MIDDLEMARCH.

Otago Witness, Issue 2397, 8 February 1900, Page 38

MIDDLEMARCH.

February 5. — We are still having very erratic weather. Last week the heat was almost beyond endurance, while at present it is cold enough for winter. Though the summer is past, we cannot boast of having had very much fine weather, as during the past three months the weather has been very changeable, and not at all ideal summer weather. We enjoyed all the seasons during the summer months. Never to my knowledge have w experienced such weather at this time of year — abundance of rain, scarcely a day without it, indeed. Qf course, from a farmer's point of view, this is the very thing for this, as a rule, dry climate. I am sorry to say, however, that we had more spring frosts than we cared for, the potato crops being destroyed, and also what 'little fruit our district could boast of. Agricultural. — Crops of all kinds are looking splendid, with the exception of the potato ciop, and from every part of the district comes the most gratifying accounts about the splendid crops and the promises of an abundant harvest. Really, I have never seen such crops here before. Harvesting is in full swing — leapers and binders to be seen and heaid all over the place. If the weather continues fine for another fortnight the bulk of the ciops will be safely in the stack«. With the good price for o.tts and stoic cattle the farmers' prospects are looking veiy promising. Pastoral.— Shearing has been over for some little time, but it lasted much longer than usual this year owing to the verj wet weather and the scarcity of good shearers, »viio were not to be had for love or money. The wool clip has been most satisfactory — indeed. I may say, one of the best that has ever left the district. Those who were fortunate enough to have their clips in for the first and second sales got splendid prices, but there was a big drop at Monday's sale, and this would mean a great loss to those who had their clip for sale that day. Pollard Poison. — This operation is now in full swing, and is proving veiy effectual this season. When the tiappers start I am- inclined to think thc-y will not be able to make such big cheques as they did last year. 1 notice that weasels are becoming veiy numerous in some pl?ce&, and where such is the case rabbits have a very poor chance, as these little "varmints" seem to kill for sport, as it is quite a common thing to see dead rabbits lying about in all directions, the only mark you can discern on them being a small puncture behind the ear. Picnic. — The annual picnic in connection with the Piesbyteiian Sabbath school was held on the 26th ult. at Dryiidge, kindly lent for the occasion by Mr Weston. It is an ideal spot for a picnic, and the day, tor a gieat wondei, was gloiious. In fact, eveiything was in harmony with the event. It consequently proved one of the pleasantest and most agreeable outings we have ever had in the district. The teachers left nothing undone to make the day's outing ihe success it proved. A very pleasant finish to the day's outing was the photograph of "the whole paity being taken by Air Dugald Matheson, who was thoughtful enough to bring his camera with him. Mr Jamicon, being indisposed, could not attend, and he was gieatly missed. However, Mrs Jamieson was a host m herself, and tried bravely to fill his place, helping -the other teachers in every way to make things pleasant for the visitors, who, I am sure, will look forward to such another outing. Public School. — Our school has been reopened, with a fair attendance, after a seven weeks' holiday. Patriotic Fund. — We have had no particular meeting re this fund, but nevertheless we have not been neutral in the matter. One way and another, so far as I can hear, we have managed to collect about JEBO. A concert will be held at an early date, when I am satisfied the amount will reach £100. The school children will no doubt add their mite also. Death.— lt is with great reget that I have to record the death of Mrs Adam Cullen, who passed away on the 23rd ult. after a long and painful illness. Great sympathy is felt for the husband and six little children who are left to mourn their sad loss.