COUNTRY NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19814, 4 December 1919, Page 3

COUNTRY NEWS.

ASHBURTON. Th< Ashburton High School Board of oGvomors.raet on Tu-eday, Mr Joshua Tucker maiding. ..The. rluimau reported a debit nala.i.K’e on the loan account nf £6OOO, and on the. general account of £B7 3s 2d. The Education Department advised payment of £125, heimr free place capitation. The bead master of the \\ eetevneld school forwarded the name? of two entrants (or the John Bell scholarship, subject In their passim: the proficiency examination. It, was decided to extend the doping date of entries until December 9, Dr Reakes, Director-General of Education,' wide stating that he would advise the hoard when visitinj Ashburton. He desired to do all he could towards the expansion of agricultural education, and* to co-operate as far aa possible with (he board in this matter. Mr Dill explained what the Farmers' Union had done in the matter. He suggested the purchasing of the land adjoining the experimental farm—about fifty acres. This land would be an acquisition to the farm, and the point should ire pressed on Dr Reakes and the Minister of Agriculture. The head master announced that Mr H, 11. Allan would j bn prepared to give a demonstration in the j agricultural laboratory on December in. The head master reported' the school roll to be. IST—9( boys ami 87 girls, the average attendance for the month being 163. nr 90 per 1 cent of the roll number. It was decided I to revert to the pre-war custom of giving prizes at the break-up, and ilt was voted for the purpose. On Friday evening Mr H. T. Harte, wool expert, gave an address to the fanners of Lowdiffc on—(1) "How t 0 Improve the Fleece"; (■>) ''Manufacturing.” .Mr I). Shaw, the president' of the Lowcliffe branch of the Farmers' Union, presided. The ad- \ dress, which wai very instructive, was attentively listened to, and at the close Mr Harte was accorded a vote, of thank?. Miss Law, who has been acting-matron at the Ashburton Hospital (or the past threo months, left Ashburton on Monday afternoon for Auckland. The meteorological observations taken at j the Ashburton Domain weather station for! the month of November were as follow: Highest barometer, 29.93 inches, on the 22m1; lowest, 25.96 inches, on the 4th. Highest maximum temperature, 77 degrees, on tlie Ist: lowest, 4S degrees, on the 3rd; highest minimum. 62 degrees, on the Bth: lowest, 33 degrees, on the 30th. Rain fell on 11 days, totalling 3.1 inches, as against 3.45 inches for November, 1919. The Tinwald Town Board met on Friday evening, Mr T. .Williams presiding. The Ashburton County Council wrote stating that the relief channel on the Timnru Track bad been inspected, and was then ip good condition; also that the sluice gate was under the control of Mr AVooltey. The. Ashburton Borough Council wrote regarding the subsidy on (lie Peace Celebration expenses. The clerk reported that ho had assured the council that the board had not applied for a subsidy. The traffic inspector's report was read, and it was decided that all rate? unpaid alter December 19 should be sued for. and charged with a TO per cent peivilty. Accounts amounting to £l4 9s 4d were passed for payment. The Tinwald Domain Board met on Saturday evening, Mr C. Doherty presiding. The chairman reported that ho had granted the use of the domain to the Tinwald Patriotic Committee and the Lynnford School Committee. His action was approved. The Minister of Lands wrote granting permission to remove pino trees, iiroviding they were replaced by ornamental trees and shrubs. The chairman reported that he had authorised the caretaker to repair the wire ' ■fence and pump for tjie Tinwald Lawn Tennis Club. The Tinwald Town Board wrote asking that the outlet to the ford on (he Lagmhor Road be put in order. 11l was decided to instruct the caretaker to I carry out the necessary work. The caretaker ■ reported thst the pavilion had been broken into and certain articles stolen. It was resolved that the matter be placed in the, hands of the police. The Planting Committee. reported having sold the right to remove j trees to Mr Clucas. The report was approved. Accounts amounting to £ls 5s 6d were passed for payment. The fortnightly meeting of Hie Ashburton Borough Council was held on Monday night; present—The Mayor (Mr R. Galbraith), Councillors H. M'Elrea, H. A. A'estv, F. ML Watt. TV. G. Hillier. A. J. Grig'g, J. M’atson, R. Kerr and F. Ferriman. Tho mayor reported that the total overdraft was now £VI,S66 Os Id, and that the receipts since last meeting had amounted to £385 5s Id. Correspondence was read Irom the secretary of the North Canterbury Charitable Aid Board stating that a report was being obtained on the condition oi the, plots of ground in the. Ashburton cemetery in which men from the Tuarangi Home were buried. Mr H.- Seldon, secretary of the Ashburton Lawn Tennis Club, wrote asking that all the asphalt courts in the Domain be topdressed. The railway traffic manager wrote stating that a request which had been made to have the 1914 timetable reverted to insofar a.s the slow trains between Ashburton and Christchurch- were, concerned, was 1 receiving the attention of tho Department. ] Tho Minister of Internal Affairs wrote stat- ; ing that the request for information with reference to designs and the probable, cost of a war memorial (or Ashburton had been referred to the Minister ot Defence. Messrs A. and T. Burt, of Dunedin, wrote stating that .130 3in by 9ft iron pipes, a, further instalment of the supply for reticulating the Nethcrby portion of tho borough in connection with tho high pressure water supply, had been landed in AVellington and would be, delivered in as soon as they could be transhipped from Wellington. Tha , firm also asked for a progress payment, which was now long overdue. Thn special drainage committee repotted that, an application had been made to the superintendent of the. State Advances Department for a loan of £19,000, being port of a proposed loan of £35,000 lor the underground drainage' of tho borough, the loan to be for a. period of 36J yeatSj to bear interest at the rale of ft IDs per cent, with a. sinking fund of £1 2s 2d per cent, the security for the loan to lie a special rate of Is in tho £ on all rateable properties within the borough; that tho Mayor be authorised to arrange for taking a poll of the ratepayers in February next in respect' to raising the loan, the expenses, in connection E-.'-cwith and the interest and sinking fund or (be first year In be paid out of the loan. lie Finance Committee reported that Mr H. M. Jones's offer to supply books,. and Messrs Simpson and Williams’s offer to supply magazines, for the library, had been acceded. A commit- 1 tee. was act up to confer with the representatives of other local bodies in reference to forming a power board in connection with advancing the extern-"i of the hydroelectric power from Lake, Coleridge to Ashburton and South Canter' nry. It was decided to pay Messrs A. a.,d T. Burt £4OO a.s a progress payment. The abattoir inspector reported that the stock slaughtered during November was as follows:—Cattle 97, sheep 662 (one condemned), calves 4, pigs 29. Accounts amounting 1 > £968 14a 9d were passed for payment. Advice, has been received from Wellington regarding the writhjg competition in connection with the Ashbnrk.ii schools. Quite a number, although not, ..m the following list, have been highly commended; —Rhyming alphabet competition Ashburton Srbool, Mavis Voety (modal), Rita Hooker, Margaret. M’ljfl.ugblin; Hampstead School, Inez Dallier, Linda Loy; Tinwald School, Gordon Lusk (modal), Beryl Buxton, Vera. Sutherland. Grice, Tilly Sullivan. J. G-il-mour. Hefford end tVs special—Standards 1. to VllMavjs 1 .siy (Ashburton Borough Sehooll 1; Standards 111. mid IV.. F.rir, Sebreiler (Ashbu'ton Borough Sohoyi!) t; Standards I. ami U„ Milly Knight, i.Ashhburton Borough SchcM) 1. TUTTLE RIVER. The annual meeting of shareholders ol the Town Hi .1 Company will be held on Thursday. A start has already been made with the painting of the, hall. ■ The bazaar and Christmas tree held annually in connection with the Church ol England will take place on December 17 (Election Day). Judging by tha promise? received and the energies ot the various stallholders, the fair should he verv successful. After paying several final accounts in connection with the Doctor's Guarantee Fuml the balance is £29 lbs 4cl. 'This amount lias now been handed over to the Wnircwo County Council to assist the Doctor's Fund account. Corporal T. Feather, of Kinlorh, was presented at the King Edward Barracks bv Cnlo.'ei Young with a Military Medal. The prize winners in the weight-guessing he'd in connection with the Bnnkv Peninsula ; Agricultural and Pastoral show were-Bill-lock: CL Jones, Por.anni 6951b. 1; A. Sharp. Halswell, 6321b. 2. The actual weight was ,1 6911b. Per ot three, sheep; T. Brankin, Little River. 2651b, 1; H. Pettigrew, Pigeon Pay. 2661b. 2. Actual weight. 2651b. Lamb: T. Fenwick. Barry's a ß»r. 37jlb. 1; p. i Norrie, Puaha.. and W. Craw, ChorUon. 374 jh 2; W. Pigeon, Little. River, 36}lb, 3, Actual . weigh* 371b, L ■ LEESTON Bishop Brodie paid _«a official 'visit To the Leestou pajish last Sunday. During the morning his Lordship attended Mas? at a.t 9.30, and at Soutbbridgo at 11, in each case addressing large congregations. In the afternoon a confirmation service was held in the Leeston Church, thirty-three candidates (fifteen hove and eighteen girls) being presented. An interesting and instructive address was given to (he candidates by the Bishop, after which . he addressed the, parents, taking' as his (ext " A little child shall lead them.” His Lordthip urged, one and all to prove themselves

worthy of ilia fnitTi +}iaf. had raised tho fine church in which they were worshipping that afternoon. After the service Bishop Brodio waa introduced to individual members of the congregation, by the parish priest, tho Eev Bather Creed. Tho Leeston School Committee, met on Monday evening. The head master reported tho roll number to ho 110 and the average attendance 05. The inspector's report was read and received. The secretary was instructed to write to the Board of Education ashing that the school swings he removed to a more suitable part of the grounds, and that a sand pit he provided for the children. It was decided that the Doyleston, Southbridge. Lakeside and Irwell committees he written to with a mew of arranging a, combined excursion, probably to one of tho Lyttelton hn.ya. It was stated that a guarantee of f3CI would bo required to secure a train; tbe committee was prepared to find .£lO. Tbe final welcome borne social at Leeslou took place at tbe Town Hall last Friday night, the guest of tbe evening being Private tV. C. Hallida.y, oldest son of Mr and Mrs .1. S. ITalliday. There was a large attendance, Music was provided by Mrs •!. F. Donald, who lias given her services at all tbe socials held in honour of the soldiers. Dr Tolckman, in welccming Private Hallida.y on behalf of the residents of Leeston, said that from what he knew of Private ITalliday he felt sure that the soldier did not regret, having answered th» call. He had been through some trying experiences and had paid A heavy price in helping to secure the victory. Tie had pleasure in asking Private Hallida.y to accept a. gold medal as a mark of appreciation. Private ITalliday made » suitable response. RAXGTORA. A meeting of the Rangiova District Fruitgrowers' Association was held last evening. Mr M. C. Orraa.ndy presided over a good attendance. A circular letter was received from tbe Otago Co-operative Fruitgrowers' Aasoc.ie.tion, asking for support with reference'to charging for fruit cases. It. avns decided to support the recommendation. Mr G. Stratford, the Government Orclmicliat, gave an address on " Sprays and Spraying. He also promised to be present at the next meeting and speak on “ Se.p and Soils.” LITTLE RIVER, One of tbe heaviest gales experienced for some years has been raging since Tnpsdav, A very heavy wind, with rain hail and sleet, prevailed, throughout Tuesday night. There is a. considerable quantity of snow on the adjacent hills. The effect of the recent weather on newly shorn sheen will be very severe, and fruit and other trees arc suffering. W.VtAU. For some months several d f or .have made the bush on tho property oi <i, oil Lyndon Xo. 1 settlement, their habitat. Four and five binds have Iwen semi on various occasions, but so far no stag has been viewed, though tracks which have been found arc stated bv an authority on the matter to \>\ those of a stag. Tho owner of the property is much '-leased at their presence, ami m endeavouring to proven I them being molested. Tb> rainfall for tho month of November wa.s inches. Rain fell on eight clays, the heaviest fall being on November i, when J.IU inch was recorded. 'Weather conditions during tb" past few days have boon most erratic. The nuin of Saturday wa.s succeeded by delightfully fine weather” on Sunday. Sunday night, however, was cold, and a. Lost was recorded, but it was not sufficiently severs to do much damage. Throughout Monday a strong, chilly nor'-wester prevailed, but on Tuesday morning the wind was in llio south. During the forenoon, dark, lowering clouds began to gather, and there wns a very decided full in temperature. At midday heavy min sot in and continued tluongfiont the afternoon. In the evening the. rain ceised, but tho night wns bitterly cold. The ranges have received a, fresh coating of snow, which reaches to fnirly low levels. This cold snap will ha severe upon newly shorn sheep, ami sheering must cease for some days. DUX SANDED. The anniversary services of ihe Dunsandel Methodist Church were h«ld in the church on Sunday, when the Her 1. A. .Innfhiu occupied the pulpit at services he'd in the morning and evening. During tho week tho anniversary tea. meeting was held, when -a. large number sat, down to the tables, which were presided over by Alesdames Lnnt, .Tones. Cbatterton, M.'George, MTvcnxie ami -lohnson. and Misses Sjiea.t. M‘Murray, Qnnrlermni-. Xewlnvo. and Tones. After the tables bad been cleajed a. concert, party from Christchurch rendered a very enjoyable programme. The meeting was presided over by Air G. Sheet. The Revs ,T. Swnnstou Reid and W. Lfl'.vcock gave short addresses. DUYLESTOX. A well attended meeting of the Doyleston Athletic Club was lie-la on Monday night, Mr IV. 0. Rennie '.president) presiding. On the motion of Air .1. Quigley, it. was decided that tbe points lor the Victory Handicap and Peace Alcmorial Handicap should be counted «? follows; —First, j points, second 3 points, third 1 point. It was agreed that the winner of each heat should receive a prize of .is. The president, mentioned that ho had attended a meeting held recently at Leeston, which was attended by representatives of the district clubs, and at which the formation of an Ellesmere sports association was discussed. The meeting had been called bv tho Dunsandei Chib owing Id the stipulation made by the Canterbury Centre of the. New Zealand Athletic and Cycling Union, that affiliating clubs must have half Ihe events on their programmes open. He thought that if iho Centre insisted upon chibs having open events they should have a local association, and run independently of thoCer.tTo. A further discussion bad been postponed to March next. The secretary reported that- Mr Marshall's Ripe Band would attend the sports. Vj Osborne reported (bat « good job bad made of tho rolling of the racing track in tho park. A committee was formed to arrange for the dance on sports night. It was left in the bands of Mesara Osborne and Rennie to procure trophies for the Reece Memorial Handicap and tbe Victory Handicap. The president undertook to provide a sheep for tbe weightguessing competition. At a meeting of the Dovleston Memorial Committee bold on Afondav evening, designs for the proposed memorial wore considered, au'i it wns decided to a.-ceot the drawing submit tec! bv Alessrs .1, a ,,d Af. ,1. Guthrie, of Chris I church.

AAIBEBLKY. At a sitting 0 f the Alaeislrate's Court held before Mr V. G. Day. S.M., Alexander Allan "•a« charged with riding a motor-cycle at an exceasiro spend inside the restricted area at \\ aiikari. Air van Asch appeared for tile defendant and submitted evidence that defendant s speed was only twelve miles inside the area and that the defendant put on speed after passing the boundary. The information was dismissed, AI. Brown sued Belcher for £lO is Gd, with 10s eyclo expense? aud (Is hotel expenses. Air Hunter, who appeared lor plaintiff, stated that a similar case of G, A. Green versus Belcher Bros, would depend 3011 the verdict of the first case. The facts were that Brown and Green were engaged as shearers for Belcher Bros, by the Sbeepfarmers’ Labour Exchange and left Christchurch on the afternoon of the ■engagement, arriving at Amberley at 8 p.m. They were informed at Amherley that the road was pot too safe, arid they eventually stayed in Amberley, and arrived at defendants’ next morning at nine o'clock. The sheep to he shorn numbered ‘.1700. and throe men were shoaling when plaintiffs arrived. Defendants stated that- they were holding the fourth pen for the male of one of the men already shearing, and offered plaintiffs £l. for iheir expenses in coming out. Plaintiffs now claimed for their share of the sheep, (77.7 per man, at .'ins per .10(1, and expenses, Evidence on theso lines was given by Brown and Green. For the defence Air Johnston stated that defendants authorised the. Sheepfarmers’ Agency to engage two shearers and were advised that, two had been engaged and would reach Belchers’ place that evening, A shearer named Bran inquired for a pen and was told by Belcher that ho could start at his own risk and it the engaged men did not turn up by 8 a,in. ho could retain his pen. At the hour named neither Brown nor Green had put. in an appearance, and Byan continued. At 9.30 a.m. plaintiff? arrived and the position was explained to them and the fourth pen was offered to either iryin. After hearing the evidence of Bvan and the brothers' Belcher, the Magistrate gave judgtrfenl for the defendants, 5 AKABOA. Monday was quite a warm summer day, hut Tuesday brought winter back again. A cold, biting wind prevailed all day, with a very rough see. at night. There wore else fierce hail storms. Shearing is now general all over the Peninsula, and tho cold snap will nvovo very hard on the newly shorn sheep. It will also have a bad effect on the milk supply to Iho lactone?, which usuallv at this timn of the year are operating at their maximum capacity. A'osterday the weather was still verv cold and stormy, heavy rain being experienced at intervals. Snow is lying pretty thickly on tho summits of the ranges around tho harbour. Tho fortnightly meeting of the Loyal Good Intent lyodge. was held in the Oddfellows’ Hall, Akavoa. on Alonday. the X.G., Brother A. ,f. Parris, presiding over at good attemlarico of members. Correspondence was read from tho district secretary notifying that a final payment would he made shortly in connection with the Government subsidy to contributions from O.A.S. members; also asking for dates of all discharges. Sick pay was claimed by and granted to three members. .11 was decided to send a letter of condolence to the relatives o: tho late Brother Libea.u, who had been the oldest member of tKo lodge. Receipts for tho evening totalled £ll 3? 6d.