THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16168, 23 March 1918, Page 3

THE COUNTRY.

NEWS AND NOTES. CORRIEDALE BREEDERS' ASSOCIATION. A meeting of Corriedale breeders was held at the Show Grounds yesterday, Mr C. H. Ensor presiding. It was decided to form a. New Zealand Gomedale Breeders' Association, and rules were adopted. It was resolved to sti register in the New Zealand Sheepowners' flock book. Officers were eleced as follows: President, Mr t■ *jKnsor; vice-prcsident, Messrs H. Lit and J. Stringfellow; council, Mef* 1 "* H. Ensor, C. AY. Ensor.C. . Orbell, J. .Ross, W. Macintosh. A*. 0. Kellar. G. D. Greenwood, and R. Beecl. Mr 0. B. Pemberton was elected secretary a and Mr C. H. Elisor treasurer. JOTTINGS FOB FAKMEKS. Mr "W". Macintosh, of Wliit-erodc Plains, has transferred the whole of his stud merino flock to Mx D. enra, Camla, Dunsandel. A visit is to be made on April 2net to several plots of lucerne iu and about the fitv. to demonstrate that lands, hitherto considered unprofitable, can be utilised advantageously in the growing of this fodder plant. Sixtv agricultural course boys of the Wangivnui education district are at present in camp at Parorangi, 3lr .. Short's stud farm, near Feddmg. Mr Short and his experts give practical lessons with Hereford*, Bomneys, Soutlidowns, etc. The boy* include one from north of hangarei, and anoth from Victoria. Mr Dennv (Government supervising valuer for the Otago wool output) nsit;ed Oam aru on Mondav and Tucidaj. and cleared up the wool clips tor th.it district for the season. About l-<y bales were appraised. Mr J? en , I ? y that the quality of the North Ota O o ivool is very much superior to that ot previous years, consequent 011 the remarkablv good season experienced there. The prices named must have been considered satisfactory by the growers, as 110 appeals against the valuations were lodged.

TUAHnVI. Anion.' tlie recently returned soldiers wore two lads, Private Martin :uid Privato Huia Lvai Kohu, both from the Kaiapoi district, and they ivere accorded a iormal welconi© lionie by the Maoris of Tuahiwi on Thursday evening. Tho ceroniony took the iorni of a banquet, interspersed witli musical items, and followed by a dance. The hall was tastefully' decorated, and a. very enjoyable evening was spent. Among; the* speakers were Mr J. H. W. Uru, M.P., Messrs Korake, Pitama, llupene, Urn, Jider, and the Rev. Mr Harding, "while musical items were contributed by Misses Taituha and Kihoniho, Mrs 'Harawira, Mr F. Hiiria, and Masters Karaitiana and Nihoniho. Ihiring the evening Mr Urn outlined the progress made towards the erection ot a new hall for tho district, stating that the cost of the completed building, together with furnishings and lighting, •would exceed tho amount in hand (£1200) by close on £1000. On the motion of Air Rupene it was decided to apply to the Public Trust foT a loan to cover this amount, tho rents from the Kllesinere reserve to pay off the amount j borrowed.

MAPiSHLAJND. The Marshland Ladies' Patriotic Sewing Guild held its fortnightly meeting last Tuesday afternoon. In spite of the stormy weather, there was a good attendance of members. Airs C. G- Dalgety j esidedL' A budget of letters from soldiers was read in acknowledgment of gifts received. A parcel of sowing from the girls of the local school was received with thanks. The gathering was honoured with, a visit from the Countess of Liverpool, and Mrs Holland (Mayoress of Christchurch), both of whom gave hrief addresses concerning the operations of the Lady Liverpool Fund, and specialty thanking the Marshland Guild for its valuable contributions. On the motion of Mrs Morton, seconded by Miss Dunlop, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the visitors for their presence, and for their words of encouragement. Afternoon tea was provided by Mesdames 11. Matterson, senr., and J. H. Basher. Privates F, Selfo and M Faulls, who have recently returned, aro to be accorded ci welcomc homo next week, when medals will be presented, on behalf of the Patriotic Society, by Mesdames Baker and O'Connor, the mo- , thers of soldiers on active service.

EAKAIA. Amongst tho soldiers who have recently returned were the iollowing Raluua boys: Privates F. Street, E. I Timings, Butler, and C. Coffey. All have been much improved in health by the long sea voyage. . Tho monthly meeting of the Kakaui branch of tbe W.C.T.Li. was held on Thursdav in St. Mark's schoolroom. There was a large attendance of members, and many visitors were also present. A very interesting address on temperance was given by Mrs "Williams, of Sumner, who was accorded a hearty rote of thanks. ■ , . \ public meeting was held m the Rakaia Library, to make arrangements for raising funds for the Y.M.C.A. There was a good attendance, and the chair was occupied by the Hon. C. A. G Hardy, M.L.C. A motion that a public meeting be called, a speaker be procured from Christchurch, to stimulate interest in the project, was lost in favour of a straight-out canvass of the district being undertaken. The following canvassers were appointed: — .Messrs C. Shannon, H. Haydock, CEvison. H. Hopwood, J. Penny, F. C. May, 11. Oakley, T. Blackley. B. 31cNainara, AV. Laraman, NV. J. Morland, and A V. Richards. Subsequently the young people met, and decided to hold a dance in aid of the fund, the following committee being appointed to make'all arrangements: Messrs M. Timings (chairman), V. McPhail (secretary), Mrs Sowden. Misses B. J. Hardy, I>. Hassell. A. Hardy. McLennan, and MShannon, Messrs A. Morland, H• Lean, A. Mead, G. Cairns. A. Greygoose, G. Shannon, and K..Ford.

ASHBUBTOX. A social evening to welcome home Privates T. Sullivan. T. Devanc. G. t_onnellv, .T. McGinn, H. Hyland. J. temaH, and *_ O'Brien was held in the Ash burton Catholic schoolroom on Thursday evening, there being a very ' a, "S9 tendance. The programme eons * ted of a progressive euchre tourna ment, interspersed Wlll ' and elocutionary items by -7'--®' Devnne and Bishop (pianoforte duet;. Master Paul Cullen (son-), Miss Ellen Cullen and Mi*s Itorothy Cullen (pianoforte duett, Mr T. N. Brophy fsong), Mr F. Cooper (recitation), and Miss Ma} Quinlev (pianoforte solo). Miss er '® Cunningh'am (three years old) recited '•Marr Had a Little Lamb, and was deservedly applauded. Djsupper was supplied by the ladies of the Pied Cross Guild, under the guidance of Mrs Cooper. The Rev. Bean 0 Donnell conveved apologies from returned soldiers "who were unable to be P 1 some of whom are at Hanmer and Jiotoriia and also the assurance of the delight of the whole community at_ seeing the soldiers home once more. He also I congratulated them on their appearI a nce after their term of warfare, and on behalf of all" expressed the hope that thev would soon acquirc their u s " l }! health and vigour. Private T. fcullivan, on belialf of his comrades and him- ■ "•!!, returned thanks.