ALEURY (S.C)

Otago Witness, Issue 2437, 28 November 1900, Page 34

ALEURY (S.C)

As a rule man's a. fool, When it's hot he wants it cool; When it's cool he wants it hot, Ever wanting what is not. November 20. — Verily such is our disposition. No sooner does a drying wind prevail than a shower is wanted, "just to freshen things up a bit, like," and that being experienced, we complain of too much moisture ; and so our miserable lot is aggravated into second nature. The " prevalence of wet, boisterous weather continually for so long a period has had the natural effect of throwing things behind, and has delayed a start being made with shearing operations in several sheds. Consequent on the enforced delays in shearing, very limited catalogues will be offered at the first wool sale of the season. So far as I have been able to ascertain only two clips have as yet gone forward frozn this district, against a score at the same date last year. The wool, too, though bulking well) s fails to turn the scales as well t s it did 12 months ago, so the fleece by no ' means plays such a, prominent part in the value of a flock this year, with a probable drop of 40 per cent, in the selling value of wool. The enhanced value of mutton, however, counterbalances this somewhat, and the scarcity of sheep more than makes up the difference, for all classes of sheep are better value now than for many years past. In fact, it is doubtful if ever since the country became permanently settled have the all-round values of stock been so high. So encouraging was the industry of stock-raising last year as against that of grain-growing that doubtlessly the latter would very soon become much neglected in favour of stock if prices were not prohibitive to the many, and also that there was 'a very considerable area of land that had to be worked tip; so there still remains a considerable area for grain, which it was intended to put in, the .land to be later on sown with grass, thus converting cultivated land into permanent pastures, and favouring -stock-raising against further grain-growing in the immediate future. Unfortunately, the prevalence of wet and unfavourable weather prevented the grain from carrying out this programme, and probably to a great measure the land will again fall back to another cropping ere being rested in pas- , ttiTage. j Sport. — Though industriously disposed, the ■ value of a little relaxation is taken full advantage of; so as the seasons come round the various pastimes are taken up. Tennis is the latest to be commenced after its winter dormancy. On the 9th the local court — a new one, in first-rate order — proved the source of amusement to a goodly gathering, and it is to be hoped the enthusiasm then shown will be maintained throughout the season. Messrs Couper and Pilkerton, as usual, are to the fore, and it is mainly to their energy that the fine state ia. which, the courts are is. due. Volunteering. — Militarism is as "live" as ever, and our lads in khaki are still as keen soldiers as when the corps was first mooted. All company's calls are responded -to in a manner 'that can leave little to be desired on the score of attendance by the officers commanding. A shooting match at the butts on the 9t,h inst. evoked keen competition. It was between our local soldiers and the major division, and though the Fairlie lads annexed most of the prizes, cho 'honours of first position came to Albury, Trooper T. Simpson being first with a fine score of 45 out of a possible 56 at 300 and 500 yards. Troopers W. Gilmour and A. Wilson (Fairlie) followed with only one less each. On the evening of the 16th the members of the corps held their ball, which proved " very successful. It was under the 1 personal patronage of Hon. Majoi Steward, M.H.R. for the district.

Bronchitis and stubborn Coughs yield quickly to the effects of TUSSIOURA. Try it