OUR OWN CORRESPONDENTS

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume 37, Issue 9613, 6 December 1907, Page 2

OUR OWN CORRESPONDENTS

HYDE. The chief item of interest in every farming community is, of course, the weather, and for some time past it has been all that could be desired—sufficient rain, absence of Inch winds and enough warm weather.} For the past month the growth has been very rapid, and the recovery of artificial pastures from the ravages of last year's drought has been wonderful. It will however take more than a season to undo th. harm done, as many of the more delieat. grasses seem to have been killed, and th. clovers are only growing iu more favoured places and the growth is by no means vigor ous The cereal crops are making splendid growth, and the dark green colour of the paddocks is pleasing alike to the material eye of the farmer aud to the artistic eye which finds its pleasures in the delica'tc Mending of colours that Nature clothes the fields in

Farm work is well in hand Indeed, many have finished with farm work, and the teams are turned out for a welcome rest, and with the others turnip sowing is the chief work A much larger area thau usual has been put in this crop and many splendid brairds are to be seen, mostly in raised drills Shearing is starting this week ou several far;ns and will be pretty general next week. The drop in prices has come ut an inopportune time, and with the prospect of a lighter clip this year the shrinkage in the returns will be considerable. Considerable activity is noticeable in mining iu the outlying part of this district around Mt, Higblay and the Mart-burn basin Quite a number of applications were before the Warden last court day, and others a. e being lodged for hearing this month. Messrs Donaldson Bros, have purchased the claim and battery of Messrs Mathieson and Gil mour. This makes the second mine they t have in the Mareburn basin, aud their - development is being pushed on on the most 7up to date lines. It is to be hoped that a i large and prosperous field may be opened up

ST. BATHANS. Brass Baud Concert, Ou Friday, 22nd, the Ballart Hall was fairly well filhd, the occasion beiuj? the concert in aid of the funds ot the local Brass Baud, of which Mr E. Morgan is the con ductor. The first part of the programme consisted of a selection by the band, followed by vocal and instrumental music. The second part was devoted to a farce (Orauge Blossoms) in which several of our local amateurs acquitted themselves very creditably They one and all showed considerable ability in dialogue, and the audi ence showed its appreciation by frequent, applause x'he takings at the concert and dance amounted to over £l2 Mr Walter Wilson occupied the chair. December 2nd, 1907