SHAG VALLEY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2058, 3 August 1893, Page 23

SHAG VALLEY.

July 30.— We have been enjoying better weather lately up to last night, when a heavy rain set in from the south east, and as I write there is no sign of abatement, the Shag river and creeks being all in high flood. Such a downpour at this season is rather unfortunate to the farmers, as they have been hindered very much through adverse weather throughout the past six' months. During the fine weather lately- the plough has been kept busy, and some have now a good area of wheat sown. A few patches of rye sown after harvest is now showing a good braird. This corn might, I think, be more extensively sown for winter feed, especially as it can be sown anytime. A small area sown about the NewYear came to full maturity, and was harvested about a month ago— an uncommon thing in this genial climate, to see stooks of grain in the field with a cloak of snow on the ground. The planting of early potatoes is receiving attention at the hands of some, while others are giving a muchneeded look over the fruit and vegetable gardens, whilst some, whom I may designate ''the Satur-, day night farmer," are only now lifting their potatoes, the extra price no doubt holding out an inducement. Owing to the severe frosts, lam afraid that they will hays to be utilised to feed nies. Lambing is now quite general, some of the first born being fully two months old. There is on some farms a big mortality amongst hoggets feeding on turnips, and if this weather continues, if; will tell sadly against the percentage of lambs - iNCifvALLEY School.— Owing to the very in, clement weather on the evening of the annual concert, there is just a small balance after paying expenses, and it is proposed to have another r.oncert between now and Christmas holidays m order to raise funds to help to defray incidental expenses, as, owing to the reduced average, the allowance from the board is somewhat curtailed. I believe Arbor Day will be kept as a holiday, and more trees will be added to the number P A n NEW BINDUSTRY.-Though8 INDUSTRY.-Though we may. not as a community have much enterprise in this district, yet we are not all "croaks." For example, Messrs Pennicuick and Hewitt, who have just returned from a most successful threshing season at Green Valley, are making preparations to saw and split firewood to almost any length, bor this purpose they are having a caw bench fixed up. the motive power for it being a very powerful Portable engine. It is thought that in addition to loca business a payable trade may be done with some of the wood merchants at Oamaru. A New Bridge.— The county council have, ; after a lapse of nearly two years, had a most subBtantial suspension footbridge erected at Inch ' Valley on the site of the old one destroyed by the flood of February 1892. It is placed about 24ft above the water's ordinary level.and as thespanw ' nearlv2ooftitshouldleaveampleroomforthefoamfSagwhenitiß at its highest. The ratepayers interested are no doubt thankful for this great convenience, as iv times of flood the river is dangerous to attempt to ford, some narrow escapes being recorded.