ALBURY (S.C.)

Otago Witness, Issue 2456, 17 April 1901, Page 29

ALBURY (S.C.)

Apul 6 — At last it appears that we are to expan-viice something in the foim of summer weather, o.nd a continuance of the recent prevailing congenial state of affairs would be as welcome as opportune, and undoubtedly every chance will be availed of to get the grain out of the paddocks. Present prices are not encouraging to market grain, but the experience of the past rno.ith or so has proved the importance of pushing work ahead when fine weather rules. The several mills in the district are busy.

Obituary — I regret having to relate that the stern hand of Death has descended in our midst since last writing, and claimed as his own Mr William Fountain, probably the oldest resident in the district. Deceased was formerly occupied es a general carrier, hrs teams being the admiration of all. Fountain by his strictly honourable conduct m e> 11 business matters and his kindly regard for the well-being of his fellow-creatures, won the friendly cognomen of " Honest John, ' a name he earned unchallenged to the grave. Mr Fountain, though especially of late, of a very retiring disposition, commended the respect of all with whom ho came in contact, and when the poor old chap was found dead at the door of his somewhat secluded cottage quite a gloom was cast over the township. Though in restricted circumstances he could not be prevailed upon to avail himself of the old-age pension, always asserting that he had no right to what he hsd not earned or given an equivalent for. Would that such a spirit of manly independence w^re geisral. April 15 — Liftt week I had to record the demise of a resident of over 30 years' standing, and now again I much regret having to announce the death of Mr H. Batchelor, another Albury resident of many years, and one who has always taken an active interest in the wellbeing of the district. Deceased identified himself with all local entertainments and school matters. He was predeceased by lus wife many yeais, and leaves a grown-up family and a large circle of friends to mourn his loss. Weather.— The weather is now very favourable for threshing, carting, and general cultivation (autumn sowing), the latter of which just now constitutes the farmer's chief concern. The ground is m capital order for tilling, though some complain of its being on the dry side. However, these give more thought to getting the work through rather than cleaning the giound of weeds and rubbish to as great an extent as possible. Neglect in this respect will soon place the district on a footing with many others. This season has baen particularly fertile in the production of weeds, both noxious and less harmful. Both are troublesome and costly when neglected for a season or too, and it would be well were we to realise the force of the old saying, '"One year's seeding seven yeais' weeding."

Fairhe Show. — The Fairhe show was held on ilondsy under highly satisfactoiy auspices, with the exception that a light rain set m during the afternoon, proving lather unpleasan* for the many visitors in attendance. Beautiful weather had prevailed the few days previous, tempting quite a packed train of visitors from Timaru and intermediate stations, and during the earlier part of the day people came crowding in from all directions, with the result that the authorities estimate that fully 1200 persons were in attendance, consequently " the gate ' was some £8 better than that of last season. Exhibitors came foiward very satisfactorily, and especially in the various stock departments, and the quality proved good In this branch of the show our district did well, but it is a matter for regret, and not less surprising, that this district was left entirely in the hands of one exhibito. to represent it in the agricultural and produce department, Mr Edgar Jones, of Mount Missing, being very successful with his vegetables and farm produce. In the stock department Messrs Elston and Barr (formerly of Lumsden) scored heavily in draughts, Messrs John Anderson, A. Kennedy, and A. S. Smith exhibited very successfully in sheep, and the latter also scored several firsts in other horses, and Messrs West, Thompson, Mahoney, and others also scored minor awards. The show, though an unqualified success, would have been even better patronised by stock-owners — owners of light horses especially — had it not been for the Easter Mounted Rifle encampment.

The census returns show that the population of the Borough of Thames, in the Auckland provincial district, i« 3993, being a decrease of 232 as compared with the 1896 returns. The population of Takapuna is 856, a gain of 98 ; and of Northcote 769, a gain of Z39 as compared with 1896. The population of the Borough of Grey Lynn ia 4106, *a increase sine* 1896 of 1821.