DIPTON.

Otago Witness, Issue 2429, 3 October 1900, Page 33

DIPTON.

September 29. — We have had rather broken ■weather during the hitter half of the month. The evo-iing of the 19th inst. was pretty lough, and the next day we had snow and sleet, which tended to reduce the percentage of the lambs. The glass has boon lower ot late than at a»y time during the past year.

Dp 11. — The bachelors' ball on the 7th inst. was a great success, and a most social and enjoyable affair. There is some talk of the benedicts returning the compliment, but they will have to hasten or the weather will get too hot for dancing. Dairy Factory. — The annual general meeting of the shareholders of our dairy factory was held in the Ea%t Dipton Hall on the Bth in3t. The Chairman, Mr R. D. MBcLachlan,explained the different itffcms of the balance sheet, a copy of which had been previously sent to each shareholder, and which showed the company to be in a most prosperous condition. The adop-

tion of the report and balance sheet was carried unanimously. One hundred ai.d fifty pounds has bsen placed to a leserve fund. The services of Mr Jas. Taylor, our old manager, have again been secured for anothei yeir, j.nd the factoiy oi)eiiS on the 3st of October. The directors have -iheady sold the output for the ensuing season at a satisfactoiy figure, and have decided on giving an extra penny per pound for butter fat. All that is wanted now to make it a big success is plenty of milk.

Pastoral. — Lanibmg is pretty general, and the percentage promises to be higher than usual. Twins and triplets are qtuie common, and 1.1 some instances even q-aaditrpicts. (xiciss l£> coming on fine, though it is l.one too plentiful yet, owing to the late frosts, but the turnip ero a is holding cut well.

Siock, Bread, and Fruit — Piices are ru'iu^ high, and oui local butcher has had to laise his beef by one penny per pound. As a compensation, however, the foui-pcund loaf nas been reduoad to ibtnpence halfpenny. The piospect of the fittifc harvest is at present very bright. The trees are loaded with blossoms and if only ha In of 'it sets, theie will be an abundance of fnut.

Ecclesiastical. — The Rev. Mr Linburn occupied the pulpit of the Presbyterian Church on the Sth mst., and his discourses were veiy mtuh appreciated. Since then the Rev. Mr M'A.ty lias officiated, and is gaining favour wiUi vile congregation.

EishiET. — Otn- local sports ate busy burnishing up their lods, etc., for the Ist October, ami from all appearance they will have a successful season, as tiout seem to be very plentiful.