COUNTRY NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5566, 15 May 1896, Page 2

COUNTRY NEWS.

Ashbueton Hounds.— The Ashburton. hounds met at Drombre yesterday, and had a fair day's sport over the properties of Messrs Wilson and Quigley. Hares were too numerous, and the hounds kept changing, but the country was of the best, and the going very good.

Ashburton Golf Club. — The Ashburton Golf Club opened the season at the Ashburton Links yesterday. A match was played between sides chosen by the President and Secretary,' the former winning after some well-contested games. Mrs H. Zander provided afternoon tea, and there wa3 a large attendance in spite of the cold weather.

Rangioka. Railway Station. — A longfelt want at this station is about to be filled by the establishment of a refreshment stall. It will be opened at the end of the present month, and, needless to say, it will be much appreciated by passengers from the long-distance stations on the main and branch lines. No intoxicating beverages will be sold.

Implement Trial.— A public exhibition of Walter A. Wood's new grain, turnip and manure drill, was held yesterday at Mr P. T, Baker's farm, Aniberley, in' tho presence of several farmers of the district. The combined improvements, saving labour and material, were duly explained and exhibited by the expert, Mr Germ. and the result of the trial showed the machine to bo well suited for the requirements of agriculturists. ,

South Canterbury Board op Education. — The monthly meeting of the South Canterbury Board of Education was held on Wednesday ; present— Messrs W. " B. Howell (chairman), Seddon, Talbot, Salmond, Keddie and Gray. The Chairman made a statement regarding the Building Fund, showing that when outstanding liabilities are met there will remain only .£IOO to carry on with till the next grant :is received, which will be about November next. The Board considered in committee" eight applications for the post of assistant mistress at Fairlie, and made a provisional selection. On a letter from the Arundel Committee, the Board discussed the subject of home lessons, and conferred with tho Inspector on. the subject. The result was a resolution — " That the Board disapproves of the system of giving excessive home lessons, and teachers are recommended to give as little home work as possible, arithmetic and written exercises being specially disapproved."

The Dairy Industry. — The necessity for united action of all interested in tho dairy industry, with the object of securing improvements and reforms in many directions, has been forced upon the committee of the National Dairy Association ; and at a meeting at Dunedin on Monday, at which Mr MacEwan, chief dairy expert, was present to confer with the committee, it was decided to invite every factory in the South Island to send delegates to a conference to be held at Dunedin on June 9, tho' opening day of the Otago Winter Show. The Association recognises the difficult" position of the dairy industry, and hopes that every factory will make a point of being wel\ represented, as the recommendations and requests of such a conference cannot fail to have strong influence in whatever direction it may be considered desirable to exercise them. The subjects suggested for consideration are of great moment, and include increased co-operation amongst factories, the relations of the Government to the industry, freights, insurance and other practical questions..