COUNTRY NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5461, 13 January 1896, Page 4

COUNTRY NEWS.

Rifle Shooting. — The firing for a trophy given by Mr John Balcli for competition by members of the Kaiapoi volunteers took place on Saturday. The conditions were ten shots each at 200 and 700 yds. The following were the highest scorers :— Private N. G. Robilliard 79, Private F. B. Robilliard 11, Private G. Templeton 66, Private C. Simpson 62. Swimming Bath.— The first anniversary of the opening of the Southbridge swimming bath was celebrated on Wednesday afternoon. Professor and Mrs Pannell gave an exhibition of their clever feats in the water, and the following programme was gone through : — District Handicap (maiden), 60yds— H. Hibbard Bsec, 1; J. M'Millan ssec, 2. Schoolboys' Race, 30yds — J. Cameron 1, N. Webster 2. 90yds Open Handicap — H. Coxon lOsec, 1 ; Rev Cocks scr, 2. Neatest Header— J. M'Millan 1, A. Campbell 2. 60yds Open HandicapRev Cocks scr, 1; H. Hibbard 4sec, 2. 60yds Hurdle Race— H. Coxon scr, 1j H. Hibbard ssec, 2. Southbridge Town Board. — The monthly meeting of this Board was held on Thursday ; present — Messrs R. P. Hill (in the chair), H. Slater, F. Paddy, J. Kilbride and John Kilbride. The Clerk reported that a supply of dog collars was required by the Board. It was agreed that tenders for one hundred collars should be obtained from local saddlers. It was resolved to invite applications for the position of working overseer, at a fixed rate of wages of 5s per day, and to call tenders for carting on the roads when required. In accordance with the Shop Hours Act, the Board fixed Wednesday afternoon as the statutory half -holiday for the present year. Accounts amounting to <£5 12s 8d were passed for payment. The Weather and the Crops. — On Wednesday afternoon a severe hailstorm did a good deal of damage to the crops and orchards in the Southbridge district, oats especially suffering. What the hail did not thrash out the heavy winds have affected so that, in some instances, the crops are nearly ruined. Wheat has not , suffered to the same extent, as it is not so ripe. Every possible speed is being used in getting the oats cut, and wheat will soon follow. The continuance of nor'-westers has caused the Rakaia to rise to a higher level than it has done for some years. Damage has been done to crops in its vicinity and land has been earned away. Mobs of sheep in parts of the river-bed have been surrounded by water, and have suffered from want of food. The river hasformed another mouth through the shingle bank dividing it from the sea. The flood has put a complete stop to fishing.