THE COUNTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2330, 27 October 1898, Page 25

THE COUNTRY.

Letters in order to tic in tlmo tat the issue succeeding ike &** K^m,os???, are wr '"«n must reaob Dunedia by TUESDAY

IiAKE WANAKA.

Albertown, Octobei 25.— 1 wrote you a letter which should have appeared in the Witness of 13th inst., but it seems to have miscarried, so I must write to you again, and in writing the account of our concert and ball must depend on memory.— [The letter alluded to has not come to hand. — Ed.] ( Tne Albertown School Committee's Concert and Ball. — This affair duly came off on the SOth nit., and was a most gratifying success from every point of view. There were visitors from all the surrounding centres, even from as far away as Cardrona, Queensbury, and Tarzas. Financially speaking, at was the second largest house the committee has ever had, over £10 being cleared, so that it will be now in a position to erect a shelter shed, board the floor of the coal house, and attend to a few other little necessary improvements. Our Pembroke friends gave us a good lift, for they supplied moat of the items on the programme. By a curious oversight, three ladies were overlooked in writing the invitations to assist on the programme, although their names were recorded in the minute book. The committee regretted very much the loss of their contribu- ; tions, and felt gratified at the manner in •which their explanations were accepted. The committee had very little outlay on this occasion, as they and the residents found all the eatables, Mr Monteith leading off with 20doz. ernaM goods, tea, and sugar, and Mr Halliday with all the sandwiches, while the clerk sup- j plied «ggs and flour, and the committee bought | tickets besides. The residents conferrea among themselves, so that there was a large variety of good things sufficient to provide a capital breakfast in addition to a plentiful midnight supper. The concert gave every satisfaction, and the utmost decorum prevailed, and everyone was abundantly satisfied. Miss B. Sachtler gave a pianoforte selection, in addition to playing all the accompaniments. Miss Sachtler has a large number of music pupils at Pembroke, two of whom— the little Misses Allan and Hedditch— recently made their debut there. Mr A. G. Thomson was well to the fore with three songs, and was encored, and also appeared I in a duet with Mr Harold Sachtler. Mr Wm. J. Barclay, of Hawea, gay« " The Arab's fare- ' well to his steed," and Miss Ellen Frewen sang a pathetic song. A screaming farce followed, in which Mr Sid. M. Cornelius acted the part of the elegant well-dressed gentleman ; with gold eyeglasses and Mr Harold Sachtler xhe bright-faced maiden wooed by Mr Cornelius. Mr James Templeton was Mr Cornelius's negro servant of the Handy-Andy type, only more so. £k e singing of "The Presbyterian cat" by Mr Thomson (parson), and Messrs Mackenzie, Uempleton, Cornelius, and Sachtler closed the concert. Dancing was then entered into with great spirit, the music being supplied by Mr K. Millar (violin), assisted by Messrs Barclay, Sachtler, M'Laren (2), M'Lean, Frewen, and others. Mr Hy. Mackay, besides lending his piano, contributed sundry items on the pipes during the night. Mr Roger Halliday acted ! as M.C. The Hawea School. — I notice a letter under this heading in the Witness of the 13th signed "Clare," which came as a surprise to me. As "Clare" wishes me to say a few words thereon I shall do so. However, I think it would have "been better if "Clare" had acted on the old adage, "Silence is golden" ; but then, of course, it is a little weakness of human nature for impressionable men to be indiscreet in order to win the approbation and sweet smile of an amicable lady. In the old histories kings and generals sacrificed armies, wealth, and territories to gain the same end, the history of the -world being changed thereby. "Clare's" letter opens up a very wide subject for discussion, which would take a column of space if such -were available. I never could understand why anyone should think that a little friendly criticism can only be inspired by •unfriendly motives. The future of this great nation is in the hands of a few teachers, and it ig only reasonable and natural that anyone, hoping that the district in particular, and the country in general, may prosper and flourish, Bhould feel largely interested in the education ! system in all its details. It behoves all good i citizens to take an intelligent view of every event that is likely to benefit the country at large. I did not xeiei to a broken gate. However, when the school gate is broken, or the fence broken or damaged, so that stock can get iz>, it is the duty of the teacher to at once "write to the committee, drawing its attention to such damage. If the committee are careful with their quarterly allowance, they should be in funds so as to attend to the matter at once. If they are "hard up," then they could provide a working bee to repair the fence and gate. "Clare's" feeble little joke about ladies not being required to teach carpentry is duly noted. "Clare" says he takes an interest in things pertaining to the district; then why floes he not appear at the annual meetings of householders, and ask the retiring committee the reason why the schoolground and fences and gate are allowed to go into the state of "wreck and ruin and untidiness, as we gather is the state of things at Hawea, according to "Clare's" letter? Obituary. — Another old resident has passed ©way, and was buried in Pembroke Cemetery last week, in the person of John Murray, a native of Tahiti, who was familiarly known as Kanaka Jack, his name in Maori being Teone Mare. Deceased came here in the early sixties, and it is understood he was Bishop Selwyn's servant. Afterwards he Jived at Moeraki with the Maoris, but for nearly 20 years past he has lived in Pembroke. About feix years ago he was repairing the thatch on b. hut, climbing: up and down with a rope, and it is understood that someone loosened the rope by way of a joke, with the result that ffohn Murray fell to the ground and dislocated 3iis thigh joint. From this accident he did not fully recover, necessitating the use of a crutch. His neighbours went to and fro, and assisted iiim, but he was always able to get about till a few days before he died. His exact age was uncertain, but he was between 60 and 70 years. Agricultural. — The weather ia getting warmer. Showers are frequent, rather too frequent, I Sunk. It is hardly time to tell for certain, but some of the crops do not look very promising. In some instances where three bushels of oats were sown to the acre apparently only two come up. One of our residents from "Southland, who knows a thing or two, bought 10 bags of seed oata, and on putting them through the fanners obtained two bags of seconds from them.

LAKE COUNTY.

October 22. — As a rule weathoi is meted out lo us upon double Hue' — ihnl is to say, it is either wet and cold ot hot and dry, bitt ■whatever it is, there is always ■some fault to find with it. The past week lias been very lougb, wet, and cold, and however the thunder stora; wa ha on ,"?Tednesday

night last managed to kick up such a row on so iittlo provocation is a puzzle. The nights and mornings are still bitterly cold, and all vegetation is in a languishing state. There seems to be no heat in the sunshine, and whenever there is a wind, which is pretty often, it is of a most piercing kind. The Consequences. — The unseasonable weather, now extending over six months, has no doubt a good deal to do with the prevalence of sickness in every part of the district. Amongst the young, measles, scarlatina, and the like abound, while the ailments afflicting the aged are innumerable, and, judging by the complaints one hears, unknown and unknowable. There is not a household but has one or more of its inmates * stricken down with ailments of some kind or other. Both the Frankton and Arrow Hospitals are crowded with patients, while the doctors are nearly run off their legs. All this comes of fine, open winters without snow and frost, and of springs with both. Hang of It. — There is a great deal of misapprehension afoot bs to the nature of the Otago Daily Times and Witness Christinas number, which has now become a publication quite independent of the ordinary issue of these papers. People were not wanting who grumbled that they were deprived of the supply of their usual reading, for which was substituted seasonable and seasoned tales for ■which they did not care. As the only "way out of the dilemma, the management has decided, upon an entirely separate issue of the Christmas Number, to be at the option of any subscriber to take and pay for or leave it alone, as he pleases. The subscribers will not be deprived of any of the 52 numbers per annum, and those who take the extra Christmas number may be sure that they will get their shilling's worth in illustrations as well as in reading matter. [We have to thank our correspondent for putting the position before his readers in such a lucid manner. — Ed.J School Exams. — So bad was the measles amongst the youngsters that in many cases the examinations had to be postponed for some weeks, yet in spite of this drawback all the schools had excellent pass records.

PIJKEURI.

October 26. — Since the Ist of this month we have been favoured with samples many and various — snow, hail, xain, frost, sunshine, and furious gales following each other in quick succession. The storm of Thursday and Friday was very severe, and must have done much damage to crops and orchards. Crops. — On the whole, the crops are looking well, but just at time of -writing a grand snower would be welcomed to freshen things up. So far, although we have not had a great deal of rain, what showers have fallen have always come just at the opportune time, and in this way the growth of the grain has been continuous if somewhat slow. Grass. — For the time of the year grass is not what our farmers -would like. Growth has been very slow, and in most cases feed is scarce, and in all probability it will be so for some time unless we get much more genial spring weather. Dairy Factoiy. — The local factory opened on the 15th, but only a small supply is being received. The prospects for the coming season are none too bright, owing to the fact that so many have lost 75 per cent, or more of their cows on the islands during the winter. The annuaJ meeting of the dairy factory shareholders, will be held at the factory on Wednesday first, whea the report and balance sheet for the year will be considered.

OTAMA.

October 22. — We , are just now experiencing very windy weather. It generally blows all day and rains duiing the night, and occasionally reverses the order. Grass is backward, but oats are looking well. Young lambs were, as a general rule, about 100 per cent, until this last equally weather, which has, I am afraid, cut down the average. Most of the farmers in this vicinity have their crops all in, but I hear in adjoining districts there is still a lot to put in. Health Note. — I think we have more sickness in our midst at present than since the measles epidemic, a few years ago. Mr Fullarton, the teacher, has been absent for three weeks on that account, and a good many of the older residents are laid up. Dairying. — Both the Waimea Plains and Otamita Factories have started operations. These factories are situated one at each end of the district, and are supplied principally from Otama.

liILHSBSDf.

October 24. — The conduct of the elements has been simply atrocious during the past month, snow, hail, rain, and hurricanes being the bill of fare. Yesterday (Sunday), however, brought a welcome change, it being a typical spring day, with every appearance of a continuance of good growing spring weather. Farming. — Agricultural pursuits are pretty well advanced notwithstanding the vagaries of the elements. It seems to me that the farmers have taken a lesson by the evil results of the procrastination of former years at sowing time. They will not forget in a hurry the lateness of last year's harvest and the losses sustained on that account. Pastoral. — The extremely cold and stormy weather of late must have been the means of killing considerable numbers of young lambs, which must affect tho yearly percentage to a serious extent. At the same time I am told that stock and wool returns will, when the time for reckoning comes round, compare fa- | vourably with the yield of former good seaI sons. Tourist Traffic. — Nothing is doing with us under this heading so far this season, but I am informed that all the preparations for j carrying out the season's operations are quite completed by those catering in all its forms for the tourist.

WETHEKSTONiGS.

October 24. — Two young men, brothers, niiuing at the head of one of the gullies vi Wetherstones, in taking off a paddock, found two leg bones of a moa on the bottom, under 6ft of soil. I think they are the two thigh bones. About a third of one of them is broken off, and a little is off the sockets or joints of the other. The bone is the shape of a triangle, with the sides rounded a little. The length of the bone is nearly 15in, circumference of smallest part 4in, and at one end 7in. The diameter at what I think is the hip joint is 32in, and at the knee joint 2in. Farming. — Farming here at present is in a backward state, the weather being so changeable. The crops that have been sown, such as oats, arc slowly making their appearance above ground. I am surprised that more of the farmers don't go in for sowing barley. There is always a ready sale and ready cash for good samples for malting purposes. A few of the farmers come to the Black Horse Brewery here for seed, but a very few. I think tliat every farmer ought to grow a few acres of barley. It is generally saleable, and brings a good price. Many of the farmers stand in then own light ; but such is the way of the farmers' world. Fruit and Flower Gardens. — I have kept a memo of the dates, in different years, that plum and apple trees come into blossom. To show the variety in the seasons, in 1889 the plum trees commenced to bloom about September 23; in 1896, September 16; last year, from September 26 to October 3; and this year about the same time as last year. This year the apples are not in bloaHom yet. There are

several small flower gardens around here which look well, being a mass of colour.

TAPANUI.

October 25. — There is no improvement to note in our weather supply, which is still most unseasonable. Cold winds are the principal hindrance to growth, and farmers will soon be heard complaining if a change does not take place. Political. — The Tuapeka election is naturally causing a good deal_ of interest here, as the upper portion of this district is in the electorate; and the fact that Mr James Sim, of Crookston, is a candidate lends increased interest. According to all reports, Mr Sim should have a good chance in the contest, and being a local man he is sure of a good poll in his own v immediate district. Mn Sim has been accepted as the Government candidate, and strongly supports their policy. He has proceeded to the goldflelds to conduct his meetings, and has not much time to make his acquaintance with the upper portions o"f the electorate. "With so many candidates in the field, it is also thought that Mr O. C. Rawlins will have an exceedingly good chance of winning, and his past experience in electioneering in the Tuapeka electorate will be of value to fiiin in so hurried a contest. Mi Rawlina is a forcible speaker, and a hot opponent of the present administration. He does not, as a rule, hide his light under a bushel, and is outspoken at all times. Ot the goldfields candidates little is known in this quarter, and they will have to bestir themselves very lively to "do" the various settlements between Clyde and Heriot. With the ejection on the 2nd prox., the electors will not be kept long in doubt as to who is to be their future representative. Borough Elections.— At an extraordinary election for councillor for "West Ward of Tapanui Borough last Thursday, Mr P. M'Cann was elected in place of a councillor resigned. The mayoral election will be the next event of local interest, and last year's defeated candidate is again to oppose the sitting mayor (Mr Alexander Mason). Death. — Our old settlers are gradually passing away, and on Saturday last the remains of Mr Alexander Ferguson, of Waikoikoi, were interred in the Tapauui Cemetery. Mr Ferguson had 85 years to his credit, and had resided in the 'Koi district for many years.

POMAIIAKA J»«»VIYS.

October 24. — Towards the close of the week before last we had a couple of fine days, and the grass responded wonderfully, but this last week the weather has been fairly on the burst, although at time of writing it shows signs of recovery. I fancy the sun's face must have had some ugly spots on it lately, and the wind was piercingly cold. Oh! it is a wonderful climate.' Agricultural.— A good area of wheat and oats is brairded, but the crop is not all sown yet. In comparing the spring with that of last year, this one is certainly points ahead, for during five weeks of last year, from October 10, nothing could be done. Jottings.— l regret to hear that a team of horses belonging to Mr Heriot had a runaway with the harrows the other day, and one of the team got very badly torn. I saw Mr George Heriot out the other day with his stallion Young Souser, and a very handsome animal he looks. Inquiring how our late fellow settler, Mr Maxwell, was last Saturday, I was glad to hear that he was considerably improved. May it be permanent. Mr Bioarl, with his traction engine and chaff-cutter, is going to invade this district soon if the weather would only keep dry for a little. I hear of a settler having an acre of onions sown on the river bank.

UATANITI.

October 21. — The weather has been very broken — cold rains accompanied with heavy winds, and at time of -writing the rain is coming down as if it had not rained for six months. Roads. — The roads are in a very bad state, some places being almost impassable. How the settlers with sleeper contracts are to get the sleepers carted to Owaka is a puzzle. I would suggest that the department extend the time for taking delivery for at least two months — say up to the end of February. Klondyke. — Mr Meek, one of our* settlers, has returned from a brief sojourn at Klondyke. I have not had the pleasure of a talk with him yet, but no doubt he has seen wonderful sights during his absence and will be able to give an interesting account of his trip, as he is good at describing any place he has seen. «

WAIWEKA.

October 24. — Great regret is expressed at the transference of Mr Deans, manager of the fish Eonds here, to Opoho. It is very much feared ere that this step will not by any means benefit the society, but, on the contrary, is calculated to lead to a good deal of friction in fishing circles. Ever since Mr Deans has been here he has had the interest of the society at heart, and his motto has been duty first, strict attention being always paid to the society's work and property. It is to be hoped that his removal will be for his benefit. Apart from the society, Mr Deans and his family are very much respected, and will leave behind many friends and well-wishers, and also a blank that cannot be easily filled. Weather. — Since my last we have had fearfully rough weather — more like winter than spring. Indeed, the number of warm spring days has been very small indeed. This morning, however, it is a little milder, although it is not by any means settled yet. Bunny. — The rabbit inspector has been spurring some of us up to lessen the nnmbei of rabbits on our respective properties. This is being done on all hands by pollard poisoning. The rabbits are taking the poison well, and many are seen dead and dying. Agricultural. — Stock everywhere show signs of the effects of the rottgh weather, and a mild change would be welcome indeed. In consequence of so much cold, the early-sown crops have been kept back, thu3 allowing the weeds in many places to get a good staTt, and most people know what that generally means. G-rass for cutting for seed will be generally heavy, but ralher late.

X. 4 1 TAN GAT A.

October 24. — The borough council held their ordinary meeting on Wednesday evening. There was a full attendance of councillors. Letters of application for works were read from J. Hislop, N. M'Allistei, G. M'Vie, and J. Penman. The two first-named were granted, and the last two were deferred for a month. The names of Mary Faell, W. Shaw, and J. P. Hialop were placed on the Burgess Roll. Hon. A. L. Smith and Mr J. Allen, M.H.R., wrote re Government subsidy for new bridge.—Received. The Colonial Secretary notified the alteration of the date of the mayoral election. Margaret Christie complained of the council's action in laying Gin pipes in the railway reserve. — Referred to the Works ..Committee. J. Bennie requested a refund of poundage fees. — Granted. Accounts to the amount of £67 were passed for payment. The work of planting willows and bank-piotecting was remitted to the mayor. The erection of a gate for vehicular traffic into Victoria Park and releasing the domain reserve were referred to the Works Committee. Mr N. Kirkcaldy was instructed to have the pegs in the Northern Cemetery mimbered. The meeting then closed. Bowling. — On Saturday the local bowling club ' opened the season, when a match, was played by sides chosen by Mr W. M. Shore (mayor) and Dr W. Fitzgerald, resulting ia a win

for the doctor's team. The following are the names of the skips and their respective scores : — W. M. Shore 10 played Dr Fitzgerald 11 W.Shaw .. 14 played C. Nicholson 35 H. S. Hitchou 19 played J. Hislop .. 18 43 44 Volunteering.— The Kaitangata Eifles firecl off their opening match on Saturday, and it resulted in a win for Captain Rutherford's team with a score of 493, against the team of Lieutenant M'Laren, 486. The Mayor (Mr Shore), Drs J. and W. Fitzgerald, and the Rev. R. Fairmaid have each donated trophies to this company for competition.

UPPEII JOKB'IjYKEVX. MINING.

October 24.— A1l the dredges on the Molyneux in the vicmity of Alexandra are kept steadily at work, and their weekly returns give satisfaction to their owners. Of public companies the Golden Beach continues to maintain premier place as a paying venture. For fully two days at the beginning of the week the dredge was stopped, as a few necessary repairs were required; but for the remaining part of the week she washed up on Saturday 440z of gold. Inside of the present cut which tho dredge is taking up the ground is known to be considerably richer than that on which she is now working, but it would be inadvisable to work the ground in any other way than that followed. The Molyneux Hydraulic continues to do fairly well, washing up for the last two weeks a little over 630z. This dredge will be stopped for a few days during the week for repairs to the winches. The Moa is taking up an outside cut of Frenchman's Beach, and her returns are most satisfactory, averaging for the past two weeks a little over Oloz a week. Good progress continues to be made towards the completion of the Matau Company's dredge. The pontoons were launched more than a week ago, and the tumbler framing, as well as the gantree framing, is being pushed on forthwith. The contractors for the erection of the machinery on the Vincent Company's dredge are pushing ahead as rapidly as possible, the material coming to hand m fair time. The Unity dredge started work a fortnight ago, and is doing her work most effectively. This dredge commenced operations without any of the customary fuss, cards, and cake on such occasions. Whether she be on gold or not, none knows except those on board; but as she has been working steadily on the part of the claim where she commenced dredging, it is assumed that gold is being obtained in payable quantities. On the Manuherikia, the results of dredging, so far, have been rather discouraging; none of the dredges paying except the Manorburn. The Lion Rock has shut down finally, and the company have advertised their dredge for sale. I am optimistic enough to indulge the hope that this slight slump on the Manuherikia will not in the least degree retard the dredging industry, but rather act as a stimulus to companies to see that their dredges are worked by experienced and properly qualified men. It can hardly be expected that young men from offices can_ just step on board a dredge and do experienced men's work. What do they know about the technique of gold-saving? Simply nothing. They are ignorant of gold-saving appliances, which require years of practical toil to thoroughly master. The days of the longhandled shovel, the tin dish, and the cradle hava gone, and so has the empiric miner. What the dredging industry demands is trained, practical workmen who have a technical knowledge of the chemistry of gold-saving, as well as an experienced knowledge of goldsaving appliances. GENERA.L." Theatrical.— The Roxburgh Dramatic Club made their first appearance before an Alexandra audience on Friday evening in the play of " Black-eyed Susan." The different parts in the play were well sustained throughout, and the audience, which was large and appreciative, evidenced their pleasure by their frequent applause. Election.--No sooner ws.3 the painful news of Mr Larnach' s death flashed by telegraph to the Tuapeka electorate, than five Rschmonds were in the field to do battle for the vacant seat. Two of the candidates, Mr Sim and Mr Symes (pardon the alliteration, but it sounds well), are adrift in the Government boat, and tossed on a stormy sea, without a shadow of a chance of gaining the desired haven of rest. One of them should drop over the stern, aud give the oilier a chance of winning fame. But which one is going to spoil his chance for the dying cause? Ah, there's the rub — which one? I am afraid they are both too dour to yield an inch. Of the other three candidates who array themselves in the Opposition boat, two of them should gracefully retire, and let a fair duel be fought between the Government and the Opposition. There would then be no doubt as to which would win. On Saturday evening Mr Gilkison, of Clyde, addressed the electors of Alexandra, and had a most enthusiastic reception, the Town Hall being crowded. Mr Gilkison, in a speech of about an hour and a-half, outlined his policy, or rather the policy which he -would support. He had an attentive and patient hearing, and' clearly impressed his audience with the honesty of his convictions. There can be no question of Mr Gilkison's fitness for the position aspired to by him, and the -unanimous vote of confidence passed in his favour evidenced the feelings of the electors of this end of the electorate towards him. The Dredge Owners' Association of Central Otago passed a resolution to accord Mr Gilkison their unanimous support in the forthcoming election. Indications are not wanting to show that Mr Gilkison will receive at least 75 per cent, of the votea in Central Otago, and rightly so, as he is far and away the best ol the candidates in his knowledge of mining law and mining interests generally.

OTEPOPO.

October 25. — We are being treated to all sorts of weather About two weeks ago one of the coldest snaps we have had for two or three years passed over the district. Fortunately, it only lasted for two days, and was followed by warm, genial days up to tlie 20th, when a terrible gale sprang up fiom the south-wet, and continued with unabated force up to Friday evening. The wind on Thursday morning was accompanied by heavy showers. Saturday and Sunday were fine, but yesterday a strong northeast wind with heavy driving rain set in. Today is fine. Agricultural. — Taken on the whole, the weather has been favourable for the growth of crops and grass, which look well — especially the grass. I hear complaints of the grub playing havoc in wheat and grass. If the ground so affected was thoroughly rolled by a Cambridge roller, I think it would help considerably. I have known of affected parts being rolled twice, and sometimes three times, with beneficial results. Another cure is a good dressing of lime, but farmers here seem loth to make a start using it. Dairying. — Judging by the number of milk carts passing on the roads, the supply of milk at the creamery must be increasing, despite the large number of cows that have succumbed to the scarcity of feed ilurinq; ' -mer [f dairying is to be a succf^ a . dairyman will have to go in more for winter teed thau is done at present. One advanced fanner h;\a recognised this, and has gone m for a thorough system of grain and green croppins; but to ahaw t.h«

ideas of farming that are prevalent here, he is looked upon by the majority of his brother farmers as a fit subject for Seacliff Asylum. Bui, they will find out they will have to come round 1 to his ideas, and the quicker the better foi themselves.

BROAD BAT.

October 24.— The Peninsula has lost a good friend by the death of Mr Larnach. Many o; the now well-to-do settlers in tho neighbourhood of the Camp owe their start upward to the almost unlimited work provided by him. The Camp itself, masonry and carpentering work, vineries, peach houses, farm buildings, &c. were nearly all done by local men, to whom, other things being equal, Mr Larnach always gave the pipf^-ence. Of late years, only mer for the neccysary working of the estate have heen employed. Now all hands are discharged except the gardener and a farm hand kept on uutiJ the sale, which, it is understood, will bo held shortly. Many have lost a good master a generous employer, and a friend. Requiescat in pace! The Season.— Spring was making good progress till a few days ago, when rude Boreas upset everything— everything that wasn't securely anchored. Potatoes, peas, &c, are now bautered and torn, looking very dejected. Fruit trees, too, have suffered severely, except where specially protected. The Coming Holiday Season.— The accommodation, at this favourite health resort is being rapidly secured for the holiday season, so we are nkely to have as great an influx of visitors as usual.

HYOE.

October 25.— The weather lately laas been variable— a good deal of wind, and some heavy rain, showers. Agricultural.— The grass is coming) away pretty well, and the crops are healthy, and if we only get some settled weather, we tire hkely to have satisfactory returns. A good deal of cereal crops has been sown, and a lot ot ground is now under preparation for turDl § S Vi- f la^ bin ? is turning out very well. .f ontical.— l see that our late townsman Mr J J. Ramsay, is going to contest Tuapeka. Mr Rarusay has taken an interest in public matters since he was a school boy, and has served on several public bodies, and I have no doubt he will give a good account of himself if elected. Correction.— ln ray last letter re bridge, the weight that !t is safe to carry should read three tons, not one ton, as printed. MINING. The water sappjy this year has been exceptionally plentiful, and a good deal of sluicing is going on. Bruhns, Robertson, and Co are sluicing in front of the township, with a good supply of water, and other parties are afc work m different places. The Mount Highlay has about a dozen men at work, and the water supply for crushing has kept up so far. Kelly and mate have been prospecting for some time, and have again got good prospects.

CLYDE.

October 24.— Election ! Nothing but election • and we are putting up admirably well with all the puff, blow, and promise of which the respective candidates seem full to overflowing. Mr Robert Gilkison, the Independent Liberal candidate, has already made a good start, and is making headway in every district where he has spoken so far. The opinion here is that he would make a capital representative for Tuapeka, and if only we electors are at all unanimous, the result of the poll will be to our lasting credit and advantage. Anonymous. — I am in receipt of a ngte, having no signature attached, calling me to account over my recent notice of the Dunstan District Hospital. The editor of this paper should have been written to, and not my humble self. So far as I am aware, the writer's fears have no grounds. The wardsman and matron cannot possibly be all the anonymous writer would have me believe them to be, for I have not yet lost all faith in the committee's perceptive powers. Lignite. — Kitto and party have tapped a seam of excellent lignite in their shaft, at a depth of 60ft. This is good news for householders, and the public generally, as I hear the party intend selling the coal at the rate of 7s per ton at the pit's mouth. The Rolls.— The roll for the Tuapeka electorate has been purged of some 500 names of electors who failed to vote at the last general election. This, I may add, ia exclusive of some 200 other names of people who have left the electorate since that time. [A quantity of country correspondence i 3 unavoidably held over .3