WAIKOUAITI,

Otago Witness, Issue 2389, 14 December 1899, Page 30

WAIKOUAITI,

December 11.—The weather seems to be a long time settling' down into summer. It is very windy still, and if we get a shower the wind dries it up again before it has had time to do much good. Still, the crops are getting on, and some of tho earliest oats are breaking into eai. Feed is veiy plentiful, and the scythe is getting.into evidence amongst the spare" grass. Turnips and potatoes are growing apace, and if the weather is at all favourable, a good harvest should crown tho labours of the farmers. Prize Cattle.—l see that neighbours of ours aro to the fore, Mr Ireland, of Goodwood, having I'taken prizes both at Palmerston and Dunedin; and M_ Cowan, an old ex-rcsideut, being to the fron!, at Oamaru and Pa'merston —both of them taking good places in Ayrshire cattle. With regard to tho champion thrcs-year-old cow belonging to.Mr Ireland, I hear that several persons think that, although she was beaten by Mr Cowan's cow at Palmerston, faho is the better of the two. lam no judge myself', and as I hear that both cows are to compete at Waitati, I shall look forward to the opinion of the judges there. Dairy Factories.—The various factories here aro as busy as possible putting through the milk. Morton and Goodwood are both separating a large amount daily, Sundays included at Goodwood, Saturday nights at Merton, and tho Waikouaiti Cheese Factory have to pay out to the tune of ovei £650. per month for their milk. The three vats are going, and ilr Graham and his energetic staff have great hopes of permanently-retaining that cup after next Winter's show. I hope they will. *