OTAMA. BLACKSTONE BILL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2250, 15 April 1897, Page 25

OTAMA.

BLACKSTONE BILL.

April 11. — The licensing election that has taken place here lately shows the absurdity of having the v Otama district in the Wakatipu electorate. Only half a dozen people voted, and even they knew little or nothing of the candidates or their views on the licensing question. I think it would be a good thing if some action were taken by the settlers to try and have the boundaries altered so as to get Otama into the Mataura electorate, as our sympathies and interests lie more in that direction.

Agricultural. — Threshing is now the order of the day here, and the crops are turning out far better than was anticipated. Owing to the absence of wind much of the grain was scarcely in a fit condition to thresh, and I am afiaid there will be a large percentage of discoloured oats, while in many cases the wheat has sprouted. However, we are getting plenty of wind now. In consequence of the late rains and the absence of f i ost the grass is now looking well, and sheep and lambs are again picking up. Prices for them are also somewhat improved. Turnips are a very good crop, and there is every prospect of plenty of winter feed.

Bunny. — Rabbiters are busy just now. Every time you go out you are sure to drop across some lots being taken to the local factory. They are giving s<i a piir, and rabbiters easily make 12s a day at present. Rabbits are like the poor : they are always with us. No means that have been tried seem to thin their ranks for over a few weeks at a time.

Shkrp-dipping. — Farmers are getting their sheep dipped now. The still calm daya we had during harvest would have Buited better for dipping purposes than the blustering wiady , weather we are now experienciufi,

ArBlL 9.—On the 2nd in3t. a social was held iq the schoolroom in honour of Miss S. Inder, wha has resigned hor charge of the post office and departs shortly for Tasmania. As admission was i by invitation and your correspondent not invited, I am unable to report proceedings, but have been informed that a presentation took place and the I usual laudatory speeches were made ; but one gentleman was not satisfied with lauding the recipient, but exercised his talents in abusing tho appointee who succeed?. In connection with the post office, Hills Creek has been boiling over. A petition was hawked about in favour of one appli- , cant and forwarded, but a]as for the signers and applicant, vox populi in this instance was not vop Dei, for it was ignored and another appointed. When this became known the cobbler deserted his last, the penny doctor his lollypops, and there wa3 an awful roaiing and cackling. Telegrams to the powers were flying along on Saturday, ancT the- moving of the office countermanded. On Monday the order for removal was iterated, and the appointee is in charge, assisted for the inline- , diate present by Mies S. Inder.