MATAURA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2401, 8 March 1900, Page 29

MATAURA.

March 3. — The harvest will be a late one, owing to so much cold and wet weather. The oat crop promises to be a good" one, and failprices are hoped for. Turnips do not look so well this year as in some years past. Sheep are in good demand, and at the last monthly sale high prices were obtained. The large addition to the freezing works is almost completed, and there is ample stoiage hot for large numbers of sheep, but it is just possible that not so many will be put through here this year on account of the high prices ruling. There are more than double the number of buyers and packers of rabbits here this year than there were last year. Arrangements have been made to bring them from districts that have not heretofore supplied these works. The new dynamo for the electric light has arrived and has been placed in position. The motor for the electrical heating apparatus has also been fitted and is working well. Flower Shovr. — The annual horticultural show was held last week. Owing to there having been so much wet weather the exhibits were not so numerous nor co good as those of last year, and the takings at the' doors weie less than they have been for some years past. A new feature was a refreshment stall in aid of the patriotic fund, the takings at which, together with the sale of buttonholes, lealised about a£22.

Dredging. — Shares in dredging companies in this locality .are changing hands at advanced rates. The Waimumu Central Company expects to be* working this month. Shaieholclers are sanguine as to results.

Borough Affairs. — The Borough Council is raising a loan of —1000, most of which will be expended in necessary works within the borough. The building trade is brisk, and a few properties have changed hands lately at satisfactory figures. Good sites are in demand, but are not easily obtained.