METHVEN (CANTERBURY).

Otago Witness, Issue 2059, 10 August 1893, Page 23

METHVEN (CANTERBURY).

July 31.— The weather has not been very favourable for agricultural operations, frosts still delaying work. On Tuesday, the 25th inst., we experiencid a severe hurricane. The blow comt> eucei about 8 a.m., and continued throughout the day, but the rain came in the evening and put down the wind. The sky was black, and the air thick with dust. The soil was blown away from newlv-town paddocks and heaped against fences, leaving in too many instances little beyond stones to germinate the seed wheat sown. Trees were uprooted, roofs blown off old houses and sheds, and water races choked up with soil, so that for a day or two cattle could not drink the water. On Sunday, the 30th, about four inches of snow fell, which was followed by heavy rain, so that altogether the season has been none too favourable for fa-m and station work. The bulk of the wheat is now sown. The early-sown wheat is making 'its appearance, above ground, and is looking very well Amusements.— ln the way of amusements we have had a concert and dance in aid of the funds of that excellent institution Herrick's Home in Christohurch, which has proved a refuge for the indigent in time of need. The attendance was large, and the funds should be sensibly benefited. Dancing was kept up till well into the morning hours, all appearing to enjoy, ag only country residents can. the entertainment provided;— [Thfi Jet^e? waj delayed, in tran»mia»iou,]