OTAUTAU.

Otago Witness, Issue 2370, 3 August 1899, Page 29

OTAUTAU.

I July 29. — For the last 25 days or so the weather has been decidedly wintry— frost, snow, and rain ; and although there have been several days fine overhead, yet the ground was too hard, too soft, or too much enveloped in white io get the ploughing, which in this district has got rather behind, pushed properly ahead. Till , lately there was a good deal -of snow lying, and it took a long time to disappear on account of the frosty nights. If the weather does not soori set in, a large quantity of the land intended for wheat will require to be sown in oats. Turnips, which are plentiful, are standing a Jot of eatmg, and if all the large steamsnips were only fitted with twin screws the number of sheep lor freezing would have been considerably reduced, and the good prices better maintained. Amusements.— Yesterday fortnight a dance was held m the Town Hail in aid of the liqnij dation of the debt on the township section the Anglicans bought as a church site. The assembly was a success, both financially and in the way of enjoyment. Mr Poynton, stipendiary magistrate, has also helped to pass a, few winter evenings profitably by delivering both interesting and instructive lectures on scientific subjects. Political.-— Only Mr Allan Carmichael has announced his intention to come forward to oppose the present Government member for Wallace, Mr Gilfedder. In wishing tho former every success at the forthcoming general elecJtion, it is but fair to add the latter has not altogether proved himself an unworthy representative, only he belongs to a party whose policy, if persevered in, would be most injurious to the Jand of out adoption. Commercial.— A short time ago Messrs Wright. Stsphenson, and Co. engaged Mr Preudergasi, late manager Waicola station, as representative o.f their firm here. The N.Z. Loan and Mercantile Agency Company followed suit with Mi Walker a3 agent, and lastly, Mr George Ross now represents Messrs Tothill, Watson, and Co.