KAITANGATA.

Otago Witness, 14 December 1893, Page 22

KAITANGATA.

December, 12.— The weather during the pa&t 10 days has been very stormy and cold, a large quantity of rain having fallen, preventing farmers from getting on with their work of preparing the ground tor turnips and other root crops. The cold, wet weather has also been very detrimental to the dairy industry, the grass being killed iv some instances by the quantity of surface water remaining on the land. This and the slowness of growth combined make the life of the farmers in this district at present not the most happy one.

Coal-mining.— The Castle Hill Company have again made a start in their drive, the pumps keeping the water down and doing splendid work. The minerals passed through jtißt now area species of quartz, but whether it is gold-bearing or not is a question I am not just now prepared to answer. The Kaitangata Coal Company have again secured the Government contract for the supply of coal to the railways from Port Chalmers to Gore, which will keep their mine busy for the ensuing year. Shooting.— A rifle match has been arranged for Christmas Day between teams selected from the volunteers and the civilians, the volunteei-3 conceding one shot at each range. This match is becoming quite an annual affair, and some very keen competitions have been fired in the past. Cricket.— The cricketers are going in quite strong for practice and hope to give a better account of themselves in the return match with Balclutha at an early date.

Tennis.— Tennis is having a good run at present, the court from 5 o'clock some mornings being occupied all day until dark by enthusiasts in the game.

Bowling.— This game should have a good send along for the next few weeks now, Mr James Allen, M.H.R., having presented to the club for competition a very handsome silver-mounted walking stick.

Athletic. — The programme issued by the Kaitangata Athletic Club is a rather poor one compared with those previously issued by the Caledonian Society, though for what reason or through whose fault it is difficult to surmise, seeing that the population of Kaitangata is rapidly increasing each year.