OTERAMIKA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2387, 30 November 1899, Page 33

OTERAMIKA.

November 27. — The wes.ther is all that could be desired for out-door work and to make the crops grow — and weeds also, needless to say. The new proprietor of the Grange farm is making good progress in cultivating the land and erecting new fences, and a little more patience in waiting will bring its reward. I might say the same thing with a number of new settlers who are making their homes oh the late Morton Mains estate. Most of these settlers have easy access to the main line and Seaward Bush railway, which makes all the difference. Political.— The air is full of politics and war. The latter was the all-absorbing question till the past week or two, when Messrs Raymond and M'Nab made their appearance in the district, seeking the suffrages of the electors. The former stands in the Opposition interest. His address was a sort of examination of the doings of the present Government, who were put in his bal lance and found enitrely wanting. Through not having had the honour to represent the electorate lie was not called upon to give an account of his stewardship, as was they case with Mr M'Nab, who also gave the future policy of the Government, which he seemed/io uphold. It was gratifying to learn from, him that an extension of seven miles of the Seaward Bush railway was authorised, so the' settlers far beyond Wainiahaka can enjoy the hope of it "till the reality comes." Many of your readers still have fresh in their minds how Mr M'Nb tried to get a telephone brought along to Kapuka, and made the necessary arrangements for obtaining it, but when the matter was put before the County Council on December 13, 1893, two members blocked it, and so it got shelved. Mr M'Nab still has it in his mind, and on his heart, and he now says it ia to come independent of the County Council or any guarantors. It is to be erected by the Government from Wyndham to Waimahaka, thenc-e down the railway line to Invercargill, thus giving all interested a boon long sought for. He has also, he said, got £150 placed on the Estimates to make a road from Kapuka station towards Timpany's sawmill and the Kapuka school. This school can only be got at by walking along the railway. It was opened as a trial school in 1897, and the attendance has gradually increased, so it has come to stay. Kapuka Hall. — There is a run on Mr Robinson's hall at Kapuka just now. What with politicians for Mataura and Invercargill electorates, prohibition advocates, and lantern lectures, it is kept going, and the people are all like the busy bea. I often hear the remark, "I shall be glad when it is all over," and co say I.