MOSSBURN.

Otago Witness, Issue 2323, 8 September 1898, Page 29

MOSSBURN.

August 29. — The weather is now spring-like and mild, the consequence being that the snow is fast disappearing from the surrounding mountains, but not faster than is desired by the farmer and sheepowner, as while the snow lies even at these high altitudes, the nights are cold and the growth of grass tardy. Pastoral. — Turnip-fed sheep being in good condition are now leaving here either for shipment or for the requirements of our- own towns and cities. Lambing is not general yet, but a few may be seen, and their appearance indicates health and vigoui. " Farm. — Agricultural matters are in a backward state, solely owing to the severe frosts with which this district, in common with others, has been visited during the past month. Tho consequence of this is that the ploughmm II l S ip. tfi be h&»?A at irgA ovea when not

seen, so late does he prolong his day. Old lesidents who are able to predict good and. bad seasons say that we shall have a good year and an abundant harvest. This may be forestalling events, but such a prediction is, at any rate, harmless, and it is always better to be optimistic rather than pessimistic, or, in other words, to look as much as possible on the bright side of life. Amusements. — The bachelors of this place gave a very successful supper and dance to Hie young people of the district. Those who believe in the ultimate goodness of GocTs world ought to thank them, as they claim for innocent laughter and rejoicing as true and pure a place in thf economy of the univeiso as in tears and doleful shakings of the head, and, as an able writer recently said, " t-io sooner the Puritan idea of severity and restriction bein^ an index to 'virtue is undermined, the better iov the preservation of a healthy balance aniong human faculties." A Local Want. — And now from gay to grave. Our district being now extending, the want of a cemetery is feic, as the distance between some of the more remote parts and Lunidden must be between 18 and 20 mites. This, all will allow, is too far, and a last lesting place nearer at hand is in immediate contemplation. I am unable to say whether a selection on Castlerock estate or on Balkaithly farm has been decided upon.