THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16451, 19 February 1919, Page 4

THE COUNTRY.

NEWS AND NOTES.

COCKSFOOT HARVEST

' Perfect weather is being experienced for threshing operations (says yesterday's Akaroa ''Mail"). U-p on the hilltops near l>e Bon's, Okain's, and Wainui summits in particular the seed is only just ready to cut. It is anticipated that some of the later seed will be of record weight, as it has had ideal weather conditions. It is stated that "piping" hot days for threshing mean an extra 33 l-3rd per cent, of yield, and the last few days have proved this, as whether the flail or the machine lias been used, the seed has come out most readily. Not many sales have been reported so far. One large grower was offered Is alb for all his seed. Another sale at lljd alb is reported. Most growers anticipate that the price will be about Is Id to Is 3d for the best' quality seed. In Pigeon Bay nearly all the seed is down, only a small proportion of Mr A. Goodwin's crop at Menzies' Bay being uncut. Threshing is in full progress, though no grower has finished yet. One sale is reported of 37 bays at Is per lb. Other growers refused to take Is per lb. In Okain's Bay most of the earlier paddocks are about threshed out. The seed is turning out very fine finality seed. No sales are reported so far. JOTTINGS FOR FARMERS. After an abnormally hot day in South Canterbury on Monday (it was 90 in the shade), rain fell yesterday, and again put a stop to all harvesting operations. Last week Mr V. W. Wright sold,, through the New Zealand Farmers' Cooperative Association, an exceptionally fine line of 32 Shorthorn and Hereford cross bullocks to a Christchurch butcher, the price being in the vicinity of £20 per head. Canterbury farmers may think themselves badly used at times bv the clerk of the weather, but the •• have much to be thankful for. One o! them, during the late floods in the Molvneaux river, asked a farmer of that district how he was get-ting on. The reply was, "I have 700 pure-bred ewes high on rocks, 80 acres of swede turnips ten feet under water, and for two days my boy has been picking Canadian thistles o'ut of his feet!" Mr H. Watkins, West belt,. Rnngiora, who finished his threshing on Monday, threshed €4 bushels per acre of Sensation wheat from a 12-acre paddock. Although pleased with the result, ho says that the wheat was over-ripe when he harvested it, and that a good deal of the grain shook out when it was being handled. The jrrain was in splendid condition. Mr W T atkins expressed the opinion that, had he got in it a ljttle earlier, the yiold might have been 70 bushels per acre. A shipment of butter and cheese valued at 'CBRoj'ISS is being loaded bv the Ayrshire at. Auckland. It was part of accumulated stock held in store for the Imperial Government. It comprises 128,530 boxes of butter and ToOO crates of cheese. Figures show the rapid' expansion of the dairying industry in that province. The Farmers' Freezing Company records that in 1910 the value of butter exported from Auckland was £611,000 and cheese £ftl,loo. a total of £fi42,100. Last season the values at Government prices of dairv ~ £1 > 923 > 000 for butter a n'd «L for cl,eose - making a total of or an increase of £2,020,900 A comparison with this season shows a simiter increase up to date, and in view ot the fact that certain districts aro now devoting attention to the manufacture of dried milk, the substantial development of the butter and cheese proauction is all the more impressive. The unreasonable weather during the past four or five months lia s been responsible for si considerable 6lump in stock of all descriptions on the West Coast (says the Grey Itiver Argus"). Ihis was very much in evidenco during the recent sales, but more particularly at Saturday's sale at Preston Yards. s throughout the whole of the district haro been iniaMe to get away . their fat stock. This time last vear several thousands of head of cattle and sheep had been exported to Canterbury either to go to the works or to take the market in the ordinary way. This year owing to ; the conditions mentioned, it is questionable if any fat stock has been sent over the hill, while on the c ? n . tr i l, 'y only last week several trucks ot tat sheep have been imported from tho Canterbury s ide to the West Coast. , KAIKOUHA. At a meeting of the members of the A and P. Association, Mr T. Harlo (president) occupied tlio chair. Members of tho committee were empowered to accept entries and take foes. It ' was decided to give half of the surplus proceeds to patriotic objects,- and that no extension of time should be illow- : •i j r , recemn g entries. It was de- . cided that returned soldiers should be admitted free to the show. It was, ! decided that a smoke conccrt should ' be held on the night of tho show. In ' the event of Mr F. Monk being unable to act as marshal on Show I>ay it was decided that he should arrange with ! v a ' ler to carry out the duties. The Key. W\ McAra loft on Mondav «' morning for Christchurch, to attend - the annual meeting of the Genera] As- I sembly of New Zealand. Tho Rev. «' Mr Bickerstaff, of Now Brighton will i conduct services at St. Paul's on 'gun- r day nest and the following Sunday ( the Hev Mr Tennent, of Christchurch, r wijj officiate. t General regret is felt at the death of t Miss Bridget Hill, who died at the t Christchurch Hospital on Wednesday f last. Deceased was held in hi"h c esteem during her residence in Kairtw Her father is now it resident I ot J etone. Ihe remains were brought c to Kaikoura on Saturday, the fungal 1: taking place in the afternoon There t rr as „ a ~ r ? e c °rtego. The Rev. Father / Kelly officiated at the graveside. s HAXMER SPRINGS. I At the weekly social at the Queen f Mary Hospital tliere were a large num- t ber ot visitois, aud an enjoyable eveniug was spent. The following contributed items to the entertainment: Corporal Parker, Sergeant Ryan, Miss Ciolomon, Miss de W'arren, and Private b Faulkner. Music for the dancing was n played by Misses Byrne and Prender- c gast and Private Corley. p Recently a single stick competition a was held for prizes given by Mrs (Dr.; P Fenwick (a clock), and Mr Geo. Hum- ® phreys (golf' balls). Sapper C. Wilson was first, doing the nine holes in ! J 39 strokes. Corporal Fleming and 'I Private Crowe were equal for second , prize, and Reg. S. Major Neal gained " third prize. a

On Saturday a cricket match was played between the soldiers and a Christchurch veteran team. The latter won a two innings' game by seven wickets. For the winners the principal scorers were H. Lawrence C. Moor, S. F. Wilson, J. and Rattray, and the most bowlers were Wilson* Moor, and A. Day. For the soldiers Captain Wilson, Privates Coward, Porter and Gillies, and Sapper Wjlson scored the highest, and the most successful bowlers were Privates Coward and C Wilson. Reg.-Sergeant-Major Xeal and Captain Wilson.

At a concert held at the Q ue s n -Mary Hospital to raise money for the hospital entertainment fund, over US ;was collected. There was a big at-

tendance, and the programme was welt received. The following contributed: Miss Insell, Mrs McKav Corporal Parker Sappers Reynolds and S>ymons, Privates Harrington and Shurrock, Gunner Olhver, and Mr A Day. The accompanist was Miss Kitty hare been loud in their praise of the perfect weather of last week. It was especially good, too. for harvesting, and full advantage was taken of the calm days to get crops in. * "WAIAU. V welcome homo social to Sergeant T Pooklin<*ton was held in the Library Hall on Monday night. Mr H. T. Beaven, chairman of the Patriotic Committee, presided, and there was a good attendance. Apologies wore received from the Rev. Canon T. J. Smith, and the Rev. J. H. Thomson. Speeches of welcome were given by Me=srs H. T. Beaven, K. Pettigrew, and F. Burrows, and Sergeant Pockiington suitably responded. During the 5 evening vocal and instrumental items were contributed by Miss Fraser and Mr Newton. Dancing was kept up "with spirit till 1 a.m., the music beino- supplied by Mr Mcßryde and Master J. Mcßryde. Mr H. C. AVatson officiated as M.C. The annual picnic of tho Presbyterian Sunday-school was held at "llnrpsdale," tho homestead of Mr P. Ivoraoli, on Saturday. The children v,-ere conveyed there in conveyances, kindlv provided by Messrs W. Shaw, Titos." Derrett, and 0. D. C'rampton. The weather was ideal, and the children spent a most happy day. During th.-> afternoon games and sports were indulged in. A large number of running, swimming. and jumping events wore got off. and every child received a prize. RANGIORA. The annual meeting of the Loyal Ran«iora Lodge of Oddfellows wa s held on Monday. There was a good attendance, including P.P.G.M. Bro. W. R. Gahagan, a director of the New Zealand branch, anil P.S.G.M. Bro. H. B. Veitch, of the North Canterbury district, both of whom received a cordial welcome. A letter was read from Bro. F. W. Watt. Grand Master of the New Zealand branch, in which he conveyed his good wishes to the Lodge. The balance-sheet showed that that there was an increase in the sick and funeral funds of £328 lis 6d, although the sick pay amounted to £740 9s 2d, fit* which £143 had been paid to sufferers from influenza. The amount to credit of the fund was £13.344 fis 3d, and tho total assets of the Lodge £13,701 18s 3d. The number of members on the roll on December 31st was oil. It was stated that seven soldier members had fallen in the war during the year, their names being Major B. Jordan, Cantain W. N. Lace, Sergeant T. A. Loffhagin. M.M.. Privates L. Bent, H. Gilchrist, and J. Stringer. Votes of thanks were passed to the Lodge trustees, Bros. S. Ayers an<l C. I. Jennings: the treasurer, P.G.M. Bro. J. Marshall: the permanent secretary, Bro. T. Hills; and the auditors. As the valuation of the Lodge, as at tho end of lf)lo. which only recently came to hand, disclosed a surplus of £3782, it. was resolved to apply to tho Board nf Directors fo»- permission to apnronmte £2000 of the surplus. P.G.M. J. Marshall. P.P.G.M.'s C. R. Golclinrr. c. W. Bell. W. Smith, and P.G. T. Hills wero elected delegates to the Ashley district meeting. P.G. Bro. J. Doggett was appointed Tyler. ' GUST. At a public meeting lield in tho Cust Library hall, called at the instance of the Domain Board, there was a good attendance. Mr Forbes was voted to the chair. After considerable discussion of matters of importance to the district, it was decided to affiliate with the Canterbury Progress League. Mr. R. Gardiner bein«; appointed district representative and Mr Cooper district secretary. It was also decided to obtain full information in regard to the matter to be placed -before a public meeting to be held in about three week's time. KAIAPOI. At the last meeting of the Kaiapoi Fire Brigade, Fireman G. F. Clark was appointed the brigade's delegate to the conference at Invercargill. The weather yesterday was very changeable, and rain fell frequently during the day. LEESTON. Mr J. Nixon, exhibiting at the Tnvercargill Show, scored heavily with his Shorthorn cattle. There was strong competition, but Mr Nixon succeeded in taking nine first prizes, six seconds, both championships, the prize for most points, and the silver shield. *Mr Nixon's cattle beat the imported Knapdale bull and cow. Tho T.oeston Presbyterian Church celebrated its Jubilee on' Sunday and Monday. On Sunday the services were conductor] by tho Hon. T. G. W. Aitken. M.L.C., who preached to crowded audiences both morning and evening. Dn Monday a social was h<*ld. at which 'he sneakers were:—The Hon. J. G. I W. Aitken, the Revs. R. M. Ryliurn, L £*. Reid, E. T. Butler, G. IV. and 8. Nixon. The Rev. 11. W. Walker, minister at Losston, iresided. Mr S. Williamson and his •oncert party gave a very enjoyablo •oncert during the evening. akaFoa. The members of Mrs Alfred Rhodes's Funior Red Cross Knitting Class spent t pleasant time on Saturday afternoon. U the invitation of Mrs Armstrong, (resident of the local Rod Cross branch rnd of Mrs Rhodes, the girls assembled n full force on the lawns at "Blythliffe," the residence of tho Mayor, lames, competitions, and afternoon tea nado the hours pass all too quickly for ho young folk. A word of commendaion is due to the girls of this class for heir untiring efforts throughout the our years of war to keep up the supply f socks for the soldiets. Mr Douglas Seymour, secretary of the tfenv Zealand Returned Soldiers' Assoiation. has been spending a fortnight'a ioliday in Akaroa. He made an effort o form a branch of the Association in ikaroa, but, unfortunately, the inistent demands of a busy grass-seeding eason kept all the returned men out f the town on the evening arranged | the meeting. Mr Seymour returned o Wellington on Tuesday. CHERTSEY. The new railway station at Chertsey, hich was opened last week, was not uilt any too" soon, as the old building, hich had been altered five times in ight years, was in a bad way. It was roposed to re-erect the old structuro fc the Rangitata. but the llangitnfci eople would not tolerate it. Enquiries

have been made about it for a tennis pavilion and for a fishine hut, but no business has been done. The new building is much larger and more convenient than the old one. and a wider platform has been left. The volume of business at Chertsey is considerable, as all tne north-bound goods from Dromore, Fairfield (which includes the Fairfield Freezing Works), and Ashburton siding is hooked through the Chertsey office.

SOUTH MALVERN DISTRICT. At a meeting of the Horticultural Society, at Glentunnel, there were present: —Mr John Deans (chairman), Mesdames J. H. Pearson, and T. L. Lamport, and Messrs H. Atkinson, James Charles, L. D. King, Starky, C. Stuart, and A. M. Wilson (secretary). Stewards for the forthcoming show "wore elected as fodows: —Vegetables—Messrs King, Lamport, Powell, and Stuart, Flowers and decorative—Mossrs John Deans and G. B. Starky. Fruit —Mr James Deans. Homo industries section —Mesdames J.

H Pearson. T. L. Lamport, and J. n" nnaD Miscellaneous and schoolchildren's classes —Messrs Charles and Opie The secretary was instructed to Tvrito to various people, asking them to act as judges. A reply was received from the Glentunnel School . Committee agreeing to let the society have the' free use of the school on March Ist The refreshment booth arrangements were left in the hands of the ladies of the committee and the secrotQThe scholars of Si. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. Glentunnel. held a picnic at Homebusli on Saturday «.t Ihe kind invitation of Mr and Mrs Jas. T>ean* The children, who numbered about" thirtv. with their relatives and friends, were conveyed thither in Me« r « John and James Deans s an« Mr GilmourV onrs and spring orays owned bv Messrs H. Atkinson and C fi Marsh The children were supplied with free refreshments, prizes, and fov bv the staff, and Mrs' James Doans. The day was beautifully -fine, and a most enjoyable outing was the result. . Mr and Mrs Deans worked indefatiptably during tho day to give the children a happy time, and before dispersing a very hearty vote of tluink* was conveyed to then by Mr "Wni. Gilmour, superintendent of the Sunday-school.

RAKAIA

Tho Rev A. Morrivin, of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, has returned home." after a vacation spent in

tho South. Miss D. Breach, an ex-pupu ni tho Asbburton High School, has bcon anpointed probationer flfc tho Juiknia school. At- the evening servico at St. Andrew's. on Sunday, the Rev. Mr Morncon road a delightful letter sent by two girls belonging to the Presbytorion Orohanage, at to the Pendaivcs Indies, who sent down packages of good things at Christmas time. The Tood markets for cocksioot seen for the" past two years have induced fiomo farmers to do more with this grass than has hitherto been the custom in tho Rakaia district, where tho ryegrass rules. The coming year will probably see more of it sown. Since the Rakaia school commenced three years ago to send the upper boys and girls into Ashburton for instruction in maiMi"' training at the Technical School, s '1 other schools in the vicinity Innm .owed suit, so that now a very largo nnumber attend. The day is a very popular one with the children, and there is 110 doubt the experience gained is bor.eftoial to them in their other school work.

The young people of Rakaia have become tired of the monotony which seems to have fallen on the. place since iho early day.9 of tho armistice. With a view to creating some means of enjoyment a meeting was held, and it was decided to hold a dance next weok. This must not lie confused with tho peace dance, which was decided on months ago, as a part of the formal peace celebrations. That will be a very big affair, for which the use of the Town Hall has boen granted. ]fc seem* a pity that a few more subscribers to the Rakaia Telephone Exchange cannot be"secured. The numb3r lias varied but little for a long timo, and now stands at '89. If eleven moro could lie induced to join to make the hundred, the hours would then be from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Threo more party linos would just about do it. When tho number gets a littie closer it might pay the subscribers to do as has been done sometimes elsewhere —make up tho difference in cash in order to secure the extended facilities.

Tho annual balance-sheet of the Pakaia Oddfellows' Lodge, Manchester Unity, reveals a prosperous condition. The lodge is a comparatively young one. but there hus been a steady growth of funds, and very little sickness experienced, so that the past year Iris shown an increase of over £30 in tho balance of the Sick and Funeral Fund. Now that the restrictions upon membership introduced in the war period have boen abo]isbe:l. it is expected that the membership will steadily increase. The monthly meeting of "tho Rakaia branch of the W.C.T.17, was held in St. Andrew's schoolroom, and presided over by Mrs Eoag Mr L. Ik-war, org miser for the No-iicenso Party, in the Selwvn electorate, delivered an address on tho forthcoming campaign, nnd was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. Mrs Martin, president of Kaikorai branch, was also present, and spoke briefly.

At n recent meeting of the Rakaia Bowling Club, Mr T. Blackley directed attention to the fact that when it "jvas first proposed to lay down a bowling green it was urged in opposition to the present Domain site that it was so situated that children would inevitably do damage :o the green, tho fencos, otc. He stated that it spoke very well for the chiidren of Rakaia that no damage had ever been done to the club's property, and so the fears had proved groundlcs. This year the Rakaia Tennis Club seems to have suffered a severe slump. The epidemic prevented u good start of tho season being made, and since then some dozen players have oither left the district or given up pin v. A proposal was made last vear to close the shops in tho Rakaia Itoad Board at- G p.m. However, as only grocers were mentioned, a majoritv of signatures could not be obtained. * A new petition was therefore prepared, including all shops, and a majority was seemed, so that tho G p.m. closing is operative throughout the district. IL will suryise many to know that there are fourteen shops-in tho Road Bdardi area.

. J; Sowden presided at a meeting oi the Rakaia Bowiin.tr Club committee, held in the Library. Mr C E. Featherston was appointed secretary, and f Mr J. 1 enny treasurer. Messrs Snwden, Haydock. and Newman were appointed a committee to attend to the top-dress-ing of the green. Messrs Pennv and May were authorised to obtain information as to design and cost of a club I nnrliT' Y" Fox , offcre d a notice board for erection at. the green. It was accep ed with thanks. It was decided to endeavour to close the competitions now running early m March, and to 12th c SrGe , n for t lie seas °n on April sifisaav 0 dub »°"«»

ASHBUItTOX After several very hot davs there was a change m the weather at Ash burton yesterday. A ...L ;,; in the early moraine and* it p , cloudy throughout the dav. Harvest burton Red Cross, M?, ? & A l h ." C oss meeting, and tl, e rec o . utions were carried: "Tim* +u1 a ? burton branch continue fn +1, sent, but on reduced lines PrC ~ try branches and tow 111 ' to do so should disband. ds TThinS" hin S standing orders for material i! celled ; that ali person?! ? a11 * should cense; tl.it astLn? £ npt f lOnS Committee be set im to *?"' P° mforts forts for sink and woun^T^i COmmen, in whatever part of +£ hb, ! rto n thev mav be." Tl,p he Do ™inion Ruddock) reported tha? ,easurer <-\ lfs donation of £240 had li"' 6 M " nt b'* from the A,hhSton '£.??, J!"*"" 1 £40 of which was to C '' un^' terial for the Melhvc? $£ &J*

TJSMUKA Mr C. J. Talbot, A; l> no _ , the following telegram fir. I/ 8 "' 1 ' Mr Guthrie, Minister for /land • "if' ceived your telegram in " visit to.Temukat MaVvT&v' 0 endeavouring to arrange matte™. As I find it imperative that 1 M , • "f* ,o» tw „r z J3rd inst., and have- 'M ■, , i \ d tU M a S C K n ? b °tb"-Mr Ko'swortt.y s and Mi Dickie s electorates, I sliall have only a limited time for Temukal

As you suggested, I shall arrive at 8 a.ni. on the '22nd inst., and immediately after breakfast shall meet <uiv deputations you have arranged for. leaving direct for Ashburton, where I wish to airive at noon. 1 ;nii wiring to Mr Xosworthv to this eflect, ami may ask Mr Dickie to arrange for his deputation to meet ine at Ashburtou. I siiall endeavo n to arrange for ?,]<• llitehio to inrpcrt any property. I cannot manage to ;:ei-. • Alter doing the IVaitaki electorate I shall arrive at Pukaki on the evening of 19th inst., going to the Hermitage on the followfn-* day and reaching Timr.ru on the evening of the -1 at. ' MT. COOK. .Messrs Parry and liirks have just paid a short visit to the Hermitage, in connexion with a report they are making on electric power for this heme. They have found several suitable .streams, and v."ill bo able to favourably recommend the scheme. For the last ten days the wer.tnor here has been excellent, bright, sunny dav= and temperature from OOdeg to 75ieg. in the shade. Visitors have been morn num-irouc, averaging thirty to_

forty daily; but the usual Australian Jg tourist* are much missed. W.'vj The roads to Mt. Cook are now about „q normal, and private cars havo do dun" | cii'iv in getting here. /j j.fr. Cook has not bc?n attempted by climlKTs this, season. oivinjr to too rjucu snow, but it will <50011 bo in a fit stata for ;t;i attack. List year the summit va«; replied three tune-. . , : -. u J)r. Teichelmann aiul Mr witSi guide Peter (Jraliam, reached tno amnmit of Ml. Johnson, in the TassM®. . range, last Tuesday. $ —