UPPER TAIERI.

Otago Witness, Issue 1765, 19 September 1885, Page 13

UPPER TAIERI.

September 14.— The Acclimatisation Society have for years been heavily handicapped in their endeavours to stock the splendid rivers and streams in the Colony with trout. The shags have of late been very destructive in their depredations here. At Linburn Creek a few days ago a shag was shot, and a trout found in its stomach of 2oz weight. It is not to be wondered at that the fish are not increasing in the rivers, when these voracious birds prey upon them in such a wholesale manner. The society, I notice, are giving at the rate of Is per head for their destruction. The generally expressed opinion is that this sum is not enough, consequently these birds are allowed to increase year after year in sufficient numbers to destroy the young trout. , When these birds can destroy fish of the weight of 21b, it is manifest that the smaller fry will stand a poor chance to escape them. Two shillings per head is little enough to pay for the' destruction of these "troutfishers."

Pastoral. — Notwithstanding the depression in the wool market at Home at the present time, it is some satisfaction to those engaged in pastoral pursuits that in consequence of the favourable past winter, the losses in stock this season should be very trifling indeed. The pastoral outlook at the present time is much brighter than it usually is at this period of the year. The flocks have not had to pass weeks among heavy snowdrifts this year. Notwithstanding the advanced period of the season, many residents here shake their heads ominously and predict heavy weather in October ensuing. It remains to be seen, however, whether these predictions will be fulfilled when that period arrives.

Mining. — I understand that operations will be shortly resumed at Messrs Turnbull and Co.'s reefing claim at the Serpentine. It would have been a pity to have allowed such a favourable season as the current one to pass over without something being done in respect to the development of this mine. The shareholders have already expended a considerable sum in working it, and one of the finest crushing plants, combined with every requisite appliance for carrying on operations in that quarter, is erected in close proximity to the scene of action. TkE Bunny Pest. — Great execution has been done among the rodents by the rabbiters during the winter months. A number of ferrets, cats, &c, have been found dead by the rabbiters through having eaten' poisoned rabbits. Poisoned grain is now being laid on the summer-grazing runs in this district.