Notes from Otepopo.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XX, Issue 6140, 4 January 1895, Page 4

Notes from Otepopo.

By Cosmopolitan. THE CHOPS. This district has had its full measure served out in regard to the drought. The crops, especially the late-sown ones, were beginning to look as ii the services of the reaper and binder would not be required ; but heavy rain on Monday night and since may be the means of gladdening the hearts of the farmers, and altering the aspect of things generally. The turnip crops and grass will certainly be much benefited, while the crops which before the rain looked very miserable have now a much better appearance. THE DAIKY INDUSTRY. The great creamery of which so much has been said, and which was to have given the district a fresh impetus, is still; much the same as it ,was a couple of months ago, and the unfortunate shareholders are much exercised in the minds as to whether they will be compelled to pay the balance of their share money. Theie is some talk of this business being taken up by Mr Duncan, but whether it will go ahead or not seems to remain a mystery. However, some of the shareholders, nothing daunted, are taking milk to the creamery at Reidston, If it will pay to take milk seven or eight miles to a factory, it must surely leave a substantial margin to suppliers, when the creamery is started here. CHUECH MATTERS. It has been rumored for some time that Mr Wright, who has been pastor of this church for some years, - is about to seek fresh fields. "WTiile it is to be regretted that this district is about to lose his services, it is a matter for congratu-> lation that Ministers are not so scarce a commodity as formerly, and no doubt t T n e vacant pastorship will be speedily filled. The church finances have been noiVj too flourishing of late, and it will how l\ e seen whether the management will offering a smaller salary to Mr Wright's successor. It seems to me to Ive a matter for surprise how they can pay one official such a high salary, and servife out such a miserable stipend tothe choirmaster,-who has taken, great pains lo bringj the. Otepopo choir to its present degree of competence, and who has by his .services, done much to advance and improve the praise in the church.' The annual picnic was ;held this year at Allday Bay, and was attended by an unusually principle of txSnsport;. Old arid.

young seemingly enjoy this outing, and, although the day was rather hotj and 'the place aelected far from shelter* .everyone looked happy. Mrr Wright addressed the children in a few well-chosen remarks, • and after the prizes were distributed (of which-there, was a . large number) the large crov d wended their way homewards, all sunburnt and happy, and none the worse for their day's outing.