ISLA BANK.

Otago Witness, Issue 2360, 18 May 1899, Page 29

ISLA BANK.

May 13. — We are having fine weather for the season of the year. It is rather showery at times, making the by-roads somewhat muddy •where there is N a bit of traffic, but the farmers are well on with their work. The greater part of the crop was stacked under the most favourable circumstances. A few odd patches got a Hot of rain while either uncut or unstacked, and there will be some loss through discoloured and damp grain. There is, hoVever, a splendid crop of oats in this part of the country, and I niay safely say more good grain than has ever been known hereabouts before. Threshing mills are at work in all parts of the conntry, the grain being driven to the station. Inconvenience is felt at Farfax through scarcity of trucks and .loading, but a short time now will partly Tight that, as the heav*y part of the grain will be away. A good few farmers have snow threshed, or have a few tons cut up for chaff. The sheep are receiving proper attention at the hands of most farmers, and they pay well for it, holding the first place in this part of the country. Mixed faiming, however, pays many the best in the long run. Sheep, cattle, horses, pigsjand fowls all conduce to the farmer's prosperity if they are properly cared for, otherwise all may prove a failure. School. — Our school is getting on well. There is a large attendance, and the behaviour of the pupils is really good, the larrikin element being absent at present. At Calcium, on the other band, it is not all that could be desired.

Calcium Hall. — The latest about this Hall is that it was to be sold to pay the debt on it, but being on Government ground it is doubtful if it caa be disposed of. Ball. — A ball was held in Calcium Hall last ■week. There was a good attendance, and those present enjoyed themselves very well. Fire. — A threshing, mill was burnt a few daysego. It was injured for £200, but the owners lose considerably over that sum. Miller Bros. ioat r stack of oats at the same time.

A Slough of Despond. — A traction engine going along the road sank some Gft, and extra, labour -was required to pull it out and take at back the road it came.