LOVELL'S FLAT

Otago Witness, Issue 1824, 5 November 1886, Page 17

LOV ELL'S FLAT

November 2. — The weather on the Flat during the past fortnight has been simply glorious. The roads are dry and dusty, and the fields have assumed a thorougly vernal aspect. Sowing is all over, and the old-fashioned log-roller and the famous Cambridge " crusher " are busily at work. The advantage of putting sheep on the young braird is. being more generally recognised, and in many places fields are covered with " wool " for a few days, after which a much thicker and stronger crop appears. Frost and Fruit.— On Friday we had a frost — a killing frost, and much of the fruit was nipped in the bud. The potatoes also suffered, the early stalks assuming a withered appearance. Strawberries are in full bloom, and our local adtivaleur de la jraise will shortly place that luscious fruit in the market ; and lam certain they will excel those of Orepukian renown. School Examination. — The school has been examined by Inspectors Petrie and Taylor, and the result is highly satisfactory to all concerned. Out of 76 scholars, only six failed. In class subjects, 69 per cent, was gained ; and m singing, drill, sewing, science, and recitation, 89 marks out of 100 were gained. Four classes gained 100 per cent., and two classes 86 and 83 per cent. The report of the infant department reflects credit on the assistant teacher, Miss Irwin. The local committee take a great interest in 'scholastic matters, and do much in keeping up the reputation of the school by securing regular attendance. The master's new residence of six rooms is in course of erection, and the contractor, Mr Hay, of Milton, expects to finish by Christmas. Angling. — Mr W. Fraser had a good " haul " last week. He succeeded in landing 14 fish, weighing in all about 181b. Our creek is best for fishing about the New Year, so we do not expect to land many big fish till then. Many young anglers are now attempting to throw the line ; but the demand for fishing tackle is not very brisk, owing to the many ingenious contrivances of youth. The latest " improvement " in tackle came under my notice the other day, when I saw a young six-year-old with a bent pin, baited with corned beef and tied to a flax stem, trying to lure his finny opponent. The youngster did not, it is needless to remark, succeed in dealing death to any of the wily trout. Scientific. — Mr Reid, rector of the Milton High School, paid us a visit, and at the invitation of the farmers delivered an instructive and interesting lecture 'on agricultural chemistry to an appreciative audience. He dealt chiefly with the food of plants, and explained the scientific importance of rotation of crops and the benefits arising from a judicious selection of manures. The lecture was "spiced" with most pleasing experiments ; and Mr Reid, who was assisted by Mr Strack, was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for his Ivaluable lecture.— [See note at head of page.— -Ed.]