COUNTRY NEWS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 46, 31 March 1914, Page 11

COUNTRY NEWS.

(From Our Special Correspondents.)

Many sheep from the Lynton Downs dispersal sale have been coming to the Amuri; Mr Jessop taking delivery of 890 lambs, Mr Bussel 1100 ewes, and Mr L. Pulley secured some 1300 ewes and lambs.

Last winter the telegraph line running over the Whalesback, an elevated section of the road between Waiau and the Conway, was put out of commissionfor several days through breakages caused by heavy snowstorms. As this is one of the two telegraph routes between Christchurch and Wellington, a fault in it is a serious matter, especially as'it frequently happens that tne other line, that over Arthur's Pass, is broken at the same time. The engineer of telegraphs is. determined that this year, at any rate, there shall be no interruption, and* a gang of men is now actively engaged on this section strengthening the line, and putting everything' in order in anticipation of a severe winter. The Amuri County Council is doing air in its power to improve the Main. North Road from Waiau to the Conway. The material for the new bridge over the Lottery is on its way to New Zealand,' and extensive alterations are being made in the route of the road past Peache's Cutting* Formerly one had to traverse from there two miles of the Mason riverbed. When the works now in hand and contemplated are finished there will be no travelling in the bed of the river. The work is divided into three sections, and of these the Upper Gorge contract is now completed and thev new. road in use. Fresh tenders are" being called for the second contract, and three months should see it completed. The third part of the deviation commences at Peache's Gutting, but no work is contemplated 6n this at; present, as funds are not available.

RANGIORA. Bird .of Hope U.A.O.t). Lodge held their monthly meeting last evening, when one new member was initiated. It was to hold; a progressive euchre party and dance on April 23. 'The half-yearly inspection of the Rangiora division of St. John 'Ambulance was held last evening. The "inspection was made by Corps Superintendent Gray. The inspecting officer expressed himself as beings highly satisfied with the work the division accomplished.