SOUTHLAND NEWS NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2086, 15 February 1894, Page 19

SOUTHLAND NEWS NOTES.

(From Our Own CoiutESVONDKNT ) J Invercargill, February 13. , Mr G. R, Waddell has been elected chairman , of the Bluff Harbour Board for the ensuing 12 \ months. . The promoters of the Bluff Sailors' Rest are , showing a strong desire to get the building put , in hand if possible before the coming winter. Only about £150 is now needed to erect the building. The Gazette notifies that a bonus of Is per gallon (£5,000) will be paid on the first 100,000 gallons of mineral oil produced from shale obtained in the Orepuki district ; the oil to be of a quality approved of by the Government, and to be sold at a fair average market price. The tourist traffic to the Lakes and, Sutherland Falls has not been brisk so far this season, though quite equal to the corresponding months of last year, This and next month are reckoned the two best months for this traffic. The Supreme Court sittings opened here on I Tuesday morning, before his Honor Mr Justice | Williams. The weather during the past week upon the whole has been very favourable for farmers — fine and warm, with only one or two light showers of short duration. Harvest operations are now pretty general. In the Winton and Centre Bush districts last week I saw some very heavy crops of wheat in stook. The turnip crop everywhere is excellent. The bot fly has made its appearance in many | districts in Southland in such numbers as to j cause much alarm to farmers. It has been I suggested that their tradden appearance is due i to IFTt? Canterbury uprsef which have been i brought daring thu la&l 12 months, many of which, probably before tbex left Canterbury, had their intestines iufested wife eke- maggtts, which in due course have been dischai r.<ul on to the pasture-, &c, anil sjtu.e matur^ii > l o the perfect Jly. The Crowxi Lands department t ' 'i 'h by auction at InvercargiU on Febru-i- ' ' runs comprising 19,300 acres at Nokorc i: J C<, acirs at Eyre, and 2465 acres and 13bO acres ab Wairio. The J. G. Ward Farmers' Association of New Zealand have opened a branch establishment in Winton under the management of Mr J. H. M'Gaw. Mr Ralph Swale, one of Southland's oldest, best, and most successful farmers, estimates the damage done to the ryegrass seed crop in Southland by the frost on the night of December 15 will not be less than £20,000. I know of some very heavy crops about the Western and Gladfield districts which will not be threshed in consequence of being so badly frosted, The business of Mr H. Templebon, at Fortrcse, has been purchased by Mr William Gruar, who so successfully carried on a similar business at Wairio for several years, The annual meeting of shareholders of the Southland Frozen Meat and Produce Company, held here last Saturday, was a large one, and the report and balance sheeb (the leading particulars of which I sent you last week) were pretty fully discussed. The Chairman (Mr Turnbull) expressed the regret he and his co-directors telt at the heavy losses the company had made during the past year, but pointed out pretty clearly that all of this loss and the loss that the opposition was supposed to have made had gone into the pockets of the farmers and graziers, who had been paid higher prices for their sheep during the past season than any company could have paid and made any profit for the shareholders. A few of the shareholders present, who are nob producers, were inclined to accuse the farmers of playing one company against the othtr with a view of getting extreme prices for their sheep until the whole of the company's capital waß thus exhausted. The managing director, Mr Nichol, explained that this was not likely to happen as both companies were full up of paying more for sheep than they could possibly m|kp out of them, and that now their company were jn wepkly, almost daily, communication with the London market, and that values there guided them entirely in fixing the prices they were now paying for sheep here. The 13,000 carcases they have just shipped by the s.B. Elderslie were all sold at satisfactory prices, and that the company had sufficient number of engagements with farmerß and graziers to keep their works fully employed until the middle of next mouth. The company are now paying 2d per pound for prime quality suitable weights, and a trifle less for extra heavy weights. The s.B. Fifeshire, due at Bluff on Saturday next, : will be the next steamer to take frozen meat from Bluff. Mr Robert M'Nab, M.H.R., received a telegram on Saturday from the Premier saying that he had given instructions to have the plans and specifications for the Makarewa bridge, near the Hedgehope, gone on with at once. There is some talk about the Government purchasing the Waicola estate for cutting up and leasing in small farms. This block of land lies each side of the railway line between Otautau and Nightcaps, and comprises altogether about 13,000 acres. I know it well, and, at the price it could have been purchased some 18 months ago, I consider the Government are nob likely to have a more advantageous estate for subdividing into farms offered them in any part of the colony. The block is all sectionised, well roaded, Government railway

running right through the centre of it, schools, post ana telegraphic offices at points reasonably near to every section on the estate, and a population all round (chiefly sons of longsettled, prosperous farmers) ready to take up every section the first day it is put into the market on terms similar to those applying to Government leases in other parts of the colony. The land is admirably adapted for mixed farming, the best proof of which would be the eagerness those who have watched it for years will show in get .ing possession of sections when opportunity offers.

There is considerable excitement among those who ought to know something about gold mining at Wilson river (for I refer to those who have visited the locality and taken other means of making themselves especially acquainted with its value as a gold-pro-ducing district) over the recent discoveries of rich alluvial gold on Crayfish Island, and the further promising development of some of the reefs at the river. On Crayfish Island one party are reported to have obtained no less than Hoz for nine days' work, including a beautiful specimen containing 13oz pure gold. The reefing claims are also going ahead, and good gold is said to have been found on the Surprise reef, which is said to be running into the next claim (the Lucky Shot). The Monarcx, a new reef found on the top of a high spur close to the seashore, between Observation Point and Kisbee, is likely to prove a very rich one, but so far matters on this subject are kept very quiet. The whole of the line of reef is now pegged off down to the sea.

Wilson river should soon have an accession of population. A battery has been purchased by the holders of the prospector's claim, and things are now being got in readiness for making a start at the reef. The s.s. Invercargill on Thursday took down the necessary plant for laying the tramway, and four horses, a few pigs and sheep, and a cow. A contract has been let for conveying the crushing machinery, which is to be taken to Kisbee by the Invercargill on the 22nd inst., at once from the Bay to the reef, where everything should be in working order by the time the tramway is completed, which will probably be in three or four months' time. Then the value of the discovery, of which great hopes are entertained, should be definitely ascertained. ' CiORE STOCIC SALKS. The J. G, Ward Farmers' Association report that the entry of sheep to-day at the Gore stock sales was for the most part stores in low condition, for which class (in keeping with other districts) the demand is limited, at prices which do not satisfy vendors, consequently several large lines were turned out unsold. Fat sheep were in good demand, and prices were up to the full freezing values. Several pens of fat lambs were forward, and all fit for freezing found buyers at up to 10s 9d for best and 10s for medium ; unequal and badly-drafted lots brought 8s 9d to 9s 6d each. Old ewes were dull of sale, and only at low prices could sales be made. There was only a small entry of cattle forward, and these sold at late quotations. <■ KABBITERS ON THE STHIKE. The Lumsden correspondent of the Southland News states that a novelty in the way of strikes is taking place in the district. All the rabbiters i employed on the extensive runs of the New ! Zealand Agricultural Company have signified their intention to cease work. The cause of the strike is the notice that after next week no \ more small skins will be accepted — not even those alreaw, -^u^ht. All dogs are ordered off the estate at once. Nothing but traps for rabbit killing is to be allowed in future. Only on three days a week are rabbits to be taken over, and these must be caught and packed into Lumsden by the rabbiters on those days. In future 2d is the price to be given for bunny and i his jackufc, iasfcead of as formerly for his jacket only, and any rabbit which, when "gutted," weighs less than 2-^lb, i« to be rejected. In tuder that they may be frozen -vnd i>ent Home every rab',,;< muafc be clean aud not bruised. The meu have Iwn 'iblf by working their hardest, with their dogs, evtiy day irv f iu,j>'j.tk, at the old prices (for the flans only), to cam about £2 5s per week. Undpr tLo altered conditions, aud ou compulsory half-time Thursdays, and Saturdays onl>) they s;iy positively nothing can be made, so they h:\t i struck. Probably the" rabbit inspector may have something to say about this strike if prolonged. With regerence to the rabbiters' strike a correspondent of the Southland Times learns that Mr Rodgers, manager of the N.Z.A. Company, has given permission for the rabbiterß to remain in their respective camps and carry on as usual to the end of the present month, the company taking all skins at preseub prices — Id and 3d. At the end of the menth traps are to be substituted for dogs r and rabbits turning the scale at 2£lb in the fur only will be taken at 2d. These will be collected by a packer, thus obviating the necessity for the men travelling to the township. These terms are certainly more favourable, but it is supposed many of the men will not accept owing to having to do away with their packs of dogs, and the fact that all carcases under the stipulated weight will not be accepted. At this season of' the year the larger part of the daily tally will be under weight. Further consideration might cause a still more favourable arrangement to be agreed upon. BYAL BUSH. Mr P. Vyner has added to his herd some well-bred Herefords, the cows being especially heavy weights. As beef producers the Herefords are unequalled, and their prepotency makes them most valuable in crossing for general purposes. They are certainly coming into favour in mote districts than one in Southland. jer donald's kesignation. Of Mr Donald's retirement, mention of which has already been made in these columns, the Southland Times says :— " Mr W. A. Donald has resigned his position of station manager at Waimea for the New Zealand Agricultural Company, a position he has held for nearly 20 years. Mr Donald has distinguished himself as one of the most capable station managers in the colony, one of his principal successes lying in the breeding of sheep suitable for the frozen meat trade. In this and other respects he has benefited not only his company but the community, and it can only be hoped that the dlficulb task of finding a competent successor will be satisfactorily accomplished. In social and volunteer matters and in everything connected with the welfare of his district Mr Donald has always taken a keen and active interest, aud he enjoys the esteem of a very large circle of friends. Mr Donald has not dtcided on his future course of action, but will probably continue to link bis foctunes with those of Southland. All who know him will trust that this may be so, as he is the stamp of man that a district call ill afford to lose." BAD FOX LUM&DEN. The Daily News's Lumsden correspondent wr it e s : ' ' Messrs Ellis Brothers have shortened hands at Five Rivers Estate, paying off almost all their employees tfcere. At Lynwood I hear that all handß. jucluding Mr Connor, the manager, have notice to leave on the 21st inst. Ib is probable that there will be a number of idle men in the township after harvest, and there is a prospect of less money circulating in the township than has been the caee for a few years past.— A loDg train from the north

passed through Lumsden on Tuesday afternoon with 3500 sheep for the Nokomai. They were mostly merinos — the breed most suitable for high and rough country." SOUTHLAND FHOZEN MEAT COMPANY. At a largely-attended meeting of the shareholders of the Southland Frozen Meat Company oh Saturday, the annual report and balance sheet as printed were adopted by a large majority atter an amendment that the meeting adjourn for a week had been disposed of. The Chairman (Mr Turnbull) said the directors were in weekly communication with the London market, and prices there guided them in fixing the prices for sheep here. At present they were paying 2d for prime quality of weight, and a trifle less for extra heavy weights, which they were now shipping by the s.s. Elderslie, sailing from the Bluff on Wednesday mornj ing, and which had been sold at a very satisfactory I price ; and they had sheep enough promised by graziers to keep their works fully employed , until the middle of next month. PBESENTATION TO FATHER NEWPORT AT GORE. There was a large attendance at the Gore railway station on Friday (writes a correspondent) to bid good-bye to the Rev. Father Newport, who has been the parish priest for the past nine years, and who has been transferred to Port Chalmers. Representatives were present from other denominations, and general regret was expressed at the departure of the reverend gentleman. Advantage was taken of the occasion to. present him with an address, which is quite a work of art, being beautifully painted with a border of clematis and a view of the church and school in one corner. The address, which was in a massive frame, went on to express regret at the reverend gentleman's unexpected tranference, and refer to his kindly disposition, his attention to calls in time of difficulty and sickness, and his graoious manner, which had gained for him the esteem not only of the members of his own congregation, but of the people of Gore generally. Reference was also made to his zeal in tho matter of education, and in conclusion, while wishing him all happiness in his future life, they ventured to express a hope that he would look back on the nine years ho had spent in Gore as not the least happy in his life. Father Newport, who was affected by the warmth of the demonstration, which took him by surprise, replied in feeling terms. He said that his sorrow at being parted from so loving and warm-hearted a people surpassed even theirs, and he would ever remember them in his prayers and in the celebration of the Holy Mass. The people of Gore would ever have a green place in his memory, and no matter in what quarter of the world his future lot would be oast ho would ever be mindful of them. On the departure of the train three ringing cheers were given for the rev. gentleman. THE ELDERSLIE. This steamer, now loading at Bluff for London, is the first vessel under the new contract between the Southland Frozen Meat Company and the two shipping companies — the New Zealand and the Shire. She loads meat, of course, entirely on behalf of the Southland Frozen Meat Company. — Southland Times. southland's ccmino harvest. The grain crops throughout the southern district nre, on the whole, pretty well up to the average. Where the crops are thin the grain is well developed, and tho yield will be very fair all over. About Edendale, Wyndham, Tuturau, and Mataura several paddocks show up remark - [ ably well. On tho Edendale estate, particularly, there are several fields which will thresh heavily. These are ou land following turnips, and well limed. Unfortunately tho rain of last week ha 9 laid the ~>top a good deal. Harvest is already started, and in a fortnight will be general. Aboub Gore, CharUon, and Waimumu the crops are fair, but the proportion of good is less noticeable than further south. In Chatton, Waikaka, and Merino Downs the retards will be good and the grain of excellent quality. The same *Hi)g niiy be said with regard to J J u ;erau, Wniruua, Clinton, and Waiwera. Thfc fieod crop is heavy Ihr ugnout till the districts mentioned, but tho wet stormy weather has retarded t! 'eshn>^ out of tho slook or the stacking of it. Tho rci'A wili then fore, except where bavodin ood order, bn tniuiii darker than umial, an tho quantity hhrv-jstcd will me:m an over -supply for local markets. Ou Euosday, the 6th, harvesting commenced at Bays water. About Mossburn the crops are looking well, but they are not yet ripe. Up oountry the turnips never were better. — Western Star. SOUTHLAND ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY. The Government having applied for the recommendation of the society as to the commencement and period of the shooting and coursing season for this year, it was resolved at a meeting on Friday evening that the shooting native game should be from the 26th March to 31st July inclusive and the coursing of hares from Ist April to 31st July inclusive ; tho coursing license to be 30s. The hon. sec. reported that consequent on the recommendation of this society the following general regulation has been published in the Gazette of the Ist inst : — " It shall be lawful for any collector of customs, constable, or officer appointed under 'The Fisheries Conservation Act 1884,' to inspect and examine the contents of any creel, bag, basket, or other receptacle used by or in possession of any person found in, upon, or in the neighbourhood of any stream or water in which trout or salmon have been liberated, with a view to ascertaining whether any salmon or trout have been unlawfully taken from such stream or water." The conviction obtained by this society against T. A. Double for shooting a white heron was reported to the council, and it was resolved that the sum of £2 should ba conveyed to Constable Burrowes through the proper channel in recognition of hiß services in obtaining such conviction. — Southland Timeß. FOUND DHOWN c D. The body of Charles Blackley, who had been missing from Saturday night, was found on the 6th in the mill dam, Otautau. He was last seen on the Main road, and it ia presumed that, the bridge across the stream being much narrower than the roadway and the gap not being fenced on one side, the unfortunate young man walked into the water, which was deep and had no shallows at the banks at that point, tho mill dam being immediately below. Blackloy's relatives live ab Edendsle. He was a young man, not much over 20, and was & saddler.— Southland Times. COMMITTED FOR TRIAL. John Punton Weir, a shoemaker at Thornbury, was to-day committed for trial at the Supreme Court on a charge of an alleged attempted felonious offence on a girl under 14 years of age. The first charge broke down because the information was not laid within a month from the commission of the offence, as provided by the Amendment Act 1889. That provision came in for a good deal of animad version here, and it is now likely that the attention of the Legislature will be directed to the opportunity it gives for escape from charges of this nature. FARMING MATTERS AT THE ORETI. I have not for a number of years back (writes the SontUland Times correspondent) seen lambs looking so well as they are doing this season. Although the grass has been very good there has not been much scour *, the dry warm weather had a good effect. Several parties are now

weaning earlier than they have done, and making more preparations for doing so than ustd to be the case even a few years ago. Good prices and better prospects are conducive to a better style of farming. The better price for stock is having the effect of making farmers more careful at all seasons as well as at critical periods, and also in keeping up a steady and continuous supply of feed. To that end the turnip crop is receiving more attention, and lam pleased to say is looking well. Not a few are also beginning to think about the possibility of having catch crops and what is most suitable under different circumstances. With the rain that has fallen the grain crops will fill better and the harvest won'c be rushed on us as it seemed likely to be only a few dajs ago. The ridge crops are very light, and in many cases almost ready for cutting. SOUTHLAND ADVANCING. From the usual half-yearly statement prepared by Mr P. Cunningham, Christchurch, for the Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company, it is seen that great changes are taking place in the incidence of the frozen meat trade. The most remarkable is the fact that the Bluff was for that period the second port in the colony for the shipment of mutton, the figures being 120,657 sheep and 4152 lambs as against 154,089 and 16,433 respectively from Lyttelton. Wellington shipped 60,000 carcases, Napier about 100,000, Dunedin only 9429 and four lambs. The exports for 1893 show an increase in pounds over 1892, the figures being 97,636,557 and 100,262,452, The latter does not, however, equal the weight for 1890, which was the briskest year of the trade (100,934,7561b).— 50uth1and Times. CROPS ON THE WAIMEA PLAINS. Little or no damage has occurred to standing crops. Some of the heavier-headed crops have been " broken " by the wind and extra trouble will be occasioned in reaping them. That, however, is but small loss compared to the loss whichjnighthave arisen, and which we regret to find many of the other provincial districts have sustained. Less forward paddocks have also, we are told, been " badly laid," but with the late fine weather it is anticipated that damage | will be to a great extent, if not altogether, j rectified. In a word, while we cannot say the weather has been at all good for harvesting prospects, we cannot say these prospects have been seriously damaged. — W.P. Review. A I'OHMEB INVERCAROILL MAN. Paisley, shot by Redfern, the town clerk of Burwood, Sydney, was about 12 years ago head of the firm of Paisley and Co. here, now Guthrie and Co. (Limited). A late resident of Burwood, now here, sayj that Redfern, a superior man, was badgered by one or two councillors whom he had bowled out in matters of tendering for municipal works in the names of others. Paisley always supported Redfern in these matters. Paisley was well liked while here, being alert and throwing himself heartily into public business. Redfern recently recovered substantial damages for libel from a councillor of Burwood. A SERIOUS CHARGE. An information was sworn on Friday by Anders Thomson against William Macon, stock dealer (mayor of Gore), for an assault alleged to have been committed on the 10th January oh a girl seven years of age. The case will be heard by the R.M at Gore on the 15th inst. Mr Macara has since resigned his position as mayor of Gore. CK.MINAL SITTINGS. The Supreme Court coonedou Tuesday. The Judge's charge was br'.^f. There are nine criminal cases — three of forgery, one of horsestealing, three o^ violent assault, and two of offences against * women and children. The Grand Jury found true bills in all the cases. Alexander Copland pleaded guilty to the forgery of two lOU's for £69 and £9 respectively, and was sentenced to 18 months'' imprisonment. IL'bb, Ido_(an_Agsyrian hawker) and Charles Sufcton, charged with " forgery, pleaded guilty, and were sentenced to six months' and 12 months' respectively. Duncan Stewart pleaded guilty to wounding William Collie, a hotel proprietor, with a pocket knife, and sentence was deferred for inquiries as to the mental condition of accused. Joseph Hilder Forsyth, of Einloch, Lake Wakatipu, charged with a felonious assault on his own daughter, pleaded not guilty. After hearing evidence Mr Justice Williams said the case was of so grave a character that he would defer summing-up till next day. Forsyth gave evidence. He said that the family had got into the habit, at first in fun, of blaming him for all the mischief they did. He denied that he committed the crime, and detailed the doings of himself and family on the day on which the alleged offence had been perpetrated. AN UNPROFITABLE VENTURE. J. N. Simon, sheep farmer, a bankrupt, was recommended for immediate discharge by the creditors on Tuesday. The unsecured debts did not amount to £500. On being examined said he lost heavily by sheep and cattle Simon dealing and by lungworm, having had to restock the land several times. Of 4000 sheep put on the land laßt year only 900 could be got at shearing. ANOTHEB CHsNGE. Mr W. B. Scandrett, who retired from the office of town clerk of Inrercargill to accept the position of manager for Messrs Walter Guthrie and Co. of that town, has resigned that position and starts business on his own account at Invercargill as a public accountant and land agent.