LONGRIDGE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2210, 9 July 1896, Page 26

LONGRIDGE.

July 6.— Up to the end of June we had ft lotjk spall of grand winter weather. Daring a residence of nearly 20 years in Southland I do not remember seeing so lonjf a spell of dry weather in the winter aeason. Wo had, of course, some rather unpleasant days' froat and mist combined ; but with the cud of Junt ctme a change to wet, and on July 2, at midday, nia beeau failing steadily, and continued for 48 hours without intermission. On Friday and Saturday the creeks were all overflowing their banks ; in faob, they have rarely been higher. Agricultural —Owing to there being tfo inter* niptioua in the shape of, bad weather ploughing is well advanced, and the turnip crop, which is a light ome. was lasting well, «w there was no loss through being trampled in the mud ; but that is changed now, as the land is very soft and wet, and los» will ensue.

Cemetert.— For several years there has been a desire by the residents of> this neighbourhood aud by those about Balfour to have ft cemetery neav to-Balfeur. The New. Zealand Agricultural Oompmj owns the piece of land thought most suitable for the purpose. Some six or seven years ago negotiations for its purchase took place, but just before the purchase was completed the company went into liquidation, and nothing further could be done. Some three years ago another abortive attempt to purchase took place, hut the officials of the company in London having such outrageous ideas of the.value of land nothing could be done. A meeting of those interested in having the piece of land bought was held in Mr MTheraon'B hotel on Saturday night, 27th inst., and the following gentlemen were chosen a provisional cemptery trust' to try and secure a piece of land— viz., Messrs Robert Grant, John MTherson, W. Cowie, J. A, Mills, and A. C. Kay. As the company is now in a better frame of mind regarding the price of land, there should not be much trouble in getting the niece required. The piece of land wished for is in the sharp corner of a triangularshaped section, but as the very comer is lowlying alongside of Longridge stream, and not suitable, it is Intended to secure some eight acres, so as to have leveral acre* of dry terrace land, the unsuitable part to be planted with trees. A considerable sum of mon«y was subscribed in the room for preliminary expenses, fencing, Ac. The New Zealand Agricultural Company..— The company being willing to sell land at a fair value, a considerable number of the settlers are Adding to their holdings. The gvidironing of the Original purchasers of the land from the Grown is now of benefit to the settlers, as nearly everyone haath« company's land adjoinlnghu section. Very littlo of the land, go far as I can learn, is being Bold to outsiders, but we would gladly welcome any number of new settlers, as population is much wanted.