MID-WAIAHU.

Otago Witness, Issue 2399, 22 February 1900, Page 29

MID-WAIAHU.

February 14. — The Feldwick school picnic was held on Friday, 9th, at Chfden, i.i a pad--dock lent by Mr Tapper. A more suitable spot could not have been found in this loeauful distiict, commanding as it does a magnificent vie-w of the Waiaxi Volley northwaids, with the Takitimos, Titiroa, and the wooded heights of the countiy west of the Waiau, while that river, expanding at the mouth of the Lilbum to the dimensions of a lake, runs beneath. The day was unfortunately threatening, and heavy showers fell frequently, but the limestone rock hollowed out into caves afforded a capital protection, while the fierceness of the soiitherly wind was completely broken by the wooded cliffs at the back. Amplo_ refreshments were provided for the children and friends, presents of books made to the pupils, amusements of various kinds heartily catered into, and a most enjoyable day spent by the children, the guests and their entertainers, amongst whom Messrs E. Davis (the chairman) and Mr Thos. Johnstone must be paiticalai-ly mentioned.

Patriotic Fund. — All the picnic contributions were collected in aid of the patriotic fund. Merrivale estate has done very well. At Eastern Buah the postmaster is collecting. Many of the settlers have contributed through tho Invercargill or Otautau funds. This district labours under a disadvantage in getting its newspapers only once a week, hence a mass of indigestible details are swallowed with avidity, a number ot iipw names crop up, and by the time Major Kennedy elucidates the difficulties in the later telegrams, a new set of problems has~been created. Bumoiirs arise, generally haded on "fuller details which have bsen sciit on by war conespondents, and are confounded, with latest telegrams. Thus Colenso was, fought twice over. Although we are, of all districts in the colony, most remote from Wellington, with the exception of Wilson lUver, yet some half dozen volunteers represented us there at the despatch of the second contingent.

Agricultural and Pastoral.— Grass is abundant and stock are looking well. Buyers visit the district for stock, but it is drained nearly dry. Crops vaiy, but there are, so far as I can see and hear, more moderate ones than good ones." The soil in this district seems more adapted fov grass than for gram growing. Turnips are not so successful as usual this year. A few early sown arc looki.ig well. December was a month of heavy rains, which rendered the ground unsuitable for working.

Dany Factoiy. A meeting was held at Merrivale oa Saturday, the 3rd, to make an effort to establish a daily factoiy. The Government expert attended. He considers this district second to none in its natural facilities. As a large number of settlers are bachelors, it is questionable whether one would be a success. Dairying will not pay wheic labour has to be paid for.

The Otahu Settlement — Otahu has lost otic of it? tenants. Mr Stott, jun., and his brothei v. ere two creditable young men, and the settlers are sorry to lose such good neighbours. Whet, tha light line of railway advocated by Hon J. G-. Ward becomes an accomplished faci their section will be profitable. At its preseni distance fioni maiket the price is too high foi grazing. With a railway farming would pay Bunny. — Habbits are very much in evidence As a means of eradicating the pest, autumn trapping, winter trapping, and spring trapping are utterly worthless.