LOVELL'S FLAT.

Otago Witness, Issue 1862, 29 July 1887, Page 17

LOVELL'S FLAT.

July 26.— Up to date the winter has been the mildest known in this district for many years past. We have had one light fall of snow and a few sharp frosts, but there has been, a marked absence of continual rainy days and consequent occasional flooded creeks. It is this fine weather that accounts for the |arge area of land turned over, for the greater part is already ploughed ; whilst small patches of winter wheat present a healthy B\yard, showing that King Frost has not exerted his nipping sway. The Fields. — The grass is iosiDg its verdant elasticity and the demnnd for turnips is great; but owing to the generally abundant crop farmers have still a good supply, and this, with daily feeds of straw chaff, keeps the cattle in very good condition — indeed I have rarely seen cattle and sheep in better condition during July. Early Lambs. — In this district July lambs are a rarity, but some dozen or so have already appeared on Mr Cameron's estate, and are thriving well with this fine weather. Being so far from the city, it is doubtful whether it is advisable to rear lambs for tbe early market, more especially when the farmers around Palmerston and Uamaru have such a climatic advantage. Amuskmests.— The school concert passed off with great eclat. The chief attraction was the selections on the piano by Mr Strack's pupils. The children's prize fund was handsomely augmented. The Blue Uibbon aud Gospel Temperance Society are holding monthly meetings. These are well attended by the young people, an>t afford means for spending an instructive and interesting evening. At their last a capital dialogue, " The Australian Banker," was the main feature.

Political.— The quid folk have not yet entered into a state of frenzy or political excitement. Politics is a suitable topic for rainy days, but so long as the plough can cut the glebe tanners fitick to ihe lield, knowing lull well which will better ghe content— the plough or politics. An impression o tains that the candidate for general favour iB yet to he announced, although such names as Mr Darling, of Kaitangata, Mr Landles, of Lakeside, aud Mr James Adams, of imm'gratiou fame, have been mention' d Still none of these deserving and respected gentlemen has shown any signs. There are two contestants in the field— Messrs Keid and Anderson,— the former of which is generally regarded as having the best show, more ospeciallv as tha southern part of the electorate— North Bal-clutha-has been cut off from Bruce.