OTAUTAU.

Otago Witness, Issue 2397, 8 February 1900, Page 29

OTAUTAU.

January 27. —Since the advent of the new ! year we have had a good deal of variable weather, sunshine ajKi rain, bul on the whole tho loniisoraturc has beon high, and accordingly crops of all descriptions and griiss have grown j apace. 'There arc some remarkably fine pad- j docks o£ both wheat, and oats, especially on the ) lh or fl&ti), and the yield per acie will probably I bo btttor even than that of last year, which was ' censunly above the average. - j Fet Lambs. —lt is to be feared that these will } bo scarce at the beginning of the season. The ' f.'.ft of fho ewes having plenty of milk has i caused their offspring to grow too rapidly to put on much fat, but after a short spell on rape j they will become prime much more quickly than they would during un ordinary season. Patriotic Meeting. —This meeting was held in the Town Hall, about three weeks ago, and was ! well attended. About £90 was given or pro- ! n'ised towards the fund. Some excellent f speeches, varied by song and recitation, were J delivered, and the proceedings were broxight to j a close by all present singing " God Save the ( Queen." Last of all, three cheers were called ' for our Otautau representative at the seat of j war, Trooper William A. Saimders, and these were heartily responded to. j Complimentary Banqiiet. —About 50 of the friends and supporters of Mr Allan Carmichael, who iinsuccessfully contested the election in the Opposition cause, met last night in the Town Hall and honoured him with a banquet. Mr Carmichael, on this occasion was also presented

with a gold watch and chain. j Sawmilling. — Messrs M'Pherson are doing a large trade and employing a great number of I hands, which is materially helping the trade ' generally of the township, and from this and the fact of wool, sheep, grain, etc., being such a : good price, Otautau is certainly in a very flourishing condition. j