BALCLUTHA.

Otago Witness, Issue 1834, 14 January 1887, Page 17

BALCLUTHA.

January 11. — We have got over the holidays and holiday dissipation, and are settling down to everyday life once more. On New Year* Day very few of the inhabitants seemed to be left in the township. Every available horse or bug|*y was secured for riding or driving to Wiltshire Bay, where games were held and picnicking enjoyed to their full extent. Wiltshire Bay is one of the loveliest spots for a picnic imaginable, and a trip to the Nuggets is exhilarating. What with the beauty of the scenery, landscape, and seascape, now that the train rnns to Romahapa, every advantage should be taken of the 6ummer weather for visiting these localities. ' Nothing tends so much to strengthen the body or rest the brain as a trip to the sea shore, and if possible a short repose in a cottoge by the sea.

Agricultural matters here are in their usual state of quietude. Our township is very healthy at all times, and no ono seems to have any special cause for complaint. Notwithstanding the excessive heat, root and grain crops are both looking well ; still the turnips and grass would be all the better for a good shower of rain. We have bad one or two light showers, but not sufficient to have any effect. However, I do not think we shall havt* long to wait for a good downpour of rain, which is much needed to replenish empty tanks as well as the crops.