OTAUTAU.

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

OTAUTAU.

December 17.— During the last few days the weather has been rather boisterous, with heavy showers, which have, however, been very beneficial to the growing crops and grass ; but as the barometer is now rising we may look for a take-up in the near future.

Agricultural and Pastoral.— Sheap-shearing is still going on (weather permitting), but the quantity of bales which for some time past have been steadily flowing into the goods shed show that the click of the shears will soon be silenced for the season. There is a general complaint that the wool is light owing to the excessu»jhot, dry weather* but as the winter was milcl^and feed abundant the quality will be above the average. Turnip sowing is going on apace, chiefly with the drill machine, and it is to be hoped that this crop may be a good one, so that there shall be plenty of fat mutton to keep our great salvator, the Southland Frozen Meat Company, steadily going. Ecclesiastical.— The Presbyterians have been busy electing by ballot elders of the kirk in the different preaching centres in this parish. The Wesleyans last Wednesday held a bazaar, soiree, and concert in aid of their New Guinea Mission.

Piscatorial.— The Aparima river, to the immense satisfaction of anglerß, is about to be opened for (ishing. Good sport is expected, as large salmon trouthave been seen in, and not improbably out of this stream too. Result of Honours. I—The1 — The new J.P.s may all be easily distinguished from the ordinary ~run of men by an inexplicable soiuething about their beai ing, which will undoubtedly again disappear when the novelty of their important elevation wears off.

A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all who may happen to peruse this note from one of "your own."