SPRINGHILLS.

Otago Witness, Issue 1977, 14 January 1892, Page 20

SPRINGHILLS.

Janv \«y o.—During. —During the past fortnight we have been up to the eyes in festivities. Our engine ran a special trip to the Win ton sports, and those who patronised it spent a pleasant day in the various hotels waiting " till the clouds rolled by.' The train also made an extra trip last Wednesday with a Winton picnic party. I hear that the time occupied on the journey out was devoted to an animated discussion as to whether it was advisable to bring young children into such an inclement district. A blizzard settled the point — the "no's" had it, the engine was reversed, and full speed made back to that pleasant little town where rain is unheard of and thunder unknown. That is the story as told to me. But I know that one Springhiller girded on his overcoat and loggings and rode to sec the glad throng disporting themselves amongst the dandelions. Ihere was no glad throng visible, no tente, no Sunday school teacher.-., not even an old sandwich paper to show whore the party had feasted nor whither they had (led. One 'Hedgehopa farmer, on pleasure bent, went to the BlufF regatta, but having omitted to take a partner, felt considerably out of it, for regattas are always "slow" to outsiders. By and bye, however, a shower came on, whereupon the stranger murmured cheerfully, " This is quite homelike !" and steered for the most exposed crag so that lie could enjoy himself in his accustomed manner.

Crops, Ac— The crops arc looking well so far. More land has been broken up here this season than in all tho previous years, and green fields are superseding swamps. Shearing has been greatly delayed by the weather, but is now progressing favourably. Roads.— lt is suggested that the council bo petitioned to drain-plough our roads. This is avery good idea if culverts were made when required. Big plug drains at syds apart would make a considerable difference in our roads in winter time, and the cost of the experiment would be comparatively slight.