WAIAU.

Otago Witness, Issue 2456, 10 April 1901, Page 29

WAIAU.

April 5. — Mr Duncan Kerr, manager of Mernvale for some time past, was made the recipient of a token of esteem in the shape of a handsome gold albert on Saturday evening last, while Mrs Kerr was at the same tune presented with a silver teapot. A capital spread was provided in the men's large dining room at the station by Mr Taylor, of Otautau. The attendance from all parts of the district was large and representative, two tables being well filled. Mr Murchison, of Orawia, made a capital chairman, and in a happy speech spoke of Mr and Mrs Kerr as types of neighbours with whom the district was sorry to part. Mr Kerr suitably responded, and a very pleasant evening was spent. It is with regret your correspondent was unable to be present. This curt report, picked up from hearsay, very inadequately expresses the sincere sorrow at the departure of Mr Kerr of all who have had the privilege to have been brought into contact with him in any way during the past 12 months. Mts Kerr, too, has endeared herself to all. The more that has been seen of this family the more they have been appreciated. Mr Kerr takes over the management of the Linwood station, m the Te Anau district.

Agricultural. — Most of the crops are now in. Turnips as a whole are a full crop ; feed is abundant. Largei stocks of old ewes have been cleared out by farmers. In most cases they were sold with their lambs all counted. No one seems to be inclined to part with tho young ewes, which are consequently fetching high rates. Footrot, I regret to say, is prevalent, and will play havoc with the condition of many flocks. It was nearly stamped out, but two years ago it began to spread again, and is now worse than for the past eight years. Many being unable to procure sheep, have gone in for cattle, for which many parts of the district are well adapted. There is a general tendency to improvement, purebred shorthorns or Herefords being used on the ordinary Ayrshire cross cews. The result is a hardy sort of a aalfbred, which does remarkably well on the rolling country, fern-clad in many instances, with largo areas of tussock, and swamp grasses at intervals. The nature of .the country gives admirable shelter, which most probably accounts in a great measure for the success.

Ecclesiastical. — Rev. Mr Davidson, Church of England -minister at Riverton, intends givmg two or three services during the year at Chfden and Eastern Bush. At both places the first service wasi very well attended. A considerable amount of support has been promised th? Wesleyans, provided fortnightly services are held. Presbyterian services are held fortnightly.