WAIKAKA VALLEY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2173, 17 October 1895, Page 23

WAIKAKA VALLEY.

October 15— The work of sowing the oats is now drawing to a clo3e, and the late portions of the farms will probably be finished before the end of the week. There has been a deal of the crop sown much earlier than thin, however, and paddocks here and there *re assuming a greenish hue. The seedbed has been well prepared this season, although it required much more working thau usual. There is a large area under oats, and a deal has been laid down to grass with the crop. The growth of the pasture is hindered by cold winds, and feed is by no means plentiful. There •las, been a Urge percent- r-? of lamb 3, and rape and .-a's :\r being sown to fatten th*m. Sheep tiavu bten comparatively healthy during the winter and spring. Dairying —There is not * word now about establishing a dairy factory in the district, and no one here need regret that the project fell through. The district has no desire to enter into dairying, because grain, wool, and mutton are remuneraChanocs.— Last week Mr J. Grant, the local blacksmith, disposed of his business to Mr R. L. Christie, of Otama, and leaves for Invercargill, where he has received an important appointment. But although the change may be of pecuniary

advantage to Mr Grant, the district regrets the loss of a first-class tradesman and a good neighbour. Mr Grant had charge of the poit aud telephone offices, and the district has been under no small obligation b ith to him and Mrs Grant for their attention and courtesy at all times.