MID-WAIAU.

Otago Witness, Issue 2206, 11 June 1896, Page 25

MID-WAIAU.

JunE'3.— The weather at present is all thai can be desired, and much pleasanter than was a great part of the summer. Pastures are keeping up wonderfully well, a3 the nights are generally free from f roßts. We have, however, had one or two very sharp mornings. Turnips are lasting fairly well, an«i from all accounts are much superior in this respect to crops down-country. Road Works.— Great improvements are being . made in the roads, although some necessary works have had to be held over until the spring. The Gorge road, for which £300 was yoted by the Government, is being shingled. It is a great blessing that the traffic is very much below what it was two years, ago, or it would be almost iiupassftble. hBXTLEMBNT.— SeveraI sections that were granted by the Land Board on Merrivale were immediately thrown. up. Ne>rly all is, however, now token up. It is a great pity that a practical hand did not superintend the survey and push matters briskly along. As it is, affairs have been thrown back for a Beason. Several of the settler* have got their sections fenced in. Many; of them are now on the ground, although a considerable percentage have not yet turned up. If the affair had been managed as was Ardgowan, the setters would have had less rent to p*y, all old improvements would have been utilised, and the ground could have been taken up in August. Settlers then would have had a chance of making a living and Setting a return at an early- date. I hear some Worth Otage-people are amongst those who have not proceeded further than sending, iv their applications. Mr Morrison from that district has, however, nnived, and as he has ground at a reasonable price, there is no reasoi- why he should not do very well. It used to be formerly said that people from Oamara and Canterbury succeeded very badly in. Southland, as they were used to Buck a different style of farming. There are, however, a large number from the north in the- Waiau district, and they seem to rub along quite as well as otheri. Concert — A capital concert and dance was held at Clifden on the 29th ult. It wax in some respects the most successful affair that has .taken place in* the district, as the building is so conveniently situated. Mr and Mrs Templeton deserve the thanks of all for the manner.in which they placed their houie at the disposal of those who did not dance. As there was a large attendance the funds of the Clifdea School will benefit ccu-.'d- rably. i ihool Matters.— The school at Feldwick is 1 pri .sparing,; the attendance there is increa«ing, and the people hope thortly to have a full-time BchooL At Eastern Bush, too, there are good hopes of a larger attendance. Clifden, which is now under the care of Mr Field, is also looking, UP .Proposed Hall.— The Foldwick people are: talking of building a hall, either near thetownship or at the Oravria- bridge. They will provide accommodation -which is at present much needed- j in the Waiau. Draughts —A considerable amount of interest is. shown in the draughts club. Meetings are held in the house of Mr Lea, the muchteipected teacher at Eastern Bush. More Would attend, but fear incommoding him by too great a crowd in his rooms. A harmless amusement like draughts, and one which develops concentration of the mind and' studious habits, deserves every encouragement, and- Mr Lea has the thanks of the community for making so many sacrifices for the t>->n«iir; of his neighbours. Rabbits. Great efforts are being, made by all to cope with the nbbit pest. Merrivale for the - past two years has been, the great breeding ground, and has flooded all the district. Now it |k settled this great source of pollution will be dried up.