THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18219, 1 November 1924, Page 3

THE COUNTRY.

* JOTTINGS FOR FARMERS.

"There has been a marked increase ::i the demand for sheep farms recently," said a well-known land agent in Palmcrston North a day or two ago, "and everything points to ii more active demand for. this class of country in the near future. The rise in the value of sheep products—wool, fat lambs, an oreeding ewes, etc. —and the moderate icservc-s placed on sheep carrying try when compared with the prices ask'd for dairy land, and the inclination >f many dairy fanners to seek the easer life, all help the upward movement, .iter the wool sales, when farmers have ad time 10 look round, we expect a ■it of a bcom in sheep country.

LADBROOKS. A steady rain fell on Thursday, ' hieh will greatly l>enofit the cvops. i'otato planting is well in hand, and ' is predicted the market will be for forward prices. Mcs-rs J. A. and T. C'. Foster are on a holiday visit to the Xorth Island Mr J. Cunningham (rhuieclin) is on a ri.<.it to Mr .'nd Mr- A\ . Turner. Mrs J. Watson, who recently underent- a severe operation, is making ipid progress towards recovery. Mrs S. ('. Turner, who was severely caldod some weeks ago, is progressing • at-isf actor ily. Mr J. Yeatman has his house broken nto while he and the family were way. Every room was ransacked. but so far nothing has- been missed.

j RANGIORA. The anniversary celebrations of the • ingiora Methodist Sunday School were oneludcd on Thursday, when a tea meeting, followed by a social, was held. Mr C. S. Ayers, superintendent, of tho Sunday School, presided. In the absence of the secretary of the school, Mr M. A. Lane, the treasurer, Mr .A. Lane, read the annual report, which was deemed to be very satisfactory. The Young People's Society, under Mr E. D. Bowe, was well attended, and was doing good vork. Owing to the assistance given by Miss G. Rodgers, £27 was raised towards the piano fund, and through the generosity of Mrs R. J. Robinson the piano had been purchased. The trea.iurer also presented his statement, which was very satisfactory. During h he evening a programme of recitations, action songs, solos, and duets was given by the Sunday School scholars. The certificates won at tho recent Sunday ! School Union examinations were prci sentcd by the chairman, who stated every scholar who had sat for the examination from the school had gamed a pass. Before closing, tho Rev. C. Blair thanked tho superintendent, staff, and all who had assisted in the Sunday School work during the year, and also those who had assisted with tho anniversary, and Mr R. Simpson for training the children for the anniversary. TAI TAPU. A plain and fancy fair for whicli the members of the Methodist Church had been working hard, was opened in the Town Hall on Thursday afternoon. The weather was cold and wet, but the attendance of the public was good. In the absence of the Mayoress of Christchurch (Mrs Fleslier), who was unable to be present, the fair was opened by the Rev. W. Laycoelc. The interior of the hall presented a gay appearance with its gaily decorated stalls and i Christmas tree. The stallholders' 1 dresses toned with the colours on their respective stalls. Brisk business was done, and the committee were well pleased with the result of the takings. The following is the list of stallholders: —Plain needlework, Mesdames Wills, Pauli, Gilmour, and Tobeck; fancywork, Miss Morgan, Mrs H. S. Peryman, and Miss L. Forbes; produce, Mesdames Heinzmann, Graham, Brake, and C. Watson; variety, Mesdames Christian and F. Page; sweets, Misses D. and R. Heinzmann, A. Barnett, and I. Herrick; men's requisites, Mesdames Garnett and 11. E. Peryman; flowers, Messrs H. E. Peryman and Tobeck; tea rooms, Mesdames Jones, McLaclilan, Herrick, Bing, Misses Pauli, Barnett, and H. Jones; Christmas tree, Misses A. Tobeck and L. Page; art gallery, Messrs E. Tobeck, A. Page, G. Jones; shooting gallery, Mr D. Watson; competitions, Messrs W. Walls, B. Peryman, T. O. Morgan, and E. Graham. LEESTON. The big three day 6' bazaar for which tho Roman Catholics of Leeston have been preparing for the past six months, is now being held in the Leeston Town Hall. The bazaar was opened on Thursday afternoon by tho County chairman, Mr John Cunningham, and will be continued until this evening. The weather has not been in favour or tho bazaar so far. In his cgemng speech, Mr Cunningham said he appreciated'the opportunity of being present to enter into the feelings of the people of the Catholic Church in making their big effort for their school, and in other activities. On behalf of th© County, he extended a welcome to ma Lordship Bishop Brodie, on his first visit to the district. Hie Lcrdship thanked tho County chairman for his words of approval and encouragement. He had seen the plans of new school, and assured the parishioners that when it was in working operation they would have a school which they could well be proud of. In addition to the usual stalls, numerous competitions and raffles, and a meek court, are helping to augment the takinss. It is hoped to raise a total of £IOOO. CHERTSEY. j At the opening of "Kio Chert-soy Tennis Club, iVLr W. McKec welcomed the visitors and expressed a hope that the coming season would see gome good matches played between Chcrtecy and tho surrounding clute. The l|- c yAlexander suitably responded on behalt of the visitors. JSeveral very pleasant, hours were spent in play. Afternoon tea was provided by tho ladies. Before leaving, the visiting members of tlie llakaia Club issued a challenge to play a match at _ — It was found necessary cn \Vediiefcciay to closo the local school owing to the prevalence of measles and mumps. Almost every family appears to be affected. _ . Mr W. Kemp, of tho station staff, is suffering from measles. Mr Cooper (Ashburton) is relieving him. Mr A. Garland, of the N.Z. Loan and Mercantile, who was ill for some days, is now able to get about again. The friends of Mrs Andrew Doig will regret to hear that she is very ill at the present time. Mr and Mrs Hoare (Chnstehurch) have been visiting Mr and Mrs Burt. SEAFIELD. Shearing has now begun in this district, and so far the wool appears to 1)0 in exceptionally good condition. It is entireiv free from ticlws and ticLstains. Even the hogget wool, which usually suffers badly from tick-stain, is free from this blemish. Mrs J. Bruce has been on a frisitto her sister in the Hawfce's Bay district. Mr and Mrs G. Kinmard have returned from a holiday visit to Chnstehurch.

(Continued at foot of fi&ct column.)

MOUNT 80MEB8. For fonr days of last a total of IS9 points of rain fell, making 333 points to date. The Tennis Club held a dance in aid of Wilding Park, but owing to heavy rain there was only a moderate attendance. Tho winners of the Labour Day combined doubles tournament wero Mrs Jones and A- Beckley, 93 points, with Miss A. Bcckley and Moses runnors-up vrith 89 points. The competitions demonstration night has been fixed for this evening in the Staveley HalL A meeting of ladies to form a Ladies' Guild was held in the Presbytery. Mrs Benfell was elected president, and Mrs J. Grieve secretary and treasurer. Refreshments were handed round bv Mrs BenfelL