WAIWERA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2085, 8 February 1894, Page 22

WAIWERA.

February s.— For several days now we have had very boisterous weather— hurricanes of wind and a deluge of rain. At present with most of the grass for seed in stook the prospects are the reverse of bright. It is to be hoped the weather will soon change for the better, or I fear a good deal of seed will be lost or damaged. The corn crops, too, are getting a fearful battering, but as these crops are pretty green still, there is a chance of their recovering somewhat from their present battered condition. Although there are some good crops, I do not think the average yield will bo a heavy one. The quantity of grass seed will be far short of the quantity at one time anticipated. The turnip crops are, however, remarkably good throughout. The strong winds we have been experiencing of late have made fearful havoc with the fruit. Apples, which were in most places a very good crop, have suffered most noticeably. In many cases quite two-thirds of the crops have been shaken from the trees. We have not experienced such \veather at this time of the year for a very long time— indeed, I cannot recollect such a trying season.

The Bot Fly.— The much talked-of bot fly has made its appearance here. On examining several horses lately I saw hundreds of the eggs, much the same as I have often seen in the old country, so that there need be little doubt, I think, but that we are destined in future to be bothered with still another pest in the shape of these dreaded horse teasers.

The Mission Ham,.— The secretary to the Mission Hall has had printed for distribution among the Fubscribers a neatly prepared balance sheet, showing all the monetary transactions from the boginning. lam sure all concerned must feel perfectly satisfied with the whole affair from beginning to end. We can now boast of one of the most comfortable halls of the sort in the island. Temperance.— The temperance party seem to be determined to carry prohibition for the Clutha. Already the sight of a drunken man is a very rare occurrence here, and a drunkard is shunned and classed lower than the animals. Satisfactory.— l have just heard that Mr Jamison, who has threshed his grass seed, has sold it at a very satisfactory figure.