The Country

Otago Witness, Issue 3833, 30 August 1927, Page 35

The Country

LAKE COUNTY. August 25.—The weather has been fine during the week, and the roads are drying up quickly. Some of the farmers have already started ploughing. As a result of the severe frosts experienced some time ago the Arrowtown water mains are commencing to give trouble. During the week the main in the principal street has burst in two places, and as no pipes are on hand it will be some time before repairs can be effected. i'ootball.—The final match in the cup competition was played at Queenstown on Saturday last, when Country Pirates and Queenstown teams met. The weather was fine, and the ground in good order. After an evenly’ contested game Country Pirates won by 15 points (three converted tries) to 12 (four unconverted tries). Mr A. Jackways was referee. The cup points arc now: Arrow, 11 ; Country Pirates, 7 ; Queenstowm, nil. It was intended to play four rounds, but owing to the lateness of the season it is probable that the competition will be brought to a close on Saturday next, when Queenstown and Arrow teams meet at Queenstown. —The Arrow Juniors defeated Queenstown Juniors at Arrowtown on Saturday last by 11 points to nil. Mr L. It. Smith was referee.

Ladies’ Hockey.—At Arrowtown on Saturday last Queenstown defeated Arrowtown by 4 goals to nil. This was the second match this season between the teams for the cup presented by Mrs It. M. Paterson, the first match being also won by Queenstown. What proved to be the final match of the season lor the cup was played at Queenstown yesterday, when Queenstown again defeated Arrowtown by 5 goals to nil. After the match the cup, which had been held for the past two seasons by the Arrow Club, was handed over to Queenst.own. Mrs Douglas and Sir W. Nelson refereed both matches. Basket Ball.—Teams representing Queenstown Convent and Arrow Public Schools met in a cup match at Arrowtown on Saturday last. After a close game the convent team won by G goals to 4. Mrs Douglas controlled the game. Personal. —Mr A. .Tackways, who recently resigned from the position of manager of the Lake County Dairy Company, was reappointed at a meeting of directors held on Monday last. There were 24 applications for the position. ROXBURGH. August 26.—We have had a remarkably fine spring so far, with very little rain. Spring is asserting itself, many varieties of trees and shrubs showing opening buds. Nevertheless we have had, and still have, much sickness, mostly bad colds, which seem hard to get rid of. We hope that when warm weather comes things may in this particular improve. Sports.—Football has had its season ; our Roxburgh Club is not doing so badly. Hockey has suffered considerable defeat. Golf is now the attraction, and a good deal of practice is being put in. The old men’s game, bowls, will soon be going strong, especially as the local club is now in funds, thanks to the late public subscription. Tennis will also soon have its devotees on the court, and good things are expected of them.

Obituary.—One of our oldest and most respected residents, Mrs Sophia Toms, passed away on the 15th inst. in her eighty-sixth year. She was a resident of Coal Creek Flat since IS6B, and a very brilliant woman. Her husband predeceased her nearly 24 years ago. Although her end was expected for some time previous our sympathies are with the family of live daughters and two sons which survives her. —On the 22nd inst. Mr Archibald Dunlop passed away after a long and painful illness. Mr Dunlop was formerly a farmer at Lovell’s Flat, where he spent the most of his life. He was educated at Milton School. To know Mr Dunlop was to revere and respect him. He was always cheerful under the* most trj ing circumstances, having come some 10 years ago to this district for the good of his health. Much sympathy gees out to his wife and two children (Miss Dunlop and his little son Arthur), also to his mother and other members of his family. LUMSDEN. August 26.—Variable weather has been experienced during the week, and a good deal of rain has fallen. There has been a few very fine days, with bright sunshine. Tournament. —On Saturday, 20th inst.. at Lumsden a seven-a-side football tournament was held on the local grounds. The day was fine, and there was a large attendance of visitors from various parts of the district. Teams from Gore, Mataura. Ohai, Winton, Tapanui, and Pukcrau were represented, as well as teams from the various centres in the Northern District. In the school competition Lumsden boys’ team was beaten in the final round by East Gore. In the junior competition the Lumsden team beat Balfour, and therefore secured the cups for this section. In the senior grade the Lumsden B team was beaten in the first round by Tapanui, and the Lumsden A team was beaten in the second round by the same team, which was also the successful team in the finals, the cups thus going to Tapanui. The duties of secretary were ably carried out by Mr W. Johnson. ’ Golf.—The second round for the East and Wefit Dome Cup competitions is now being played off, and much interest is being taken. The game of golf is becoming very popular, and a large number of young men have taken up this form of recreation. Hockey.—The season for this game is now almost at an end. On Wednesday next the local club will enter a team in the seven-a-Bi’de hockey tournament to be played in Gore under the auspices of the Gore Gala Committee. KAIWERA. August 27. —The weather for the past few weeks has been only fair to medium, but as we generally count on changeable weather nt this time of the. year we are not grumbling. We have of late often experienced weather suitable to anv of the four seasons in one short day, and for the man or housewife who is trying to get his or her kitchen garden in order it ia very exasperating. School.—Miss Hay, who has recently been appointed to the position of schoolmistress of our. local school, has now commenced duty, and from all reports is likely to prove a popular teacher. Rumour has it that, ewing to the difficulty of obtaining board in the district she will in the near future domicile in the school residence, and should this prove the case we can reasonably look for

ward to a change for the better in the surroundings of this building, which has been unoccupied for such a long period. Stock. —Winter feed for stock is lasting out well, and a number of farmers who have turnips to spare are finding difficulty in disposing of them at a reasonable figure, which in itself sepaks well for the fertility of the soil in the district, and for the progressive methods of cultivation adopted by the farmers in general.—Lambing has not become general yet, but on one or two farms in the district a keen observer might detect an odd lamb or two frisking about. WAIKAIA. August 2G.—Verv cold sharp winds blow off the snow-topped mountains, bringing heavy showers of rain. We are having really wintry W’eather again. The river is rising, and we experience very hard frosts at night Dance. —In the Mas nic Hail, Waikaia a very large gatherin . .f Wendonslde and Waikaia ladies and gentlemen met for a dance. Mr Paterson, the president, in an excellent speech presented the queen of the carnival (Miss V. M’Kinncll) with a beautiful white hand mirror and brush. The queen’s dress was satin, with rich lace sleeves and lace panels in the skirt. The princess (Miss Weller), ; ink silk with gold edging, was also presented with a white hand mirror and brush. Mr W. Christie in a hearty speech thanked, on behalf of the queen, the chairman and the gentlemen for the very handsome gifts. Mr Don Sanson, on behalf of the princess, thanked the chairman and friends.

Deaths.—An old resident of Waikaia district for 27 years, Mr James Cooper, died, aged 60 years. Deceased was born at Kellaughey, County Down, Ireland, and married to Miss Agnes M’Lean. They had three children when they arrived in Dunedin. He was well known in the district: and highly respected. He leaves a widow, two sons (Constable Cooper, of Dunedin, and Mr Joseph Cooper, jf Waikaia), two daughters (Mrs John Hunter, of Invercargill, and Mrs M'Connichie, of Balfour), a brother (Mr J. Cooper, of Wcndon), and a sister (Mrs M'Kee, of Waikaia) to mourn their loss.— An old identity of Wendonsiile in ISS4, Mr John Maher, aged 73 years, died at Surrey. Pokeno, near Auckland. He was a native of the Soutli of Ireland. He brought land that was originally part of Waikaia Plain station in 1884. He was very highly esteemed in the district. He was very anxious to get the Switzers railway, and was secretary of the local Railway League. Many years ago he sold his property and returned to Ireland. He returned to New Zealand about two years ago, and settled at Pokeno. Auckland. He leaves a widow and a grown-up family to mourn their loss. OTAUTAU. August 25.—There was a record number present at Monday evening's euchre tournament, when the prizes for the evening went to Miss Mills (Riverton) and Mr S. Harrington. The booby prizes went to Miss Lock and Mr T. Burns. Opportunity was also taken to present the aggregate prizes, Miss Scatter winning the ladies’ (a seagrass arm chair and satin cushion, the latter being presented by. Mrs Boult), and Mr Humphries the men’s (a large suit case and pair of military hair brushes). Tennis.—The annual meeting of the Otautau Tenuis Club was attended by 14 members, Mr G. B. Burns (president) presiding. The report showed that a successful year had been experienced, and that the A and B grade competitions had been won by Otautau. The sum of £3O had been spent on the courts, and £l6 for an electric urn. The balance sheet showed a credit of £2B 16s 9d. The election of officers resulted as follows : President, Mr G. B. Burns (re-elected) ; vice-presidents, Miss Donnan and Mr L. Harrington (re-elected) : secretary and treasurer, Mr H. Booth (re-elected) ; General- Committee—Misses T. Scatter and M’Dougall, and Mr S. Harrington ; Social Committee—Misses x. M’Dougall (convener). Ryan, and Burns; Grounds Committee— Messrs M’lvor, Walker, Stroud. Laing, and CamJron (convener) ; selectors—Miss Donnan, Messrs Burns and L. Harrington ; delegates to association, Messrs Burns and Booth. The Grounds Committee was empowered to arrange the opening date, and the subscription was fixed the same -s last year. The delegates to the association were directed to support the holding of a Western District tournament on Labour Day. Nine new members were proposed and elected. “ Bring and Buy ” Fair.—At a combined meeting of the Dental Clinic Committee and the District Nurse Committee, it was resolved to halve the proceeds of the recent “ bring and buy ” fair, each committee receiving £2B 15s Bd. This sum will enable the appointments of the clinic to be paid for.

Methodist Church.—The trustees of the local Methodist Church assembled at the Parsonage last week to bid farewell to Mr T. A. Buckingham. Reference was made to the faithful services rendered to the church by Mr Buckingham, who was presented with a handsome silver-mounted walking stick, accompanied by the good wishes of the donors. Croquet Evening.—The ladies of the Croquet Club tendered an evening to a large number of friends one day last week. Cards were indulged in, the winners being Miss T. Scatter (a Douiton plate for most points) and Mr J. Seatter (a military set for most points). The hidden number prize went to Miss B. Seatter (who received a Douiton plate) and Mr T. H. Walker (who was presented with a pack of cards). Mr L. L. Lumsden also presented the badges donated by the club for annual competition, these being -won by Miss Gould (A Grade) and Mrs Blaikie (B Grade). Both ladies also received Douiton cups and saucers as mementoes of the occasion, and were congratulated on their success. Mr It. Buchanan responded on behalf of Miss Gould and Mrs Blaikie. and at a later stage thanked the ladies for the enjoyable evening. OUTRAN. A.ugust 27.—During the past month the weather has been wet and cold, rain falling almost continuously for three weeks, with the exception of a day or two fine in between the storms. Owing to the wet state of the soil farm work is almost at a standstill, and it will be about a fortnight before any wheat can be sown. Another late harvest is inevitable. Farewell: —Mr and Mrs Parsons and family, who have resided in Outram for 24 years, left for Milton (where Mr Parsons has been transferred) on Tuesday. Prior to their departure a surprise party met at their residence to bid Mr and Mrs Parsons farewell. A pleasant evening was spent, and at an interval Mrs Parsons was the recipient of a tea set, Miss Parsons of a flower bowl. Master Rae Parsons of a pocketbook, and Mr Parsons of a wallet. Mr Parsons -was also the recipient of a fountain pen from the railway staff All

joined in wishing Mr and Mrs Parsons health and prosperity in their new spheme of work.

SOUTH TAIERI.

August 27.—A good deal of rain lias fallen during the week, and the ground is in a thoroughly saturated condition. There is a great deal of surface water on all the lowlying areas, and it will be some time before this drains oil. In the meantime the work of cultivation is at a standstill, and the sowing of cereal crops is temporarily suspended. At the time of writing the weather has cleared, and indications point to. more settled conditions.

Personal.—On Friday evening a number of the men employed by the Public Works Department on the construction of ,4he new Taieri River embankment assembled in the school hall at Otokia to bid farewell to Mr A. P. Fleming, who has recently left the service of the Public Works Department. Mr E. Evans presided, and a very happy evening was spent. On behalf of the Public Works Department employees Mr Evans presented to Mr Fleming a very handsome travelling rug as a token of respect and esteem. Most of those present made reference to the good qualities of Mr Fleming, and expressed regret that he had severed his connection with the Public Works Department. Mr Fleming made suitable acknowledgment of tfce gift. Vocal and instrumental items were given by a number of those present, and a thoroughly happy and enjoyable evening was spent. SOUTH CANTERBURY. August 27.—The annual general meeting of members of the Timaru Bowling Club was held on Wednesday night, when Dr Ussher presided over a good attendance. The annual report and balance sheet were adopted. The following officers were elected for the coming year :—President, Mr L. B. James; vice-presidents, Messrs A. G. Hamilton and W. W. Callender; secretary, Mr C. E. Torlesse ; assistant secretary, Mr A. H. Bourne; treasurer, Mr G. A. Simmers. The South Canterbury Centre wrote stating that all bowls should bear the 1925 or later stamp before they could be used in competitions under the centre’s control.

Scottish Society.—The seventeenth annual meeting of tire Timaru Scottish Society was held in the Unitarian Hall on Thursday night. Senior Chieftain Mr J. Elmslie presided, and about 80 members were present. Mr J. Ramage was elected chief chairman, Mr D. Hume was made senior chief Mr W. W. Dunnett was re-elected and Mr D. Petrie re-elected secretary. Chief Ramage presented the society’s medal of merit to Miss Cissie Kyle. Musical and dancing items were given by members. A. dauev was held, and the evening closed with “Auld Lang Syne.’’

Agriculture.—Mr Hadfield (instructor in agriculture) gave a very interesting lecture to the Geraldine branch of the Farmers’ Union last week. His lecture was illustrated by lantern slides dealing with topdressing for grass and wheat and turnip cultivation. These lectures give promise of larger production and improved returns for the agriculturists. ASHBURTON COUNTY. August 27. —Acting on advice from the H°m V ■ Nosivorthy (M.P. for Ashburton) and Mr T. D. Burnett (M.P. for Temuka) the Ashburton Electoral Boundaries Committee decided to take no further action regaiding protests against the present boundaries. A vote of thunks was passed to the secretaries, Messrs G. Kelly and W Paterson.

Silica oand. As the result of cases heard in the Warden's Court legaiding licenses to work Mount Somers silica sand, the Minister of Mines decided to grant the license to the Southern Cross Glass Company. Weather.—Very mixed weather has been experienced lately, several inches of rain having fallen. Last week-end all county sports were postponed.

Red Cross. —From the Methven centre Nurse Christian is organising peace work in several- country districts—Alford Forest, Mount Somers, and Mayfield; Committees have been lormed, and lectures commence shortly.

Obituary.—Mr Thomas Breeze passed away at the age of 76. Since IS7S he was on the Ashburton railway staff, retiring in 1911. He was one of the charter members of the Druids’ Lodge. He leaves a widow and four sons and two daughters and 13 grandchildren. Of these Mr C. 11. Breeze and Miss V. Breeze live in Dunedin. Miniature Rilles.—Excellent shooting characterised the county championships. Nine clubs were represented by 19 teams, the winner being Ashburton No. 1, with 5 less than the possible. Doric won the County Shield, in which the sweepstake and cup were won by C. Dell. J. E. Carr (Meth ven) won the North and South Matches and the aggregate. Others who figured conspicuously were : D. Paterson and A. Cookson.

Racing.—A debit balance of over £lOOO has been turned into a credit of £lOO on the past year’s operations of the Racing Club. The policy of holding one-day meetings was most satisfactory, and considerable improvements had been made to the course.

Illness.—Mr Janies Cow,’ county coroner, was admitted to the hospital following a seizure in the train. He was unconscious when admitted, and remains in a serious condition.