HELP FOR FARMERS.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20204, 15 January 1934, Page 7

HELP FOR FARMERS.

Hailstorm Damage at Ellesmere. Mr 11. S. S. Kyle, M.P. for Riccarton, paid a visit to Irwell to inspect the damage done on several farms by the recent hailstorm. Mr Kyle said he had found that the crops had suffered to a greater extent than he had expected. If farmers who desired application for relief would get into touch with him he would be glad to approach the Government on their behalf. On some of the farms about Irwell the loss through the hailstorm will be heavy. Mr F. A. Wagner has been particularly unfortunate. A barley crop which promised to yield well had most of the grain stripped from the heads, leaving a large proportion of practically bare stalks. Oats and other crops on Mr Wagner’s land also suffered. Mr I. Mawson lost practically the whole of a crop of oats, and the peas received a severe battering. The yields from a hailstorm belt will be considerably reduced, while a fine crop of garden peas on Mr J. Winchester’s land was literally cut to pieces. In anticipation of a rise in price, farmers in various districts are contemplating sowing another crop of peas in the hope of being able to harvest them late in the season. Social at Lakeside. At a social held by the Lakeside Tennis Club, two silver cups donated by last year’s president, Mr T. Gordon, were presented to the winners of a tournament on Boxing Day, Miss Maisie Amyes and Mr Leo. Lambie. The presentations were made by the president, who congratulated the winners on their successes for the second year in succession, remarking that the cups had been won outright. The music for the dancing was supplied by Lambie’s band and Mr T. Gordon was M.C. Competitions were won by Mrs \V. Patterson. Miss W. Hintz and Messrs R. Skilling, jun., and E. F. Hannaford. Cricket Competition. The Ellesmere cricket competition has now been concluded, with Spring ston well ahead on points.