HYDE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2433, 31 October 1900, Page 34

HYDE.

October 29.— During the past fortnight the -weather has been ciumenlly favourable to the growth of grass and crops of all kinds. After about a fortnight of scorching nor'-westeps, which parched up everything and rendeied it almost impossible tc work any stiff land, the •weather changed, and on the 16th a thick easterly ram set in, atid confirmed steadily for lhr*eo days, and since then we have had rain more tjr less every day. In consequence the farmers and graziers are in excellent spirits, and anticipate a prosperous year. Crops are making splendid.gio^th, some of them having already covered the ground. No turnips have yet been sown, although most of the fanners are busy preparing the ground for this root. Pastoral. — Lambing amongst the prnall flocks is practically over, and is m full swing on all the flocks on the higher ground, and the percentage is generally expected to be high. « Prices for sheep continue to advance steadily, 14s to 15s being readily obtainable for hoggets in the wool, but very few seem anxious to sell. Already buyers of lambs are beginning to operate, and at least one of our breedeis has sold his lambs at a very remunerative figure. Straws show how the wind blows, and the readiness o^ dealers and others tc buy at this early date for forward delivery is a fairly reliable sign that sheep are not likely to fall in price.

Bunny. — The rabbiting season has closed down here for the summer months, but to judge by the number of small rabbits seen about the burrows, the trappers can depend upon a good season next year, and they need have no cause to fear that their occupation, like ■Othello's, will be gone.

Mining. — The various mining companies are •working steadily, the late rains giving them an Increased water suiDply. A slight revival of interest is bsing manifested in dredging in tho district, the holders of the various claims have lately had men employed in re-erecting the fallen pegs, etc., and I hear that the river, is 4o be systematically tested by boring.

Valedictory. — One of the oldest residents of Hyde — Mrs Annett — left hero on the l'sth -to Join her daughter at Patearoa, having leased her property to Mr TV. Pearson. The old lady has for many years resided quite alone, but as Bhe is getting up in years, she thought it best to relinquish the cares and worries incident "to housekeeping.