CLYDEVALE LETTER.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXXIX, Issue 51, 7 February 1913, Page 5

CLYDEVALE LETTER.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) WEATHER AND CROPS. Luckily for the visiting M's.l'. and also for those who take an interest in the sports and picnic we have had some very fine days, though occasionally the wind has been very boisterous. Consequently many crops are ripening fast, and every effort is being made to get them cut at anyrate, before they are shaken. None of the grain crops will come up to the standard of last year, but the succession of showers a short time back have helped them on wonderfully. VISIT OF NORTHERN M's.P. On Tuesday several of those who had motor cars and who were interested in politics took advantage of the opportunity afforded by the presence of the touring members of Parliament in the district to drive down to Balclutha and come up with the visitors through Greenfield and Tuapeka Mouth. They then crossed on the punt at the latter place, and so to Clydevale Hall, where Mrs Mitchell and her able assistants had a very appetising luncheon spread. After a short speech from both- Mr Mander and Mr Okey, the former giving those present some idea of his opinion regarding the district, and the latter •

word of advice to the members of the Farmers' Union, whom, ho said, in a great many cases did not roaliso thej" amount of assistance and benefit to be. obtained by being not only on the roll, but live members as well of this organisation, the party continued on their journey.

No doubt the visitors felt a bit travel-weary, so could not be expected to be looking their best, but they seemed at anyrate to have a very good opinion of the district, and we hope they will be ready with their assistance and advice when our railway is put on the Estimates. SPORTS. Following on the visit of our northern members we had another fiue day for the sports, and though perhaps the programme was rather long, most of the competitors and the spectators seemed satisfied with the day's outing. All the races were contested hotly, and the haudicappers especially are to be praised for their even placing, and the majority of the races saw close finishes. The committee must thank those who so kindly helped in the way of prizes: The Import Company, Thomson and Co., Mrs Smith, Mr W. Knox, Mr P. Mason, Mrs Mitchell, Mr Millar and others. A dance was held in the hall and was kept up till about two o'clock. About 40 couples were present and had an enjoyable time, visitors being present from long distances.