THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17470, 2 June 1922, Page 3

THE COUNTRY.

A. AND P. SHOWS IN SOUTH ISLAND. \PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) DUNEDIN, June 1. A conference of delegates from all South T?land Agricultural and Pastoral Societies arranged dates all shows as follows:—Canterbury, November 9th and 10th; Timnru, October 25th and 26th; Ashburton, November 'nd and 3rd; Winton, November 15th; Waimate, November 16th; North Otago, November 23rd and 21th: Dunedin, No-.-ember 29th and 30th; Wyndham, Deember 2nd: Core, December sth and •tth; Invercirgill. December 15th and 16th; Otautau, December 20th. Jottings for Fanners. On Mr J. Blair's property at Maxwelltown (states the "Wanganm Herald") there are ten stud Southdown lambs, which were born about April Ist. The ewes all had lambs during August last, which thev reared. This is quite unique in the breeder's experience ot sheepfarming. and can probably be attributed to the particularly congenial climatic conditions prevailing throughout the summer and autumn.

CHEVIOT. On Tuesday afternoon last a meeting of the ladies of the district was held in the Public Library to make arrangements for holding a ball, tne proceeds of which are to be devoted to the fund for the endowment of a tree ward in the Lowisham Hospital, me idea was enthusiastically taken up, and a strong committee formed. It wa« decided to hold the ball on Friday, Sth ur-t., in the Mackenzie Town li<ui. On Wednesday evening an enjoyable dance was given by the ladies of Domett, in their local hall. As w usua. at this centre, everything went without a hitch. Music was supplied by Mr W. H. Murgatroyd (violin), and Miss Murgatroyd (piano). A dainty supper was served during the evening, dancing being continued; till about i a.m.

RANGIOEA. The third round of the card tournament was played on Wednesday evening, the results were: Oddfel ows lb, v. Returned Soldiers 14; Druids 20 v. Labour 16; Skillinfis 22, v. N.Z. Farmers' Co-op. 9; Eangiora Fire Brigade No. 1 19 v. Footballers 11; Southbrook Fire Brigade 20 v. Rangiora Fire Brigade No. 2 15; honorary members Rangiora Fire Brigade 17, v. Dix s Garage 10. HORNBY-ISLINGTON.

Prior to her departure from the Hornby School, whore she has occupied the position of assistant mistress during the past six months, Miss Hansen was presented by the pupils with a handsome leather hand-bag. Misses Hester Sutcliffe and Girlie Ward, on behalf of their fellow scholars, made the presentation and referred to the pleasant conditions which had existed between the recipient and her children during her term of office, and wished her success in the future. Messrs Bowbyes (headmaster) and Thomson (first assistant) also spoke. Miss Hansen suitably returned thanks. Mr Andrew Paterson junr., of Nelson House, Hornby, who had his leg broken by a machinery belt at Messrs Kemp-t-home. Prosser's local chemical works, some nine weeks ago, is progressing slowly towards recovery, and is now an out-patient of the Christchurch hospital. Mr Win. Hnrtigan, an Islington employee, who broke a small Cone in his left leg some weeks ago, has resumed work.

LINCOLN. A very pleasant afternoon was spent at the Lincoln, School on Monday when parents, teachers, an<L child-ren met to bid farewell to the headmaster, Mr Partridge, who is'leavmg this week to take up position as headmaster of the Allenton School. The. school-room waa artistically decorated. Musical items and recitations were given by the Misses M. Taylor, R. Bartram and the following school children Arps, Joy Bartram, Audrey Moreland, Madgn Rickerby, Irene Woods and Joan an'i Margaret Templeton. Mr Smither3 spoke on behalf of the School Committee, and Master Tom Jordan and Miss Ivy Cox spoke on behalf of the children, presenting Mr and Mrs Partridge with a silver travelling clock, paperweight and date stand. Little Thelma Hewton presented a bouquet of gold chrysanthemums and autumn leaves. Mr Partridge suitably responded, after which afternoon tea was served. LABBROOKS. Local farmers are busy digging and pitting their potatoes, as the low price on offer is not satisfactory. The fortnightly euchre t°urnamert and dance were held m the Town Hall on Tuesday evening, tnere being a good attendance. The prizes were won by Miss N. McDrury and Mr Black. Tho duties of M.C.'s were carried out by Messrs A. Pickering and P. McDrury. A -smoke concert was held in th 3 Town Hall on Monday evening, tho occasion being the closing down of the Ladbroolis' creamery. Mr H. Pickering occupied the chair. Several toasts were honoured and items were contributed by Messrs Nimmo, Campion, Costello, Wilson, McGuire, T. and F. Rooster, W. Tucker. During the evening the chairman presented the managor (Mr McColl) with a valuable cigaretteholder and silver case. The annual meeting of the Town Hall Committee was presided over by Mr Gabitas. The election of officers resulted as follows: —Chairman, Mr H. Watson; secretary and treasurer, Mr F. Meyer; committee, Messrs H. Pickering, A. Gabitas, A. Pickering, P. McDrury, A Larcombe, J. Yeatman. While Mr T. C. Foster was motoring through Ladbrooks on Monday his car, through back-firing, caufjht fire and was soon in,flames. The damage was covered by insurance. Mr F. W. Carpenter, of Broadfields has been comnelied to enter a private hospital to undergo an operation to one of his eye 3. Mr W. Pyne senr., one of the oldest residents of Ladbrooks, but now residing in Halswell, is at present in the public hospital. His condition is causing his friends and relatives considerable anxiety.

I BALCAIRN. A successful gathering was held in the Balcairn schoolroom on the occasion of a valedictory social to Miss G. G. Owen, who is relinquishing the position of assistant mistress on the stair of the Balcairn School to take up her duties at the Walthnm --hool. Mr \Y J Batchehu* (chairman of the School Committee) in presenting Miss Owen with a silver tea-pot, on behalf of the residents, spoke in eulogistic ternw of the interest she had tauen in the children especially the little ones, and wished ner everv success in her new sphere of life. Mr F. J. L. Scott (headmaster) suitably responded on Miss Owen's hehalf. During the evening dancing wr.s indulged in, music being supplied by Misses Hibbard, May Fitzpatrick, and Fleming and Mr Ted bmith The flag was flown at half-mast at the Balcairn School on Monday as the children's token of sympathy with the friends and relatives of the little girl who was accidentally killed by falling under a motor lorry last Friday afternoon. Dull, cold days have been experienced throughout the district during the pa6t week, accompanied by several sharp frosts.

(Continued at foot of nest column.)

EAKAIA. On Wednesday evening, in Mr Tucker's hall at Rakaia. a concert was held in aid of the funds of the Public Library. There was a very iarge attendance, all the sitting room being fully occupied. The concert began with a selection by the Jazz Band. Songs were sung by Miss IC. Turnbull and Mr L. Oakley. * Some little girls gave a pretty fan drill. Other girls went through club and wand exercises, the former being particularly well done. A humorous sketch, "A Bald-Headed Man in a Railway Carriage," was given by 'Mr C. Evison, May Evison, and Master Evison. A party of ladies was responsible for two songs rendered in a pleasing fashion. The second part of til© prcgramme was occupied, with a farce entitled "Pipkin's llustic Retreat," in which Misses A- Hardy, B. Hardy, and C. C. H. Evison were particularly good, 'lire programme showed a dearth of soloists, only three solos being scheduled, and only two being given. The audience were, perhaps, not so appreciative as they might have been, really good work often being rewarded by but slight applause. During an interval, Mr C. Evison thanked the audience for their attendance and the performers for their services. The training of the children in the first part of the programme was in the hands of Airs It. Broach, and the production of the farce was the work of Mr C. C. H. Evison. The following men have been selected to represent the llakaia Miniature Rifle Club at the tournament to be held in Ashburton on Saturday :—A team: H. Cromie, G. Cromie, A. A. Oliver, L. Oakley, W. E. Judk'ins, A. Oakley, and It. McPhail. The B team will be selected from the following:—J. 'Newton, A. S. Henderson, A. I' 1 . Kennett, L. Boag, C. McKegiiey, W- Greig, It. Bang, E. McSweeney, and It. H. Magson. A meeting of ladies was held at tho residence of Mrs Field, to consider the name the should taka wh.ch ft lias been decided to form to under* take the work of raising fuiids to build a residence for the Methodist minister. It was decided- to call the guild, "A Wesley Guild." The following officers were elected:—President, Mrs Field; secretary, Mrs Hopwood; treasurer, Mrs Hunt. The names of eighteen members were handed in. It was decided_ that the first effort ta raise funds should take the form of a fair, to be held on the section at the rear of the church. It is proposed to hold the function some time before the end of the year. Ac the weekly shoot of the Rakaia Miniature Itifle Club, the following lied for a trophy presented by Mr Geo. Pluck:—H. Cromie (scr), It. Bong (jiandicap 6), and R. Love (handicap 5). In the shoot-off, A. Love won. 'lhe Club Hotty Button for the week v. as won by H. Cromie with a possible, the runner-up being G. Cromie, with a score of 69. ASHBURTON. At a meeting, held in the Tinwald Hall, it was resolved to form a ladies' hockey club. The following officers were elected:—Patron, Mr James Gow; president, Mr H. Mili:c->amp; club captain, Miss F. Bnyliss; vice-captain, Miss D. Judd; secretary and treasurer, Miss A. Bayliss. At the weekly meeting of the Ashburton Catholic Club it was reported that complete arrangements had been made for the card match with the St. Stephen's Club and also for debates with the Methven Literary and Social Club. Mr A. L. Tre:sider was appointed judge. Mr M. W. "Wilson suffered severe injuries and was rendered unconscious through hie motor cycle and side-chair colliding with a farm dray. The machine was badly smashed. The Mayor (Mr R. Galbraith) presided over a moderate attendance at St. Stephen's Pari i, Ashburton, when Miss M. Thorp gave an address and made an appeal on behalf of the starving children in Russia. The following committee was set up to organise an appeal in town and country:— Rev. J. F. Wiseman and Messrs D. Wood, F. Ferriman, H. M. Jones, R. Galbraith, T. Watt, G. Hoskin, R. Stork, Soal, and Reid. A successful danoe, in aid of tho Ashburton Wanderers' Association Football Club, was held on Wednesday night. There was an attendance of 50 couples, and music was provided by Sirs A. Mitchell. The vital statistics for the Ashburton Registration District for the month of May were as follows:—Births 20, deaths 15, marriages 8. The figures for May v 1921, were: Births 30, deaths 17, marriages Id,