West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 - 1954), Tuesday 14 August 1928, page 7


RURAL INTERESTS.

COUNTRY NEWS.

Balingup.— The adjourned ratepayers' meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 21 at 8 p.m. It is proposed to build a centennial hall at a cost of £2,000, with

seating accommodation for 400 people. — At the road board meeting on August 1, it was decided to purchase a grader. The board favours the building of a new bridge across the Balingup Brook at an estimated cost of £300. — Star thistle has made is ap-pearance in the district. Buntine.— At a meeting of the Buntine Progress Association held on August 6, the raising of the price of water to settlers from 6d. to 9d. per 100 gallons was criticised and it was decided to enter a strong pro-test to the Minister for Water Supply. It was pointed out that the district was going ahead rapidly. Practically all the light lands between Buntine and the Midlands was taken up and it was considered that it would be a severe handicap if new set-tlers had to pay 9d. per 100 gallons, and then have to cart the water up to 17 miles, particularly in view of the fact that the only cost to the Government was the cost of pumping the water. — It was de-cided to grant the use of the hall free of charge to the R.S.L. on August 18 for a benefit dance in aid of Mrs. Harold Smith of Wubin. Boyanup.— On August 6, a meeting of the local branch of the Primary Producers' Association was held in the Agricultural Hall. Mr. H. W. Drummond was elected as the second delegate to represent this branch at the conference of the associa-tion to be held in Perth.— A letter was received from the Donnybrook Agricul-tural Society stating that it proposed to participate in the centenary show to be held in Perth next year, and asked whether Boyanup would co-operate in making a display. This branch agreed to help, and is sending a representative, Mr. E. G. Smith, to Donnybrook to discuss the matter.— It was agreed to invite the Government dairy expert, Mr. P. G. Hampshire to the district to lecture on the dairying industry. Many telephone subscribers complained that the telephone service had been very faulty recently. The secretary has been asked to report the matter. Bilbarin.— The heavy rains have made the country boggy, and motorists are in difficulties every day. — The hall rebuilding committee now has over £120 in hand. To raise additional money it is conduct-ing monthly dances in Corrigin. — The Bil-barin football team was well represented in the Corrigin Association which played in the carnival held at Wickepin on Au-gust 4 and 5. The Corrigin team, which was led by Bremner of Bilbarin, defeated the Kondinin and Harrismith Associa- tions.— The Bilbarin Tennis Club played its first matches away from home on Sun-day last when members travelled to Baba-kin.— Main Road Board surveyors have been camped here for the last fortnight, surveying the main east-west road. — The Bilbarin branch of the Primary Producers' Association is discussing the probability of joining the newly formed Corrigin branch, and allowing this branch to be-come defunct. — Mr. C. P. Wansbrough, M.L.A., recently bought a farm at Nor-nakin, from Connor Bros. Mr. Wans-brough's sons are farming the property. — Dingoes are reported in various portions of the district around Corrigin, and at the last meeting of the Sheep Owners' Association it was decided to employ a trapper for a few weeks.

Busselton.— Considerable indignation, was expressed by settlers at Wonnerap last week when it was found that the Postal Department, without notice, had discon- tinued the provision of a direct mail bag between Perth and Wonnerup and vice versa. There are many settlers in this district who deal in stock, dairy pro-duce, potatoes, etc., and in order to keep in touch with markets and take advan-tage of favourable periods, direct daily communication with the city is required. The matter is being taken up by the resi-dents in conjunction with their Parlia- mentary representatives.— At Signal Park, on Sunday last the newly formed Bussel-ton troop of Boy Scouts were presented with their colours. — The new hall erected by the Busselton Congregational Church in Kent-street was officially opened on August 6. The building was crowded, and the ceremony was performed by the chair-man of the West Australian Congrega- tional Union, Mr. A. Wasley. — Miss Gladys West, the 16-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. West, of Group 75, was fatally injured on August 6. Assist-ing her father in clearing operations, she was struck on the head by a falling sap-ling, and she sustained injuries to the brain. She was taken to the Karridale Hospital, but died on August 8 without regaining consciousness. Collie.— During the past couple of weeks, the local outlook in regard to the unem-ployment problem has improved. The con-struction work of the new railway to the Griffin mine was responsible for absorbing about 20 men, while a few days ago, a further batch of about 30 were given em-ployment on new municipal works. The latter include alterations and additions to the electric lighting system of the town and road work provided for in the schedule drawn up and approved by the Govern-ment under the pound for pound subsidy system.— It is anticipated that the ma-jority of the men still out of work will be given employment in the near future. — In the Collie Police Court on August 3, before Messrs. G. T. Roberts and J. Robb, J.'sP., a local publican named Robert Humphrys was fined £10 and costs for permitting his premises, known as the Victoria Hotel, to be open for the sale of liquor during prohibited hours. Ten men were also charged with having been on the premises, during prohibited hours, and in each instance a plea of guilty was entered. The Bench imposed a fine of £2 with costs in each case.— The an-nual meeting of subscribers to the Collie Mechanics' Institute was held on August 6, the president (Mr. R. McVee) presiding over a comparatively small attendance. The balance sheet disclosed an expenditure of £304 for the year. Rents received for the period amounted to £178, while sub-scriptions totalled £84. The president submitted a report to the meeting and explained that the slight deficiency on the year's operations was due to the ne-cessity of repairs to the hall and the pur-chase of crockery for use in the building. There had also been a decline in the mem-bership of the institution. In recogni-tion of gifts of £500 and £50 respectively, made to the institute, Messrs. R. J. Lynn and E. G. Lumb were elected life mem-bers. — With the recent announcement of a reduction in the water rates no mention was made of any discount for prompt pay-ments, and the town clerk accordingly wrote asking if it would not be possible to provide for discount. A reply has now been received from the Water Supply De-partment intimating that the practice of allowing discount was discontinued some few years ago. Geraldton.— Recently there have been many complaints about the prevalence of bad language in the streets, and a few days ago a man charged with this of-fence was fined £5, which it is hoped will be a warning to others. — Preparations for the annual show of the Victoria Dis-trict Agricultural Society are being push-ed forward, and busy bees are hard at work every Saturday afternoon helping to get the ground ready. His Excellency the Governor, and party, and the Bishop of Kalgoorlie will attend.— The Rev. H. Vine, who has been Rector of Geraldton for the past eight years, has received notice of his transfer to the parish of St. Paul's Perth, and expects to take up his new duties about the end of October.— The Northern District Council of the Co-operative Federation, representing Gerald-ton, Morawa, Perenjori, Three Springs and Dalwallinu, met in conference at Gerald-ton a few days ago, and after the con-ference the delegates were entertained at a smoke social by the Geraldton Society. — After having been on a restricted service for a long time, water being only available on alternate mornings for a couple of hours, Geraldton consumers were notified recently that water would be turned on every morning. After a fortnight or so the service was extended to two hours morning and evening. The latest intima-tion is that all restrictions are removed. While appreciating this continuous ser-vice, the consumers would like to know whether the restrictions will be reimposed in the summer, when an adequate supply is much more necessary than now, when there are ample supplies of rain water.— The Geraldton Week Committee is work-ing steadily in preparation for the big week to be held at the end of February when it is hoped there will be a big influx of visitors to the town. A tentative pro-gramme of sports and other attractions has been drawn up, and a special feature will be made of the facilities afforded by the two beaches and of surfing at the back beach, and it is hoped to form a life-saving club, and thus bring Gerald-ton into line with other coastal towns.— Much activity is being shown at the site of the superphosphate works, and it is hoped that in a short time erection work will be in full progress. A contract has been let for the erection of the adminis-trative offices, and the work of levelling

the ground is in progress, and shortly a contract will be let for sinking a dam for water conservation. — Although the road work put in hand for the relief of un-employment has absorbed about fifty men, there are still men out of work, and the most necessitous are being supplied with meal tickets. Efforts are being made in various directions to raise funds to pro-vide further assistance. Kununoppin.— On August 4 the annual Sunday school picnic in connection with the Congregational Church was held at Yarrogin Rock. Over 100. children and adults had a thoroughly enjoyable day.— The Primary Producers' Association held a meeting in the local hall on August 4. —On July 20 the P.P.A. held the opening meeting of the newly-formed sub-district council for the north-eastern area of Tood-yay electorate, in the Kununoppin Hall. Officers were appointed as follow: — Chair-man, Mr. Johnston (Nungarin), vice-chairmen, Messrs. Riley (Trayning), Clan-sen (Kununoppin), and Hardwick (Mt. Marshall); secretary, P. F. Wallace (Kunu-noppin). It was decided to hold the next meeting at Nungarin on October 28. Mr. Kahl, a well-known farmer in the district, broke an arm while cranking his motor truck.— Bad patches are numerous in the main roads of the district since the rains. — Arrangements are well in hand for the children's plain and fancy dress ball, to be held on August 25 in aid of Church of England funds. Leonora.— At the half-yearly general meeting of the Gwalia Co-operative So-ciety, Mr. Edquist presided over a good attendance of shareholders, and announc-ed that another very successful period had been recorded. It was decided to declare a dividend of 10 per cent. per annum on all subscribed capital, and in addition a discount of 1/ in the £1 on shareholders' purchases for the period. — The accounts of the Co-operative Butchery showed an even more profitable state of affairs. In addition to receiving a dividend at the rate of 10 per cent. per annum, sharehold-ers would be given a discount of 3/6 in the £1 on all their purchases. Both busi-nesses showed a steady increase in trade, eclipsing all previous records, and substan-tial amounts were carried forward to re-serves. — Much activity exists amongst the pastoralists just now. Shearing is in ope-ration at Sturt Meadows, Tarmoola, and Yandil, while Pinnacles have just finished. Mr. Joseph Ryan, of Melbourne, has pur-chased the stations lately owned by Messrs. Kirkpatrick and Ward (Mount Grey) and Moffitt (Wytree), between here and Wiluna, and will run these two pro-perties as one concern. A number of men are now engaged in fencing and well sink-ing, the intention being to replace cattle by sheep. — A social and dance promoted by Mesdames Tait and Beatty attracted a very large attendance at the Gwalia Hall on August 8. Merredin.— Mr. McKell, of John McKell and Sons, millining engineers, of Port Adelaide, arrived in Merredin on August 7, and made a start with the erection of the new milling plant in the Merredin Flour Mills. The contractor expects to have the mill working within the next three months. — On July 29, Mrs. C. M. Edlington, wife of Mr. A. Edlington, one of the pioneer farmers of the Bruce Rock and Goomerin districts, died at her son's residence in Merredin. — The Quairading golfers visited Merredin on August 4, when a very enjoyable game resulted. The visi-tors were without the services of three of their best players and Merredin won easily by 10½ games to 1½. — Over 60 riflemen at-tended the 8th annual meeting of the Central Districts' Rifle Union. Amongst

those present were the Base Commandant (Brigadier-General Jess), Mr. E. Thomas (representing the M.R.A.), and Mr. J. B. Richards (Supervisor of Rifle Clubs). The balance sheet showed a credit bal-ance of £22. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:— Patron, Mr. T. Duff; vice-patrons, Messrs. J. G. Sache, F. W. Sache, F. E. Atkinson, E. W. Townsend, P.Cusack, D. Barr; president, Mr. H. Plant; vice-presidents, Messrs. D. A. Conpar, H. Robertson, G. H. Herbert; secretary, Mr. F. C. Plant: treasurer, Mr. J. A. Osborn; delegates to N.R.A., Messrs. J. A. Osborn and F. C. Plant. General Jess concluded a very interesting address on defence by stating that the rifle was still one of the most potent weapons in warfare. — Last week's association football matches resulted as follow: — Burracoppin (5.8), beat Warriors (5.6); Railways (18.15) beat Nukarin (7.5). The Townhaving a bye, played a team from Keller-berrin, but the visitors were too good and won by 22 points. Nannup.— As a result of efforts by the president of the R.S.L. (Mr. W. Blythe) the road board put six married men on to urgent road work. The heavy rain of the past two months has washed chan-nels in the roads. Drains to carry off the hillside flow are necessary. — The R.S.L. dinner on August 4 was the best attended function the branch has held. Pride of place at the head table was given to sol-diers' fathers, and Dr. Andrews made a fine speech in proposing their health. He said that these veterans, pioneers of set-tlement, who had won through under the trying times of the early days, were the stock the men who fought for freedom had sprung from. Mr. Dunnit feelingly re-sponded, and Messrs. Roland Blythe, Geo. Higgins, and Scott also spoke. Pithara.— On August 4, the Buntine and Pithara football teams meat at Pithara, and a very even game resulted in a win for the home team by 5 points, the scores being:— Pithara, 5 goals 7 behinds; Buntine 5 goals 2 behinds. Heavy winds greatly in-terfered with the play. — Considerable inter-est is being evinced in the proposed open-ing up of Jurien Bay as a port and the construction of a railway eastward to the Lake Hillman country. Figures from the Government Statistician's Department show that the railway would serve 13,000,000 acres of country, 4,652,189 acres of which are at present held under freehold, conditional purchase and lease. Walgoolan.— The referendum held by the Westonia Road Board on August 4 to as-certain the wishes of the ratepayers of the south and west wards respecting the proposal of the board to raise a loan of £500 for the purpose of purchasing the Walgoolan Hall, resulted as follows.— Yes, 164; No, 40. The board will now pro-ceed to issue the debentures and take over the hall which is considered to be one of the best country halls in the State. Westonia. — A referendum of ratable own-ers in the South and West Wards of the Westonia road district was held on August 4 in connection with the proposed loan of £500 for the purpose of acquiring the Walgoolan Agricultural Hall. The proposal was carried by a large majority. Keen in-terest was taken in the referendum and a record poll for many years was recorded. — Work on the 250,000 gallon tank at Egg Rock about 17 miles north-east of Wes-tonia, which is being constructed for con-servation of water for agricultural purposes has been resumed, but construction work on the 2,000,000 gallon tank at Geelakin Rock has been temporarily suspended. This tank is being constructed for railway water supply purposes. The Westonia Football Club was successful against Rovers in the first semi-final played at Southern Cross. The final scores were 4 goals 9 behinds to 2 goals 5 behinds. Westonia were superior on the day's play.— The Vermin Board's efforts in laying poison for rabbits on re-serves and roads throughout the district have so far been effective. Crops that were affected last year up to date have hardly been touched. Farmers are still poisoning and fumigating. York-- Messrs. Springbett Bros., of South Australia have purchased Tulomony Park from the estate of the late T. Smith. The property is 13 miles from York, and is well improved, Messrs. Elder, Smith and Co., Ltd., will hold a clearing sale on the property on August 23. — In connec-tion with the proposal of the council to borrow money for the erection of a chim-ing clock at the Town Hall a petition from ratepayers asking for a referendum to be taken has been presented, and a poll will be taken on August 29. — Local golfers were defeated by Northam at the latter town on August 5. The championship fixture for ladies of the local club resulted as follows:— Mrs. Stacker, 322; Miss P. Whitfield, 323; Miss Mary Marwick, 333; Miss Hilian Parker and Mr. Roy Pember-ton have qualified in the York Centre to compete in the bridge championship con-ducted by the Silver Chain Nursing League. — Playing at Forrest Oval on Au-gust 5, Medina Rovers defeated Central by 13 goals 9 to 7 goals 14. The re-sult of this game means that the latter team are not included in the final four.— At Beverley the home team beat Avon Wanderers by 10 goals 12 to 7 goals 9. —A well-attended meeting of the local branch of the Primary Producers' As-sociation was held on August 4. The branch of the Primary Producers' As-legal defence fund as outlined by the executive. — The football dance organised by the Greenhills-Doodenanning Club and held on August 3, was a pronounced suc-cess. The committee decided to hold a dance on August 24.