MIDDLEMARCH.

Otago Witness, Issue 2199, 23 April 1896, Page 24

MIDDLEMARCH.

April 18. — "1 1. » .-Imi^ is. now over, and, as I predicted lonit- time ago, the yield in a g'eat many cases is barely, half what it would have been but for the disastrous winds experienced. However, those who have good crops are realising very satisfactory prices. 1 hear that Mr Kirklaod sold & large quantity of his wheat at 4s per bushel., 'Shis is very 'satisfactory fiom a farmer's point of riew.

Pollard Poison.— This is undoubtedly the most lucccsful m.cans j et? discovered for keeping down bunny. Several of the »heep- farmers have been poisoning their runs thit summer, and with excellent results. In fact, there will not be many rabbits left for the winter poisoning, ' Farmers' Club.— The Strath-Taieri Farmers' Club held their annual meeting in Webb's Hall on April 11, the business of the evening beiag the election 'of officers arjd members. About 20 members were enrolled. Mr Mason was le-elected president, Mr William Allen vica-president, and Air Clark secretary and treasurer.- The advisability of st*rting r a dairy factory in the district was s discussed, and it was resolved to accept the offer made by the Taieri and Peninsula Milk Supply Company to erect a creamery. The distiict is certainly in a position to give the required guarantee, so it id to be hoped we will put our shoulders to the wheel this time and get the share list filled up as quick as pjssible, no ac to get things in working order for tbe spring. A factory is just the very thing for the place, and we should htve had one year* ago ; but it is. never too late to wend, or perhaps I may substitute a more suitable phrase in this case— "nevor too late to be convinced." Some of us wouKTnot hear of such a thine two years ago, but I am certain this will be a step in the right direction, and will be the Very making of the district.

Dredging.— This industry I am not in a position to say much about, but from what I ran father the dredge is still ani^ng t>-e paiid". t has had a second washin? up >->i,t with what remit 1 cannot say.

The Weather.— The weather here for the past (reek has been as cold as mid-winter, the Rock •nd Pillar being covered with snow.

At Napier last week Edward Sheehan was " lentenced to nine months' imprisonment for lendiDf an indecent letter to a young lady at RiesiDjton, which, however, reached her father fchroufh her brother, wko wm selected &b v » ttwienfer.