ROUGH RIDGE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2286, 23 December 1897, Page 29

ROUGH RIDGE.

December 20.— The heavy showers of the 16fch and 18th have had the effect of considerably improving the appearance of the crops. For a good many of them it only just came in the nick of/ time ; still, everything- in the shape of vegetation is very backward for tha time of year.

Pastoral.— The lambing on the whole has been fairly good, in some cases reaching as high as 100 per cent. Shearing is now in full swing, most of the settlors being anxious to get their wool down for tbe second Bales.

School —The school broke up for a .iix weeks' holiday on the 16th with ap impromptu picnic, and advantage was taken of the occasion to present the late sewing mistress, Miss A. Rawliuson, with a farewell gift. The presentation took the form of a handsome gold brooch. DuriDg her stay in the district Sliss Rawlinson has made many friends, all of whom sincerely regret her departure. I understand that our teacher, Mr Rawlinson, is about to join the ranks of the benedicts before returning, so that though we lose a Miss we shall gain a Mrs.

Complimentary. —As a reader of the Witness columns of over 20 years' standing, allow me to add my tribute of praise to the proprietors for the spleudid Christinas number they have issued this year. It is a work that any journalistic enterprise may justly be proud of. As it is quite likely we shall not meet thfs year again — on paper, permit vie to wish the editor and staff " A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."— [We heartily reciprocate. — Ed.]