EDENDALE.

Otago Witness, Issue 1899, 26 June 1890, Page 18

EDENDALE.

JtrNß 23.— For come weeks past this district has been visited by rather an overdose of moisture, bufc the weather has now undergone a change, and we are experiencing severe frosts— so severe, that if ft should continue a couple of nights longer the popular pastime of skating on the ice may safely be indulged in. A good Btart has been made with tho plough, it having been In operation on some farms for upwards of a month. The present froßt, though stopping operations in the meantime, will have a beneficial effeot on land turned over. The Dairy Factory.— Chease-makiag has been stopped for the season. The present supply of milk is only about lOOgal daily, so that with butter at a fair price the company find it more profitable to pub the milk all through the separator. Most of the settlers hare " dried off " their cows, except enough to supply the household. A few, however, are still milking a number once a day and sending a drop to the factory. Liming Land. — A letter from Mr Brydone appeared in a recent issue of the Witness giving a detailed account of a crop of turnips grown on Edendale estate after liberal liming. I think the IM'Hdale manager is drawing rather a bright picture when he values the turnips at £5 per acre ; but any one passing the place and seeing the immense Hock of sheep carried cannot deny that the crop in question is really a magnificent one, and the difference between the crops on that pat t which received lime and that referred to in the letter, which receives none, is simply astounding. It is also an interesting fact that many years ago a narrow strip in the same paddock received a dressing of lime, and thii eeaton a marked improvement was visible in the crop within the said mark, thus showing the lasting benefit the land derives from such treatment. It is of the utmost importance to this district at least that the freight on lime should be lowered, as its application would destroy the grub with which the ground is so much infested, besides supplying an element to the soil which it now evidently lackß. Mental Stimulus. — The Mutal Improvement Society still continues in active operation, and the meetings held this session have proved very successful. One noteworthy alteration in the rulea this year is the admission of ladies to membership. This privilege was readily taken advantage of by the fair sex, and a keen interest is ta'<en by them in the work of the association. Mr Ayson, who has occupied the position of president during the session, has resigned owing to his removAl from the district. At the last meeting Mr Andrew Hall was elected to fill the vacancy, and Mr T. Smollie whs appointed to theoffice of vice-president in place of Mr Hall. At the same meeting a debate took place on the question, "Are trade and labour unionslbaneficial ? " Mr Alexander Mitchell led off in the affirmative and Mr T. SmelHe on the opposite side. Both sides were argued tolerably well, and the debate proved an interesting one. A vote on the subject showed the feeling of the meeting to be largely in favour of unions. An interesting meeting is expected for next weok, when each member, ladies included, is expeoted to hand in a short essay under a norn da plume, the essays to be re id and criticised at the meeting. HaiSing the Wind.— The Building Committee of the public hall being desirous of completing the inside work of that edifice, recently got up a concert and ball with a view to providing funds for that purpose. The entertainment, whioh waß held lust Friday night, must have proved a great success financially, judging from the numbers who attendpd. The Wyndham Braw Band contributed soveral items in a manner which reflects credit on their conductor, Mr Wood. A comparatively short programme was gone through, in whioh the following ladies and gentlemen took part : -Mrs Monteath, the Misses Cameron and Forsyth, and Messrs Bigwood, Monteath, Kit son, Ballantine, Stalker, Johnston, Guy, and Smith. At the close Mr Monteath, on behalf of the committee, thanked the brims band, the singers, and the audience for their patronage. A verse of the National Anthem dosed the proceedings. The presence of the larrikin element was very noticeable as usual, and a most objectionable feature of the concert was the beattng of time with the feet while the musical selections were being rendered. The ball which followed was also largely patronised. Mr Jones proved an efficient M.0.; and music was supplied by Mr Johnston (violin) and Mr Monteath (harmonium).