MACRAES FLAT.

Otago Witness, Issue 1793, 3 April 1886, Page 12

MACRAES FLAT.

March 29. — The weather during the past fortnight has been very unsettled. Thick fogs, sometimes accompanied b,y drizzling rain, have retarded harvest operations, altnough some of the farmers have got their crops all in the stack. Mr J. Benzie's new mill and engine has commenced threshing, and I believe is giving satisfaction. Oats are turning out better than was expected at one time, and although the bulk will not be one-third of that of former years, the yield is expected to average from 20 to 30 bushels per acre. Turnips will be an average crop; a field of Swedes near the township belonging to Mr P. Phelan, and sown in drills, is above the average, and will well repay him for his extra labour. Were it not for the stooks the fields would at present have more the appearance of spring than autumn.

Ecclesiastical.— The Rev. Bruce Todd, who has been appointed preacher for tho current quarter for this and the surrounding districts by the Presbytery of Oaniaru, has hold two services here, both of which have been warmly appreciated, and steps are being taken to secure his services for a longer period.

Mining. — Some time ngo the County Council asked the Minister of Mines to send a geologist to examine and report on the reefs in Macraes riding, and as a consequence we received a. visit from Mr M'Kay last week. I hear he has expressed himself as on the whole favourably impressed with what he has seen. One of the reefs, he thinks, will prove a well-defined main reef, and he also thinks the specimens he has taken with him should average from two to three ounces per ton . Pending his official report I can of course give no definite information. Steps are being taken to form a prospecting association, and the County Council will be asked to subsidise the amount subscribed.