DISTRICT NEWS

Southland Times, Issue 20209, 21 June 1927, Page 5

DISTRICT NEWS

PUKERAU NOTES. (From Our Correspondent.) The month of June has so far been remarkable for the absence of rain and the prevalence of frosts, which show no signs of abating. People depending on rain water for household purposes, would welcome a copious downpour to replenish the supply in their tanks. Ploughing operations, except in favoured localities, have been frequently held up owing to the frozen state of the ground and in shady places the frost has not thawed out for weeks. The cheese factory closed for the season yesterday, and while the suppliers have had a good season as far as production goes, what the final payment for the year will amount to, will not be known for some months yet. The recent decision of the Control Board to revert to free marketing will be welcomed by the majority of local dairy farmers. In reference to the “Battle of the Breeds” controversy, appearing in the Times of late, it is noteworthy that of the herds under test during the past two seasons in this district, first and second places. have been filled by herds in- which the Jersey predominates. FOOTBALL. The local team weakened by the absence of two of its best backs journeyed to Mataura on Wednesday last and w-ere defeated by the Mataura players by nine points to nil. The game inclined to roughness at times and several of the visiting players are still showing signs of the fray. During the progress of the game, a thief or thieves entered the dressing room and ransacked the pockets of the Pukerau players; silver amounting to over five pounds being stolen; one man was even relieved of his collar studs. Bronchial colds are very prevalent in the district at present, and are proving very hard to shake off.