AWAMOKO NOTES.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 10528, 9 August 1910, Page 2

AWAMOKO NOTES.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

Farm work around our district has been progressing favorably this last three weeks. Wo have been having beautiful spring weather for the last ten days—a few heavy frosts in the morning, but beautiful days. The Crops —Tho early sown crops arc looking splendid, and farmers are busy getting their land prepared for oats, whilst some are engaged in sowing. Stock —Sheep are looking splendid, although feed has been scarce, but owing to the mild winter they have done remarkably well. Early lambs are to be seen in many fields. Some are about six weeks' old. A good many farmers are losing ewes —in fact, the deathrate seems pretty high so far. Nearly all ewes that die are carrying twins, which is nearly always the case. Dairy cows have kept their condition very well this winter, seeing that the root crops were almost a failure in this district. Molasses and chaff have been the principal foods responsible for the good condition of stock.' The Railway Station—We are to have some improvements to our railway station. The Department have commenced work. The passenger platform is to be rebuilt, a new passenger approach formed from the main road, and other minor improvements. Steward Water Races.—The Steward settlers at this end of the Settlement are beginning to smile over their water races: The first eleven miles of main races, besides some smaller ones, are almost completed, and it is quite proaable that water will be turned on about the beginning of next week. It is understood that the work has been done a- good deal cheaper than if it had been done by the contract system. So we must thank the Public Works Department and its supervisor, Mr Simpson, who seems to take a keen interest in the work, and to do the work as cheaply as possible. There is no doubt that it will be a great boon to the settlers. For the last three years the tenants have found the lack of water and moisture very trying. The School.—Our local School Committee are going to have an Arbor Day this vear again. They have decided to celebrate it on the 26th inst., about a month later than the day set apart by tho Government. It is considered a much better time for planting trees m this locality. Other minor improvements arc in hand on the school grounds. The school boys are busy cleaning the trees that were planted last Arbor Dav, which will greatly as- ' sist their growth. The school garden has all been dug over and is quite ready to receive tho seeds if the weather continues to be favorable. Skating.—At present there seems to be great excitement over the skating, which is under the supervision of Mr lladd. Large crowds assemble every night the rink is open, and an afternoon is given up to the ladies.