SHAG VALLEY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2323, 8 September 1898, Page 34

SHAG VALLEY.

August 29.— Since I wrote last the first day of spring has come and gone, but we have had only a few days of real spring weather. At the first of the month we had a fall o£ snow, and since then we have had some heavy rains and also severe frosts, and latterly our share of cold south-wast and north-west winds. In fact, it is commented upon that the weather is getting far more changeable in this district lately. Fortunately, the snow melted very slowly on the mountains, thereby aveiting a flood in the river. Farm Work. — Farmers are all busy sowing when the weather permits. A veiy large area is going into wheat this year, which I think is a great mistake, as a lot of the ground about here will require lime and other manures before it ir in heart to grow a real good crop of wheat. But when, oh! when, are we to get the lime? The branch railway has been started, but I hear no word about erecting a kiln, etc. lam afraid that we shall not get lime in time even^ for next year's crop. . ' Small Birds and Botflies.— The small birds are much in evidence just now, and so far as my experience of the poisoned grain supplied by the county council goes, I must say I only saw two dead birds, whereas the quantity sown should have done for at least 2000. There is something wiong, because when a certain farmer made up the poisoned grain himself it proved most effective, as immediately after Bovpng it the dead birds were to be seen in hundreds. A good few horses have died in this district, the cause of death being attiibuted to the botflies. The Late Mr Duncan. — The sad fatal accident which occurred to Mr John Duncan, jun., particulars of which have already ajjpeared in 3'our paper, has cast quite a gloom over the district. About 10 years ago Mr Duncan started the Shag Valley Dairy Factory, also branches at Flag Swamp, Hampden, and Herbert. He made both cheese and butter, ai-d it is reported that more than once he got the Ict price in London r.gainst all New Zealand. . lie had &orae eight or nine cadets m his time, and almost all of them have now either cheese or butter factories or creameries under their charge, which speaks volumes for their teacher and master. He leaves a widow and an only daughter to mourn the loss of a kind husband and a most loving father. The funeral took place on Sunday at the Palmerston Cemetery, and was, without doubt, the largest that has ever been seen in- the district, being over a mile in length, some 80 buggies and traps, also horseman au4 footmen, besides about 200

" persona - who merely went to the cemetery. Rev. J. Christie conducted the service at the house and the Eev. Mr Clarke at the grava in a most impressive manner. A most touching and pathetic scene at the grave was to see no less than five of his former cadets gathered round to pay their last respects to one who was ever held dear l>y them. Geiieyn,! regret is expressed that a man of the superior ■ education and talents of the late Mr Dw-icrn ' should have met with such an untimely vad. i We want more men of his backbom and grit in j our midst.