WAIKAKA VALLEY.

Otago Witness, Issue 1916, 6 November 1890, Page 18

WAIKAKA VALLEY.

Novbmbkb 4. - The weather is not improving ; cold rhowors of rain driven by strong winds are frequent. I think it is of suoh weather that Bishop Helier wrote, "The mild southern breeze brought a shower from the

hill, And vet, though it left me all dripping and chill,

i felt a new pleasure as onward I sped, To gaze where the rainbow gleamed broad overhead." These no doubt, were the good bishop's feelings, but under the same oircumstanoes the farmer, who takes i most prosaic view of life, oanuot eoho these sentiments. The percentage of lambß is not quite what <t was, and the progress of farm work is not quite so satisfactory as could be wished. The angler also is complaining that the stream is too cold for the trout to rise.

The Starling. — There has been some correspondence in the Witness during the last few weeks on the question of starling* eating grain — poisoned or otherwise. Some assert that these birds eat poisoned grain, while others are positive that they do not Lo?ig observation inclines me to the latter opinion, as I have never, during the last 20 years, in this and other districts, seen the starlings citing grain, nor have I seen one poisoned. I consider the starling a most useful and interesting bird, and they ar.> generally looked upon by farmers as their friends. Starlings have been numerous iv this district for some years, and they are always found in quest of insects and grubs. It is probably due to that fact that no appreciable loss is sustained from insects in this district.

County Affairs. — We are on the eve of another election of a candidate for the office of member of the County Council. For this riding— the Mataura - there are two candidates in the field. Mr Thomas MaoGlbbon, the present member, who has been a member of the council during the last 12 years, again seeks eleotion. The other candidate is Mr John M'Queen, manager of Knapdale station. Mr MaoGibboa has served the ratepayers faithfully and well during the last 12 years, and it is Improbable that the more reflective of them desire to get rid of him now on any other ground than a desire for a change. The Southland County has the reputation of being one of the best managed of the numerous counties in this country, and to Mr Mac Gibbon is due no small meed of praise for his share in the work of making it so. He has always taken a broad view of oounty affairs, and the ratepayers have hitherto shown their appreciation of his actions by returning him at the head of the poll. As to whether he will be again returned on this occasion remains to be seen. It is generally admitted that the contest will be a olose one, much more so than on any previous occasion. Mr M'Queen, the other aspirant for county honours, has not thrown himself upon the ratepayers, but has consented to stand at the request of a large number of them— nearly half, I believe. He has had large experience, and has always taken great interest in all matters affecting the welfare of the district, and the requisitlonistshave made a good selection. He is chairman of one of the road boards in the riding. Like Mr Mao Gibbon, his influence at the council table would be felt, as, while he has sound opinions of his own, he has respect for, and gives due consideration to, the opinions of others, without which no one need hope to become influential anywhere.