WESTON.

Otago Witness, Issue 2396, 1 February 1900, Page 38

WESTON.

January 29. — During the past fortnight the weather has been all that could be desired from a farmer's point of view — bright and sunshiny, with scarcely any wind. Crops. — The season all through has been exceptionally good, and the crops are looking splendid. The grain is now fast ripening, and in some parts harvest operations have already commenced. Harvest will be very general in another week's time. Good reliable men for harvesting are very scarce, and men who really v/ant work have no difficulty in getting engaged. Factory. — Owing to some disagreement with the manager of the Wairareka Dairy Factory, a number of the Ardgov.-sm settlers petitioned the Tfueri and Peninsula Milk Supply Company to erect a creamery on Ardgowan, with the result that the Taieri and Peninsula Campany have decided to erect a creamery on the factory reserve, Ardgowan, to be ready to receive milk by the Ist of May. In one sense this is unfortunate, as it will drain off most of the best suppliers from the Waiareka Factory, thereby causing considerable loss to that company. Topics of Conversation. — Since the general election little or no interest as being taken in politics, the veteran politician being quite content in the meantime to let matters "slide." I see by last week's Witness that "Civis :( is doing the same thing, thereby showing how marvellously the thoughts and actions of great men sometimes coincide. Needless to say, the all-engrossing topic just now is the war; and the masterful manner in which General This is condemned for his inactivity or General That for his rash impetuosity, or the Wai Office for bungling all through, is truly wonderful. But all seem to agree that appointing Lord Roberts to take command in South Africa is putting the right man in the right place; and that if he is only backed up by sufficient colonial tioops, he will speedily end the war. But the enthusiasm is not confined to talking only, as the patriotic fund subscription lists clearly show, one and all giving to the fund cheerfully and liberally. A clearer insight into the terrible uncertainties of the battlefield has been given to many hereabouts by the death of Tiooper Booth, of the fir&t New Zealand contingent. Deceased, who was the youngest member of the contingent, being just 21 a week ago, was well known and extremely popular here, and his death has given a, considerable shock to all. Universal sympathy is expressed for his relatives, to whom his death will be such a- stinging blow.