ROUGH RIDGE.

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

ROUGH RIDGE.

July 20.— 50 far as the winter has gone we have had exceptionally good weather— too good, in fact, for unless we get a good fall of enow soon, or else a wet spring, the ouslook for both farmer and miner is none too rosy. Rabbits.— The rush of the rabbiting has considerably fallen off, thero being not enough of the pest (?) left now to give those engaged in the industry tucker. School,— The school closed on the 12th for ,tho midwinter holidays. The attendance lately has not been quite up to the usual averages

Oeituary.— On the Bth inst. one of our oldest settlers, the late Mr Ralph C. Darling, mot with a painful accident, resulting in immediate death. You have aheady given the particulars of the accident, so I must net recapitulate. Suffice it to say that deceased was educated at the i>lue Coat School, London, and was the first teacher in St. Bathans, following the avocation for a number of years. 'By his death the school loses its most ardent supporter, Mr Darling always taking a lively interest in all matters pertaining to its welfare. His remains were Intered in Blackstone Hill cemetery on the 9th, being followed by a large number of friends to their last resting place. Exodus.— The construction of the reservoir at Eweburn has caused quite an exodus of the male population of the district, both miner and f aimer having found employment on the job.