SOUTH OTAGO NOTES

Evening Star, Issue 24103, 26 January 1942, Page 2

SOUTH OTAGO NOTES

[Fkom Ora Coreesi'oxdext.] BOWLING. Owing, to the restrictions on petrol, interclub fixtures in South Otago aro out of the question, and clubs are devoting themselves to local competitions. On Saturday afternoon the Balclutha Club played progressive doubles, E. Sirett winning the skips’ section and P. Burns and R. Mcßride tying in the leads. In an exciting play-off the former won. At Stirling T. Duncan was the successful skip and A. Anderson won the leads. The South Otago pairs were to have been held next Saturday, but again, owing to petrol restrictions, fresh arrangements have to be made. A suggestion has been made that each club find a champion pair, and

that the finalists play off the following Saturday on a central green. This idea is meeting with favour in some clubs, but as all replies are not yet to hand, a final decision in the matter has not been come to.

WEATHER AND CROPS. The past week has been more in keeping With summer, and very little rain has fallen. Hay-making has been general, and some fine crops have been gathered in. It is ' very noticeable in this district that there is a much larger area devoted to. hay than usual, while the area in oats and wheat appears much less, the reason being the shortage of farm labour. One farmer said it has been impossible to get men, and if similar conditions prevail next year there will bo still less put into crop. Some particularly good crops of clover are to be seen in the Toko, and Inch Clutba districts. Turnip thinning is now in full swing, and there are largo areas in this root crop. The exceptionally wet season lias, however, had its effect on turnip crops, and in' some cases the farmers havo destroyed these owing to the prevalence of club root, which is much in evidence. One man is resowing in chou mother, while another is converting his turnip paddocks into pasture. Crops not affected appear

to be good. There is plenty of feed about, and lambs are doing well. The freezing works are kept busy, although not working at full capacity, as is usual between the “ milk ” and “ feed ” lamb period. Household gardens are looking well, and there are plenty of vegetables about. LINEN FLAX. Linen flax pulling was commenced on one or two farms in the Clydevalo district last week, the work being done by machinery. On one farm, however, the crop is so heavy that it has fallen over, and will havo to bo pulled by baud—quite a big job. There are some exceptionally good crops in the Clydevalo district, standing fully 4ft 6in high, and good returns arc expected. The Agricultural Department is doing the harvesting of tbo crops this season. PERSONAL. Miss Whiting, who is leaving Balclutha after many years’ residence, was last week entertained by members of the Anglican Church and Guild at a farewell afternoon and presented with a handbag. Miss Whiting is a descendant of a very old Balclutha family, her mother being a daughter of the late Mr and Mrs John Barr. Her parents were the first couple to bo married in St. Mark’s Church, Balclutha. Miss Isabel Smart was, prior to her marriage, entertained at a dinner parly by her employer, Mrs R. McCormack. Those present had been associated wirli Miss Smatt during her term with the hostess. During the evening Mrs McCormack presented the guest with an embroidered cushion as a wedding gift and token of appreciation. A happy gathering look place at “ Langwelt,” Toiro, last week, when relatives and friends assembled on the occasion of the golden wedding celebration of Mr and Mrs William Ross. The Rev. W. Brettell presided. and several speakers referred to the kindliness of Mr and Mrs Ross and family during their long residence in the district. Many congratulatory messages were received, amt the boH wishes were bestowed nn Ibo-couple for their future welfare-ami happiness.