LAWKENGB.

Otago Witness, Issue 2120, 11 October 1894, Page 23

October 2. — The steamer traffic on the Molyneux to the Beaumont has shared the fate of a large number of measures that were to have been brought before the House— slaughtered for the present session. Since my last the Clutha River Board took atrip to the Beaumont to see for themselves the nature of the difficulties they had to contend with, and I think they found the obstacles were of a more formidable nature than was at first thought. The result of their calling for tenders for removal of a few of the obstructions was not encouragiDgj as the only tender received was over four times the amount of the engineer's estimate. I understand the crew of the steamer livened up the sleepy little township of Dunkeld ; amongst other accomplishments they taught the natives how to paint boots. The members of the board -were too wide awake for the crew, however, as they locked their bedroom doors and took their beots inside. Mining. — I am pleased to see that the Island Block Extended Mining Company have again started operations, and feel satisfied thai between now and Christmas they will unearth a large quantity of goM. The river is almost too low for the dredges which work close in to the river banks ; at the present time it is very little above the winter level. The Golden Run dredge is doing very well, having paid another 2s dividend during last month. The sluicing claims in Gabriels, Blue Spur, Munros, and Weatherstones are also yielding satisfactory returns. It is to be hoped the Waipori dredges will soon be able to resume work, as the stoppage is the means of a large amount of capital as well as labour being idle, and seriously affects trade in Lawrence as well as Waipori. ... x. The Weather for some time past has been very favourable for farmers getting on with their aowidg, and the work is now fairly advanced. Dairy Factory for the Tuapeka District.— The Tuapeka West and Waitahuna farmers are considering the advisability of starting a dairy factory and creameries. I feel confident that it would be a good thing for them in a pecuniary sense, and would improve the breed of dairy cowb as well as the pasture in the district. ' Rabbit Canning.— An effort is being made to .form a company to purchase the buildings and plant of the Dunback Rabbit Canning Company and remove and re-erect them in this district. This should also be a good thing for the district if carried out, as it would cause work for a number of men and a still larger number of boys, and would also circulate the much- wanted cash. But there is no doubt of this, that in the j*ay of factories the Tuapekaites are not a io-ahead people; and if ever there was a time Something of the sort was wanted in the district it |y just now. Death.— Another very old resident was followed

to the cemetery yesterday afternoon by a large number of mourners— viz., Mr Henry Parry, who passed away on Thursday last after a long illness, or rather a gradual breaking up of the system. He leaves a widow behind to mourn her loss, in which she has a great deal of sincere sympathy. Influenza. — There are still a good many cases about, both amongst young and old— severe enough, but, fortunately, not inaoy attended with fatal results.

Dull Tim es. —General trade continues flat, stale, and unprolnable.