SHAG VALLEY

Otago Witness, Issue 2085, 8 February 1894, Page 23

SHAG VALLEY

February s.— The weather during the past week has been simply terrible for this season— indeed, in the memory of the oldest residents it is quite unprecedented in its severity. Monday week was " winter fairly." Bitter cold showers of rain and hail fell at intervals throughout the day, and on the higher altitudes snow fell pretty heavily. On Saturday last the wind blew very strong from the north-west, and did considerable damage to the grain crops, more especially in the upper end of the district. The raip and wind from the southeast had previously laid the majority of the crops, and now with the gale from the opposite direction the crops look very much like as if they had been rolled. As a consequence, it will make the work of reaping and binding a most difficult job — indeed, in places I fear the back-delivery will have to be resorted to, and I would not say but that the scythe will also be called in to requisition. I fear that some of the ripest patches would be pretty badly shaken after the wind of Saturday and yesterday. It has been a glorious harvest day to day. I observe that a good few of the farmers have made a start to harvest once more, and it is now to be hoped we shall have move seasonable weather, so as to enable the farmers to gather in the fruits of their labours.

Root Crops, &c— lt seems that we can have too much of a good thing in the shape of rain, as the root crops have suffered more or less through the long-continued wet weather, and the grass, although plentiful, seems to lack substance. The work of weeding the root crops has been greatly retarded. In some instances it has been given beat altogether. I think the report that turnipthinners were scarce in the district was premature, as there are plenty of men always inquiring for work. So far as I can learn the only opening is for men who could take charge of, say, a reaper and binder.

Another Narrow Escape. — A farmer named IsHster, whilst crossing the Shag river at Inch Valley lately, got into rather deep water, as nothing but the horse's head was to be seen. He, however, reached the other bank after being washed down some chains. The river keeps unusually high, aud as the various fords are changing with almost every fresh, great care should be exercised in crossing it. Palmerston Presbyterian Church —At a meeting of the congregation held on the 31st ult. it was decided to give a call to the Rev. Mr Clark, of Fairlie, South Canterbury, the meeting being almost unanimous in that gentleman's favour. Altogether eight candidates were heard, and it was deemed unnecessary to hear any more, though I believe about another dozen had applied. As soon as possible the various forms will be gone through and the vacant charge filled.