TUTURAU.

Otago Witness, Issue 2320, 18 August 1898, Page 25

TUTURAU.

August 10. — The winter just passed was one continuation from beginning to end of slight frosts and drizzling ram. The temperature was at no time very low, and on the whole it ha 3 not been an unfavourable winter for stock.

Eabbits. — This rodent is to all appearance almost an unknown quantity in this district. Never since the Rabbit Act came into force have rabbits been so scarce. As to their extermination, I presume this to be oiitside the bounds of possibility in a country of this character, but undoubtedly the freezing and export ot bunny has been more effective in reducing the pest than any other method hitherto tried — Mr Beavan, Waianiwa, notwithstanding. li the Government were desirous of saving the ratepayers' money, which unfortunately appears not to be the case, a commission ol inquiry into the matter would be instituted, and some endeavour made to save the £30,000 a year, or some portion of it, which now finds its way into the pockets of the army of inspectors whose only duty seems to be to worry persons who are more desirious of seeing the rabbit destroyed than they are themselves. Presentation. — On Friday evening, 29th ult., the members of the Presbyterian Church invited Mr and Mrs A. G. Clement to a social in the schoolroom, and presented Mr Clement with a beautiful time piece, on the occasion of his retiring from the position of precentor, the duties of which he has performed gratuitously for 35 or 16 years. At the appointed hour a large number of persons were assembled, and after doing ample justice to the tea and other good things so kindly provided by some of the ladies, Mr A. Dickie was voted to the ciiair, and in a short but felicitous speech made the presentation, and two or three enjoyable hours were afterwards spent in readings, recitations, and songs.