COUNTRY NEWS.

Colonist, Volume LIII, Issue 13169, 27 July 1911, Page 4

COUNTRY NEWS.

(Frrtm Our Own Correspondent.)

WAKEFIELD

The School Inspectors have been visitiug and exanfining the' local schools in and around Wakefield.

Owing to the milder wfoather the grass is growing, and Mr: C «A: Bailment has some splendid lambs about one month old on his farm up Pigeon Valley. Lambs are also to be seen in many other places. Butter and eggs are scarce, and command good prices, while milk is onlj* to bo got in limited quantities, but consumers are hoping for a chango'for the better soon. The chair at the Literary Society was taken at the last meeting by Mr. Clement Eden, when Mr. Kingsland, of Appleby, gave a most interesting address on "Apples," their production etc., while he also spoke of his observations in the orchards of Tasmania during his recent visit. Those present got a lot of valuable information* and Mr. Kingsland earned the hearty rote of thanks accorded him.

On Thursday evening last, the members of the Wakofield Literary and Debating Society journeyed to Wai-iti to try conclusions with the Wai-iti Society on the subject, "Which is the greater benefactor to the State—tho statesman or the soldier." Mr. F, 13. Peart took charge of the debate on dehalf of Wakefield, and Mr. Edridgefor Wai-iti. Wakefield pointed out that from the. early ages up till now tho soldier has never proved to be a great benefactor to the State. That the statesman was the constructive element in the State, and the soldier the destructive element, and merely the necessary evil to maintain international law. and order. Mr. Peart was supported by Messrs. Longton and J3attey. The Wai-iti people maintained that it was the soldier who has placed the British nation in the forefront, and, that he was often put'into the battlefield by statesmen to make good their diplomatic mistakes. Mr. Edridge's supporters were Mcsdames Cropp and Eves, Messrs I. Tunicliffe, R. G. Tunmeliffo and E % S. Hoiilfc. The voting resulted in a win for Waiiti by 43 to 21.

The people of Wakofield are appar. ently appreciating the efforts made by tho Progressive Association on their behalf, for several visitors have lately remarked about the improvements, and in this respect the postal delivery is one which lias received special commendation, but at the same time the present method is somewhat like a dog with one ear, for whilst the mails are delivered, people have to walk in many instances long distances to post letters, which could easily be collected by the messengers. It is to bo hoped that the Chief Postmaster, with his usual desire to promote this department, will take up this matter and remedy the defect by erecting two or three posting boxes in certain parts of the district, which would prove a great boon to a large number of residents living: at a distance from the Post Office.

At the opening of tlife Post Office here over a year ago, 120 new Post pffice Savings Bank accounts -vvero opened on behalf of tho children of the school, and it will be gratifying for those who assisted in this matter to know th.it practically in every instance the children have added to their accounts.

I understand that the cost of lighting the stroots last year was well under £20. This must he considered very satisfactory, as the lighting of the streets is very favourably commented upon by visitors as well as residents, and the lattcr's only wish respecting the matter is that the lighting should be extended, and they aro beginning to hope for this.

The salo of the stock and implements in the estate of the late Mr?H. Wratt was he'd on Tlnirsday list. It was well attended, everything being disposed of at very satisfactory prices. The old portion of the present school buildings are to be demolished or removed (by tender), thus enlarging the playground' and ■ generally improving the surroundings.

Measles are beginning to make their appearance iv the township, but it is to bs hoped they will iiot become prevalent. "" *". -

On Sunday next the Rev. W. S. Lucas,' Vicar of All Saints'. Nelson, will conduct the sorvices in St. John's Church here, at which service Hol.v Communion will be administered. The monthly children's service will be held in the church at 10 a.m.

A prize of iICOO is offer?* frr r safety electrio mining lamp. Conditions of the competition can be seen at the office of the Under-Secretwy of PnMio i'Works. The prize has b«en offered by an English cblliVy ewer, m& is opm to persons of any nationality. COnrpetitcrs mnsfc be prepared to have tb.«ir lamps at the home office not later th at B|st December, '