WAIKAKA VALLEY.

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

WAIKAKA VALLEY.

August 15. — There has not been much in our district worth chronicling lately, except the weather, and the les3 said about that the better. But we have at last had a few days of nuld

weather, and things ar y e drying up fine. Agricultural. — Farming operations are in full awing, and some of the farmers have almost ' finished ploughing, although in most cases I more land than usxial is being ploughed this year. I fear that there will be a lower price for grain next year, as the high prices of last season have induced farmers to decide upon sowing more crop than usual. If the dry weather continues, next week will see most of the farmers

busy sowing. New Implements. — A number of farmers have this season gone in for the American four-fur-row ploughs. These appear to give general satisfaction, so far as the fact of their being provided with a seat is concerned ; but I have not Jieard any definite report as to their working qualities. I don't know if you, Mr Editor, understand mtich about ploughs, but I daresay you are aware that " young New Zealand " does not object to hard work when he can sit down : to it. It reminds me of the nigger who, when he saw a man on a bicycle for the first time, remarked that " he was a very lazy man who &at down to walk." I expect the next thing to emanate from the fertile brain of the Yankee will be a spade with a seat on it. Entertainments. — Rev. A. i.»on, of Dunedin, was to have been in our district last week with his lantern views of China, cfcc, but owing to the bad weather he had to postpone his visit. A large number assembled at the church in ex-

pectation of Mr Don's appearance, ana would have had to go home again disappointed; but a deputation waited on Mr ft. L. Christie, and asked him to bring his lantern. This he did, and showed a series of pictures illustrating the story of Little Nell, from pickens's "Old Curi,osity Shop." Mr Christie gave also several oihor illustrated readings, and exhibited a number of chromo-tropical slides and miscellaneous pictures, among which latter were several local scenes photographed by the exhibitor himself. At the close of the meeting, a hearty vote of thanks was, on the motion of Mr D. Gilchrist, accorded to Mr Christie for his " interesting, amusing, and instructive entertainment."