SPRINGHILLS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2309, 2 June 1898, Page 25

SPRINGHILLS.

Max 2S. — The glass is rising ancl the rain is j ■falling, but the spirit of the farmer remains 'at '' zero. Much stuff is still out and the present state of the weather brings forth pessimistc ■prophecies. 'The optimist is dumb. It is certainly cheering to know that the early birds have secuxed the 2s, but — What care we how high it be If it be not high for we ? Newspaper prices are good and our prospects ai*e bright in print ; but when our prospects < consist of imtnatched stacks, levelled stooks, and a forlorn binder standing in a puddle, we think that the butcher and the baker can whistle -for their accounts a little longer. The Holiday. — The 24th of May caused more rheumatism than enthusiasm. Happy was the stooker who wore watertigbts that day! Mr Hamilton's mill has been in, and will return next week. Three mills are working full speed towards us, but the race may not be to the swift. Liming- Experiments. — Lime has been tried in this district with good results. A field was drain-ploughed 3yds apart, with big plugs intersecting, and scwt ground linie sown by a " Colonial " drill. There is no doubt that lime will eventually be the making of the district, ancl as the Forest Hill is of lime formation it only wants enougli enterprise ancl capital to erect a kiln. Drainage first and lime afterwards, ihen hey for the wheat and the barley ancl Eclenclale gra&3l

Hokonui Railway. — Railway matters are stir-3,-ir.e, &ijd. it is rumoured that tha line is to be

extended three miles further 'into Hedgehope to suit two sawmills. One -bridge in the Winton Bush has been renewed, and another, past the present terminus, is in course of erection.

Hokonui Coal.— Messrs Kidd and. Co. intend piimping the old workings of the Hokonui mine. I noticed the smoke from the engineshed for the .first time to-day.

Social. — The draughts club, under the presidency of Mr M'Leod, is once more in full swing, but 15-2 is a more popular opening than 11-15.