WAIRIO.

Otago Witness, Issue 2402, 15 March 1900, Page 29

WAIRIO.

March 10. — Harvesting is general here. On every farm is heard the click of the binder, and if the weather is favourable for another week some of our farmers will make a start with the leading in. I hear general complaint in reference to the unevenness of the ripening. The crops on the whole are not quite up to the standard of last year; still, we have no room for complaint. We have had more wind of late than we cared for, it playing havoc on the ripe crop standing. I hear rumours all over the district of men striking for a higher wage — Is an hour in most cases being demanded, but I have not heard of it being given.

Stock Sale. — Our monthly stock sale, ' held last Wednesday, was well attended. The entry of stock was good, and sheep realised a high figure, one pen of ewes reaching 15s 3d. Prices like this make you ask where is the profit going to come in. Patriotic. — All other subjects of conversation heie sink into insignificance beside the war

topic, and men think nothing of going xniieS after their day's labour to hear the latest? news}The first intimation we had of the' relief ot Ladysmith was the blowing of the Nightcaps coal engine whistle, and by the joyous note), detected in it we guessed the news. The Aparima people celebrated the affair in royal style, by a concert and ball held that evening in aid of the "more horses and more men" fund, and they succeeded in raising the sunn of £14, over J6l being thrown on the stage during the singing of "The absent-minded beggar." Too much cannot be said in praise of the committee who brought the affair to such a success-" ful issue, and I think the chairman (Mr A. Robson) and secretary (Mr W. Andrews), whff ■were indefatigable, are deserving of special mention. At one time I heard a rumour of a' paiiiotic social to be held in our hall, but I regret tot say the project was allowed to drop. Obituary. — On the evening of the 3rd there passed away at the residence of her aunt (Mrs W. Dodds) Mrs James Spencer, late of Bluff, at the early age of 22. Deceased had been an invalid for some time previous, so that her demise was not altogether unexpected. She leaves a widower and one little son to mourn their irreparable loss. I offer them and her lately-widowed mother my heartfelt sympathy. Sheep-worrying. — I hear that some sheepworrying has been going on in the distriqt of late. I should advise people who leave dogs running loose to be carfiul.