IDA VALLEY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2120, 11 October 1894, Page 22

IDA VALLEY.

October B. —Spring work is progressing, " and the grain crops in this district are nearly all pown. The outlook ia not too promising, as we have had no rain of any consequence for the past two and a-half months. The ground is therefore getting very dry and hard. The grass is fully six weeks later than it was last year. A good lot of ploughing has been done, and if rain should come shortly it will not be too late to make this a successful season.

Pastoral — The past winter was an exceptionally mild one, and consequently stock did better than usual. The death-rate among the sheep must be very low ; in fact, on many of the small runs hardly a dead sheep has been found. The lambing season has commenced, and good lambings are expected, the ewes in- most instances being in good condition. All we ■want in Ida Valley is a good season and good prices for wool and sheep, and we shall then be a prosperous lot. Mumps. — The mumps have paid this district a visit, many of the joung people haviDg had them ; but they have now left us, and we can again breathe the pure air of Ida Valley without fear of infection.

Sporting.— A meeting of the stewards of the Ida Valley Jockey Club was held in the school* room on Saturday evening last, when there were present, Me-srs Patrick M'Donald (in the chair), William Dundas, William M'lntosh, Getorge Noone, and George M'lntosh. The chairman expla'ned that the meeting was convened for the purpose of receiving 1 the report and balance sheet, and considering the advisability of having a raco meeting this season. The report and balance sheet was adopted as read on the motion of Mr William M'lntosh seconded by Mr William Duudas. The balance sheet shows a credit balance ia bank of £24 15s lid. The secretary reposed a number of outstanding subscriptions, a good part of which he considered could be got in. After some discussion re the amount of stakes to be offered, Ifr William -Dundas moved — "That 'this meeting deem it inadvisable to offer £150 this season in stakes, and that a small meeting be held without the totalisator. and that about £50 or £60 be offered as stakes. Mr George M'lntosh seconded the motion. Mr George Noone moved as an amendment — "That no meeting be held this season, and that the funds in hand be held over till next year." No one seconded the araendment, and the motion on being put was declared carried. All present enlisted as stewards, witk power to add to their number.