PUKEURI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2400, 1 March 1900, Page 11

PUKEURI.

February 19. — So far harvesting operations have been slow and protracted. The weather has been anything but favourable; indeed it has been uncertain to a degree. All but uhe very late crops are now cut, and leading in is proceeding early and late. The crops are good, and big yields are expected. Unfortunately, owing to so much rain, the sample will probably not be as good as usual, especially so in the case of wheat. During the season there ha 3 been quite p, remarkable absence of the scorching north-wester — the dread of the farmer at reaping time. Consequently there have been no " shakes," for which let us be thankful.

Boots. — Turnips and grass are looking well, an«l feed has been very abundant. With a regular rainfall, such as we have had during the two past seasons, North Otago would be one of the finest dairying districts in New Zealand. Unfortunately, rain is a most uncertain and variable quantity in these parts, and so dairying is still in its infancy. The "War and the Farmer. — In one respect the: former has bee; a blessing to the latter. Oats have experienced a very sharp rise, and are now worth growing. Last month 20,000 bags were booked at the railway station — all for South Africa. Averaging the rise at 6d a bushel — which is quite within the mark — this means a clear gain to the community of £2000. Of this we have contributed JES6 to the war fund! The war, it it has done nothing else, has shown to the world that the enemies of Britain when next they" hurl their fiery darts at John Bull must not neglect to take into consideration, that hd is now the father of a big family of strong and sturdy sons of Empire, willing to do or dio in the cause of liberty and equality. Doubtloss they have already made a note of the fact.

Patriotic Conceit. — The concert in aid of the fourth contingent on Friday night was very largely attended. The total takings amounted to almost £20, of which £2 10s 9d was thrown on tho stage for the " Absent-minded beggar." Pukeuri has three volunteers, but it appears they have little chance of being picked unless they can provide both horso and equipment, as word has been received from Dunedin that only ten men will be taken from Oaranru. Poor Oainani — another alap for thee! Invorcargill and Southland asserted themselves and insisted HSSa being allowed to eoa<£ 60 ineu fulls.

equipped. What were the Oamaru peopi'i thinking about? Why did they not frora tan first insist upon . being allowed to send th<» ; - quota or nor-, at all?' Someone- .has blundered ! School Fund. — To the war fund the scholars have most liberally subscribed £1 12s 6i, and tho list is not yet closed.