WAIRAKA VALLEY.

Otago Witness, Issue 1892, 15 May 1890, Page 18

WAIRAKA VALLEY.

May 13.— The weather has been mild and showery lately, and the turnips and pasture have improved in colour. Fewer drays are now to be seen wending their way to the siding, and in a short time the regular work of the farm will be resumed. Influenza.— This disease is gradually taking hold of the residents of the district.

Obituaby.— An aooident, which had a fatal termination two days afterwards, happened to Mr James; Johnston, a farmer living in this district. On the morning of the 6th inst. deceased was driving a dray containing a load of oats from his own farm to his father's, and while the dray was coming down an inoline Mr Johnston proceeded to draw on the brake, but it. as 1b supposed, accidently missed, and the shatter stumbled and fell, causing the leaders to make a sudden and vigorous pull. The reins, though apparently strong, unfortunately broke at the hame rings, and the near corner of the dray struck Mr Johnston on the side, breaking the arm in two places above the elbow, and two or three of his ribs as well. One of these penetrated the lungs and aggravated the suffering. Dr Warren was sent for and, arriving with all possible spaed, did what he could for the sufferer ; but inflammation set in, and death speedily supervened. The funeral took place on Saturday, when between 100 and 150 mourners followed the remains of the deceased, who was very highly esteemed, to the grave. The Key; P. Samsay read the burial service and spoke feelingly of the loss the deceased was to him both as a friend and a faithful worker in church matters. Mr Johnston was for a few years a member of the Presbyterian Ohurch Session here and a teacher in the Sunday school as well. On Sunday feeling reference was made to him in the ohurch, and I may add that the district has lost a good neighbour and a Christian gentleman. Mr Johnston was 38 years of age, and was unmarried.