TAIERI FERRY

Otago Witness, Issue 1824, 5 November 1886, Page 16

TAIERI FERRY

November 1. — About a month hence I hope to chronicle that the new bridge across the Taieri river is open for traffic, as the completion of this public work is fast drawing to a close. Henley Dairy Factory. — This building is nearly finished, and will very shortly be out of the contractors' hands. The business of cheesemaking will be in full swing before the end of the current month. Henley being essentially a grazing country, there is little doubt that the factory will prove a financial success both to farmers and shareholders.

Effects of the Late Flood. — Henley has again resumed its normal aspect, with the exception of the case of a few acres here and there which the flood waters have left covered with silt from one to three inches deep. The water, after tbe late flood, has been longer than usual in getting away, chiefly owing to the immense volume of water that has continued to come down from the West Taieri. If a proper scheme of drainage for the whole plain were carried out, the West Taieri floocf waters would be taken straight to the Taieri river ; instead of running as they do now, over everyone's property that is situated lower down on the plan. Salvation Army Meetings.— A large gathering of the adherents and friends of the Salvation Army was held in the Henley woolshed on the evening of the 27th ult. The proceedings were begun by a repast generally designated a teafight, after which the usual formula— if such they can be called— of a Salvation Army meeting were carried out. Some members of the Milton Salvation Army held a meeting in the Waihola schoolroom last Friday evening. Speaking financially, I hear it was not a success— in fact, so small were the proceeds that I should imagine that if they were asked to repeat the visit, the answer to such a request would probably be similar to the answer that, according to"Civis" the R.C.P. fa c to the P.M. when the latter wanted to swap offertories with the former — viz., " No fear, cocky." Agricultural. — Waihola : The crops in this district are begining to show above the ground. I can't say that the braird looks particularly strong or healthy; still warm genial weather, which is much wanted, would doubtless improve their general appearance. Grass is fairly advanced. The blossom on the fruit trees promises plenty of fruit. Henley : Very little seed has been sown. Owing to the lateness of the season for sowing, the area under crop this year will be limited. Grass is backward for this time of year. Otokai : The crops are not looking very favourable, the late flood having injured them considerably. Kuri Bush: The crops are looking very well on some of the ridges in this district. Grass in sheltered spots is very forward and fairly abundant.