THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 16037, 20 October 1917, Page 3

THE COUNTRY.

NOTES AND NEWS.

NORTH CANTERBURY PLOUGHING MATCH ASSOCIATION.

•The treasurer of the Xortii Canterbury Ploughing Match Association, which had a balance from tho last match held on July 10th, 1914, having been requested by ihc committee to forward £50 as a donation in appreciation of the work done by the Y.M.C.A. for the comfort of New Zealand soldiers, ha 3 received the following acknowledgment, per favour of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-op., Rangiora: "I beg to acknowledge receipt of your esteemed cheque for £50, being a very generous donation from your association to the Y.M.CA. War Fund. On behalf of our Association, would you kindly accept most cordial thanks for this expression of your sympathy and interest in the great work tliat we are privileged to do. Our whole energy is boing devoted ,to tho services of New Zealand soldiers at home and abroad, and I need hardly say that tho success is limited entirely by the funds at our disposal. The encouragement of your generous donation is very much appreciated. —Yours faithfully, W. J. Mason, general secretary, Christchurch, October 18th."

MACKENZIE COUNTY RUNS. (special to ''the p«hss. ,: ) WELLINGTON, October 19. Mr Talbot, M.P., recently asked the Minister of Lands whether the Government would take into consideration tho advisability of cutting up the Rho.borough Downs and Ben Ohau stations in Mackenzie Country, South Canterbury, into small grazing runs to be offered for settlement by discharged soldiers. Mr Massey, in a written reply, states tliat the licenses over tho pastoral runs in question expire in February, 1919, aud Classification Commissioners arc about to be appointed under Section 200 of the Land Act, 1908, to classify and report upon tho runs. The Commissioners' recommendations regarding the subdivision and disposal of tho runs will receive the carcful consideration of the Government. JOTTINGS FOlt FARMERS. j The recent floods on the Taieri plains J have resulted in tho loss of about 10.000 acres for the season. The grass is ruined. It was stated in the House of Representatives yesterday that amended regulations in connexion with black leg amongst young cattle would appear in this week's "Gazette."

In tho House of Representatives yesterday, replying to Mr J. McCombs. the Minister of Railways said tho Department was granting, special railway facilities in connexion with agricultural shows, as they were considered to have an educational effect and were on. a different plane to raco and 6ports meetings.

The sixth lecture of a series on "Garden Crops" was delivered by Mr D. L. Freeman, Agricultural Instructor, on Thursday evening, at tho Technical College. Tho lecturer dealt with tho manurial values of- sulphate of iron, magnesia, common salt, and sulphur in regard to their effects on vegetable crops and fruit trees. The subject of drainage was then treated. Tho speaker referred to indications ; which showed that land required draining, and pointed out the effects of adequate' draining on the deep-rootlhg and vigorous growth of crops. Other beneficial effects of good training wero referred to, together with the approximate cost of tile draining.

Are shearers essential? This muchdiscussed question again came before the Third Military Service Board at Wellington on Thursday, when an appeal was made on behalf of a shearer named Donald McPhersoii. After hearing Mr Grayndler (secretary of the Shearers' Union) the members of the Board expressed dissatisfaction at the evidence placed before them. The opinion was expressed that the most remarkable aspect of the whole matter was that none of tho sheepowners had stated that shearers were essential. The National Efficiency Board had recommended that . shearers should not be exempted, and the Minister of Agriculture had made no definite pronouncement on tho subject. The case was . adjourned for two weeks, when the whole of the sine die eases will bo re-considered. WAIAU. A large number of residents, both players and spectators, assembled on the tennis courts on Wednesday afternoon, for the opening of tho season. Mr Jos, Lee, in a few words, declared tho courts open, and wished the c'.ub a successful season, Tho weather was ideal, and a very pleasant afternoon was spent. A number of interesting sets wcro played, and afternoon tea was dispensed by the lady members of the club. '

On Wednesday night a social, in aid of the Y.M.C.A., was held in the Library Hall, when there was a largo attendance. Tho function was organised by Mr J. G. Thompson, a returned soldier. Mr Thompson, who spent nearly two years in tho trenches in France, speaks in glowing terms of the splendid work of the Y.M.C.A. in that country, and it was in appreciation of this work that the function was held. During the evening a 'quantity of produce was auctioned, and realised good prices. Songs wero given by Messrs Burrows, Baker, and Rogers, and dancing was kept up till about 2 a.m., the music being supplied by Miss Hadler, assisted by Mr Mcßryde and Master J. McBryde. The net proceeds amounted to £23. "RANGIORA. The irresistible luro of the now familiar "surprise packet'' is unabated, and the Northern- A. and P. Association's surprise packet day at Raugiora, in connexion with their show to bo held on Thursday, November Ist, should certainly bo a success, seeing that a largo number of the packets carry valuable prizes, among them being one of the value of £50, given by the Association. Others aro a True Blue cream separator, presented by tho International Harvester Co., value £25, a cow, presented by Mr R. Borland, of Woodcnd, and a lady's bicycle, a hall clock, and a fountainpen, given by the liangiora Gun Club. There are also live sheep, pigs, turkeys, aud fowls, wheat, oats, .peas, beans, and chaff, in full-size sacks, quarters of lamb and mutton, cheese, bindertwine, and other articles too numerous to enumerate. As there are no blanks and all the prizes are good, there should be plenty of enquiry for every surprise packet they have to dispose of, SOUTHBROOK. j

The anniversary services of the Southbrook Methodist Sunday-school were continued on Thursday evening in the schoolroom. The Rev. J. Guy presided. A varied programme of musical items was gone through, and an address given by the Rev. F. Greenwood. Mr C. R. Thwaites presented the annual report and balance-sheet, which showed the school to be in a v ery satisfactory position. The teachers were thanked for their past services. In acknowledging the vote

of thanks, the superintendent appealed for two or three more teachers. During the evening refreshments were handed round. IvAIAPOI. The annual meeting of the Kaiapoi Croquet Club was held yesterday afternoon, Mrs G. A. Kissling presiding over a good attendance of members. A satisfactory balance-sheet was received and adopted. The election of officers resulted as follows: President, Mis A. R. Butcher; vice-president, Mrs L. B. Evans; committee. Mesdames J. H. Blackwell, G. A. Kissling, F. Panihain, A. Pcarce, J. H. Crawshaw, and Miss Hiatt; captain, Mrs T. R. Le it head; Selection Committee, Sirs T. R. Leithead, and Mrs T. Butcher; hon. secrotaiy and treasurer, Mrs T. Butcher. Tt was decided to open the season on November 3rd. A number of new members were elected. BELFAST. The executive of the Belfast Surprise Packet Day, held on September 29th, submitted its report and balance-sheet to a public meeting in the Town H»H on Thursday evening. Mr Poison occupied the chair, and there was a fair attendance. The balance-sheet, which was adopted, showed the receipts to have been £296 14s and the expenditure £12 4s, leaving a credit balance of £254 10s to be divided equally between tho loctil Red Cross branoh, Returned Soldiers' Fund. Trench Comforts Fund, and Reception and Sendoff Fund. At a subsequent meeting of the Reception and Seud-off Committee, it was decided to vote the sum of £25 to the "Our Day" Fund. Tho second annual meeting of the Men's Belfast Red Cross branch was held on Thursday evening. Mr E. J. "Wotton occupied tho chair. The report and balance-shcct, which were adopted, showed tho receipts to have been £815 17s Id, and the expenditure £621 4s Id. A strong committee was elected for the ensiling twelve months, with Mr W. Nicholls as president, Mr E. J. "Wotton chairman, Mr J. R. D. Johns treasurer, and Mr A. Brown secretary. HAREWOOD. A very enjoyable and successful dancc, arranged by tho Red Cross girls, took place in the Harewood Hall. There was a large attendance, and tho hall was tastefully decorated for the occasion. A sale of surprise packets brought tho receipts up to £29. Tho proceeds are to be snout in providing comforts for tho Harewood boys on active service. MARSHLAND. The committee, of tno newly-formed branch of the Second Division League is now busily ongaged in enrolling members. It is hoped to tecure a membership of at least fifty, so as to enable tho district to bo represented at a Dominion Conference. in rei>lv to a letter sent to him by the branch, the Hon. D. Buddo, M.l\, has written to

say that the League had his sympathy, and that he would use his best endeavours in the House to further its intoj'osts.

At a meeting of the Methodist. Church Ladies' -Guild, Mrs J. Voss presiding, it wqs decided to have three additional names inscribed on the Cnurcli Roll of Honour, namely, Privato A. J. Dobby (28th Reinforcements), Privato J. McK. Crawford (30th Reinforcements), and Privato W. W. Sleight (29th Reinforcements). Tho ceremony of unveiling is to tako placo next Thursday by the Rev. A. Liversedgc. Mr H. E. Longworth, tho Education Department's physical training instructor and inspector, spent tho morning at the local school on Tuesday last; and it is understood he expressed himself as beiiig pleased with tho result of his visit..

On Thureday evening, in spite.of the boisterous weather, there was a largo gathering of residents and friends to welcome home Private and Airs A. 10. Harwood. Tho former Jcft tho Dominion with the Sth Reinforcements two years received four wounds at ,thb[ SommiJ'battle, tho principal injury being to his right hand. Ho was treated, at Home for nearly a year, and then invalided to New Zealand, being accompanied by his bride, an English lady. Addresses of welcome and good wishes were given by the chairman (Mr W. J. Walters), and Messrs D. Goode, J. G. Poison and J. Voss. A presentation of a gold medal to tho returned soldier was made by Miss Hannan, on behalf of tho Patriotic Society, and tho chairman presented Mrs Harwood with a silver cruet as a wedding gift from the society. Music for tho dancing was: supplied by Mr H. G. Jones and Mr A. McFadden acted as M.C. The opportunity was taken to unveil the eleventh group of photographs of soldiers on activo service, the names being F. Goodo (20th Reinforceraonts), C. Dalgety (joined in England), A. J. Dobby (28th Reinforcements), E. Rickerby (27th Reinforcements), S. G. Mattersori (27th Reinforcements), T. Gorinski (28th Reinforcements), and J. E. Marsh (26th Reinforcements). The ceremony of unveiling was performed "by Miss Percasky. on behalf of her mother, who was unable to attend.

Onion weeding is "in," and the Marshland _ School has closed for three weeks for its usual vocational holidays. MAIREHAU. Iho Mairehau cycling Club held its annual social in riie nail, when the prizes won during the year were presented by Mr' J. llauguey, vice-presi-dent of tho club. In ma&ing the presentations Mr Haughey spoke of the successful season tho club . had had. Speeches wcro also made by Mr Lewis Wilson (.captain) and Mr J. WyJie (secretary,). Prizes and donations were given by the Hon. It. Heaton. Rhodos, M:P., A. E. G. Rhodes, A. H. Rhodes (Bluecliffs), Mrs G. F. Hutton, J. Haughey, Butler's Cycling Works, A. W. Jones and the Rev. Father Hoaro. Mr H. G. Jones supplied the music for the dance.

During the week an excellent concert was given by the "Mcrrio Strollers." Part of the proceeds go to the furnishing account of the hall.

Mr F. C. Raphael's concert party was to have given a concert in tho hall next Thursday night, in aid of patriotic funds, but owing to ecveral of his performers being engaged on that date the concert will take place on the following Thursday.

The Presbyterian Sunday-school is holding its anniversary services tomorrow afternoon and evening., when the Rev. D. D. Rodger,- and Mr Bickertstaff will preach. At the invitation of tho residents of Ourahia, the Mairehau Patriotic Committee played a friendly game of euchre. A very enjoyable evening was spent, and a return match is to be played at Mairehau next Tuesday night. TEDDINGTOX. A .social and dance was held in the Teddington schoolroom, on Wednesday, to bid farewell to Trooper C. Mawson, who is leaving shortly for the front. Mr W. A. Carpenter, on behalf of the residents of Teddington, and the surrounding districts, presented tho departing trooper with a set of military brushes.> cigarette caso, wristlet watch, and purse of sovereigns. The proceedings terminated with music and dancing. Another farewell social was held in the Teddington schoolroom lastevening, in honour of Private "W. H. Frimstone, who is on final leave. He was the recipient of a case of silvermounted pipes, the presentation being made by Mr W. A. Carpenter, on behalf of the people of Teddington and Governor's Bay. HORNBY. The adherents and friends of the Hornby Roman Catholic Church hold a concert in aid of the Suburban Queen, Miss Moir, in the Islington Hall on Wednesday. Mr C. C. Crequer pro-

sided over a large attendance. During the evening tho chairman introduced Miss Moir to the audienco, and expresseel a wish that she -would be at the head of the poll on olcction day. Tho performers w ; ere:—Misses and* Mr "Ward (instrumental trio), Mrs Kivpr (song), Miss Kavanagb (sailor's hornpipe and sword danoe), Mrs B. B. Wood (song), Miss Rita, Sterling (recitations), Mr A. Hutton (piccolo solo). Mr Minn (song), Mr McKay (song). Miss H. Sterling teonjz), Messrs Wood and Raphael (duet), Misses Sterling (dnet), and Mr Pomberton. (song). Tho Rcr. Father Roche, from St. Mary's, returned thanks on behalf of Miss Moir for t.he splendid effort made ou her behalf, and apologised for the unavoidable absence of Dean Regnault and Father Seymour. After the concert a danco was held. ' LEESTON. At a social held in the Leoston Town Hall on Show Night, under the auspices of the Leeston Rod Cross branch, in aid of the "Our Day" Fund, opportunity was token to bid pood bye to Troopers P. C. Barker and F. S. Hampton, two well-known Leeston lads, who are shortly leaving for the front. On behalf of the residents of Leeston. Mr F. J. Holley, secretary of the Patriotic Committee, presented Trooper Barker with a pocket wallet and Trooper Hampton with a gold-mounted tobacco pouch, and conveyed to both soldiers the aood wishes of their friends. The recipients suitably replied. During the evening songs wero sung by Misses Kilbride, Ramsey, and Gordon, and Mr P. .T. Eccleton. Mrs Donald played for the dancc. DOYLESTOX. j Trooper R. Tod, n well-known Doyleston resident, was farewelled at a social in the Public Hall 011 Thursday evening, and was presented with a pipe- The presentation was made by Mr "W. O. Rennie, who said that tho doparting eoldier was held in high regard throughout the district. Mr and Miss Chappell supplied the dance music. A resolution of sympathy was carried with tho relatives of tho late Private R. W. Dawson, recently killed in action. RAJLAIA. At the Magistrate's Court on Thursday, beforo Mr Wyvern "Wilson, S.M., R. A. Tatterson was lined ~>s and 7s costs for failing to attend drill. On Thursday an extremely violent and unpleasant nor'-wester blew all day. It was easily the worst day for dust experienced this spring, and a good deal of damage was done in orchards. ASHBURTON. As the 10.13 train was approaching tho northern end of the Asliburton platform yesterday morning, the driver of a milk-cart crossed tho line immediately in front of the engine. The train •wife pulled up just in time to avoid a collision, and as it wa« started again tho sudden jerk caused the couplings of one of the trucks to snap off short.

A number of tho country friends of Mrs Ewen Cameron mot at her residence, "Wills street, Ashburton, and on their 'behalf Mr D. G. Wright presented her with a lady's handbag and a wellfillcd purse. Mr Wright spoko of the many sterling qualities of tho recipient, whom he had known since liis childhood. Mrs "Brown and Mrs Klmslio and Mr W. G. Gallagher also spoke, regretting Mrs Cameron's donarture from tho district, and wishing licr much happiness in hor new home.

Tho members of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Junior Young Women's Bible Class and their friends • met in the Church Hall on Thursday to hid goodbye to Mrs W. X. Watson, who has been their leader for the past six years. Tho. function took the form of a social, and during the evening Miss Eunice Lloyd presented Mrs Watson with an enlarged photogranh of the class. The Rev. G. Miller. Mrs Miller,' Messrs* E Buchanan and I>. Russell spoke., regretting Mrs Watson's removal from Ashburton, and wished her prosperity in* her now home at To Awamutu.

Tlio annual meeting of tlie Aslibiirton Lawn Tonnis Club was held on Thursday, Mr F. W. »Seldon presiding. The annual report stated that 70 raoraliers were on active service or in camp. •Officers were elected as follows:—President, Mr Hugo vicepresidents, Messrs Robert Bell and T. Bul'ock; secretary and treasurer, Mr A. H. Magson: committee. Misses A. L. T. Jones, F. TV. Scldon, I>. Montgomery, G. 11. Buchanan, H. Cook, D. Friedlander, and I>. Cowan; auditor, Mr H. Seldon; delegates to the Canterbury Lawn Tonnis Association, Messrs P. H. Cos: and J. McLcod; delegates to tho Ashburton Sports Association, Messrs D. Friedlander. F. W. Seldon, and T>. Montgomery. Nine new members wcro proposed and eleotcd. GERALDINE. The Presbyterians held their annual parish gathering in tho Geraldine Brill Hall, on Thursday, tho anniversary being celebrated by a sumptuous tea served by the ladies, and a very large gathering later on, when vocal items were contributed by members of Trinity Church (Timaru) clioir. The Itev. C. J. Tocker presided, and addresses were given by the Rev. G. P. Hunt (Methodist), Mr A. C. "Lion, and the Rev. S. I'\ Hunter, of Oamam.

The annual meeting of the Geraldine Cricket Club was held on Thursday evening, when it was resolvod to revive tho club and to form a senior and a junior team.