COUNTRY NEWS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 257, 3 December 1914, Page 5

COUNTRY NEWS.

(From Our Special Correspondents.)

ANNAT. Splendid rain has fallen throughout the district during the past week, and farmers' prospects are decidedly good. The Loyal Orange Lodge, No. 7, held its annual election of officers in the liall on Saturday evening last., when the following were elected for the ensuing year:—W.M., Bro. H. Millar; D.M., Bro. • ■ Jno. Watson; S.Diy Bro. F. Watson; J.D., Bro. H. Anderson; Tyler, Bro. J. Irvine; Chaplain, Bro. T. Moore; Treasurer, Bro. A. Henry; and Secretary, Bro. J. Piner. As the next meeting of the lodge would fall on Boxing Night, it was decided to hold it on the Saturday before., viz., December 19. On Tuesday the local school was visited by the Education Department's medical officer, Dr E. Baker, who medically examined all the children of the second and third standards, as well as a few other special cases. Apart from a few defects of mouth and tlyroat, there was little to report.

AMBERLEY. The recent rains have been most acceptable, and all fears for the safety of the young crops have been allayed. Shearing is again in full swing, and the country looks prosperous. The .new premises of the Bank of New South Wales are expected to be completed within a fortnight, the buildings being an up-to-date and valuable asset to the township. The last meeting of classes at the Technical School took place yesterday.

OXFORD. Until lately, according to visitors and travellers passing through, Oxford was the greenest place in the South Island. We got our share of every general rain, and some entirely on our own; but we are hoping that at last rain has fallen impartially, throughout Canterbury at any 1 rate, and -that harvest prospects will, improve and feed be abundant. Heavy snow has fallen on the hills, and frosts are likely to follow. Fortunately the sheej> on the hill and back stations are not yet shorn.

Political matters are now rousing a little more interest. Mr Forbes held a meeting in Mr Buddo's interest at East Oxford. There was a good attendance, and, from the Opposition point of view, the meeting was a success, a vote of thanks and confidence in Mr Buddo being carried. Mr Forbes devoted himself almost entirely to criticising the Government, and doubtless succeeded perfectly in confirming both Liberals and Reformers in their respective beliefs. That such a speech would influence independent thinkers of any intelligence and political knowledge, is absurd. Mr Jones is advertised to reply to Mr Forbes next Friday night. A good many of the No-License people here are sorry Mr Isitt spoke as he did. They feel that the man who would give them their rights as voters is a truer Liberal than one who buttresses the Trade by a 45/55 majority. At one time it was thought that Mr Buddo deserved all the sympathy, but now it is felt that Mr Jones deserves a share.

The rearrangement of the OxfordChristchurch railway time-table does not please many up here. We wanted to travel home from town quicker, not earlier. The day in town is short enough already, as many a one, rushing to catch the 5.20 after a strenuous day's shopping, would have said; and now Ave must catch the 4.30. I fancy the railway authorities will hear more upon the matter. The Friendly Societies' picnic to Arthur's Pass, put cf£ owing to the wet from Wednesday to Friday, was a very great success, and they deserve the heartiest thanks of the residents of this and the surrounding districts for promoting it. Everyone was provided with overcoat or umbrella, for a strong nor'wester was blowing in the hills, but the rain at the Pass was very slight, and as it made the day cooler travelling was pleasant; while the mist that huhg round tLe hill-tops, the snow covering the fcighor peaks, and the numerous water-

falls, swollen by the recent heavy rains, rendered the scenery far more beautiful. Great interest was taken in the tunnel and the power-house, with its water supply from the Devil's Punch Bowl Fall. Everything went off without a hitch or accident of any kind, and all concerned are to be congratulated. It is. not often that a put-off picnic is so successful.