WAIKOUAITI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2374, 31 August 1899, Page 30

WAIKOUAITI.

August 28. — In spite of my croaking about the possible weather last week, it has been, on tho whole, very fair. Some cold winds we certainly have had, and some frost, but very little rain ; and the land is in very good condition for working. Very little threshing now remains to be done. Another week should see it all through. Spring has fairly set in, and everything is looking green again. Social. — Tho wicar of St. John's (Canon Lucas) gave a social to his church-workers on I Wednesday, 23rd inst., and most of those interested turned up. The social « r as held in St. John's schoolroom, and a very enjoyable evening was spent. A corner of the stage was set apart for those who did not dance, and a couple of caid tables provided, at which several games were played. Several songs^and recitations weie given, and dancing was indulged in until a late hour. Refreshments were abundant, and the proceedings closed at 3 a.m. with a hearh' vote of thanks to the vicar and Mrs j Lucas for the ovening'3 entertainment. Oddfellows' Anniversary. — On Friday, the 25th, the Loyal Princo Alfred Lodge held its annual reunion, in tho form of a monster social. Over 100 couples took the floor, as many as 80 being counted on the floor at one time. Invitations were issued to tho district officers (Bro. Briggs, D.P.G.M., being present), the officers of the Palmerston Lodge, and the officers of tho local lodire of liruids. By some mistake, tho usual " press ticket " was forgotten, liefreth merits were pio\ iaed a-s usual, and songs wero sung by Messis P. E. Wilson, Cutnberbeach, and J. Allen, Mr Burton contributing a recitation and Bro. Briggs a cornet solo. Tho music by Bro. Apploby'a band, from Palmorston, was all that could be desired, suul Bros. Bell and Jamieson acted as AT.C.'s. The dancing was kept up with vigour until 4 a.m., -all present seeming to have thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Football. — After a good deal of challenging, the Palmerston footballers journeyed to Wai- I kouaiti on Wednesday lost to try conclusions with the local team, the reault being a win for Palmorston by 7 points to nit. Beasley, Williams, and Penny played well for tho visitors, and Mtidgc for the homo team. A return match is to be arranged and played shortly. AI.BURY (SOUTH tJAXTPEBBURY). August 26. — For some time past the weather has been frosty, alternating with fine days. Thi3 was the state of affairs since I last wrote until Lho 23rd, when a howling nor'-wester set in, which proved most beneficial in its effects, drying tho land, roads, etc. It also seems to have blown the winter clean out, giving spring full possession — a consummation wo are all devoutly thankful for. Stock-. — Consequent on a plentiful supply of feed our domestic animals are in a very satisfactory condition. There is every prospect of a large clip of wool and a good lambing season. A fair sprinkling of luinbs is noticeable already on lome o{ the I&rmg. The

weather is. too variable to be altogether congenial to the well-being of the youngsters at an elevation of some 1000 ft above sea level, though a large proportion of the lambing ground is composed of sheltered downs, with a sunny aspect, consequently ideal sheep country. Agricultural. — The whole district may be said to bo really active now. Teams are scarce, and of course ore in demand, there being an eager deaire on the part of the ' agriculturist to got his work pushed on, and naturally so when it is borne in mind that the early crops invariably turn out the beat. The price of last year's produce is little, if any, better than it was at harvest time. Perhaps wheat is as firm, and the late favourable advices from Home tend to make holders less desirous of parting with this commodity at little more than bedrock figures. There will probably be a considerable area laid down in | grass this season, and the low price of grassseed will help the sowers to a trifling extent. A Crying Shame. — Considerable surprise was manifested in this district, and no 'doubt throughout the whole length and breadth of the land, at the announcement that the Government had formulated a mandate protecting seagulls, the most harmful of all predatory birds. Every person with a spark of feeling for the comfort of the poor sheep should leave no stone unturned to have this beautiful but cruel bird, the large black-and-white seagull, wiped off the face of the earth. Football.— On the 24th our boys had their second field day out, and a high time they had, too, I understand. Queen's weather reigned supreme on the occasion of the local footballers journeying to Temuka— a visit that has been looked forward to for some time, especially since our Fifteen returned victorious from Timaru, for the lads were anxious to demonstrate that there was no reason why their late victory should be looked upon as a mere stroke of luck, and given tho same team there is no doubt but that our men would have scored another win. The game ended in a draw — one try each, — but the home team freely admitted that the visitors had very hard luck in not having attained a higher score. The worthy president of our local club (Mr J. S. Rutherford) again treated his club's representatives to a drive behind a six-in-hand team. The run down, nearly 30 miles, waß accomplished in two hours and a-half, and the return trip by moonlight under three hours, which proves the metal of the horses. Those who made the journey speak in the highest terms of the liberal and considerate treatment they received while they were the guesta of the Temuka Club, being entertained at lunch and dinner, and a smoke concert in the evening, consequently the Alburyites are not surprised that Temuka hospitality has become proverbial with footballers. Tho visitors also had the opportunity of witnessing the mterprovmcial match between Nelson and South Canterbury, and no doubt picked up a few wrinkles. Although the South Canterbury team won, our lads consider the Nelson men .had a lot of bad luck, and were pitted against a much heavier team, and that the Nelson playera were superior in everything with the exception of collaring and kicking, the latter being the strongest point in tho game played by South Canterbury.

Dr Rogers has been appointed public vacoinator for tha Portrose district.