THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16266, 17 July 1918, Page 3

THE COUNTRY.

NEWS AND NOTES. BIG DROUGHT THREATENED 1 IN AUSTRALIA. (froji our own corhespondent-) SYDNEY, July 10. As has so often happened in Australia, a period of bounteous rainfall is being followed by a spoil of exceptionally dry weather, and reports from many districts indicate that drought conditions are reigning already. The area affected) is spreading rapjdly, and if rain does not como soon conditions may become alarming. There were bountiful rains over the whole State during the spring and summer. and these, following a series or good seasons, brought further prosperity tc the whole rural population. But tho j autumn rains did not como, beyond a> few coastal and now winter is passing and there is still no sign of a general downpour. It is chilly at nights, with an occasional frost upcountry, but the raw, -wet, cold days, so characteristic of New Zealand in July, have not been experienced here this year. A table of rainfalls for the fire months from February to Juno shows that in only two districts, Rivcrina and the South-west Slopes, has the monthly average been reached. In ©very other district the fall has been far below -normal, the deficiency ranging from 18 per cent, to 77 per cent. Last week, for a littlo while there was a prospect of » general fall, but a high-pressure system swept over tho continent from tho west, and there is now little prospect of a break. . Heavy trainloads of emaciated stock are already passing from 'the most affected districts to those least affected, and doleful stories of stockowners' troubles are coming in from nil directions. Tho most serious trouble, at the moment, is in the Central, Northern, and Coastal districts, and fodder everywhere is going to record prices. Only early Tain will save the situation. JOTTINGS FOR FARMERS. A valuable consignment of high-class stud sheep was recently sent .to San Francisco for the Department <?f Agriculture. It comprised a Corriedale ram from Mr C. H. Ensor's Whiterock flock, a liomney Marsh ram from Mr W. Perry's flock. Penrose, Mastcrton, and 28 Romney Marsh owes from Mr Alfred Matthews's flock. Wild pigs in tho Blackall district threaten to cause as much trouble as the dingo in Central West Queensland (reported the Brisbane correspondent of the Melbourne ''Herald" recently'). For years there have been wild pies in tho Blackall district, and lately they have increased at a remarkable rate, and may now be seen within a few miles of the town. They are becoming a menace to sheepowners, as they haunt tho tanks, bores, and drains. When ewes, heavy in lamb, come to drink, the pifes attack and kill and eat them. They aro also very destructive in the lambing season. Many of them aro the progeny of tamo pigs, which escaped from their ownors m past years.

The destruction of game, poultry, and early lambs by hawks was the subject of oomment at a meeting of the Council of the Auckland Acclimatisation Society last week. It was stated that sparrow hawks, of which there were large numbers in the South Island, were becoming fairly numerous in the North Island. As they wore the most destructive kind of hawk, spocial efforts should bo made by sportsmen and fanners to destroy them. One bird killed now, said a member, would be as good as killing three or four later on. 1 Years ago Mr John Grigg, of Longbeach, Canterbury, decided to wage war on those pests, and in one season k : lled 3500. and as many as 1200 in one paddock. It was reported that since July Ist, 1600 beaks had been brought to the offico of the Auckland Society, and a reward of sixpence per beak paid. Hawks were very easily trapped, and largo numbers could be secured.

HANMER. SPRINGS. A social was held in the Queen Mary Hospital last Thursday. During tho evening the following prizes were presented by Captain Clifton: —Crib tournament, Private Catt; deck quoits, Lieut. Jubb, Rifleman Mclnroy; pingpong, Private Greenhill; euchre tournament, Private Gibson lst ; Private R. Morris 2nd, Private Silverwood, booby; ping-pong, Sergeant' Maylett; auction bridge, Private Morton; Private O'Malley; euchre tournament, Private Rowlands; 500 tournament, Private JBrydon, Private Mtinro; ping-pong, Private McKay; ouchre tournament, Anderson, Gunner Luxon, booby; deck quoits, Rifleman Mclnroy, Private Green; billiards, A grade, Private Duncan; B grade, Private Murphy, Private O'Malley. RANGIORA. The Rangiora Bowling, Tennis, and Croquet Club hold its monthly social on Monday evening. The euchre prizes were won by Miss M. Greig and Miss E. Golding, and Mr W. A. Rowsc and Mr A. E. Golding. The copper trail organised bv the Rangiora branch of'the Lady Liverpool Fund, in aid of tho Comforts Fund, caused a _ good deal of excitement and Was a decided success. The route chosen, was between the post office and the Bank of New Zealand, on either side oftho _ street, the north sido competing against the south. The committee, assisted by several lady friends and a num- °£ girls from the Rangiora High School, were kept busy all dav. The auctioneers, agents, and drovers-also J. , a trail in front of the 6aleyards, which resulted in £16 8s 6d beinorco i' The total amount taken was £82 10s, _ the north sido winning bv a few shillings only. The Rangiora High School Board met fcjst night, Mr R. Ball presiding. Mr M» .Barrell, caretaker of the school and farm, wrote asking to bo relieved of some of his duties, owing to pressure of work in the school. The matter was referred to the Finance and Agri,cultural Committees. The matron of the Girls' Hostel asked to be relieved of her position owing to The resignation was accepted with regret. The inspector forwarded his report, which was considered highly satisfactory, and a motion was carried congratulating the principal and staff on its excellent nature., The report of the principal showed that there were 134 pupils on the roll. The school harl exhibited root crops at the recent poultry show, and had taken several first prizes. The year's agricultural work had been highly successful. A woolclassing course had been instituted. ■ The shooting cup would bo presented to Cadet Eric Bell at a parade on Friday. It was decided -to forward a letter of appreciation to the staff, on tho success achieved at the poultry show. The receipts for the month were £453 9s 4d, and the expenditure £185 10s 4d, leaving a credit.balance of £374 18s 7d. FERXSIDE. Prior to leaving for camp. Messrs F. Hawley and P. Noonan were entertained by "the residents along No. 3 Drain road, Fernside, and presented with a wristlet watch each. BELFAST. A public meeting was held in the Belfast. Town Hall on Monday evening for the purpose of promoting a copper trail in aid of local Red Cress funds. Mr E. J. Wotton presided over a fair attendance. It was decided that North should compete against South, and boundaries were fixed. Mr W. P. Spencer (chairman), the Rev. T. M. Curnow (secro-

tary), and Mr J. IXmlop were elected an executive for tho North, and Messrs E. J. Wotton (chairman), R. Clarko (secretary), and S. Farquhar (treasurer lor tho South. All present _ wero formedi into committees representing North and South, according to their place of residence. Progress will b© reported weekly. The sum aimed at raising is £300, which will be sufficient for local work for twelve months. HALKETT. A social was held in tho Halkett Presbyterian Church, to bid farewell to Privates A. and C. McKay, who were down on final leave. The Rev. J. Brown presided. Items were contributed by Mrs Walker, Misses McXae and Calder, Messrs Calder (3), Wilson,- and Henderson. Mr G. IV Robertson presented each of the soldiers with a .wristlet watch. Refreshments were provided by the ladies. LITTLE RIVER, The annual meeting of the Banks Peninsula A. and P- Association will be held in the Coronation Library, Littlo River, on Tuesday, 23rd inst., at 11 a.m. sharp. AKAROA. On Friday nignt, at Duvauchelle, a Returned ifcoidiers' ±'ancy l/ress Hall was neia. A vote was taken for tne best and most original costumes, and resulted as under:—liadies, Miss Mary JiotJowski (Spanish JJancer) 1. Gentlemen, Mr -U. Wrigftt (Maori Chieitain) 1. Young ioik, Master Buster Uiddens (Sundowner) 1. Dancing was carried on until the early hours of the morning. The annual meeting of shareholders of the Barry's Bay Dairy Company was held on Saturday, Mr S. J. Vogan presiding. The directors' report stated that tho year had been a successful ono. The total output was 210 tons, of which 142 tons had been exported. It was proposed to pay a dividend of 7 per cent., to pay a bonus to suppliers of 72d (making a total payment of Is 103 d per ib for butter-fat—to write off £100 depreciation on buildings, and £150 on plant, and to carry forward £83. The average test for the season had beon 3.59. The report and balance-sheet wero adopted. An election of three directors, to fill the places of Messrs S. Vogan, T. J. Wakelin, and J. J. Brocherie, retiring by rotation, resulted in the return of the first two-named and Mr W. Churchill. Mr C. W. Leeto was re-elected auditor. Tho secretary's salary was increased to £70 per annum. It was decided to consider the advisability of putting in a pastouriser.

LISMORE. There was a largo gathering at the Liemoro School on jVriday, to welcome home Trooper John Davidson. On beHalf of the Lismore Patriotic Society, and the district generally, Mr Lister presented the guest 'with a leather Jiandbag. The home-coming of Trooper Davidson was a sad one, as shortly bcforo ho left for the front liis father died, while two of his brothers made the supreme sacrifice while he was away. Trooper Davidson presented the Patriotic Society with a basket made by himself while at Hanmer, and this was competed for, Miss Jessie Bell being the winner. The competition realised £3 16s, which was: handed over to the Christmas Parcels Fund. PEXDARVES. A hard-up social in aid of the Prisoners of War Fund, was held in the Pendarves Hall on Friday evening. The weather was fine, and ITiere was a good number present. There was keen competition in the ballot taken for the best costumes. The'ladies' prize was won by Miss T. Sprott, and the gents' prize by.Mr.H. Harrison. , For the dance the music was provided by Miss Hnlliday, and Messrs W. Rankin and A. Rankin. The amount now raised in the district'for the fund totals £80.

• T ifcAKAIA. Tlio liiglt price of meat, or the absenco of a butcher in 'Rakaia, has prompted someone to make a raid, t<n Mr 1 ' W. R. Dunstan's sheep in the South ,It?.kaia Domain. A recent investigation showed that eight were missing, and a reward has been offered for conviction of the offender. It having been stated in Rakaia that the hares procured by means of ' patriotic shoots were not being sent away to England, Me D. Newman, who organised tho recent have drive, maio enquiries on the subject, and has now received very definite word that the game is being despatched and is verjmuch appreciated. On Monday afternoon a largo num-j ber of Eakaia people gathered at the! railway station to say farewell to Private L. Street, who is en route for France, and to Mr C. C. H. Evison, who was proceeding to camp. The total amount raised for the Y.M.C.A. Fund bv tho military dance held in the Town Hall was £14 8s sd. The recent successful fancy dress ball at -Doric has stirred Rakaia enthusiasts to emulate the example set them, and preparations are now well in hand For a similar event in a fortnight's time. Unfortunately the large hall 13 not available for the purpose, but the Oddfellows' Hall is to bo adapted for tho occasion. The monthly meeting of the Rakaia branch of the W.C.T.U. was held in St. Mark's schoolroom. A discussion took place on tho question of a national no-license poll and compensation. It was decided to hold a public meeting to consider tho proposals, the secretary to endeavour to procuro m speaker from Christchurch for the occa-

sidn. The sum of ten shillings was voted to the W.C.T.U. campaign fund. The following resolution was passed and ordered to be sent to the Hon. T. Wilford, Minister of Justice: "'The Rakaia branch of the "W.C.T.U. urges that in cases where police take action with regard to persons found on premises suspected of being used for immoral purposes, the men aB well as the women found there should bo made responsible and punishable. The Union holils that in arresting and punishing the women only, the law encourages a dou'.MG standard of morality." It was decided to hold a social next month in aid of the Mine-sweepers', and New Zealanl Sailors' Rest Funds. It was agreed to send delegates to the Provincial Convention at Oxford, the names to bo selected at a later meeting. Since the meeting Mrs H. Hopwood the secretary, has received from Mrs Bcssio Niipmo copies of Beveral lengthy letters showing great appreciation of the gifts made last year to the Mine-sweepers' Cloihing Comforts Fund.

ASHBtJRTON. During Monday afternoon several light showers of rain fell, but it cleared towards evening, and 10i- degrees of frost 'were registered yesterday morning. The following returned soldiers arrived at Ashburton yesterday by the express:—Private G. H. J. Hughes, Ashburton (23rd Roinforcoments), Private G. Tarbotton, Ealing (27th Reinforcements), and Private Stanley Walker* Ashburton (sth Reinforcements). "WAI3VTATE. The Waimate School Committee met on Monday. The Education Board wrote, stating that after considering complaints by Messrs W. Clark and H. Jackson as to the treatment of their sons by tho headmaster, and after receiving Mr Bain's statement, the Board resolved to endorse the School Committee's resolution supporting the headmaster. The Committee authorised tho establishment of a Sfe band, and resolved that book prizes bo given again this year at tho breakup. Eight degrees of frost were registered yesterday morning. Tho Superintendent of tho Oainaru Fire Brigade visited Waimate, and met tho Firo Brigade and Borough Council, and discussed tho question of bringing in the Fire Board system of control. No definite proposals have yet been made. Mr Arthur Alridge, a. returned sol"'lier. has boon appointed wardsmnn at the "Waimate Hospital, and Miss Muriel Shaw (Waituna) wardsmaid.