COUNTRY NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5839, 5 April 1897, Page 2

COUNTRY NEWS.

Kaiapoi Rifles. — In a match, marriec v. single, ten men a side, seven shots eacl at 200, 500 and GOOyds, the single men pui up a score of 719, and the married men G63 Corporal Simpson 91 and Corporal Orau; S2 were the highest scorers for the single men, and Private Hayman S3 and Sergeants Pearce 75 and Drabble 75 were the highest for the married competitors. Kaiapoi Social Club. — The first meeting of this club was held in the Institute Hall on Saturday evening. There was a good attendance, and tho time was pleasantly spent with musical items and cards, aud other games. Ml* Moore, M.H.R., in a tshort speech, explained the aims and objects of tho club. The nioatings will be free to the public for some time on Wednesday and Saturday evenings, and they are expected to become very .popular in the town. Timabu Agricultural and Pastoral Association. — The coinmitteo of ' the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association met on Saturday, when the President, Mr George Lyall. was in the chair. The committee was specially called together to consider ways and means for constructing the fittings of the new show ground, but nothing could be done. The Chairman reported that a letter had been received from tho Railway Department, stating that when the Association's cheque for <£297, half cost of siding platform, loading bank and yards, hail been handed over the work would be put in hand. On this a letter had been written to the Hon W. Hall-Jones, and copies sent to tho other South Canterbury members, requesting them to use their influence to obtain a larger concession from the Governmeut. No reply had been received from Mr Hall-Jones, but Major Steward and Mr Flatmau wrote that they would confer with Mr Hall-Jones when they reached Wellington, and urge the claims of the Association. It was decided to take no part in the Agricultural Conference this year, members objecting that there was nothing practical in it. A letter from Mr John Holmes, requesting assistance in developing the flax trade, was merely "received." Messrs R. Irvine (Albnry) and Mackenzie (Totara Valley Estate) were appointed judges for the competition for the bast tan acres of turnips in South Canterbury.