POMAHAKA DOWNS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2287, 30 December 1897, Page 25

POMAHAKA DOWNS.

Deckmber 27.<«-I wish all a happy New Year. I think tliis last year has beeu better on the whole than tho preceding one, and may the one we are just entering go still a few points better. This last fortnight the weathar has been very favourable, and I think most people bave got their turnips io. The Government are finished, and are now busy fencing their sections. I hear that one of our settlers has got into a bit of trouble over allowing hi.-». sheep to stray on the Goverument turnips. I am glad to see the Governm -nt taking a decided step in this line, as I kn< w that since the settlement began some of the settlers have been much annoyed by a certain man's theep breaking through their" fences, and I trust it will be a lesson to all to keep their stock at home. In Double Harness. — This being the festive season, when peace and goodwill abound, we are taking things a little easier and enjoying ourselves, some in one way and some in another. Last Wednesday one of our settler?, Mr T. Erskine, thought his way of taking enjoyment was to get married, aud he and his bride arrived at the scene of their future labouis on Friday.

A Day's Enjoymeist —On Christmas Day some were enjoying themselves shearing at Wairuna Downs e-tate, while some were on the picnic Hue, and sorue were playing ciicket. Of course we had to go off the Pomahaka estate to share in these joyd ; but there's a good time coming, and we shall >et have our Pomahak.v picnic. And now, Mr Paulin, we would thank you for a little warm rain.

Bank Ciiauge I?.—The1 ?.— The recent decision of the diffeient banks to make a nominal chaige on small accounts is being much talked about. Do the barks think that we small settlers can affor 1 to keep .£SO all the var round, lying in the bank earning nothing? Why don't they put tbe screw on the large accounts? It isn't through the small accounts that banks lose their mont-y, and surely the charge should be made where the risk Hep.

The School. — Three weeks,' holidays will be given now and three weeks in the harvest time. The committee have got a very fair amount of money fiom the last concert, and they will be able to make some more improvements. I would suggest they put in a stone culvert at the road side wheje the entrance to the school groumls is in order that vehicles may get in with safety.