UPPER TAIERI.

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

UPPER TAIERI.

February 26. — During the past fortnight there has been a marked falling o£ in the supply of water fiom the mountain races, consequent on the high winds that have rageel pnd the long spell of dry weather combined. The Deep Stream Hydraulic Sluicing Company arc feeling tbe effects of w, shortage of water from the Lammerlaw at present, as likeWise are several other mining companies in this district. It was contemplated by the Deep Stream Company some time ago to construct a large cl«ni to conserve the watpr in a case of emergency for motive power, but the matter was allowed to steed over.

Wool. — From what has passed under my.notice at =everal of the large shearing sheds during tho past few months, I am in a position, to state that a heavy crop 01 damaged wool has been shorn from the flocks this season. The quality of wool in many instances has not leached the standard of -previous years in respect to density, sire itpii of fibre, or silky lustre. -The muster for .»tragg]er sheep -re.ently proved an eye-opcucr to the flockownera here, <:s the shocp were covered with native burr, o>: bid-a-bid, in every fantastic shape. The eu:rent season has produced a heavy crop of burr, which must reduce the price of wool when offered for sale.

Cowfc-tlly As=ault. — Last wee 1 : a howl of indignation was raised here when the news spread through the district that an aged resident of many years' standing in our midst had been, seriously assaulted in his own hut by a powerful man in the prime of life, and put out of his hut as well. It would appear that during the owner's absence from home for a time a new lope was taken out of his hut, and it subsequently transpired that the strongman had taken it. This caused a- misunderstanding to crop up between the parties. A few mornings after the strong man entered the old nwn's hut and assaulted him. Little wonder that the residents are highly indignant at such heachcious conduct, more especially aa the' assaulted one had just recovered from a severe attack of influenza. A report of the outrage has been sent to Naseby, and it is to be hoped that the authorities will take steps to prevent a repetition of this outrageous conduct. It ia manifest that the residents here have been slumbering in false security for some time past, when "trekkers" of the type under notice are allowed to, terrorise the residents in the back blocks. The time has arrived when a police officer should be stationed at Patearoa or Tannahills Crossing with a view to having a stop put to this disgraceful conduct.

The necessary steps areAbeing .taken t<& utilise the natural gas at Hanmer Springs for lighting- purposes. When the work 13 completed the Sanatorium and other building? will be thus illuminated.

For the Planting Season, 1900, Nnriro and Blaie have for Sale the " Superlative " and "Hornet" Raspberries, both new Sorts, and vastly Superior to the Varieties grown here. Prices on Application.