LIVINGSTONE NOTES.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 10646, 21 December 1910, Page 4

LIVINGSTONE NOTES.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

Sinco the splendid rain which fell 1 some ten days ago crops of all descriptions have made a wonderful recovery, and in most cases give promise of- a fair yield. Oats, in particular, are looking verv well, though I notice one or two paddocks badly affected witli smut. Potatoes are doing most promisingly, and if conditions -continue favorably should turn out well. Turnips are rather backward, the weeds having got a strong hold before the seed came "through. In some cases the ground will have to be worked up and crops resown, and soft turnips substituted for swedes. The sale of work and social promotcil by Mrs M'Quade, assisted by several friends, took place in the hail on Saturday afternoon and evening, the proceeds of which are to be handed over to the funds of the Oamaru Hospital. The earlier part of the proceedings, which took the form of afternoon, tea, for the children, was opened by Mr 11. Lory iy a. short speech appropriate to tho occasion. In the evening the half presented a most picturesque appearance, decorated as it was with a Christmas tree liling with tops and'-illumi-nated "with wax tapers and Chinese lanterns, and with a stall ladcm.witli useful and fancy articles. There was a good attendance of the public. During the evening the proceedings . were enlivened by songs, recitations, etc., among which several items bv a.number of school children were much appreciated, and Mrs Alexander, their teacher, is to be congratulated on a very creditable performance. Considerable interest was shown in the .weight-' guessing competition, -the sheep, presented by Mr W. Simpson, being a very fine specimen of the Shropshire variety. The entries numbered 43, and the guesses varied from 991b up, the actual weight being 1271b. The hospital funds will benefit to the extent of some -£l4, and Mrs M'Quade and those who so ably assisted are to be congratulated on the success achieved.