THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18234, 19 November 1924, Page 3

THE COUNTRY.

A PINE DISEASE. At the last meeting of the Nelson Philosophical Institute, Dr. Kathleen Curtis gave a description of the dieback disease as she had observed it on Pinus radiata and Pinus murieata in Nelson and Marlborough. She said it nearly always occurred high in the tree. In no ease had she seen more than 20 feet of a tree affected. Cones as well as branches were attacked by the disease, which was due to the fungus known as Botryodiplodia. The diseased wood and cones. which she exhibited represented abput two years' growth of the fungus, which had'been rapid considering the resistance that is offered bv firm tissues such as those of the pine. AH that was required for the removal of the disease from a tree was the cuttino- oft of the'affected--part some distance below the limit of infection.

In reply to questions, Dr. Curtis said that as a" result of the disease the tops of the highest branches died. How far that death could eventually extend she could not say until she had watched the disease for a longer period. She had not seen the disease on any of the native pines. The disease might have been introduced into New Zealand on young, plants or on cones brought here for the purpose of getting seed from them. There were records of the occurrence of the disease in Germany, the Balkans, and France, but did not appear to be prevalent in North America, though what is probably only a simpler type of the same fungus has been frequently recorded there. So far as she knew there was nothing approaching an epidemic of the disease. When she went to Marlborough she found that it was the least significant of all the pine diseases there. A great difficulty that was met with in regard to growing pines in Marlborough was the shortage of water in the subsoil in summer, but the chief trouble was caused by Chermes. Lack of moisture and the ravages of this, aphis had resulted in the dying out of quite large plantations of pines in Marlborough, especially where the trees were at all young.

JOTTINGS FOR FARMERS. Shearing in all parts of Hawke's Bay is now well under way and. bales of wool are finding their way into the stores at the Port in ever increasing numbers, and it is estimated that between 7000 and 8000 have already been housed. Several other large consignments, water-borne from coastal stations, are expected during the next few days. CHEVIOT. On Monday evening a well-attended and enthusiastic public meeting was held in the Mackenzie Town Hall to consider the purchase of a site and the erection thereon of a district war memorial. The meeting was convened by the Cheviot Progress Association, and the chair was occupied by the president, Mr'L.'H. Pruden. After stating th,e object of. the meeting, the chairman asked Mr G. W. • Forbes, M.P., to ad-dress the assembly,- which he did, and in an able speech supported the proposition, and urged the whole district to put up a memorial which should be worthy of tho great sacrifices made by the men who gave up all in the cause of truth and justice. An apology was received from the chairman: of.; the County Council, Mr J. H. L. Hiatt, who, however, sent, his assurance of his hearty support and co-operation. ' Mr S. B.' Clifford county engineer, gave valuable information with regard to the site under consideration, which is in a fine position at the entrance of the township and facing the post office. This section, with the buildings thereon, can be purchased at a reasonable figure, and: a .motion, having been unanimous'lf ''carried"that'a v mem6rlalbe erected, it was further decided that this site was the most suitable, and should be purchased for that purpose. On the proposition of Mr G-. W. Forbes a strong "and representative committee was set, up, all parts of the district being- represented. Authority was given to this committee to take all necessary steps for raising the purchase money immediately, and for the disposal of the existing building. The coni.niit'tec will organise a comprehensive canvass of, the district, and it is confidently anticipated; that a worthy memorial will in the course of time be erected, and a section which for many years has been an eyesore will be transformed into a garden of memories, and become a "thing of beauty and a joy for ever."

WAIPARA. A social function was given by Mrs, Angus Cameron at her residence, " Inverness," Waipara, the occasion being .the box opening of the Young Helpers' League, in aid of Dr. Barnardo's Homes. There was a good attendance of members and friends, and a'very happy time Was spent. The Rev. F. P. Fendall, of Glenmark, gave an address, and the boxes we're opened by the secretary, Miss M. Whyte, the result being the sum of £4 10s. Prizes for those who had collected the largest amount were awarded to M. Cameron, M. Whyte, C. Collie, and E. Whvte. At the conclusion of the function Mr Fendall moved a vote of thanks to Mrs Cameron (treasurer) and Miss Whyte (secretary), both of whom had worked with enthusiasm for the cause since the institution of the League at Waipara. . On Sunday last the' special service for the young people (which bad been postponed twice on account of inclement weather) was celebrated at the Presbyterian Church. There was a good attendance, and in the absence of the Rev. Bailey the service was ably conducted by Mr Dobson, of Omihi. The service of song was creditably given by the members of the Presbyterian Sunday School.

BALCAIRN. A meeling of the School Committee was held on .Monday night. Present: Messrs J. Fitzpatrick (chairman) and W. Habgood, W. Hobbs and B. Hairna. Pleasure was expressed that Mr K. Harina had recovered from his accident and was able to be present again It was decided to let the children ot the school ballot for the place at which to hold the annual picnic. The weather for the last few days has been exceptionally fine and warm. Yesterday a fairly heavy shower idl and the air was close and muggy.

. AMBERLEY. The following have been selected to plav in the trial cricket match at Rangiora- to-morrow:—J. Bain J. A. Mayo, V. J. Rhodes, and 0. A. Y. Johnston. , The general committee of the Amberley Breeders' Association met on Monday, Mr J. C. Croft presiding. The StcrinT balance-sheet of the recent Show showed a credit balance of £-0. Votes of thanks were recorded to the judges and class stewards.

OXFORD. The monthly meeting of the Oxford Benevolent and Improvement League was held on Monday night, Mr A. Baxter presided, and there was an attendance of eleven members. It was decided to recommend to the Plunket Society Anniversary Day as a suitable time for their special picture benefit. Mr A. J. T. Wotherspoon was elected a member of the League. Notice of motion was given to rescind the motion that only half net proceeds bo given for picture night benefits, and also to rescind the motion that the hall be not granted to anv organisation anv Saturday night. The Hall Committee submitted a report in which it recommended painting and repairs outside, and a new floor and certain alterations and of the importance of the business the report was held over for discussion at next meeting. Among the suggested improvements are dressing rooms and supper room. These, however, will be costlv, and some members suggest that the "public be asked to assist in raising the necessary inouev, perhaps by a gala. LOBURN. Loburn and the neighbouring districts of Ashley, Sefton, North Loburn, Whiteroek, Okuku and Mt. Thomas are carrying an abundance of feed, perhaps a little on the soft side, which, however, a week or two of sunshine will rectify. The dry winter and dry spring, followed by a copious rainfall have suited this extensive area admirably, and prospects for the man on the land have never been better. Orehardists, too, have reason to bo well satisfied with the prospects of the incoming fruit season.

Owing to the recreation grounds being under cultivation for the purpose of renewing the pasture, it has been decided to abandon this year's annual sports meeting, usually held on Boxing Day.

RANGIORA. At the Rangiora saleyards yesterday Mv A. Cooper's-farm of 114 acres, on the West belt, -was offered for sale by the, National Mortgage and Agency Co., but was passed in at £46 per acre. A section of land of about one acre, with a two-roomed cottage in Ayers street, in the estate of the late 1\ Osborne, was submitted to auction by Pyne, Could, Guinness, Ltd., and was sold for £3lO, the purchaser being Mr E. Blake. A meeting of the committee of the Northern A. and P. Association was held yesterday morning, the president (Mr AV. A. Kelcher) presiding. The president was appointed to represent the Association at a meeting convened by the Progress League to consider the- setting up of a committee in connexion with the JS T ew Zealand and South Seas Exhibition. A resolution was passed recommending to the incorn,ing committee the necessity for appointing an extra steward to take charge of the cattle gate. The Building Committee reported that the tender of Messrs Shankland and Taylor, at £1985, had been accepted for the erection o'f the new hall.

The half-vearly summoned meeting of the Loyal Rangiora Lodge, M.U.L0.0.F;. was held ■on Monday, Bro. W. A. Horrell presiding. Tho Ashley District Officers paid their official v'sit. A request from the Male Voice Choir for the use of a part of the Lodge furniture was acceded to. Officers for the ensuing term were elected as follows^—N.G., Bro. R. A. Scott: V.G., 8r0..P. TV, White; E.S., Bro. G. Ridout; Lecture Master, Bro. TV. Gardner. The following minor officers were also appointed: Supporters to N.G. Bros. TV. Mardon and D. TV. Grimwood; Supporters to V.G., Bros. G. Mardon and C. Kenyon; Warden, Bro. J. Cook; Guardian, Bro. H. A. Johnston. A hearty vote of thanks was ■■ accorded to the 'retiring I.P.N.G. Bro. F, Jennings., for the - capable manner in which he had carried out his duties, and it was resolved that his name; be placed on the Merit Board, that he receive a framed Past Officer's Certificate, and that he be recommended for the Purple Degree. P.G. Bro. W. J. I. Doggett, as the oldest member present, acknowledged with thanks the redemption of the sick and : funeral fund contributions of.members 60' years of age.and upwards. The various sentiments were honoured, and that of the District Offioers was responded to by D'.G.M. Bro. J. A. Ivory, and the D.S. Bro. C. I. Jennings, the D.D.G.M. Bro. C. A. Oldman being unable to be present. On behalf ot the members of the Lodge, the District Grand Master presented a Past Grand's Collar to Bro. J. A. Miles, and a Past Grand's Jewel to Bro: .W._C. Chambers, in recognition of their efficient services as presiding officers. It was resolved to recommend the Hall Committee to have certain improvements made to the hall prooerty, and ..also that a donation of £1 to the. Benevolent Fund from a member should he suitably acknowledged.

AKAROA. At a meeting of the :Akaroa Horticultural Society held on Monday evening the Hon. Sir R. Heaton Rhodes and Dr. A. F. Cowan wrote accepting the positions of patron and vice-presi-dent respectively) and enclosing donations to the funds. Messrs Nairn and Sons, A. W. Buxton, Ltd., and C. B. Gibbons and Co. wrote offering special prizes. The donations and offers were received with thanks. The special prizes were allocated as follows: Class 2: Best bowl of rose's, .Messrs Gibbons and Co.'s. Class 19: Best rose in show, Mr Geo. Armstrong's, and also Messrs Mason, Struthcrs and Co.'s Challenge Bowl. Class 29: Messrs Nairn and Son's prizes, for 12 distinct varieties border flowers. Class 40: Three varieties flowering shrubs, Mr J. Craw's . prize of special bulbs. Class 28: One centre vase of roses, school children,. Mrs R. W. Shepherd's special.

OKAIN'S BAY. A public meeting was held to consider sites for a new school. The present building, erected in 1872,_ has outlived its usefulness, and is riddled with borer. The building, as well as the situation, is most unhealthy, and is, no • doubt, the cause of much sickness among the pupils. After some consideration it was decided to recommend to the Education Board a site in what is known as the Wills' Estate. This site has the advantage of being fairly high and dry, and near an available water supply.

METHVEN. Owiris: to various circumstances, the Methven Cricket Club were unable to •find a team to complete their match with ■Fairfield last Saturday, and defaulted. On Saturday Methven plays Tinwald. at. Tinwald, and the fnllowins will represent Methven: G. Stephen, W. J.'Owen, R. Allen, W- J. Burrows, R. C. McGregor, C. Jessep, P. Watson, G. Dalton, S. Hampton, D. McOhristie, and F. Anderson. Emergencies: R. Adams and R. Duff. The Methven Boy Scouts met on Monday evening in the Parish Hall in charge of Scoutmasters Tooley and Temple. Five Scouts passed the test for tho tenderfoot badge. Mrs Tooley gave the final lecture for the firstaid course. Sixteen Scouts will be examined by Dr. W. H. MrKee on this subject at sn early date. The roll number is now 29, and two Patrols have been formed, viz.. Kangaroo and Wolf, while another patrol is to be formed at the next meeting. The monthly meeting of the Methven School Committee was held on Monday evening. Mr Stanley Smith

presided, and there were- also present Messrs J. It. Dalton, J. Osborne/ H. Pawson, W. C. Battson. the Rev. «• H«rcus; and Dr. W. H. D. McKee. The chairman reported that he had' arranged for repairs to windows- to be carried out. A requisition for blackboards bad been sent to the Education Board, and those.were being forwarded. Miss Me' Coll, who has been appointed to the position of infant mistress, will not take up her duties until after the Christmas holidays. Miss MoColl is at present on the staff of the Owaka school, Otago. A letter was. received from the New Brighton Borough Council regarding the annual picnic. The question of a bus servico for the Springfield district was discussed. : A tender has been sent to the Education Board, but so far no reply has been received, the Board not having met. Mf. S. Smith.and the Rev. G. Hercus were appointed to interview parents with reference; to. the matter. The headmaster's report for the month was read, and, showed that the roll number was 250'. The emdemic of measles, combined with wet weather, had kept the average attendance low. It was decided to apply for exemption for this quarter's attendance owing to measles. In the matter of school colours, black and white were decided on. A suitable uniform for scholars attending the District High School was decided: on, and a committee was set up to meet narents in this connexion. The report of the Visiting Committee was received. It pointed out that' matters in connexion with the school library could be improved. A proper cupboard was .a necessity, and more books were 'required. A- weather gauge, and a M. and M. thermometer wore required. It was decided to apply to the Board for these requisites, and also to apply for a subsidy towards new books for the libraiy. It was decided to have the cricket pitch concreted up-to the wickets at each end. Mr W. C. Battson and the Rev. G. Hercus were appointed a Visiting Committee for the month. It was decided to write to the Board requesting it to install tho highpressure water at the school.

BROOKSIDE. There were good entries in a 14niile Derby cycle road race held by the Brooksido Cycling Club, for riders under 18 years of ■age. The following were the placed men: 11. Hampton. 1, B. Boswjll 2, J. In wood «3. fastest time (£old medal presented by Mr T. l2Uis, juii.): McCoy, S9min SOsec. The iinal tournament of the Brookside Billiard Club was won by A. McOalium, who defeated H. Grimwoodl on, the last round by 100 points to 83. In aid of the Brooksido candidate in tho Leeston Anglican Queen Carnival, a concert was given before a big audience in the Brooksido school, by a j/arty from Christchurch. Quartettes were sung by the Lyric Four, the members of which are Messrs H. Blakeley, S. Morgan, K. More, ana K.. Johnson. Solos were given by some of tho members individually, ana by Miss Dorothy Spiller. Mr It.. A. Turner contributed humorous items, and Miss Bell, the accompanist*, played a pianoforte solo. The Ilev\ AV. Uphill called for a vote of thanks to tho performers, and to the motorists who had driven them out (Messrs Trapnell and A.'Cridge).

DOYLESTON. I An enjcyablo eacbro tournament and dance in aid of the fancy stall at the hall bazaar, was held at X>oylestoii on Monday evening. The winners of the euchre prizes were Mr 3 Kelly 1, Mrs C. Hoakins 2, and Mr P. Grennan 1, Mr Frank Lambie 2. For the dance. Mi's 11. Lambie supplied the music. A competition for a tie was won by Mrs It. Kent. IRWELL. The approaches to the li&ht bridge over the Selwyn river at Coe's ford are being built up, and the bridge should now bo ready for traffic. On Sunday afternoon the Ellesmere Brass Band will give a concert at the ford, | and char-a-banc trips will be made from j Leestou. i ■•