FORTROSE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2255, 20 May 1897, Page 25

FORTROSE.

May 17.— The drought has been unprecedented for Southland, but it ha-, now broken up Scarcity of water for domestic purposes was a common complaint until this week. At the time of writing the outlook is stormy with a low glass. The FARMj^gTne threshing machines have had a fine season/Tlnd are just about finished. The yield is fully up to the average, but unfortunately many of the stacks got wet just after being built, so that there will be more damp grain than farmers care to have. The sample, however, to make amende, ia a good one. The Smith Bros., who are the niillowners in this district, have threshed out about 40,000 bushels. The improved price of grain makes the farmers smile, but now the boom in horses has made the smile an expansive one. All the hiuplus horses must now have been bought by dealers from outside. Anything m the form of a draught hoise has eagerly been purchased and a good price given. It is to ba hoped there will not be a corresponding slump as a consequence. Concert and Dance.— On Friday night last the residents of Otara turned out in large numbers, notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, to a concert and dance held in the packing loom of the factory there. The object for which the concert was organised —iv aid of a widow who recently lost her husband — was a meritorious one, and it is pleasant to report the success of such an undertaking. The Rev. Mr Davis officiated as chairman, and an excellent programme was provided. Dancing was thereafter indulged-*m till morning. The ladies of the district provided the edibles, and the expenses were nil jOielight Exhibition. — Sir Ross, of Invercargill, has been exhibiting views by limelight in the hall here for the last three nights, and has had a fair share of patronage. Railway.— Seaward Bush railway matters are to be brought before the public again on Tuesday afternoon next (sale day). Record Reign. — At the same time the meeting is to ba asked as to the desirability of erecting a public building in Fortrose as a memento of the Becoid Reign. The latter project, I think, will fall very flat. Dairy Factories.— The dairy factories are still taking milk iD, and will do so until the middle of next month. The cold weather has had the effect of very much lessening the supply.