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Otago Witness, Issue 2363, 8 June 1899, Page 29

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June 5. — The weather here has been beautiful for the last two or three weeks, hard frosts with splendid bracing days — the finest winder so far we nave had for some years. Farmers ars ma-king the most of it, getting on with their ploughing and preparing the land for seed. Up to now feed has b»en plentiful, and stock apparently m good condition. The dairy factory has had another successful season. It will probably close at the end of this month. Owing, no doubt, to the mild season, the small birds are innumerable, and the farmers complain bitterly. Since the merging of one or two road boards formerly in tho habit of buying eggs, the inciea.se is markedly greater than it was some yeais ago. It would be well if county councils took into consideration the advisableiiess of buying eggs and heads.

Freezing Operations. — The freezing works have been kept very busy since February last, freezing mutton and lambs. 'Ihe3e coining to hand in such large numbers left little space for rabbits, and as many rabbit exporters were desirous of storing until about July in order to avoid competition in the Home market, the company had reluctantly to roiuse space for a number of lines, which of course meant a considerable loss of revenue to it. In order to avoid a similar occurrence in the future, they have decided to erect a building (no-v in progress) of three storeys, which, when finished will hold from 15,000 to 30,000 carcases in each storey, all of which will be available for nexi. season's operations. To cone with the ext'a pressure of work, it is probable that for next' season one of the engines at ihcs-e works will be converted into a double ammonia cou)pr»ssoi-, which will enable 2SOO carcases to be frdzen daily as against 1200 at present.

Political. — Our member addressed his constituents here last Friday evening, about 150 electors being present. He spoke for about an hour and a-half on a variety of political matters, and was listened to attentively. One or two questions were asked nnd answered satisfactorily, after which a. vote of thanks and confidence was accorded him.

Amusements. — We have had more than our usual share of entertainments this season, besides a number of local concerts. The last, about a week ago, was a moat successful one, tho sum realised being beyoiid expectation, and will be devoted to the purchase of an organ for the Roman Catholic Church in this township. There has also been suirtf d a weekly entertainment of music, readings, and recitations, got up mainly for the young people. Any one inclined to assist is cordially welcomed. The attendances at ihe two diet h.ve already taken place have been !>e-i'l. J :_2 next one takes r^ace on Friday, when a good mogramme will be submitted. r lhe price of admission is nominal, co that on the scoip of expense no one need be deprived o? spending a profitable couple of hour 0 . After paying expenses, any surplus moneys will be handed to the library committee for the jiurpose of helping to procure new books.