LAUDER.

Otago Witness, Issue 2045, 4 May 1893, Page 22

LAUDER.

April 29. — The terribly dry weather experienced here for some time past was at length broken by a fairly good drop of rain falling during Wednesday and Thursday last. Harvesting is long past, and the threshing for the most part concluded, and with very fair results. One of our farmers alone (Mr Hamilton) threshed about 6000 bushels of oats, and there is an unusually large quantity of wheat in the district. The stock are looking fairly well, and some have taken their fat sheep from here to Burnside, and I believe it is the intention of some others to do likewise.

Otago Central League.— Branches of the league are still iv process of formation, and I think it would be advisable for Lauder also to form a branch, for if there is one part of Otago that the railway will benefit more than another by coming within reasonable distance— say, even to the Eweburn— that part is surely ours, for in it I dare venture to assert we grow more grain and raise more fat stock than any other district in Central Otago. Hymeneal.— Miss Elizabeth Donnelly, the daughter of one of our most respected settlers, was last week joined in the holy bonds of matrimony to Mr John Miller, of Matakanui. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Father Sheehan, and many friends of the bride and bridegroom assembled to tender the happy couple their congratulations and to wish them joy. Ecclesiastical.— At last we are to have a settled minister amongst us, and now that the "call" to Mr Gellie has been amicably arranged, I am sure that all will join in making matters as pleasant as possible for our new pastor, and I hope that the Lauder will be represented at Mr Gellie's induction, which takes place at St. Bathans on May 29. Postal.— What is the matter with the postal authorities? Either at this end or the other something went wrong this week, for to-day many of us are deprived of a sight of the Witness, as that much-looked-for paper did not come to hand as ÜBual. To us the Witness not arriving is as the loss of a dear friend, and puts all our machinery out of order. Shooting Season,— The ducks seem fairly

Numerous this season, and the bang, bang, of the guns may be often heard in our midst. There have been some good bags made during the month. The rabbits seem as numerous as ever, and in some of the back blocks of the Lauder poisoning has already started. POLiTiCAL.-The Lauder once more resumes its old position as boundary to the Mount Ida electorate, and as such we are looking forward to the battle royal that we hope to see fought by .the two "Macs." Mr Scobie Mackenzie last night addressed his constituents at Cambrians, but owing to the sad death of Mr Ballance he refrainld from "touching" the Government. I noticed several of our Lauder farmers went up to hear him, and a hearty vote of confidence was unanimously carried in Mr Mackenzie. What aspect the situation may wear when both the Macs are out I cannot say, but at present those who aver that "John" has the farmers block vote are considerably out, as mo3t of the Lauder (all farmers) are decidedly in favour of Scobie, and will,' I think, stick to him.