WESTON.

Otago Witness, Issue 1875, 28 October 1887, Page 17

WESTON.

Cctoher 25.— Spring is now approaching its end, and it must be said that for this district it has been a somewhat phenomenal one. The first two months were unusually wet, reminding us forcibly of more southern climes, and as the great drawback to farming here is the general dryness of the spring season farmers congratulated themselves considerably upon this departure from the ordinary routine. Up to last week, indeed, the weather was very favourable for growth of pasture, but Monday last inaugurated a spell of uorth-west wind, which blew continuously from Wednesday morning till Sunday night, completely obliterating all trace of moisture and retarding the growth of the grass very much iu<?Bed. The effect of this will be that the pasture, although a great deal better than that we have had in previous yearß, will not come to what it proicised in the early part of the season. On the other hand the effect of so mucu rain on the land ploughed for potatoes, of which there is a great deal in the district, has been the reverse of beneficial. Those who had ploughed a second time find that all they have done has been undone, as the land in most casea will be so caked by the rain that it will require a second ploughing. In spite of the ! ruinously low prices ruling tor ptoatoes, I believe | that there will be a large area under that crop this year. No failures seem to dishearten our intrepid potato croppers. Dairy Factory.— Owing to the improvement in pasture and the low price of butter, the dairy factory has started this year with an unusually good supply of milk, and it is probable that the incoming season will be the most profitable the factory has ever had. I hear that the company has again received an offer from an Australian firm to take the whole of their season's cheese, but I cannot say whether they have come to any agreement.

Amusements.— A magic lantern entertainment was given here lately by the Hey. Mr Lindsay at the schoolhouse, in aid ot the Sunday school. The day, unfortunately, had been wet and the night looked doubtful, so that attendance and proceeds were proportionately Email.