a meeting of the School Committees Association Mr Kerr was appointed chairman, and Mr G. V. Furby secretary. The quota of contributions was fixed as—East Ashburton and borough, 30 per cent, each ; Allenton and Tinwald, 20 I per cent. each. A New Sport.—The Ashburton Motor Cycling Club intends inviting the South Canterbury Club to an outing at Peel Forest where one of the features will be a foolball match on wheels, into the mysteries of which the southern members have' not been initiated.

Ploughing klatch.—A record entry for Rakaia, and probably a record for the Dominion, has been received in the teams and tractor classes (64).

Sport.-—Best scores on miniature ranges were—Methven, H. Noble: Seafield, R. Baynes; Willowby, A. Prattley and J. Sutherland : Dorie. L. Harrison : Ashburton— Johnston, C. Storrier (A Grade) ; S. Childs, T. F. Smith (B Grade) ; L. R. Laing, C. Matheson (boys) ; E. R. Trumann, D. F. Keir, and R. Childs ; Claremont. J. Green Winners at the Mayfield Gun Club's shoot were : W. K. Dellow and W. J. Robertson.— Two matches of the Methven Golf Club with Rakaia resulted in a win each. Rakaia beat Malvern in a match in which a hole was played for the first time on Rakaia links in one, by Mr J. D. O'Connor (112yds). —At Rugby Hinds beat Methven, and Hampstead beat Rakaia. In the juniors winners were—Allenton, Springburn, and Old Boys. At Association Wanderers beat Baring Square in the seniors, but lost in the juniors. —Methven Gun Club defeated Ashburton for the D.C.L. Challenge Shield : best scorers in other matches were made by H. Crohrie and A. A. M'Leod.

Farewell.—Mr and Mrs Nicholls. of Methven. who are leaving for Christchurch, were farewellcd t.nd given presents. Speakers

i were—Dr M Kee, Mrs Tooley, and Mr W. M. Holland. Wheat.—The Mid-Canterbury branch of the Farmers’ Union resolved that as it was not satisfied with the intentions of the Government’s regarding sliding scales of wheat duties delegates from wheat areas meet at Ashburton to confer with other interested parties. WAIROA (Hawkes Bay). July 25. The weather for the present month in Wairoa has been the coldest experienced in the district for many years. Sn°w has been falling, and lying very thickly on the back ranges. Just prior to the cold snap there was a perceptible touch of spring, and the buds of fruit trees looked ready to burst into bloom, but the cold 5 u . rs . t , h as l )Ut them back again, and beneficially so. The winter season has been a good one lor fruit trees, and a record crop seems certain. In connection with the sheep industry a prominent sheep farmer of Wairoa states that the district has not looked bettor for years. Stock has never looked so well, and there is an abundance of feed. There have been a few hard frosts, but the condition of stock was such that no harm could be done by the cold snap. To such an extent does the abundance of feed prevail that a good many farmers are experiencing difficulty in disposing of their old teed before the advent of the spring growth The winter being such a good one both oii hill and dale new growth is already visible, and cattle and sheep throughout the whole of the Wairoa district are in such splendid condition that the prospects for the coming, season are particularly good. Sales.—At the recent monthly stock sales held at Wairoa Saleyards a good yarding ot sheep and cattle obtained. Bidding was very brisk, and the following prices were realised : —Dry ewes, up to 10s 9d ; forward ewes, 12s fid ; cattle brought from £5 7s fid to £fi.

Winter Farm.—The winter school for farmers in the Wairoa district is now in full swing. The demonstrators are Dr Freeman and Messrs Eiphick, W. Perry. K. Gorringe, and E. B. Levey. The schools are beuig well attended, and followed with much interest by the many farmers present. Many of the lectures are interestingly illustrated", and also cover many different spheres of agriculture.

Obituary.—The passing of the pioneers of wairoa still continues, and the present month has witnessed the severing of three links with the far-off days. At the local hospital there passed away one of Wairoa's earliest and best-loved settlers, Mrs Arthur Poyzer, the deceased being In her seventyfourth year, and came to the district 50 years ago, having resided continuously here ever since. Mrs Poyzer was an earnest and zealous worker of St. Peter's Church, and was always to the forefront in rendering assistance. During, her long residence here she was noted throughout the whole countryside and town for her unbounded hospitality and unfailing kindness, and in her declining years still kept up her reputation in that regard.—At his private residence, “ The Beach.” Wairoa. Patrick Coglan, passed away in his eighty-fourth year. Deceased came to Wairoa in the early 'sixties. and had many stirring tales to tell of the Maori War. The late Mr Coglan took an interest in the early days of local affairs, and blazed the track in preparation for the many good roads the district now enjoys. He leaves a large family and many grandchildren.—At the Wairoa Hospital there passed away another pioneer settler, Mrs W. Drysdale, wife of Mr William Drysdale, formerly of Otago. The deceased lady, who was in her sixtieth year, was born in the district, and resided here for her lifetime. She was a woman of a very kindly disposition, and many generous and charitable acts can be recorded of her. She was an active worker all her life in St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Wairoa, and selfsacrificed herself in the rearing up of a large family ot 10, many of whom are holding responsible positions in the district. The funeral, which was conducted by the Rev. W. R. Milne, was one of the largest in the district for some time.