ROXBURGH NOTES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18348, 12 September 1921, Page 9

ROXBURGH NOTES

(From Oxjb Own Correspondent.) ROXBURGH, September 10.

The -whole district has been experiencing perfect spring weather. Now and again there is a slight touch of frost in the mornings, but the days have been beautiffully clear and sunny. Early spring flowers are much in evidence, the , willows are bursting into loaf, and the apricot and cherry plum blossoms, local heralds of spring, present a sight gorgeous to behold. To ascend any of the hills surrounding the town gives one an uninterrupted view of the district from one end to the other, and it is truly a fascinating sight to view the effect of the different varieties of trees in the orchards. , Apricots being the predominant fruit, its blossoms are to be observed in even, well-trimmed expanses on both sides of the valley, and in some cases well up on the terraces. Cherry plums, old-time trees, stand out her i and there in every orchard, but especially in the older ones, and are readily distinguishable by their snow-white bloom, while through the whole the peach, just bursting into bloom, odds a delicate pink shade, giving a most beautiful effect to the whole scene. An appropriate setting to this is found in the green tinge of the hills and farms, now showing evidence of new life. Given another month of the present weather, thus obviating all danger of late frosts, there is going to be a very heavy yield of fruit in this district. Especiallv does this apply to apricots, a fruit which revels in the climate and soil here, and one has but to stand and gaze at the areas of bloom in every orchard to realise the great wealth it represents in Teviot. The West Coast and the North Island are markets in which , Otago , apricots are much sought, and, arriving in firm condition, they bring high prices. Unfortunately the consignments to the north are regulated by the capacity of the ferry steamers to Wellington, which often cannot accept all that arrives on the, wharf, but proper organisation of supplies to each market would probably overcome • this difficulty. Other fruits are promising well, and unless there is some organisation among the transport lorries, and I understand nothing has been done yet, many of the growers are going to be in trouble. Construction work on the railway extension from Beaumont seems to be progressing in earnest, , over 100 men being employed. This is very satisfactory when it is realised that many pub.ic works are at a standstill owing to the financial stringency. It is sincerely hoped that the present progress will at least be maintained for the need of railway communication for this district was never greater, and each year the position is becoming acute. Winter sports, in which there has been unusual activity during the past few months are now approaching the end of their season. The football season closed last week with a very successful tournament, in which the banner holders. Coal Creek, also secured premiership medals. Hockey ha« been represented by four clubs, and golf has been brought more into public, prominence by the presence of many visitors from other clubs, who, attracted by the glowing reports of the local links, have honoured them with a visit., , Judging from the very flattering description given by outside players, the local club is fortunate in possessing such a splendid course, described by one, enthusiast as second to none in the dominion; indeed, the district itself should experience a feeling of pride in the possession of such an asset, as its public reserve. Were such a fact realised and some little public attention bestowed on them to make them more attractive to visitors the result would make for the popularity of our district as a tourist resort. The Golf Club has made, some substantial improvements to the links and in this has had the advice of a Dunedin enthusiast. Before the opening of next season ■ the course will be further improved, and visitors coming up for a quiet game among themselves will have no difficulty in finding their way round.