DIPTON.

Otago Witness, Issue 2401, 8 March 1900, Page 11

DIPTON.

Fcbrufuy 2C. — My remarks about the weaihar of last month being erratic 1 are ahe appropriate for the present one. Notwithstanding that, the crop 3 are ripening and coming along fast. Haivest has -commenced, and in a week or so it will bo general. Complaints aic rife about the depredations of the small biids as UFual. I suppose it is too soon to see what effect the children have made in the collection of eggs and heads, as the Southland County Council have been paying for such this year up to the 23rd inst. The little ones have collected some 16,000 to 20,000 in this district aloiie, so it should make a difference next year, especially if the var against the birds k continued. Patriotic— l hear thai; oar school children contributed over .C 2to the patriotic fund on the 9th, although there was no particular demonstration. The chnirnian, Mr W. Brown, and one of the committee turned up to the affair.

Pomological. — Fruit is pretty plentiful this season, but much of it is wasted by the depredations of more tlvm children, who think they have a greater right to it than those who grow it. I hear one or two have been marked, and there a-re hints of securing the policeman's services for a, while irom Lum&den.

Cricket. — On the 17th inst. the Forest Hill team' of cricketers put our boys through, winning the game by 5 runs. Pro-motion. — I see with pleasure that our old stationmpster, Mr E,. B. Eoss, has been promoted to Lincoln, near Christchurch. He has the good v/ishes of his numerous friends here.

Dipton Estate. — The Dipton estate is to hold a displenishing sale here on the 15th prox., after which I presume the present manager will bo moving with his family to the Fortrose distrct, where he has piirchased a property. They will be missed by a numerous circle of friends.

Obituary.- — Bella, the only daughter of John Bryce, of Dipton, who died in the Southland Hospital on the 21sb inst., was buried hero on the 23rd. Xhe funeral was Very largely attended, and miich sympathy is felt throughout the district with 'the parents in their great bereavement. The Her. "VY. Brown officiated at the grave.