GARSTON.

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

GARSTON.

August 31. — During the past week we have been enjoying lovely spring weather, and folks, for the greater part, were congratulating themselves upon having spring fairly upon them; but, alas, the scene has changed Irom lovely spring to bleak winter again, and to-night we find the ground covered with a light coat of snow. Farming. — Farming operations are again put a stop to by this inclement weather, which is rather annoying, seeing that they are in siich a backward condition already. Mining. — Mining operations, too, have been hindered on account of a very heavy fall of snow which occurred at the beginning of the month. The miners can, however, console themselves with the prospect of a bountiful supply of water during the summer months.

TAPAKUI. September 6. — Our splendid spring weather broke only t«» kspu. and. the pa^t weds fc&s

again been stormy and cold, outdoor work bein^ retarded. However, the most was made of the fine weather, and good headway made with the ploughing and sowing. Turniping sheep ig novv pretty well through, and large consign* ments of " fats " are leaving the district I ,' chiefly, I understand, for the north. If feed is scarce in the northern provinces, the southern! farmers are at least doing their share to keep up the supply of " prime Canterbury," and some splendid lines will bs railed away during the next few days. Klondyke. — Mr William M'Cormack's relatives and friends here for some time past have been anxious to hear from him, as it was feared he might have been amongst those lost in the Chilcoot Pass disaster. It was a relief, therefore, when last week his brother received a letter written at Dawson City, informing him of the safe arrival of the writer, and giving a cheerful account of the great goldfield. Mr M'Corrnack is an enterprising gold-hunter, and he does not seem deterred by the hardships to be encountered in the wealthy country. I trust he will be well repaid for his enterprise. Contrary to most writers he does not advise adventurers to stay away, but, on tho contrary, says, " Come quickly." Mr M'Corrnack is not a man likely to be influenced to any undue degree, and those who know him will not hesitate to take his statements regarding Klondyke as genuine. Sudden Death. — Several deaths have occurred lately, and one of the last to be cut off was Rubert Mason, son of Mr Alex. Mason, Mayor of Tapanui. The young man was only 20 years of ago, and was carried off by Bright' s disease. He was taken to Dunedin Hospital, and his parents were not given any cause for alarm, so that his sudden demise has been a blow to them. Cricket. — The season for cricket is again at hand, and the Tapanui Club held their annual meeting on Thursday evening last. The balance sheet showed a substantial credit balance, with a good asset in ground and materials. Mr Geo. T. Dawson was re-elected president, and Mr D. Colquhoun secretary and treasurer. Given good weather the club should have a successful season, and the opening match is to be played shortly.