LUMSDEN.

Otago Witness, Issue 2285, 16 December 1897, Page 50

LUMSDEN.

December 6.— We have been havine an almost continuous gale of wind during the past .two months, accompanied at times by cold showers, greatly retarding the growth of all vegetation. We have had no natural spring growing weather this season so far. It has been r lining heavily off and on during the past few days, causing the Ureti River and creeks to rise rapidly, and they are now in high flood, though I hear of no damage .having beea done so far. While writing there is half a gale on, and little signs of much improve-, ment climatically.

Farming.— Agricultural pursuits are rather distour/aging this season to those engaged in them. Sowever, farming operations are well advanced towards completion tor tha season, and notwithtanding the inclemency of the weather the crops ■nd pastures are lookine as well aa we could expect. i am afraid, however, that the fruit crop and the more tender vegetables will be a failure this year »s far as our district is concerned.

Pastoral. — Shearing has commenced, but is not at all general, as it should be at this time of year. The wool crop on the sheep's back seems to be up to the average yield, and the lambing returns are good, and prices for stock are up to the average standard, so taking it all through we have not much cause to growl at things in general. Rabbits.— Pollard poisoning is «ystem»tically carried on by the manager of the New Zsaland Agricultural Company, but as to the result I cannot say. The neighbouring runholders are all .trapping, dogping, ferreting, etc., and this must necessarily affect the quantity obtainable when catching for freezing begins. This is now looked forward to with high expectations as to bulky cheques by many of our both expert and novice trappers. The trapping method is by far the most liumaue and alto the most lucrative mode of destruction yet tried

The Train Service.— As notified Home time Jbaek, the new time table is now in operation and giving great satisfaction to the travelling public so far. I hope the traffic will increase to such an 'extent as to require still further improvements iv our railway system. -. Tourist Traffic— Nothing whatever is doing in this line this season so far. Of course no one sjvould venture out sightseeing or holiday-making an such inclement weather as we have been having of late. Therefore those who have gone to great irouble and expense in making the necessary preparations to meet the requirements and comforts of our expected influx of foreign and colonial visitors must be greatly disappointed at the loss «f time and money they are incurring. I sincerely fcope things will shortly take a turn for the (better. Our local firm of coach proprietors and mail carriers (Messrs Grosbie and Sons) have been iaving a rough time of it since the commencesnent of the season . on October 1. What with Sales of wind, rain, and hail showera, rivers and ■creeks in high flood, etc , I am sure the drivers lave anything but an enviable billot. The courage and indomitable pluck displayed by them in carrying out the conditions of their contract, sometimes at much risk to life and property, are most creditable to them, and Crosbie and Sons are certainly deserving of all the 6upport that may be accorded them during the now unavoidably short season before them. Amusements.— A kindersptel, entitled "Don

Quixote," was produced ia our public hall last Wednesday evening by the head teacher (Mr Clark) aud staff, and the painstaking preparations of. the young performers and the perfect acting of each in their different parts speak volumes in praise of the .teachers who worked bo hard iv bringing'the performance to a successful and profitable issue, the sum of £8 being realised clear of all expenses. The greater part of this is, I hUar, to be handed to the sch"ol committee for the purpose of procuring chemicals for educational purposes, and the remainder for additional books for the public school library. Obituary.— lt is with a heavy heart and a feeling of great sorrow that I have to record the untimely and unexpected death at Duuodiu of our most esteemed Presbyterian pastor, Itev. J, Blackie. Deceased was a true-hearted, honest, and good man— one who would not knowingly hurt the feelings of any of his fellow-men ; a mw with decided opinions of his own aud ne.ver afraid to conscientiously express them, but never with any bombast or viudictiveness. He was always considerate and avoided giving offence ; wai a true and liberal-minded Christian, never making any distinction on the score of denomination ia hi« everyday life ; and although not a.man of great fluency of speech, when he took us by" the hand we felt that there was a ring of sincerity and kind-hearteduesH which went right throjgh us. It would bo easy to enlarge on Mr Blackie's mtny acts of kindness, but sufficient has baen said to show the sterling qualities of the man, both as a neighbour and as a Christian minister. The kind and appropriate remarks made here la^t Sabbath by the Rev. Mr Lindsay, of Invercargili, on the occasion of his preaching the funeral service were mest touching, and embodied all tha characteristic and good qualities of our lamented pastor. The sincere and heartfelt sympathy of the whole district has gone forth to the bereaved widow and fatherless children. We hive not only bsh a pastor, but also the services of a kind-hearted and good lady. Mr? Blackie began and carried on a good and lasting work among the young prople of our congregations," which was performed on uuny occasions at great personal inconvenience, liut yet without a sign of irritation or complaint. Mrs BUckie's morning service 3 wera becoming a household remark among our you'ig people, and I feel sure the good done at those meetings will have lasting results.