OTAUTAU.

Otago Witness, Issue 2317, 28 July 1898, Page 29

OTAUTAU.

TPtJLY 19.— The only consolation we '• nvo to make amends for the boisterous weather we liavp lately experienced is that Nature having •paid her debt when tho bill was clue, the payane'nfc will not be postponed till sowing and lambing are in full swing, as was the case last year.

Agricultural.— Ploughing in many instances is rather backward, and great despatsa ■will be required to get spring wheat in in good time. So far as I know, there is very, ■JiHle autumn-sown wheat m this district.

Building Trade. — This branch of business is very brisk in the township. The Presbyteyiatt church addition was completed a short time ago, and previous to tho reopening, and in connection therewith, a well-attended social .was held in tho hall.— A nice house is in course of erection for an old identity, Mr Murdoch Campbell, and one or two otner new Louses are about to be commenced.

Episcopal. — A guild is to be formed by seve*al ladies, who will try by needlework in its various branches to raise sufficient funds to

buy a piece of land in or near the township as a site for a church.

Waiau Bridge.— The days of the punt on the river at Clifden are numbered. The Urge quantity of casks of cement lying in the Otautau goods shod shows that business is intended at last in the bridging of the Waiau. The parliamentary candidates at the next election will be rather at a loss to know with what to bait their hooks to make the Waiau people bite. Pastoral. — Turnips are standing more feeding than was at first anticipated, a fact no doubt due in a great, measure to the open winter.