TAPANUK

Otago Witness, 5 December 1900, Page 33

TA PANUK

December 3. — V\ c cannot complain m tins locality of the want of variety in the weather, for it seems to have been worked for some time past on the 'lightning change' system. Rain's are frequent, and yesterday was quite as stormy as a midwinter's day. The moisture, however, is sending the young giain along lapidly, and most of the farmers have succeeded in getting their turnips sown "between showers." One result of the wet weather is to letard shearing, and very little of the clip has yet been taken off. Mo3t of the stations have started or are waiting in readiness, but there will have to be a considerable improvement in the weather if many sheds are to be cut out before Christmas. The wool generally should be in good condition this season, and the buyers are already active. Farm Prospects. — From end to end our district bears a splendid appearance at present, pud with the plentiful rain supply this spring the growth of grass and healthy colour of the growing giain make a pleasing picture. Lord Ranfurly was fortunate in securing such fine weather for his first visit to this part of th« colony, and the tima could not have been more opportune or better selected. Alternate paddecks of growing grain and turnip cultivation, together with pastures well stocked with ewes and thriving lambs, spell prosperity for the farmer, and what lie lacks in profit from one source of revenue is made up from another. The sheep market maintains a high standard, and with* the development of the fat lamb export trade a valuable addition has been made to this portion of farming. In fact, it may ba said that the export trade in meat, if benefitting the grazier and farmer to a great extent, is making the local consumer pay a stiff price for retail supplies. The condition of matters in this respect makes an interesting comparison with that of but a few years ago, when there was no outside market for mutton. A good lamb, but a few months old, in the paddock to-day has been converted by the export trade into a more valuable asset than was a prime wether not so many years ago. From present appearances there is every indication of heavy grain crops again this season, provided of course that no unforseen climatic calamities occur between this and harvest.

Not Sold. — The movement to shift the Presbyterian manse from the present site to somewhere nearer the township has fallen through m the meantime. The old manse was offered at auction by Mr Quin on Saturday afternoon, but failed to reach the reserve, and hence no sale resulted. The property is a most desirable one, and consists of some 20 acres of land and roomy dwelling. It is too small, however, for a self-supporting farm, and best adapted for a quiet residence for a business man or for a dairy farm

Fishing. — The streams and livers are again in splendid fishing order, and the anglers are having a capital time this season. The Pornahaka has never been known to be so early, and fish are plentiful and in fine condition. Several local fishermen are putting up big tallies already, and it is no uncommon thing to see half-a-dozen sports whipping -some favourite stretch of water at one time. All the execution is done with the fly, and consequently the baskets contain a good percentage of small fish. When the minnow serves as a bait we shall no doubt hear of some of the "pioneer" trout being captured. Some of those fishermen who were fortunate enough tc get a few wrinkles at the vice-regal fishing party are piling up such records that a system of handicapping will have to be introduced, as I hear of two or them whose takes are running into centuries! It is to be hoped that when Lord Eanfurly passes through on his way to the goldfields. the Pomahaka will be in good fishing order, and he will have a day to spare at his favourite sport. Show. — The Farmers' Club show is drawing near, and on the 14th inst. there should be a successful gathering. The special prize list is a liberal one, and those owning show stock should come forward and exhibit. The success and usefulness of a show depends upon the competing of all who can do so, md there is sufficient show stock of all classes in this district to make a, show that should be difficult to surpass.

Volunteering. — There is a slight lull in this movement at present, awaiting the sending of a Government drill instructor. It' is a strong argument in favour of the necessity for military training m our country districts, when, out of a new company of 63 men only one can be found who ha* had sufficient experience to instruct in the rudiments of drill. "flaw recruits" our boys are in truth ; but there is no reason why they should not make good soldiers, and there is no lack of enthusiasm amongst them. With a drilJ instructor and rifle range the local corps will be a life institution. The minimum number has now been obtained for the Kelso Mounted Rifles, and the cempany will be formed at, an early date. There is still room for a few more volunteers, and any interested should make a point of enrolling, and give the mounted corps a good start.

Postal. — Mr C. M. Whelan is at present on his holiday leave, visiting the goldfields, Christchurch, and other places. Mr Farquhar Young of Dunedin, is temporarily in charge at Tapanui.