GERALDINE WET YEAR

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23321, 3 October 1945, Page 3

GERALDINE WET YEAR

42 Inches Of Rain To Date The year 1945 will probably go clown as the wettest on record in the Geraldine district, according to figures supplied by Mr A. J. Blakiston, Raukapuka. Seventy-two points were recorded for the 24 hours ended at 9 a.m. yesterday. which brings the total for the year to date to 42.08 inches. The rainfall for last month was 3.63 inches and the total for the year to the end of September was 41.36 inches compared with 24.97 inches in the corresponding period last year. Rain fell on 12 days during last month, the heaviest fall being experienced on the 23rd when 1.24 inches fell. The heaviest frost of the month was 13 degrees on September 4. Obituary Rangitata lost one of its oldest residents in the death of Mr William John Coulter. Born at his grandparents' home, "Spring Farm,” Arundel, on July 30 1888. he spent his early years on his parents’ farm, “The Pines,” Rangitata. Mr Coulter worked for four years at a foundry in Christchurch. On his return he farmed at his old home until 1920. when he retired and built a house on the site of the Star of the South Hotel, where he resided until his death. Of a genial disposition, he had many friends who will miss him and his cheery ways. He took a keen interest in community affairs and was a member of the rifle club, hall and church committees and always ready to help any just cause. Skilful with his hands and the owner of a lathe. Mr Coulter had in recent years been motor mechanic, carpenter blacksmith and general handyman for the people of the Rangitata district. In 1916 Mr Coulter married Eleanor Mary McKenzie, of Dunedin, who survives him. Agricultural Clubs At a meeting of the Pleasant Valley group of agricultural clubs. Mr J. H. Pennycook (the Education Board’s agricultural instructor) showed films on calf rearing and vegetable growing to an interested audience and gave a short talk on the aims of club work generally. The election of officers resulted: Chairman, Mr C. W. Lynn; secretary, Miss M. E. Caskey; assistant secretary, Mr McNaughton; executive committee, chairman, school teachers, and one representative from each school district; general committee, all residents and representatives from interested local organisations. It was decided to limit the number of projects to six—calf, lamb, chickens, kitchen garden, flower garden and potatoes. Mr M. Rooney suggested that show schedules be sent out at once, and that a group show be held as early as possible in March. Mr Lynn thanked Mr Pennycook for his attendance and help, and expressed a hope that all club members would have a successful season. Vital Statistics The vital statistics for Geraldine for September, with the figures for the corresponding month last year given in parentheses, are: Births 6 (3), deaths 1 <7>. marriages 1 <1).