NORTH HILLEND.

Clutha Leader, Volume V, Issue 218, 13 September 1878, Page 6

NORTH HILLEND.

[fbom our own correspondent.] It is a saying of the wise man that " there is nothing new tinder the sun," but in this -wonderful age, abounding with new discoveries and inventions, such as phonographs, telephones, etc. , some of us may be inclined to dispute the veracity of the saying without disparaging in the j least the authority of the volume of injspiration. At all events wo way safely say that the weather we have had now for the last three months is something new in the history of this grand Colony, the climate of which is reckoned by many (who don't know it !) to be one of the finest under heaven ! We cannot speak from personal knowledge of the northern parts of the Island, but in this part, the climate is certainly " variable as the shade," and we are inclined to back " Auld Scotland yet/ at least as regards steadiness. The changes from heat to cold and fine to stormy weather are very rapid, which makes it very trying for consumptive or asthmatic people. Indeed if any afflicted with such diseases intend coming from the old Country to settle here for the benefit of their health, they had better bring their coffins with them to save expense ! ! I observe you have had several reports from country districts recentlp, as to the hackneyed subject of the weather, but as there has not been (as far as I am aware) any communication from this district, pewnit me, through the medium of yoiir columns, to state a few particulars which may not be altogether uninteresting though the subject is getting somewhat stale. Having kept a record of the weather at the different dates named, I can speak with certainty upon the point. In the beginning of June we had a continuous shower-bath for eight days, and scarcely had we time to recover from the drenching when a severe snow-storm, lasting for fully a week, followed, which was certainly to use an old proverb " out of the fryingpan into the fire." A second snow-storm more severe than the first, set in on the 30th of July, continuing to rage with brief intervals for ten days. We cannot say, owing to its drifting so much, how many inches the fall would be, but the wreaths in many of the gullies ranged from ten to fifteen feet, and we had the pleasure of visiting our friends without being put to the bother of opening the gates, as we could walk upon a ridge of snow right over six-barred ones without difficulty ! This is something certainly new in this district. We had very stormy weather again — made up of howling winds, rain, and sleet — on the 21st of last month, lasting for two or three days, and with the exception of bright g] earns of sunshine now and again (as if to keep the star of hope shining in the darkness) August closed with another snowstorm, and amid the roar of the howling elements. Snch is & short epitome of the weather, and 1 think the picture looks black enough. Indeed, it is difficult to find an adjective that can fully describe its quality, so I shall leave you to select one of the worst you can think of. I have a good deal to say about our agricultural prospects, the disgraceful state of one or two of our main roads, and other matters, but shall reserve my say till next week, as I fear I have already trespassed too much on your space — a great part of which will be reserved for the great topic of conversation at the Ferry, viz. , the opening of the grand new Presbyterian Kirk, which, apart from the sacred purpose for which it is erected, is an ornament to the township of which all its citizens may justly be proud.