The Country

Otago Witness, Issue 4048, 13 October 1931, Page 31

The Country

LAKE COUNTY. October 9.- —During the week the weather has been mild, and the snow is disappearing from the high country. The rain at the beginning of last week had the effect of considerably improving pastures, and feed is becoming plentiful. Cricket.—The annual meeting of members of the Queenstown Cricket Club was held recently, when there was a good attendance. The balance sheet showed a small credit balance. The following office-bearers were elected:—Presidents Mr 11. J. 11. Lewis; vice-presidents, Messrs H. C. Buckham, 11. Sew Hoy, J. W. Gardiner, D. F. Murchison, L. Curtis, D. F. Macdonald, AV. 11. Nelson, J. T. Lynch, AV. Edwards, and O. S. Elms; secretary, Mr Joseph Miller; .captain, Mr H. F. Gardiner; deputy-captain, Air A. H. Buckham; general committee —Messrs H. F. Gardiner, A. 11. Buckham, G. Murchison, J. Ogilvy, and G. Lynch. The date of the official opening was fixed for October 10, and the subscriptions were fixed at 10s for seniors and 5s for juniors. Bowling.—The annual meeting of members of the Arrow Bowling Club was held on Friday evening last, when there was a good attendance. The balance sheet showed a credit balance of £25 Is 6d. The following office-bearers were elected:— Patron, Mr W. A. Bodkin, ALP,; president, Air James Share (re-elected); vicepresidents, Alessrs W. A. AVarring ami AV. Alilne; secretary and treasurer, Air E. J. Saunders (re-elected) ; general committee —Alessrs W. 11. James, AV. A. AVarring. AV. Dakers, E. L. Thompson, J. K. Snell, J. AV. Reed, C. L. Johnston, T. A. Johnston, G. Murphy. A. Heid, and P. Al. Tobin. It was reported that the green was in good condition, and the fixing of the official opening day was left in the hands of the committee. Lawn Tennis.—At a meeting held at Gibbston recently it was decided to resuscitate the Gibbston Tennis Club. Air F. C. Perriain was elected president, AlrT. D. Scott secretary, and a strong committee was appointed. The opening takes place to-morrow afternoon. Alunicipal Election. —-A by-election was held at Queenstown on AVednesday of last week for the purpose of electing a councillor to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Councillor A. Scheib. Three candidates were nominated, viz., Alessrs George Chalmers, J. Al. Flahive, and John Thompson, jun. A good deal of interest was taken in the contest, which resulted in the return of Air Flahive, the voting being—Flahive 82, Chalmers 75, Thompson 50.

Lake County Co-operative Dairy Company.—The annual meeting of shareholders was held at Air AV. Reids residence. Lake Hayes, on AVednesday. September 30, Air AVilliam Reid, chairman of directors, presiding. The report stated that last season 89.4451 b of cheese had been manufactured, which was an increase of nearly 30001 b on the 1929-30 season. The sum of £1264 10s had been paid to suppliers, and the sales of cheese brought in £2137 14s 6d. The balance sheet showed a profit on the year’s working of £39 7s Bd. The retiring director. Air Leo Lee, was reelected. and Air C. Al. Inglis was reappointed auditor. At a meeting of directors held afterwards Air AA r illiam Reid

was unanimously re-elected chairman. It was decided to pay Is per lb for butterfat during the month of October. The factory opened for the season on AA r ednes-

day last. , Death.—The death occurred at Clyde on Wednesday last of a well-known and popular resident of the Arrowtown district, in the person of Mrs Bessie Paterson Baird, relict of Air G. D. Baird, Bendemeer, Arrow town. It was known for some time past that the state of her health was the cause of much anxiety to her relatives, and the news of her death at the comparatively early age of 53 years was received with very general regret by her many friends. The late Airs Baird was a native of the district, being the eldest daughter of the late Air and Airs A. H. Douglas, “ Douglasvalc,” Lake Hayes, and she had spent the whole of her life in Wakatipu. She was of a most kindly disposition, and was held in the highest respect and esteem by’ all who knew her. Her husband died in 1919, and she is survived by a family of five sons and four daughters. Sympathy is general for them in their bereavement. Airs Baird is also survived by her brother, Mr J. 11. Douglas, Arrowtown, and three sisters —Airs A. E.

AVhyte (AVellington), Airs Cochrane (Gore), and Airs Foster (Wellington). The interment took place in the Frankton

Cemetery’ this afternoon, the funeral being very largely attended, friends coming from all parts of Wakatipu and Central Otago districts to pay- the last tribute of respect. The burial service was conducted by the Rev. AV. AV. Powell, vicar of Wakatipu. Oddfellows’ Lodge.—At the last fortnightly- meeting of the AA T akatipu Lodge, 1.0.0. F. (Queenstown) the following officers were elected for the ensuing six months: —J.P.G., Bro. Aforgan; N.G., Bro. R. APDowall; V.G.. Bro. Maher; secretary Bro. D. F. Macdonald; treasurer, Bro. J. AL Flahive; auditors. Bros. J. S. Gray, R. APDowall, and G. AValsh; trustees. Bros. A. Munro. F. Gavin, and 11. Davies. Afedical refunds and sick pay amounting to £24 were passed for payment. BALFOUR. October 9. —Ideal spring weather has prevailed lately, enabling farmers to proceed with the usual seasonal work. With a continuance of present weather conditions the percentage of lambs this year should be high, as most farmers report few deaths to date.

Tennis Club.—Air Henderson presided over a small attendance of the Balfour Tennis Club last Thursday night. The

annual report and balance sheet were presented, the latter showing a small credit. The report stated that during the year the courts were renovated with a coating of coalfix and sand, the cost, including new material, being £9 10s. The club was indebted to Airs George Grant, who generously found the balance necessary to pay for the yvork. The office-bearers for the ensuing year are: President, Air A. N. M'Donald; vice-presidents, Airs AVilson and Air Henderson; captain. Airs L. Grant; deputy captain, Airs Wilson; and secretary and treasurer, Air Henderson. A vote of thanks was accorded Air Jewiss, the retiring secretary, for the manner in which he had carried out his duties. Air Jewiss suitably replied. The committee consists of the president, vice-presidents, captain, deputy captain, secretary, and Misses APAlath (2) and AVilson. Airs Al Dona id, and Alessrs AV. Greer and Jewiss. Subscriptions were fixed at 15s (men) and /s 6<l (ladies), with a rebate |of 2s 6d if paid by- December 31. Air Jewiss moved and Air APDonald seconded that the resolution passed at the beginning ot the year concerning first-year players paying 5s be rescinded. Delegates to the association are Alessrs Henderson and Jewiss. The opening day was fixed for Saturday. October 10. Air APDonald stressed the necessity of popularising the club and furthering its interests by giving learners every facility for occupying the courts.

WAREPA. October 9.—The weather still continues fine, the country is looking green again, and farm work is being pushed. Rambing is about over on most of the farms. It looks as if this year there would be a record percentage on account of fine weather, and an unusual number of twins, in some instances triplets. One farmer "ho nas marked has over 100 per cent. neb-ome Social.—A “welcome ■’ social was given to Air and Airs George Jack, ■who were married lately. A pleasant time y\as spent with dancing, songs, and recitations. During the evening. Air G. Stewart. on behalf of the district, wished the newh’-married couple everv happiness. Air George Jack suitably replied. General.—-The winter amusements are over for another year. Again the local i Lodge of Oddfellows added much to the life of the district. They organised a firstclass concert, all local talent, besides running a card party- fortnightly. When they held their annual church parade there was a good attendance of the public and local Oddfel ‘ows. though not so manv visitors from other lodges this year. The Rev. AV. R. Hume preached on the theme of brotherhood, and sa-d that if it was carried out in spirit, in the lodge, by nations and individuals, the world would be a much better place to live in. with no wars, no strikes, and none of the petty jealousies which so often make things unpleasant in districts. WAIROA, HAWKE’S BAY. October 9. —There was a .very- large attendance present at the meeting held in the Borough Chambers to discuss the suggested closing down of the East Coast railway, as outlined in the Railway Board’s report. After a keen discussion of a lengthy nature it was resolved that a deputation comprising the Mayor of AVairoa and the chairman of the various local bodies collect all data and be ready to proceed to AA’ellington when Parliament discusses the question. The news that included in the stoppage of railwayconstruction works is the line connecting Napier and AVairoa was received in the latter place very quietly. It is very freelydiscussed now that a ratine- area from Napier to AVairoa be established, and the amount of £150,000 to complete the line be raised. This movement is gaining ground, but it is realised that Government sanction to this must be obtained. Accident. —A motor car accident occurred on the AVairoa-Frascrtown road, the three occupants having a narrow escape. The car was being driven by- Air B. Smith, with tyvo lady passengers. The car skidded in some loose shingle, capsized, and was considerably damaged. The driver sustained severe injuries, and one of the ladies was cut considerably about the head from broken glass, the other lady- passenger escaping with a mild shaking. Both the injured ones were taken to the AVairoa Hospital, and are now progressing favourably. Death by- Drowning.—On Saturday, 3rd inst., Air B. AA'allace, of the firm of Alessrs AA'inters and Sons, when going his rounds, observed by the side of a deep ditch on the outskirts of the borough a man's hat. Proceeding to investigate, he saw the body of a man lying face downwards in the drain, with his head under i water. He immediately pulled the man | out on to the bank, but at a glance he j could see he was dead, and reported to I the police. It proved that the deceased | was an old resident of the AA’airoa disI trict, by name Richard Whelan. At the I inquest evidence was given by- several | witnesses tending to show that the deI ceased must have sat down near the edge i of the creek and fallen in, and a verdict ; to this effect was returned.

Earthquake.—During the past yveek many earthquake tremors have been experienced. none of them doing any damage. One shock was in the nature of a prolonged tremble. The last one to occur so far was a double shock, the first movement being an upward lift, and the second a lateral movement.

Racing.—At a committee meeting of the AVairoa County Racing Club a programme offering £lOOO in stake money was approved, and this is to be sent forward to the head committee of Hawke’s Ray for its approval. The allocated dates for the next AA’airoa race meeting are January 19 to 21, 1932.

Obituary.—Great regret was expressed here on receipt of the news of the deatTi in England of Air J. A. Nilsson, one of Wairoa’s old-time residents. The deceased, who was very popular in AA’airoa, practised as a dentist for many years, and during that time was an ardent supporter of rowing, football, and fishing. He was on active service in the Great AA’ar, and then followed his profession again in Brighton, England. He Laves a widow to mourn her loss. Vital Statistics. —The vital statistics for the AVairoa district for the quarter ending September 30 are as folloyv:— Births 25, deaths 7, marriages 14.

PENINSULA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

The annual spring show of the Peninsula Horticultural Society was held on Saturday in the Coronation Hall, Portobello. The various sections were well contested, and the display, taken as a whole, yvas a very attractive one, the full, rich colour of the narcissi and the darker tones of the other spring flowers combining to provide a spectacle that did full justice to the reputation of the Peninsula as a gardener’s paradise.

The entries in the narcissi section were numerically well up to those of former years, but on account of the lateness of the show there yvas a tendency- in some promising blooms to deteriorate in quality. Nevertheless, the display yvas a very fine one. and the cut flowers section was also of a high standard. In the decorative section the children’s competition was keenly contested, the decorated baskets bearing special evidence of a regard for beauty and selection. A high standard was also reached in the adult decorative work, the use made of Iceland poppies being particularly- effective. It was evident that great care had been taken m the cultivation of the vegetables, which, as the season has not altogether been a favourable one, were of very good quality, and reflected great credit on the exhibitors. The entries in the home industries section were all of a high standard, although special mention must be made of the cakes, which comprised the outstanding class. Some very ingenious and tasteful handwork was displayed, the greatest attention being paid to the class devoted to the traced article in colours, yvhich was most effective. Other very attractive exhibits were seen in the fancy knitting and cotton crochet classes. A feature of the show was the table of narcissi and polyanthus displayed by Mr J. Nelson, of Green Island. NEWS TOPICS. A well-attended meeting was held last night in Sinclair’s Hall with the object of forming a men's club in Balelutha. It was stated that suitable rooms were in prospect, and a strong committee yvas set up to make the final arrangements. HORTICULTURAL SHOW. The Owaka Horticultural Society held its’’third annual show on Thursday in line weather. The show was a big improvement all round on former exhibitions of the kind in Owaka, and the judge (Air C. E. Naish)'was very complimentary regarding the various exhibits (flowers and vegetables) that came under his observation. Special mention was made of the display of Sir Watkin narcissi, of which there yvere 14 entries. The cup for most points in pot plants, cut blooms, and decorative sections was won for the third time by Airs A. J. Renton, and it now becomes her own property. Other prize winners for most points yvere: Pot plants. Airs Pritchard; cut blooms. Mr A. L. Shepard (Balelutha); decorative, Miss M. Roger; children’s decorative, Miss Janie Ryley; farm produce, Mrs Logan; vegetables, Air John Ford;

sweets, Aliss Mary Wright; baking, Mrs Keelty; fruit cakes, Airs Farquharsmi; iced cakes, Miss J. Roger; shortbread and biscuits, Airs Keelty; children’s baking. Aliss Margaret Miller; fancy yvork, Aliss K. Maginness; photography, Miss Vial and Air Dewar (equal).

TAIERI HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Saturday’s spring show of the Taieri Horticultural Society proved there are many enthusiasts in and around Mosgiel. St. Luke’s Hall presented an attractive appearance. The display yvas magnificent and would have done credit to shows with greater reputations. Both in point of numbers of entries and quality of exhibits it excelled that of previous years. The entries exceeded last year’s by 39. In addition to the local exhibits, Air 11. Trevena, who judged the spring flowers had on exhibition a choice collection of daffodils, including such varieties as Burnett, a red and yellow Incomparabilis, Correggio, Silver Queen, Phyllida, Lady Superior, Tenedos, Scarlet Queen, and Dawson City. This exhibit was greatlyadmired by all visitors to the show. The judge considered that in the trumpet varieties the exhibitors should aspire to better varieties. Something of a higher standard would make this section less old-fashioned. The preparation for exhibition was not quite up to standard — only- some of the exhibits being correctlyshown. The winning exhibit in class 17 in which there were 23 entries, was mentioned by the judge as an example of a correctly staged entry. Auriculas and anemones yvere well grown and made a feature on their own. The pansies would have done credit to any shoyv—clean and well-grown. A special word of praise was given to the children’s section. “Apparently.” said the judge, “ the children are being trained on right lines.” Airs AA’eddell, yvho judged the decorative work, spoke in terms of high praise ‘for almost all the exhibits. The right class of floyver and foliage had been chosen and the effect gained was .really above the average. Classes had been added for needlework and baking. Airs Bond judged the former and Airs Alartin the latter. Both ladies considered their task no light one in making awards. Airs Bond made special mention of the children’s needlework. Air. E. Pilling (president), Aliss B. Pearson (secretary), and an energetic committee are to be congratulated on the success of their throughout the day.

BOWLING AND CROQUET CLUBS. The Alexandra Bowling and Croquet Clubs held their official opening conjointly on the local greens on Saturday- yveek last. The yveather was delightful, and the greens were in excellent condition, notwithstanding the recent rains, which had made them rather heavy. The president of the Bowling Club (Air T. E. Sunderland), in his opening remarks, ( expressed his pleasure at seeing such 1 a large attendance and such a representative gathering from visiting clubs. He hoped all would spend an enjoyable season. He then called on Airs Sunderland to roll the first bowl, after which he declared the green officially opened for the year. Following this an adjournment yvas made to the croquet lawns, where the president (Airs A. Al‘Kellar) welcomed the visitors and said she hoped a successful season yvould ensue. She called on Air Al’Kellar to hit the first ball through the hoops. During the afternoon enjoyable games and competitions were held on both greens, and a delightful afternoon tea was served by the ladies of the Croquet Club. PRESENTATIONS. At the social of the Clyde-Earnscleugh Football Club, in the Earnscleugh Hall, the vice-president of the club (Air E. J. Iversen) took the opportunity of making the presentation of an attache case to Air Charles James, who had left Clyde, and who had been one of the club's best players. A set of military hair brushes was presented to the president (Mr James Wing) for his untiring efforts on behalf of the players and the club, and the gold medal for the best all-round player for the year yvas awarded to Air Ned Kinnaird. SOUTH OTAGO HIGH SCHOOL BOARD. The monthly meeting of the South Otago High School Board of Governors last week yvas attended by- Alessrs D. Marshall (chairman), Breinner, Watt, Fenton. Roy, M’Kinlay. Landels, and Mcs I dames White and Dalias.

Agricultural matters bulked largely in the business of the meeting, which began by the chairman welcoming Mr T. D. Pearce, the acting-principal, and thanking him for his kindness in emerging from retirement to take charge of the school Air Pearce, in reply, said he had found his new duties congenial. A deputation from the local branch ot the Farmers' Union, comprising the chairman (Air J. Johnston) and Alessrs H. C. Anderson, A. A. Jenson, and James Wood (secretary), waited on the board to suggest that, in selecting a new principal fot the school, the board should choose one with ability to teach agricultural science. Air Johnston voiced this view, and said that New Zealand was primarily an agricultural country, the professions were tilled to overflowing, and it was time that the young people were taught rural science, with the object of making good agriculturists, who would assist, in developing the count!y. Balelutha was an admirable centre for such a school. Air Jenson said that no doubt farming was the best and easiest way to wrest a living from Alother Earth. There was no need to worry about the present financial trouble, which would pass. The need for education of a scientific nature was shown to-day by the numerous stock diseases the farmer had to contend with, and diseases in crops. No less a sum than £4,000.009 annually those diseases yvere costing farmers, it had been estimated, and the only hope of the farmer was in dealing with those pests by scientific methods Weeds also constituted a problem that science only could solve. The subject of manuses, and particularly top-dressing, opened up a new field for the_ farmer with scientific knoyvledge. Here in New Zealand we were setting up a soil condition that would be difficult in correcting, and it would be bound to lead to trouble later on. From his own personal experience he knew that where he once had to top-dress but once a year he now had to do it twice. It was the same with the use of sulphate of ammonia on the land. It was a high stimulant, and must be used with know ledge. He did not blame the Department of Agriculture, yvhich was handicapped bylack of funds and shortage of properlytrained men. Tn Denmark, a country with which he was in close communication, it was compulsory for every boy and girl to attend a secondary school, and rural science was a compulsory subject. The result was that Denmark was the greatest farming country in the world to-day, and whereas the Danes used to give out theit discoveries in rural science, they yvere now keeping a tight rein on them. Tn conclusion. Air Jenson said that to his mind the future not only- of Neyv Zealand, but of the Empire, depended on this question of science in agriculture. Alessrs 11. C. Anderson and James Wood endorsed the remark of the first two speaker’s. The chairman said that when the school yvas first opened and the subjects to be taught were under discussion, 50 boypupils yvere asked what they intended going in for. and only two replied “ Farming.” And those 50 boys were mostly farmers’ sons. It was the parents who picked out the career for the boy or girl, and not the children themselves. The deputation would see that if no pupils were coming forward to take advantage of classes in agricultural science the board could do nothing. The matter really rested with the parents. At the same time several members of the board were quite in sympathy- with the views expressed by the deputation. The board would consider the matter, but he could not make any promises. One difficulty would be the shortage of buildings, and tiie department could not afford money for newMtmildings just now. Air Landels said the deputation before retiring should knoyv that in the last three weeks the whole school had been given “ agricultural bias.” and all the ground available was laid out in plots, to be experimented with. The matter was not referred to further after the deputation had left. There were references to the subject in letters from 1 Air W. J. Jolly (second assistant), who I stated that more time was now available I for agricultural tuition, and it was the wish of the staff that more time be spent

by the pupils in practical gardening. An interfoini competition fop girls had been arranged, and plots allotted to the girls of each form. Air Pearce had offered to donate a prize for the winneis. A similar scheme had been arranged in regard to vegetable plots for the boys, and boys had been made responsible for definite plots.— It was decided to procure tools and seeds up to the value of £3 for the use of the pupils.

In his repoi-t the acting principal (Air Pearce) said he greatly favoured agricultural teaching in schools, although in Southland he had found that the farmers as a rule (lid not want their sons to be farmers. Good work could be done here, however, on the. present lines, by awakening an interest in the subject. In his experience he had found it best to take pupils to different farms for instruction by observation. After tracing by several examples Low difficult it was to forecast what a boy was going to make of his life, and how, in the country, many- changes from one occupation to another we. e often made without apparent reason so that a farm bov might suddenly become a lawyer, he stated that a broad, general education was, after all, the best, prcparzrfion for life, and if anyone wished to sp-eiahs.i there were avenues of self-education open to all.

POWER RATES. In his reserved judgment in the case of the Otaso Electric Power Board v. Mrs R. A. Williamson (Owaka). a claim for £33 15s under a written guarantee in respect to the defendant’s property at Owaka. by which defendant was to be responsible to plaintiff for electric energy to the amount of £l5 per annum. Mr IT. J. Dixon. S.M , gave judgment for plaintiff for the full amount claimed, with costs (£7 7s). The claim arose out of the guarantee the Power Board required from residents in the Owaka district in 1928 before installing the power there.