MACRAES.

Otago Witness, Issue 1417, 18 January 1879, Page 12

MACRAES.

(FROM A CORRESPONDENT.)

The holidays have been marked by nothing unusual except our sports, held on Boxing and New Year's Days, and which were » great success. A large majority of the inhabitants, both old and young, assembled on the ground to participate in and enjoy juvenile and other sports. The most noticeable events were the married women's race for a chest of tea, and the hors<? race for a saddle and bridle, valued at £10 103, which was won by Mr J. Oockerell's (of Waikouaiti) chestnut colt. It was a well-contested race. Mr Trotter's mare ran well, and came in second. All expressed themselves well satisfied with the sporta on both days. Some time back the crops were looking very bad for want of moisture. These last few weeks we have been favoured with some fine genial showera of rain, which has tended to improve vegetation. The crops are now looking well. I had an inspection on Sunday last of Mr Gifiord's farm, and to my surptise I found that the crops of oats, potatoes, and wheat are looking well. In fact, the wheat is remarkably good, and, af'er the welcome rain to-day, we look forward to a good harvest. I see by the reports of the Waste Lands Board that the Board ha 9 refused our application for 10,000 acres' for settlement, which I consider is very unjust. The Board may depend upon it that the Macraeites will not be baffled, and may expect to hear from us soon again.