CROMWELL NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 15908, 14 September 1915, Page 6

CROMWELL NOTES

Prospects of an unusually prosperous season for farmers and pastoralists im-' prove as the weeks roll by. Hitherto, dry weather in August was not favorable, but since the beginning of September heavy rain has_ frequently fallen all over the valley, directly benefiting crops, the area of which is reported to be greater than' last season. Many of the runholders have successfully wintered larger flocks of sheep than since the advent of the small settler, hence the wool return should be above the average. Since the opening function early in May, big changes have been worked on the Cromwell Development Party's works at Ripponvale. The whole area of land, from Mr Ritchie's farm on the north to the southern extremity of the land purchased from Mr Fleming, has been fenced, ploughed, and planted with some 26,000 .assorted fruit trees—the, foundation oE what must ultimately develop into a prosperous settlement, as the soil appears to be of excellent quality. Nine men are now engaged on the main race from the proposed termination of the pipe line from the river, and already some seven or eight chains have been trenched. Altogether very satisfactory progress is being made. A worthy gathering took place in the Athenaeum Hall on Thursday evening, when local residents publicly farewelled eight members of the Reinforcements, some at present on final leave. The Mayor (Mr A. M. Brodrick) was chief spokesman, and complimented the young men on the -spirit which prompted them' to answer the call, and hoped their examnle would be an inspiration to others. He extended the great wish of the community that all would return with honor. Each young man received a suitable present. The guests were Chas. Gair, R. Thomas. A. Ree, D. Varcoe, D. Laurence, C. Betts, and J. M'Donald, the other member, J. "Wrightson, being unavoidably absent. In another respect Thursday's function was something in the nature of an eye-opener. Hitherto it has been contended that tho district was entirely, depleted of the class of young men at present sought. But scrutinising the large assemblage at the function under notice one could not help being struck with the large number who htill turn a deaf ear to the call, a fact that was freely commented on.

In all parts of Che district there aie indications of a record fruit, crop, provided very late frosts do not prevail. In this respect, however, the district has hitherto been very fortunate.—Own correspondent, September 13.