ROUND ABOUT MABEL BUSH.

Otago Witness, Issue 2407, 19 April 1900, Page 37

ROUND ABOUT MABEL BUSH.

(By Our Travelling Correspondent.)

■> The opening of the Hokonui railway haa brought the places within its vicinity into closer touch with the metropolis, the markets, and the commercial world. An extension of the line to the Mataura district is now being agitated for, and Mabel ,Bush and Grove Bush would benefit by it to a greater extent than they, do at present, but the probabilities of its being construotpd thus are at present very remote.

There is also the Pebbly Hills district, wlierS a "rush" for the precious mineral took place some years ago, but the locality was ultimately abandoned. A dredge is, however, about io bo placed on the ground at an early date, and has every prospect oi amply rewarding the promoters.

A large sawmill is working at Mabel Bush, and 13 owned by Mr H. Massey. The output is considerable, and is railed by way of Woodlands, where Mr R. Berry manages on behalf ol the proprietor. In fact, a great deal of tha Mabel Bush business is done through Woodlands, but the outskirts have now equally good means of outlet in every respect

One of the oldest farms at Mabel is that of the late Mr Garvey, and a more homely and* hospitable house the stranger never entered. Mr A. Lowrie has a well-cultivated farm, --well stocked and well managed. A sou of the prq,piietor is well known in journalistic circles in lnvcrcaigill, being a member of the Southland) Times staff. Mr James Miller hos also a goorH holding, and is a large sheepfp'rrner ; in fac j, his method of glazing is of the best description now adopted for mutton-raising. The attendance at the local school averpgea about 40, and Mr Andrews is teacher, having succeeded Mr Peathei stone, of Wairio. j Crow EiT=h is a sister locality, and a. splen«J did lavmiusi district. It ia -well known fort

Hra troop of strong, hprdy, young men, who now and. again launch out into the athletic arena and sweep all before them. For wrestling, hammer-throwing, and other events that ,test the muscle, the Grove Bush boys are no Email fry, and hp.ve to be seriously reckoned itvith in athletic contests. The local society holds &ports annually, and now that a new secretary in the person of Mr W. J. Harming is at the ihelni, its future prosperity is assured. An average-sized school is established here, pud Mr Andrew M'Donaid is master. Mr Kilkelly has a sawmill working in the hea^y part of the bush, but is greatly hampered (by reason of a tedious means of transit. His 'timber is of excellent quality, and that serves him in good stead. Besides being a sheepfarmer of note, Mr John Grant is looked upon as the keeper of good horseflesh. Eis stallions have gained considerable notice; indeed, till his animals are objects for admiration. The late Mr John Ross possessed a fine farm —a splendid specimen of what an agricultural holding should be, and in the hands of his sons it is right for capable management. Another place in the same locality is known as "Rakahouka. It is partly open and pr.rtiy bu3h country, but its soil is of the best. Mr James Fleming is a large sheepfarmer, besides an extensive cultivator 01 cereals. Ili? floek 3 — mirnbering several thousands — are well pite ided to, and find a. ready sale at the Wallacetown yards or the Frozen Meat Company'? ■works. Messrs Taylor, Scully, Caulnold, and

others have fine farms, well stocked with t-heeiD and cattle.

A picturesque (and beautifully finished infiide) Catholic Church is situated ol Rokshouka, and draws a. large congregation. Ism informed that at the midnight Christmas service a large number were im.ible to gain admittance, standing room being not obtainable, although Ihe night was dark and stormy.