BYDE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2369, 27 July 1899, Page 30

BYDE.

July 24.— Yesterday we experienced one of the heaviest falls of snow that we have had for many a year, and as there has been very little thaw everything wears a wintry aspect. It is not often that a fall of snow lies more than a. day or two on the low country in this district, but this fall is not likely to disappear so quickly Should a thaw set in there is a strong probability of a flood in the Taieri. Agricultural.— Ploughing has been at a standstill for some time, between frost and snow. Feed has been plentiful this winter, and there is still a lot of turnips to eat off. Otago Central Railway. — In your last issue Mr Clarke, of Middlemarch, makes some suggestions regarding tho running of the trains on the Otago Central railway. I might also suggest that the Wednesday morning train be reinstated. This was a very useful train, as it enabled farmers and others to get to Dunedin and back in the same day, and also attend the stock sales. At present anyone wishing to do any business is compelled to stay two nights in town, Why should not up-country districts have a few advantages as well as the towns? Concert. — A concert was arranged for last Friday night, but owing to the inclemency of th» weather it was postponed until Tuesday night. As the weather is still unfavourable, however, it has been again postponed until further notice. County Council. — I hear that Mr Jas. Matheson, of Hartfield, is likely to come forward at the next election of councillor for the Macraes riding. Mr Matheson is well and favourably known in the district, and is well qualified for the position of councillor, as he is a man who always gives a lot of attention to anything he takes in hand, and the representation of the district could not be in better hands. Mining. — We have no dredges here yet, but plenty of claims are pegged out, so probably we shall have the dredges before long. The Mount Highlay Company expect to put through some big crushings this season.