IN TOWN AND OUT

Southland Times, Issue 21264, 10 December 1930, Page 6

IN TOWN AND OUT

NEWS OF THE DAY. Hacrcmai! Haeremai! A unique scene was witnessed at the Native Land Court yesterday when the Maoris welcomed back Judge M. Gilfcddcr, who has returned from a visit to Europe and America. Speeches and songs of welcoms formed part of the ceremony, * * S; * Bad Time For Canvassers. It must be admitted that the present is an exceptionally bad time for canvassers to meet, with success. This was evident at a recent meeting of the committee of the Winton District High School when one canvasser was describing his tour as not being a successful one. Tbe contributions had been small and, he declared, that in a great number of cases the householder pleaded poverty. —Winton correspondent. * . •» # * Warmer Weather Welcomed. These last few days of bright sunshine have been most welcome to the farmers in the Winton district (writes our Winton correspondent). Shearing operations have commenced in many places, while other farmers arc busy sowing cereals. Full advantage has been taken of the fine weather, but many farmers declare that the present season is the latest that has been experienced for a lengthy period of years. Heavy Exchange Costs. “The adverse exchange rate meant a serious cost to the board this year,” stated Mr Charles Campbell (secretary) in submitting a report before members at the Southland Electric Power Board meeting yesterday. “In 1928 the cost of remitting money to London to meet the board’s interest and other payments was £685, and in 1929 the cost rose to £lBOO. This year the cost will not be less than £4300,” he added. Early Potatoes. Despite the bad weather conditions which prevailed during the spring, many “kitchen" gardeners met with fair success with their vegetables. While new season’s potatoes have been on the local markets for some time, practically all of the supplies have been drawn from the North Island, and it may be regarded as a feat to be able to produce locally-grown potatoes even at this late date. A sample brought to the Times Office yesterday by Mr C. Perry, of Tweed street, showed that this vegetable did not suffer to a great extent as the result of the rigours of the wet spring. The potatoes. Early Bird variety, were well formed and of good body and well fitted to take their place on the daily menu.