RIVERSDALE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2389, 14 December 1899, Page 29

RIVERSDALE.

December 11.—Since my last we have had some very bad weather, severe thunderstorms, heavy hail, and downpour 3of rain. On Sunday, the 3rd, very- heavy rain commenced to fall, and kept ou without stopping till Monday afternoon. I don't know how many inches fell, but, anyway, the creeks and rivers could not hold all the water, and by Monday night we knew that we were in for a big flood. The Mataura kept on rising steadily all Tuesday forenoon, and the flood was highest about 3 o'clock that day, after which it quickly subsided. So far as I can learn, not much damage has been done to the crops or" stock in •this district, but"*lt -was touch and' go. Had the Ma taura''risen only Ift more very much damage would have been done, and, take it altogether, it was the highest flood for some six or seven years, but not -nearly up to the level of that of IS7S. The size of the hailatones, that fell was most phenomenal, the ■jvater splashing high up < wherever they fell. Needless to say, all vegetation has been' much benefited* by these warm rains. Elections.—As you know, these came off on Wednesday last, and much interest was taken in them locally. In the evening, as return after re-.urn came in, the excitement grew strongei and stronger. First one candidate then the other would lead, and cheers and counter cheers were heard. Finally, however, it was seen that Mr Fraser was sure to head the poll, and tha excitement increased. From the iirst I thought that Mr Fraset was 100 strong for Mr Kelly, but the event has shown that the outcome was never altogether safe. However, in comparison with Dunedin and othei places, it was wonderful how the Oppositionists in Wakatipu managed to elect their irJan, good as he is. Of course we quite comprehend that the Opposition were fighting not Mr Kelly, but the Hons. Dick Seddoii and J. G. Ward, who both did their best for the Liberal party. Therefore are we all the more pleased that such leading Government men should be hoist with their own petard. Surely it was never intended that the Premier and his tail should travel all round the country before an election, touting and barracking for their own seat and the re-election of the party! At all events, the Opposition electors of Wakatipu may feel proud that they have managed to elect the only Opposition member for tho district of Southland. The .Wakatipu only includes a very small slice of <that district. . Christmas Tree and Picnic.—A meeting of those interested was to have been held last Saturday night, but I have not yet heard the result. Whatever may have been arranged About the Christmas tree, however, I am Eiirc ■that the old and popular fixture of the New •Year's Day picnic for local children will take ■place as usual. Many a long face would be seen amongst the children if it failed to da so. I really forget for how many years it has been kept up, but I reckon it would be a bad day for Riversdale if the children's annual picnic was given up. How the youngsters enjoy themselves, and how in the races the wee ones invariably all claim to be first!