DIPTON.

Mataura Ensign, Volume 17, Issue 17, 26 April 1895, Page 6

DIPTON.

There is nothing very startling to ! chronicle here. We are plodding along through the bad times and bad weather, and would be pleased enough to see the end of both. The one, I suppose, as per usual, will change in due season for the better ; when the other will terminato or even improve is hard to say — on the return of our Colonial Treasurer, let ua hope. I don't suppose we have ever experienced a worst time for the agriculturist. Lower prices than ever known before for all kinds of produce, and with a still downward tendency, aud higher taxation, witk an upward tendency. Not much of a prospect for poor cocky, and yet what is he to do ? Hold meetings, talk politics, blame the Government and — grin and bear it. Such is the usual course of the farmer. Other trades and professions usually combine in each district and affiliate, making one strong combination that can bring pressure to bear, and make themselves felt, and usually get what they want. Of course, every little district has its Farmers' Club dragging out a miserable existence, with one or two capable members who have the farmers' interests at heart, and who are able enough and willing to work, and all the rest so to speak only drones as far as the work of the Club is concerned, many of them not even taking interest enough in its affairs to become members, and so give it their support. But many that actually do become members are so indifferent as to ne,'leoc attendhg its meetings. The result can be nothing else but failure. We once had a Club here, which went through this course. Things, however, are getting so bad that the farmers are beginning to waken up a bit, and a movement is on foot at present to resurrect the Club, and try if possible to make it a reel live affair. This is what those interested say, and this i 9 how they do it: A meeting was called a month or so ago, which did nothing (not being a fully representative one) but fix the date of a tutu re meeting giving plenty of time so that there might be a big meeting. This was to have been in the East Dipton Hall on the evening of the 22rd inst. Unlucky farmer ! It was a little wet and rough that night, and though I »nd others turned out and hung round the hell for near an hour after the advertised time, the place was all in darkness, and never opened that night. Perhaps they will make another attempt, and the old saying is that the third time is lucky. Let us hope so, in this case. Threshing is going on apace. We have two )ocal mills in this district now, and a week hence should see the end of it. y-'elds are lighter than usual, and have been reduced considerably by the late high winds and rain, which damaged a number of stacks. The local Anglican Church Committee got up a tea and fancy fair on the 18fch inst., and, considering the short notice that people had to prepare for the thing, it proved a pronounced success. Every one that had to do with it worked well, and the district replied right loyally. The net proceeds tot up to over L 22. The secretary desires me to thank all and sundry for their liberal support.