COUNTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2528, 27 August 1902, Page 44

COUNTRY.

(Continued from page 32.)

August 25. — The weather up to Saturday last was very fine, and good progress was made wilii all kinds of farm work. However, on Satuida3 r night rain began to fall, and this being followed by wind and snow, l ade things again veiy unpleasant, and reminded us of winter. To-day (Monday) is again fine, and it is to be hoped that the weather has settled. Farmers were preparing for sowing, but this will now have to be put off untiT the ground dries. Creamery. — There hns been some talk o£ late Bbout starting a butter factory in our town, but so far nothing definite has come of it. It appears that the number of cows required (200) cculd easily be got, but they are so scattered that it is doubtful if all would continue to drive their milk tiie loug distances. It is thought by some that the only way to nirtke the factory a success would be to have a separator at the Kuriwao Gorge, where over 100 cows are available, and the same at Wailvna. This would save a great deal of driving, for the cream couid bo brought in two or three times a week, as necessary, and the milk kept m the district. As to whether this arrangement would pay the proprietors of a factory is another question, and one I am not in a position to poeak on ; but this J know from the experience of other districts, that if a factory was once started, it would pa> tho suppliers so well that others in timp would envy the monthly cheque coming in and fail in line. I hope something will come of this, and would advise all those who are willing to take advantage of such a concern to call on Mr Andrews, saddler, from whom all information ca,n be had. Volun*-eers. — Intimation having been received that the Popotu^oa Rifle Corps has been accepted by the Government, a meeting of all those willing to join was held last week, when about 50 youi g men were sworn in before Mr J. Anderson, J.P. Since then 15 others have tuken the oath, and this brings the company over the required strength — viz., 63. Mr "V 17 . W. Mackie has been elected captain, Mr G. H. Hammer senior lieutenant, and Mr J. Garden junior lieutenant. The other officers will be appointed after a few drills have been he!d. It was decided that the evening of the week for drill be Tuesday and the hour 8 o'clock. Mr Mackie, as promoter of the company, is to be congratulated on his success. Obituary. — It was with much genuine regret that we read m the Daily Times of the death of Mr R. Robm. Mr Robin for many years was a settler in this district, and was universally liked on account of his quiet, modest unnsummg manner. He- took a great interest in tLe local bowling club, and was one of its best players. When he left the district, about I two months ago, his fellow-bowlers gave him a suitable send-off and presentation.