GERALDINE.

Otago Witness, Issue 1916, 10 August 1888, Page 17

GERALDINE.

August 6.— Things are decidedly brisk in the auctioneering line here. Messrs H. B. Webster and Ai Macdonald entered into partnership about three months ago as auctioneers, stock salesmen, &c , and since then have done a nourishing busmen. The succeas they have met with so far has induced them to purchase a more convenient site, immediately opposite the sale yards, and they are now having erected thereon a large and commodious auction room, with suitable offices and stores. They have also leased on favourable terms half an acre of land adjoining, which they intend to use for an implement yard and for the erection of further buildings. Mr Webster wielded the hammer for the first time at the last monthly sale of stock, and succeeded as if " to the manner born," disposing of a large quantity of stock at capital prices. The Weather.— This charmingly original subject haa been thepiincipal topic of conversation during the past 10 days. For many weeks prior (o that the weather experienced here was of the balmiest description : one would think, in fact, that we wera enjoying a delightful spring rather than being in midwinter. Warm summer days, with little or no frost at nights, caused the feed to grow plentifully; and the farmers have been highly pleased at the manner in which stock of every description have been getting through the winter. So mild was the season that strawberries of Sin circumference and partly ripe have been exhibited in the township. J ast week, however, we had a complete change. Very heavy rai>iß fell for several days, and on Wednesday evening last about 4in of snow fell in two hours. The rivers all over the district were flooded, and a general upsetting of the fords took nlace, but no serious damage is so far repoited. "The weather is again clear, with frosty nights. Thb Crops. -As a result of the excellent weather notioed above, farmers were able to get on with their work apaoe, and a great deal of wheat was got in while the land was comparatively dry and warm About the same area as last year will be put down in wheat this season ; and the winter wheat is in very many places showing up luxuriantly. Thanks to the favourable season and good supply of feed, all descriptions of stock are looking well, and prices have advanced in consequence. Altogether the local proßpects of the farmers are very favourable. The Athen,«um— l regret to state that the Literary Institute is almost at its last gasp. With a fairly good library, a reading room well stocked with papers, an obliging librarian, and beautifully kept rooms, the institute is almost deserted. The committee have struggled manfully against their diffioulties, have tried by every means In their power to make the rooms popular, have cut down their expenses to the lowe.t, and have appeated to the public for support almost in vain. Situated as it is in the centre of a large and,populous district, the institution should be in a nourishing condition ; but the contrary is the case. The population of the district, young and old. seem to prefer any kind of pursuit or amusement to intellectual improvement ; and what should be a cherished boon is at present almost ignored.