CANVASTOWN.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 29, Issue 46, 15 June 1917, Page 5

CANVASTOWN.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

A meeting of the Farmers’ Union ■was held in the Debating Hall on Tuesday evening, the vice-president, Mr I. Flower, being in the chair. It was unanimously decided to pay the Dominion levy on members of the local branch during their absence on active service. The secretary (Mr J. Millar) gave a full report of the business transacted at the provincial conference. It is evident by the report that useful work was done. Noxious weeds were discussed at some length, foxglove receiving particular attention. Some members were of opinion that the plant would eventually die out, while others thought it should be kept in cheek by pulling at the proper time to prevent seeding. It was thought that little could be done at the present time to keep noxious weeds in check owing to the scarcity of labour. Mr C. F. Hart reported on the proposed experimental plots at the school. One member pointed out that the land selected was some of the best in the district, and thought it would have been much better had some of the poorer class of land been selected. A section of such land was offered at the meeting, but it was thought that it would be rather far from the school for the children to attend to. It was ■suggested, in connection with experimental plots, that a section of ground should be used for growing trees from seed. It is understood that the seed could bo obtained from the Government. The trees when large enough to transplant could be disposed of locally and would eventually become a valuable asset to the district. There was a leugthy discussion on the selection of the Pelorus Efficiency Committee. No exception was taker, to the members, but it was thought that the public should have had a voice in the election of so important a body. Through the meeting not_ being sufficiently advertised the public knew nothing of what was happening till the report of the meeting appeared in the newspapers. The opinion was expressed that it was not too late to hold a public meeting, and a deputation was appointed to wait on the Efficiency Committee with the object of having a public meeting made possible. A heavy southerly gale was experienced on Monday and Tuesday, accompanied by cold showers. A considerable amount of damage has been done to fences, and in two instances farm buildings have suffered severely. Tclegraptic communication, with the exception of Deep Creek, has been completely cut off. . The ladies’ executive of the Patriotic Society some time ago decided to 'enclose a note in each “soldier’s parcel’’ asking the recipient to acknowledge receipt, there being some doubt as to whether the parcels were safely delivered. It is evident by a letter just received by the secretary that the parcels arc being received safely. The letter, which was written Somewhere in France and dated 29th March, reads as follows:—“Just a few lines to thank you for the gift which you and your many helpers provided for us. You can well imagine we are always pleased to think that our own people are so mindful of us and contribute to our comfort. We are one and all of us glad that the winter is over, for we have found it very severe. Just now we have plenty of rain, and occasionally snow, but the days have lengthened considerably, which in itself makes things more agreeable. Again thanking you for all your kinduess.—l remain, yours gratefully, F. R. Wood, N.Z.E.F.”