UPPER TAIERI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2284, 9 December 1897, Page 30

UPPER TAIERI.

Dfcember 6. — Sheariug operations were entirely suspended for several days ' last week in the Maniototo division of tbis district, consequent on a heavy fall of 'rain that descended iv torrents

over" an immense area of country in this locality.' Almost at the last moment, when the small sheepfarmers and others engaged in grazing pursuits had abandoned the faintest hope of reaping the reward of their laboUrs for several months vast

in regard fco haying-fodder for their'stock later on, it is gratifying ■ to- report that Bince the heavy , rainfall the broad expause of the. Hapiototo Plaius as viewed from- the mountain heights is rapidly - assuming a vigorous growth under the genial effects of " old Sol." It is " scenes that are brightest " at the present time to the struggling farmers in this district. At this stage I would remark for general information that the prospects of tbe large flock-owners have improved considerably during the past month, as I have reason to know. Candidly speaking, after what has passed under roy notice oyer a wide range of Central Otago, i; am persuaded that the current season'sclip will not reach the standard of previous years. Sowbobn Miners' Association.— The following matter having on several occasions been brought under my notice, I think the time is opportune for making a few remarks in connection therewith. Sjme time ago a proposition was brought forward by an influential band of mining residents engaged in the prosecution of raining labour and small farming combined with a view to having a branch of the Minera"Association eitabli-shed at Sowburn with the advent of tbe new year. This matter has been discussed, with the result that several practical miners have expressed their views in favour of having a brancb of the Miner**' Association formed at Patearoa fov the purpose of promoting the mining iuterests in the south-western division of the Upper Taicri district. It has been said (and I think with some semblance of truth) that the Mount Ida Miners'- Aseociation during the past few years have not shown much regard for the interests of the miners in ,the outlying parts of this district. On the contrary their legislative labours have been confined to the precincts of 'Naseby.r It is to be hoped that a strong branch of the asso- . elation will be formed at Sowburn at an early, date. '_' ' t . v . , . -