COUNTRY NEW.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5455, 6 January 1896, Page 1

COUNTRY NEW.

The Sumner Bar. — While Mr Wames's fishing smack Florence crossed the bar at Sumner yesterday afternoon she took the bar too early for the tide, and grounded on the north spit. . She, however, managed to get off after sustaining slight damage.

Kaiapoi Clothing Factory. — At a meeting of the employes, of the Kaiapoi Clothing Factory, held on Friday, it was decided to hold the annual picnic on Saturday, Jan. . 25, and to take a ballot for the purpose of deciding where it is to be held. :

An Empty Boat.?— lt was reported at New Brighton yesterday afternoon that a small boat, empty, was drifting to the^ south. As a « strong wind was blowing from the north-west, if the boat cleared the peninsula she would doubtless: be blown out to sea. -

The Crops.- I—The1 — The hot weather of the past ten days has changed the colour of a large area of the crops in the northern district, and the reaping machines are now at work in the oats. The condition of the crops continues to.be highly satisfactory ,and the prospects everywhere are exceed--ingly bright.

Lsttelton Regatta. — The race for boats not exceeding one-rating, which was postponed from New Year's Day owing to the Pakeha swamping, was to have been sailed on Saturday. Just as the, boats were preparing to start a north-west gale sprang up, and the Waterwitch and Pakeha filled and went down. The Sailing Committee of the regatta at once postponed the race till Thursday next at 2.30 p.m. All accounts in connection with the regatta must be rendered to the Secretary by Wednesday next.

Peel Forest. — Our correspondent writes:— We have had more excitement lately than usual. Boxing Day saw many picnic parties making .for the forest, among whom were Mr and Mrs Holdgate, family and friends (a party of twenty-four) with tents, baggage and all the impedimenta of a comfortable camp. It is a wonder that a great many mpre people do not take the same outing, seeing that the cost is so small, and there are so many good camping grounds close to a metalled road. The English Church being in want of a more powerful harmonium Mr and Mrs Holdgate and family, assisted by their friends, gave a most excellent concert in the schoolroom on the evening of Jan. 1, a sum of over £A being collected. There were seventeen performers, eleven of whom were members of Mr Holdgate's family. A very pleasant dance was given by Mr and Mrs Dennistoun on New Year's Eve, .some seventy or eighty guests being present. Dancing was kept up till about 1 pjn'., when the guests departed. Our school treat was again a success, the day being fine. The prizes (thirty-four) were presented by the Chairman. Stock and crops are looking well, the latter especially so. Shearing is about over. The wool from hill sheep is in bad order and, owing to the severe winter, many sheep have lost every scrap of wool. _^