The Country

Otago Witness, Issue 3861, 13 March 1928, Page 35

The Country

ALEXANDRA. March 10.—The weather of late has been an d BU ltry. Scarcely any rain lias fallen for a- conafdcrablo period, with the result that there is still a general shortage of water. Every night the water supply is turned off until 7 the next morning. It is well known that the supply race is in ft rather delapidated condition, and until 11 u 1“ thorough overhaul, there is not rnuch chance of the town water supply being in a very satisfactory condition. Last week there was a very sharp touch of frost, which gave a great setback to garden growth, with the result that such vegetables as marrows and cucumbers suffered rather shov" Signs of autumn are beginning to Visit of the Prime Minister.—Detailed reports of the Prime Minister’s visit to Alexandra have already been published, so it is hardly necessary to go over the same ground that has been exhaustively treated. Before the public meeting, held last Tuesday evening, the Prime Minister and his colleagues, the Hons. Mr M’Leod, and Williams heard a number of deputations, 'these took up such a considerable time that it was not until well after 9 o’clock that the public inciting began. At the close of this the Mayor, Mr William Bringans invited a number of the residents to supper in one of the town" tea rooms to meet the distinguished visitors. Miss Hringans, daughter of the Mayor, acted the part of hostess in a very capable manner, and the whole function was a pleasing success. On the Wednesday morning, shortly after 9 o’clock, the Right Hon. Mr Coates and Mrs Coates motored up to the Alexandra District High ochool, where they met the pupils, who were lined up in the school grounds to welcome them-. Mr Bringans, Chairman of the - School Committee, expressed great pleasure in having the opportunity of welcoming the Prime Minister and Mrs Crates to the school. Mr Coates, who was heartilv cheered by the youngsters made a very bright and happy speech, and urged the children to pay special attention to their tasks. He stressed the point of cheerful and willing obedience to parents, teachers, and all those set in authority over them. The Prime Minister asked that the pupils should be granted a holiday in honour of his visit. <Mr Mechaelis, Rector of the school, thanked the Prime Minister on behalf of tile children for visiting them, and assured him that his 9 message to ' them would be long remembered by the pupils. Town Progress.—Building operations continue to go on apace in the town, and there appears to be a great future for Alexandra. The new National Bank is now in use, and the old building is being converted into business premises. The Co-operative Society are busily preparing to build a fine new Store, and new dwellings are in progress of erection in various parts of the town. It is 'rumoured that another watchmaker and a tailor are starting business in the town. ‘Sport.—Bowlers are still hard at it." The local club is equal with Cromwell for the challenge shield, and stands a very good chance of coming off victorious. It has also successfully defended the Jolly Cup for a. considerable period. Tennis and croquet are still popular, and play is constantly being held on the various courts, LUMSDEN. March 9.—The weather continues to be dry and warm, but on one or two occasions sharp frosts have been experienced. Rain has fallen on several occasions lately, and the country is not so parched looking as formerly. 3port.—Meetings are being called by the football and hockey clubs, so that winter sports will soon be in progress. The Golf Club held its annual meeting on the 2nd Inst., when it was arranged to have the opening day on the 17th Inst. Tennis is still being played. In the final match against Balfour A the Lumsden A team was defeated. Thus the Campbell Cup, held by Lumsden, now goes to Balfour for the ensuing year. Banquet.—The Lumsden Horticultural Society held a very successful function in the Masonic Hall on Thursday night. There were present on this occasion the Minister of Lands (the Hon. Mr M'Leod) and Mrs M'Leod, the Minister of Public Works (the Hon. Mr Williams) and Mrs Williams, and Messrs Horn, M.P. (Wakatipu), and J. R. Hamilton, M.P. (Awarua). Mr Graham, president of the club, occupied the chair. The function took the form of a banquet, the object being the presentation of the trophies, Mr J. R. Hamilton, M.P., proposed the toast of “ The Lumsden Horticultural Society.’* Mr H. Graham replied. Mr W. H. Ward, proposed the--toast of “ The blew Zealand Parliament.” This toast was replied to by the Hon. Mr M'Leod, the Hon. Mr Williams, and Mr Horn, M.P. The toast to the prize winners was proposed by Mr J. Clouston, the trophy winners by Mr Graham, the stewards by Mr Brash, and the visitors by Mr T. Campbell. Several musical Items were rendered and much appreciated. The winner of the M’Klnnon Gup and Mrs Thomson’s cup was Mr Ogilvy. Mrs Sira was the winner of Mr Clouston’s trophy. Opportunity was taken to make a presentation to Mr M'Cutchoon, who has so ably and efficiently carried out the duties of secretary. Mr Graham made the presentation on behalf of the society. Mr M’Cutcheon, who was completely taken by surprise, returned thanks. The proceedings closed with the singing of the National Anthem. CARSTON. March 7.—Our weather is favourable to the growth of feed, especially grass and turnips. Sometim-es, however, the harvester’s carting in is hindered by showers of rain, which often appear unexpectedly after a day of unbroken sunshine. Stacking is thus delayed. The general harvest is almost completed, and the coming of the threshing mill is now waited for. Record yields are not. looked for. All stock is in good condition, with the exception of milkfed lambs, which appear not to have done so well, this being accounted for by tliv bleak cold of the late spring and early summer.

Wool.—The wool sales have satisfied the sheep owners, large and qtnall, and have given an impetus to speculators to acquire pastoral or sheep country with more eagerness than formerly. Items. —Rabbiting Is being sought for. and taken up where obtained. —The fishing Beason is drawing to a close. One has not heard of heavy takvs, and tfie river has hot been patronised to any great extent.—

The fruit season is not up to Its one-time excellence, this beiijg accounted for by the coldness of the.late spring and early summer. But what has proved so detrimental to the fruit has proved most beneficial to the trees in growth and health generally. What fruit there is does not ripen evenly, and is want- , 111 flavour, especially stone fruit. Apples are holding their own, being well coloured and eatable.

Highway.— The Ministerial party is in our midst. It is hoped that they will see the necessity of making the Lumsden to Kingston road a main highway. It is said that there are others not so frequently used, and less obliged to be, which are now gazetted as main highway roads. The Nevis and ? ' O Z O .T a Penars are busy, and successful, and they deserve good roads for their many ploymint and ° Ut t 0 thetr places o£ em ' OTAUTAU. in^ la >f Ch «f’~A Af J er ® venson g on Sunday evenin at St. Andrew s church, Mrs King was • a A 3,1 number cf members and friends in the vestry, and presented with a handbome handbag, as a token of esteem and appreciation of her work, Rev. L J. B. bncll, m asking her acceptance of the gift inferred in eulogistic terms to the active interest she had taken in church work during her Jong residence in the township. His remarks were abiy supported by Mrs Rountree and Mr H. O. Williams, who wished her every success in her new sphere. Mr Moore suitaoly responded on Mrs King’s behalf ey '~J hc . anßual meeting of the Hoekey Association was held in Mr Hedge s office on Monday evening, when delegates were present fromOtautau, Ohai, Hollyburn, Thcrnbury, Drummond and Nightcaps clubs. Tho following office-bearers were elected: President, Mr C. Gardner (re-elected); vice-presidents, Messrs Mmar (Otautau), A. Mitchell eHollyburn), M. ixon (. ightcaps), Smith (Ohai), Shearer , H ? d ?' s<>n (Orepuki), Ashley (R.serton), and Galt (Thornburv); secretary and treasurer, Miss Lock ; auditor Mr A C Mills (re-elected); delegates to Southland’Association, Dr Stewart and Mr Gilfedder. The opening date for the commencement of the Western District competition was fixed 'or Wednesday, April 11. Bowling.—A Pairs Competition was held on the local bowling green on Wednesday, when some interesting games were witnessed. The hnal was fought out between A. Buchanan and Porteous, and Kirk and R. Bucha-nan, tno former succeeding in disposing of their opponents by a substantial margin. The scores were 20-8. Cricket. A team from Herbert Haynes and Co. visited Otautau on Wednesday, when the local team won by 133 runs, the scores bein'* Otautau, 236, Herbert Haynes, 103. OUTRAM. March 8.-—lor the past week we have been enjoying distinctly harvest weather, Tuesday in particular being very hot, but last nights .rain srionld make the Taieri farmers rejoice, as their grass and turnips have been suffering from so much dry weather. The warmth to-day should bring an the mushrooms, which seem to be slow in making their appearance this year. During the past week-end ever so many motorists were to be seen wandering over the hills in search of this addition to their menu, but were forced to return to town with empty baskets. Social.—From a social point of view Outram has been very quiet lately, but Saturday should be a gala day for the local children, as the Cutram Sunday School is holding its annual picnic on that day at Wcodside. HERBERT. March 10.—One of the prettiest weddings for some time took place recently in the Presbyterian Church, Herbert, when Tilly, second daughter of Mr J. W. Irvine, “ Fairbank Farm,” was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Mr Richard Farrant, of Oamaru. The Rev. P. C. Rennie officiated. The bride looked lovely in a white crepe de chine and silver lace frock, with a beautiful veil of orange blossom. She carried a floral bouquet, and wore a gold bangle, the gift of the bridegroor... She was attended by her sister, Maisie, who looked charming in a pretty blue crepe de chine frock, with a floral wreath on her hair, carrying a floral bouquet, and- wore an expanding wristlet watch, the gift of the bridegroom. Mr George Farrant, brother of the bridegroom, was best man. The church was artistically decorated for the occasion by friends of the bride. The wedding march was playe-' by Mrs Couch. After the ceremony the guests motored to “ Fairbank ’ arm,” where a most sumptuous wodding breakfast was served. The usual toasts were proposed and responded to with musical honours. Later the happy couple left by motor for the south amid showers of confetti and rose leaves. In the evening a happy time was spent by the young people. Recitations were given by Misses Rennie and Miller, and musical items and songs by Misses Irvine (2), Hutton, aud Couch, and Messrs Couch and Kirton.

FLAXBOURNE. March 7.—-We have recently experienced a period of dry weather, which is normal and suits our type of country very well. But what Is not normal is the absence of strong winds, which are generally very annoying at harvest time. This year the harvest was gathered in almost perfect weather, and as the majority of the field crops were peas, which are very troublesome in a wind, the exceptional season was all thu more welcome. Nothing approaching the acreage of oats and barley is now grown as was the case in bygone years, the land formerly given to those crops being used for lamb and sheep fattening. Our period of drought, however, now appears to be over, as during the last three days we have had nearly 3in of rain, which- Is still continuing. This will do an immense amount of good coming at this time of year. It will not only freshen up the rape and other -fodder crops, but assure a plentiful supply of winter feed and dispel our anxiety concerning a dry autumn—on'j of the worst calamities that can befall us here. Summer’Time. —Summer time is now past, and we In the country are all very glad. It was tried at first, but found in many cases unworkable, such as with shearing, fvr instance. Most of the agricultural farmers also preferred tho old time as very much the most convenient. Electricity.—The power line is expected to reach us in about a month, and will no doubt prove of great benefit both for llgbt-

ing and cooking, coal being a very expensive item here. WILLOWBRIDGE. March 10. —Rain commenced to fall here on Wednesday evening, and continued until Friday morning, when the sun made its appearance and gave everything a refreshed appearance. Although little rain fell in the time turnip and rape crops will bo much benefited, for they sufferel a big check during the dry weather of the past month. Harvesting was in full swing, but it will take a day or two before work ean be continued generally. The favourable weather since harvest commenced has enabled farmers to push on with this work, and although there is still a large area in stook there has been a good deal of stook threshing done. Mills have been kept busy throughout the district, and some very good wheat crops have been put through. Mr E. G. Hay of Morven, should be well satisfied with a ’3O- - paddock of Dreadnought which he threshed last week. The average was 71 bushels to the acre. Similar high yields will be few, but 50 bushels to the acre will be quite common this year. Stacking is general, but most of the wheat crops will be threshed out of the stook, in many cases owing to the over supply of straw. Many growers are inclined to hold tlralr wheat in the hope of an improved tone in the market. There is a large area in peas this year, and some good yields are reported. Mr A. Moore, with his new tractor-driven case mill, is having a very busy time handling the peas, which, it is reported makes an excellent job of threshing. Blight is prevalent among the potatoes, but only in a mild form. By the appearance of the crops when in full growth there should be some good yields, but the blight will, no doubt, bring the average down a good deal in most cases. WAI ROA (Hawke’s Bay). March 10.—Mrs Somerville and family, of Wairoa. who leave the district shortly ’for Dunedin, were accorded a farewell sqpial at St. Andrew s Hall on Tuesday night, a large attendance being present. The Rev. W. R. Milne presided, and the platform was occupied by the guest of the evening, her two sons, and Mesdames Milne and Sinclair. After a Competition by those present a programme was gone through. After expressing gratification at the attendance the Rev. Mr Milne spoke in eulogistic terms of Mrs Somerville's long association with tho religious life of the town. Mr W. Smith, for the session, endorsed the remarks of the chairman. Mr G. S. Black followed in a similar strain, a,nd Mr A. Sinclair also spoke. Mr T. Lambert expressed the regret or all at her departure. Letters were then read from the Sunday school and P.W.M.U., voicing regrets, and conveying .many good’ wishes. The Rev. Mr Milne then, in a further happy speech, presented Mrs Somerville with a roll of notes, with the hope that she would use part of it to purchase an easy chair, to which the donors desired to be attached a silver engraved plate, which he handed to her. Messrs W. and J. Somerville were each presented with silver-mounted ink stands, and Miss Catherine (who, unfortunately could not be present) with a string of pearls enclosed in a silver casket. Messrs W. and J. Somerville made’happy responses. A vote of thanks to the peri’ormers and all those who assisted concluded the programme.

Relief Work.—A number of unemployed is engaged on relief work on the Mhagapoihe road near Wairoa. When this road is finished it will relieve the main WairoaGisborne highway of a large amount of stock traffic which tends to hinder motor traffic Bathing Fatality.—During the hot spell’ of weather Wairoa has experienced recently the bathing area at North Clyde has been well patronised, and a few days ago a sad tragedy occurred, a boy named Johnny Kaimoana being drowned. The boy, who was only about six years of age and was unable to swim, was the son of Mr Wharekauri Kaimoana. He walked into the river and went beyond his depth. There was only one witness to the occurrence—a little girl who at once gave the alarm. The fatality occurred so suddenly that a number of boys who were swimming close by were not aware of it. Several dived in in an endeavour to recover the body, but were unsuccessful, and it was not until several hours later it was recovered.

Death.—The Wairoa community was greatly shocked at the recent death of Mrs Byford, wife of Mr D. Byford, of Wairoa, manager for Richardson’s Shipping Company. The deceased, Who had just reached her fortieth year, was highly respected by all who knew her. She had been undergoing treatment for heart trouble for-some time, and her death was very sudden. She leaves a sorrowing husband and a young family, to whom every sympathy is extended.

Swimming.— A pleasing ceremony took place at the Wairoa District High School on Friday when Mr F. J. Single addressed the assembled pupils on the value of being able to swim both from a health-giving standpoint, and also because of tho necessity of being able to help one in danger of drowning. The prizes won at the recent school swimming sports were then presented. Death.—An old Maori warrior of Wairoa in the person of Paora Turakina died at Te Uhl pa on Saturday last at the are of 83 years. Deceased served in the Maori War, and in conjunction with several other Maori veterans went through ths engagement at Omaranui. He also took part in a great deal of fighting in the Urewera country, and when the Te Kooti outbreak occurred took part in engagements at Tinlroto. He was a well-known figure in Wairoa, greatly revered by European and Maori alike. His funeral had a large attendance, and was conducted by the Rev. Hemi Huata. Accident. —An unfortunate accident happened recently to Mr R. Godding, lorry driver for Mr Norman Bluck, Wairoa. He was carting benzine tvhen a tin exploded, resulting in the burning of his,face, hands, and neck. He was removed to the local hospital, but although he is suffering considerably no serious results are anticipated.