MIDDLEMARCH.

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

MIDDLEMARCH.

JuLT 6.— Not fer many years has there been even beautiful weather at 4hi» seaton of the yeav. It Is not often we see June out without experiencing winter weather ; but this stason is a pleasant exception. We have had fully three months' dry Weather, tho roads being as good a< they were in luinmtr. One can scarcely refrain from making the weather the chief topic of the day. However, we have time enough yet to get more than we may want of rough weather before July and August are

out. As a rule they are the very roughest of the months. So far July has provsd equal to the occasion, as we hare had rain, hail, and storm since the Ist of the month, and a very heavy fall of snow on the Rock and Pillar. To-day, however, it has every appeal ance of having taken up again. Agricultural and Pastoral.— Ploughing is boing pushed ahead, and fortunately the ground is in splendid order., This time last year it was so wet thi*t ploughing and all farm work was at a standstill. However, this year is certainly making up for it, and if it continues fine for anothor month all the wheat will be sown. Turnips are being eaten off without the sheep and cattle Ending in wet and mud, which is undoubtedly a great benefit to both stock and land.

Amusements —It certainly cannot be said of us that ; we neglect ourselves in this special line. Month after month it is nothing but balh and concerts. I certainly think we over-do it in this small district. This week we were looking forward to a concert and dance in aid of cemetery improvement. It was to have been held iv Webb's Hall on Friday night, but owing to tho night bsing so rough the committee of management postponed it for a fortnight. It is to be hoped they will have butter luck on tho 17th.