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Clutha Leader, Volume XXXV, Issue 2126, 29 January 1909, Page 4

A continuation of the sketch "Wo* repa Ka-visited" appears on page -2. The Clinton Fawners' Union annual picnic is fixed for Wedneaday, Feb 27.

Nurse Fanay Thompson, of Dunedin, has been appointed matron of the new cottage hospital at Eaitangata. Mrs Gibb, mother of the Rev. Dr Gibb, died at Wellington on Sunday, in her 84th year. Mr Robert Neill, who was teacher at Blue Spur for many years, died at Auckland last week from cancer. Mr Neill retired from teaching only a few months ago. Another sly-grog raid at Invercargill. On Wednesday night the police again raided Poll's Carriers' ( Anns and Mrs McAuliffe's ShamrocK Hotel and seized liquor. Heavy snows have fallen on the mountains north and west of Pembroke and Lake "Wanaka. In sympathy with the thaw there is a slight fresh in the Clutha river down here. Clutha County Council and Clutha River Board meet to-day, the latter body at 6 p.m., mier the County Council has appointed its representative. We would remind our readers that Bible Sunday has again come round. The ministers are all to speak on the subject on Sunhny first and the collectors will again call on people for subscriptions on behalf of the Bible Society. The Balclutha Tenuis Club play the Clinton Club at Clinton to-morrow, going by morning express. Clutha : Messrs Malcolm, iison, Stewart, T. and J. Fleming, and J. Guest. Misses D. Hutchins, McDonald, Waymouth, and Clark. The new cottage hospital at Kaitangata is now almost completed, and the tender of Messrs McGruer, Taylor ami Co., Kaitangatn, has been accepted to furnish it. The institution will be officially opened by the Hon. George Fowlds on Wednesday, Feb. ruary 10th.

Mr G. J. Anderson, M.P. for Mataura, was entertained at a social at Gore on Monday. The gathering, which was non-political, was attended by representatives from all parts of the constituency, and Mr Anderson was presented with a purse for Mrs Anderson containing a cheque for £l5O as a token of esteem. The commission of enquiry into the '•Government stroke" allegations at Aldington will be announced in a day or two. The Board of enquiry, says the Hon. J. A. Millar, must not only be judicial but must have a practical knowledge to go thoroughly into the matter and report upon any remedy which may be necessury. The petition of Mr Barclay against the election of Mr G. M. Thomson for North Dunedin has been withdrawn. The legal gentleman engaged in the case made a thorough scrutiny of the roll and the voting, and came to the conclusion that Mr Thomson had a majority, and the result is as stated.

There are some promising crops ot turnips in tne Hillend district this year, especially those in drills. There were some failures from the lly in the broadcasts and they had to be sown a second time. All round, however, the turnip crop will be up to the average in both quality and area.

Rabbits used to be very numerous on the Riverside road to Pukepito, and on various parts of Begg's station, but this year one sees only an odd rabbit where there used to be scores. Systematic work, poisoning, etc., not forgetting bi-sulphide of carbon, and the man who was a phenomenal' shot—and "leg puller'"—have all contributed toward this result. One hears very little of the natural enemy, though there are some about.

The by-law regulating the weight of grain sacks comes into operation on the Ist February. It is desired to make the matter as widely known as possible. The by-law in question reads as follows :-"0n and after the Ist day of February, 1909 the maximum weight of any sack containing wheat, barley or oats carried by the Railway shall be 2001b. Any sack of wheat, barley or oats containing a greater weight than 2."01b shall be charged for at lour times the rate of freight."

The Methodist Church Sunday School held its annual picnic on Wednesday at Miss Dutton's Stirling bush. The children and teachers left in the morning, and in the afternoon several trap-loads of vis'tors followed. The day was delightful, and in the cool shade of the bush the proceedings passed off very pleasantly indeed. With .swings, games and races, the children did not find the time passing slowly, but enjoyed themselves thoroughly. Lunch and tea were served, and after the latter the gatherJiiir broke up with cheers for Miss Button.

The Blackburn Settlement is looking very well this year. The season has been very favourable for the growth of grass, a very important matter where dairying is extensively carried on, and there is plenty of o-rass all over, while the stock are in good condition. The country presents a striking contrast to what it did two years ago when it had a very parched look. The oat crops are also looking well, and as a rule turnips promise well, though as in some other parts there are complaints of failure owing to the fly. The district aud the people have 'a prosperous look and the improvements that have been effected on the fenceless, houseless and roadless sheeprun of three or four years ago is a tribute* to the energy of the settlers not forgetting their wives and families. The crops throughout the Hillend district may be described as very fair but nothing gr?at, not up to the average of a few years ago. The harvest will be about a month later than last year, which means about the second week in March. Some of the oat crops are very badly affected with smut which is attributed to continuance of damp weather about "shooting time." On Messrs Begg Bros. Hillend estate there are some fine crops of oats, wheat and turnips. Oats look well all over, and a good sized area of wheat alongside the Blackburn road promises a \ a fine sample. It is well-grown, well-filled, and a nice clean, even crop that can bo handed at the minimum of cost. Turnips appear good as far as the eye can see, very few blanks and the leaves beginning to cover the ground. Grass was never better on the estate 6t ibis season of the year.