EDENDALE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2201, 7 May 1896, Page 25

EDENDALE.

May 4.— During the past week we have been vteited by frequent slid heavy rains, accompanied at time* with hail. In making our usual gr jmble, however, we find consolation in the fact that previmi* to this break we experienced a long spell of simply delightful weather. The aarly harvest was hindered a good deal with rain ; but the stacking and threshing of the bulk of the crop was carried through this season almost without a break, in this district anyway. As a consequence farmers can congratulate themselves on putting their grain iut> the markot in first-class condition, while the wage-earning clsus have been making good tallies, with correspondingly quick returns. Still I question if the men following threshing mills take unbroken weather as an unmixed blessing in these days of traction engines, when so little time is lost in shifting from place to place, and long hours are the rule. It means steady aud hard "graft" for the hands, who might find it in their hearts to welcome an. occasional wet day. The yields of oats may be considered fair. Some very good crops were reaped, while some very poor ones were to be seen but of course such is the case in all seasons and> places. The grain was .well filled, and in most cases threshed up to expectations. At one stage in harvest a high wind kaooked out a few bushels, and the inveterate small bird also had his " whaok." Several farmers have sold their grain, but a large number are storingj hoping for better prices later on. The turnip crop may be classed fair.

Dairying —This industry still claims the attention' of trhe district generally, although the returns for this season are deemed most unsatisfactory by all interested parties. It is the intention of the company to commence converting a portion of. the milk received at the faiytory into butter, it being thought that the prospects for the sale of butter as winter advances warrant this step being taken. At present cheese-making alone is caitied on. Tha Dairy Srhool is expected to op«n in Edendale Factory about the middle of June. By that time the supply of milk will be very small, as milk suppliers in these parts don't appear yet to see through Mr M'Ewan's -spectacles as^to the utility of winter dairying. Ecclesiastical —Daring la3t week the Presbyterian Church was the scene of evangelistic meetings, neldnigbtly aud conducted by the Rev. R. R. M. Sutherland, of Kaikorai. Ui. fortunately the weather was unfavourable ; still, the attendance at the meetings waa fairly good considering, although not so good as it might have been, and the message delivered by the reverend gentleman, toge'her with his earnest and pleasant style of delivery, won the appreciation of all his listeni-rs

Scholastic. -More interest seemed to have been manifested in the election,of a school committee than is usually the case ; for while it is sometimes found hard to pet the required seven, at ths meeting on the 27th quite a number of hou eholders were nominated for the position. The following were elected :— Messrs Cr^nstoun (chairman), Craiff, Eades, M'Farlane, Mitchell, Revie, and Guy (secretary), the first four named being re-elected.

Political Organisation.— Not to be behind the times, Edsnd&le means to have it? branch of the National Association. A meeting was held last Friday evening, which was fairly well attended considering that no pubjic intimation was given of it ; but owing to the absence of a certain bright star in the local political firmament nothing was done. It is intended to call another meeting. Like all other associations, of course, their intentions are good What will be accomplished remains to be seen. Draughts.— Our district has vow the honour of pos-easing the champion draughts player of Southland, Mr C. Soniiess having won this position, together with tbe £5 prize, at the late tournament in Gore. Mr Souness's victory was bailed with delight by hiß neighbours and friends, as he takes his laurels with his usual modest beariDg.