LAND AND WATER.

Otago Witness, Issue 2369, 27 July 1899, Page 43

LAND AND WATER.

The Mataura Ensign is informed that the totally unnecessary practice pursued in that district of laying poisoned grain along district roads in the vicinity of swamps is having a disastrous effect upon native game. Driving from Riversda-le the other day a resident found two pukaki — one dead and the other dying — both having succumbed to the effects of poisoned grain. At the New Plymouth Breakwater on Friday morning an unusually large ribbon fish was found, which, on being measured, turned out to be over 15ft in length.

A handy and simple fishing gaff has been invented by Mr R. M'Donald, of Filleul street. It is of steel spring wire throughout, and folds up into small compass.

The Oamaru Mail understands that the final step for the disbandment of tho Naseby Rifles will shortly be taken. The whole of the Government property in the possession of the corps has been returned to store in a condition that reflects great credit upon the corps and individual members.

Mr Donald M'Kenzie, who is rabbiting on run 14-0, recently caught an opossum in a trap, but liberated it, as the animal was very little hurt. Fax sallinsc 22, wild ducks without a license

a man was fined at Napier £2, .with £1 10s costs. '

We hay« to acknowledge receipt of a programme and regulations of the National Rifle Association of New South Wales for the thirtyninth prize meeting to be held on 6th November.

Jarvis won the Half-mile Swimming Championship of England in 12min 48 3-ssec. Lane, the Australian, was second, his time being 13min 2sec. Lane led by a foot for half the way, but afterwards stopped several times.

By the kind permission of Mr Burlinson, the Dunedin Harriers ran from the Industrial School on Saturday, across the Kaikorai Valley, thence by the Silverstream Reservoir to tho Taieri Plain, and back via the road through Abbotsford and Green Island, a distance of about 11 miles, finishing up with a " break " for home, with the following result:—T. B. Arlidge 1, J. Kingston 2, W. Bennett 3. Messrs R. J. Jackson and T. E. Bennett were pace and whip respectively, and Messrs Lothian and Dix were hares. St. Clair baths w,ill be the venue for this week's run.

The Queensland Athletic Association have agreed that the hammer used for throwing at the championship meeting shall be of iron, with the handle either of wood or wire, or both, and flexible.