WAIWERA

Otago Witness, Issue 2008, 18 August 1892, Page 21

WAIWERA

August 16.— Although we have not had a great deal of rain lately, the land has been pretty wet for a long time. At present, however, it is drying very fast, there being a cold wind blowing from the east. If it should keep dry for a few days, some of our farmers will begin to sow their spring wheat. I notice— particularly in sheltered paddocks—that grass is beginning to spring. It will soon be much needed, as in most places the turnips are becoming scarce. Some lambs have made their appearance. Mr Cawley has several in his flock. They are the first I have heard of in the district. I don't think, however, it is a good thing to have the central lambing here too early on account of the late spring compjred with that of districts farther north. Some farmers are planting early potatoes, peas, beans, &c, in the more sheltered parts. AiiDOR Day. — There has been a good deal of tree planting this season. At the school on the north side of the river planting of trees was carried out in good order on Arbor Day under the supervision of members of the School Sommittee who entered into the spirit of the work and displayed considerable energy. There are nearly 40 names oh the school roll, and all with one exception were present to take part in the proceedings. The chairman, Mr Wallace, proposed that they should mark off sevcal allotments or tfots for the children to plant with shrubs and flowers, &c, which would probably give ".them all the greater interest in the work of the day. This suggestion was adopted. Seeing the interest that is taken in this schopl it would be a great pity to have it closed or shifted as was proposed some time since. At the same time our friends farther north want a school nearer, and I am sure they have the sympathy of the whole district, and if their efforts are gone about in the right way they will get all possible help in establishing a school in their midst.

Competition. — We are to have another smith's shop in the township soon. Whether we must look on this as a progressive step or not, I can scarcely say. I am, however, afraid the district cannot find 1 work to keep two blacksmiths going, and for my part I should much tether "see one making a fair living than two simply existing, Improvements. — Mr Rhodes has built a very nice house on his farm, lately purchased from Mr John Cruickshanks. Mr Rhodes has considerably improved the appearance of the place by planting, besides the usual evergeens, lots of oaks and other deciduous trees, thus laying a substantial foundation for his plantation. — Most of the material is on the ground for the Mission Hall, which I understand is to be built on modern and improved plans. — There is some talk of a bakery being built here soon, and this I think would bo a good move.