RIVERSDALE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2356, 20 April 1899, Page 29

RIVERSDALE.

April 17. — The long-looked-for has come at last. On Tuesday last the fine spell of weather broke up, and, up to Saturday night we had regular winter weather, very cold and wet. A great quantity of rain fell, but there were no floods, as most of the water was absorbed by the ground, and so on. Excepting the fact of harvesting being delayed, the rain will have done a great deal of good to Southland, as both grass and turnips were- suffering from the continued dry weather. I hear that a good deal of crop is still standing out in the stook in various places, but the great bulk must be safe now, in stack. The mills are very busy, and a quantity of grain ia being carted in to the sidings. „

Special. Goods Trains. — The Department have had pity on us at last? and have started to run. three special goods trains per week between Gore and Riversdale. They run on Mondays, "Wednesdays, and Fridays, leaving Gore at.j8.45 a.m., and leaving Riversdale on the return trip at 8.15 a.m. This should relieve the congestion of the grain traffic, which has Been such a special feature here in former years. We can all remember the large heaps of grain standing out in the station yard, and very inadequately covered, all for the want of trucks and haulage. There should be no excuse for this now, as the 1 specials are bound to bring trucks witli them, or else what would be their use? The specials should also make it easier. for the rabbit buyers to get their rabbits away. Altogether, the new departure is much to be commended.

Sheep Sales. — X large sale was held at the Wantwood yards about 10 days ago by Henderson and Batger, when 12,000 of Mr Bell's surplus sheep were disposed of at satisfactory prices. There was a very large attendance, and bidding was brisk. On Thursday next the monthly Riversdale sheep sale will be held, and I see that already there is a large entry, about* 8000 being advertised by different firms, and no doubt many more entries will be received before Thursday. This — the April sale — ia generally the best in the year, as the fitaibbles are ready for* fending, and most farmers are anxious to procure ewes now. I note that tha .New Zealand Agricultural Company are offering some 4000 •of their surplus ewes at the above sale, and as their flock is no well known, no doubt there will be keen compe,tition for this particular line.

Amusements. — I see that the Oddfellows have secured the Hall for the night of May ■24. in order to iuold a ball, which I feel Bure ■will bo a great success. This used to be the slight of, the volunteeis' annual baUj but now, alas ! they are defunct, and balls have been few and.iar between, in Riversdale lately.