OTAUTAU.

Otago Witness, Issue 1851, 17 August 1893, Page 22

OTAUTAU.

August 12.— Lately we have had a good deal of rain, but on the whole the winter has not been a severe one.

School. — There have been comparatively few cases of that übiquitous complaint measles in this district, an assertion in proof of which I may say that the school has never been closed, perhaps to the chagrin of the preceptor?. Amusements.— The township is occasionally enlivened by a meet of the huntsmen in scarlet, or by the less friendly meet of the Resident Magistrate Court. The latter is a gala day to the local' J.P's. By sitting alongside the magistrate they acquire an air of importance pleasing to themselves and hurtful to none.

Agricultural and Pastoral.— Ploughing is well forward, and some spring wheat has already been sown, but I do not think there will be such a large acreage of this cereal in the coming season as there was last year. Lambing has made a start, but unless artificial feeding is resorted to both ewes and offspring will have a bad show, this being the barest time of the year. ■ Turnips have been dear, showing that the demand has been greater than the supply. Bank —A branch of the Bank of New Zealand has been opened in the township once a week in temporary premises, and I understand an office is be to erected later on.

Improvements.— The Presbyterian manse is rapidly approaching completion, and when finished and the glebe in order it will undoubtedly look very well.