WAIKAWA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2026, 22 December 1892, Page 29

WAIKAWA.

December 16.— Thirty-two unemployed are encaged on the Fortrose- Waikawa, and 40 on the Catling- Waikawa roads, and are doing excellent work. Mr Thomas Powell, a gentleman of long experience in road-making, is in charge, and the manner in which the work is- being done is giving universal satisfaction. He also speaks highly of the industry and sobriety of the men. Ever since the commencement of operations the weather has been very good, and this has materially aided the progress of the work. Some assevervate that it is the duty of the Government to provide work for those in quest of it ; others that it is beyond their province. Be this as it may, I would rather see strong men actually engaged in improving the country than idling their time at street cofners in towns. From those actively engaged the country at large cannot fail to reap some benefit ; from the idlers none.

' Agricultural.— The harvest in this district promises well. Wet weather generally prevailing militates against agricultural pursuits, but the present summer has been exceptionally dry, and the struggling farmers are sanguine of good crops. Pasture is abundant, the lambing has reached a ' high percentage, the ewes have milk to overflowing, and a strong, vigorous progeny will be the result.

Accident.— A painful accident befel a little girl (daughter of a settler) last week. She was climbing a tree when she missed her hold, and in descending was caught on the sharp point of a projecting limb, which penetrated the groin and made a terrible gash, exposing the bowels. A handy settler living close by stitched the wound, keptjdown inflammation by the application of cold water bandages, and has been rewarded for his kindly action by seeing the little sufferer past all danger and in a fair way to a speedy recovery.