WAIWERA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2253, 6 May 1897, Page 26

WAIWERA.

May 3.— 1 lately paid a long-promised visit to Mr Spiers's farm, on the north fide and on the bank of the Waiwera River. Mr Spieis has lately built a very fine two-storeyed house on a rise, or, at least, more immediately on the bank. It is surrounded by a nice lawn aud garden, and contains 10 rooms, with every convenience for ease and comfort. A useful balcony runs about the front, from which a capital view of the suirounding country may be obtained. Messrs Moffat and Sons, of Clinton, were the builders and designers, and their work has given every satisfaction. The garden and plots in the lawn are well stocked with choice flower 3 and bhruhg. A large tank to supply the house with water has been built underground, which is much better than having it above ground, ~in whicb/'case it is so liable to leak. The members of the family have for a long time been prominent at the shows, being very successful prize takers for butter, poultry, bread, &c. At one time the chief revenue •was from the dairying. Cattle— a capital herd they are, too— are now the principal live stock, very few, if any, sheep being kept, though several pigs are fattened annually. Mr aud Mrs Spier.-> have been very successful, and are now in a position to enjoy in comparative ease their pleasant home and surroundings. Stock. — Horses are selling at satisfactory prices, and several good auimnls have changed hands lately. Messrs Wallace, of Clifton Park, sold at high figures two fine beasts from their famous lot. I also saw Mr Hall riding a very promising upstanding hack, and I hope to see more of this ■tamp iutrcduced. Harvesi.— Threshing is ab»ut finished, with not a great yield generally. Turnip crops have greatly improved lately, and are on the whole fairly good. Potatoes are rather better than was expected.

School Committee.— The householders failed to elect a school committee this year. As there were few, if any, complaints about the old committee, I do not see that we could improve (natters by making a change.