LAKE COUNYT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2565, 13 May 1903, Page 31

LAKE COUNYT.

May B.— Th9 smell of -winter is in the air, end in the mornings there is no mistaking the symptom. It were -time that wo had a seasonabla winter with frost and the bulk of our share of snow before the shortest day. luis would mean a well-consolidated supply of water stored up as snow find ice at high levels, to bo paid out in regular and lasting streams, instead of being swept off by the first mild shower of spring, running to waste, causing floods at first and a dearth of the needful element afterwards. From a Wakaiipuian point of view, the clerk of the weather lias a good deal to learn yet. Agricultural.— The harvest is now nearing its end, and, though there is still a fair portion of grain standing, a few weeks more will see it all secured. This season perhaps more than any former a proportion of grain was threshed out of the stook, and this is all the more noteworthy, as tha weather cannot be said to liave been particularly favourable to the process. Weather conditions in Otago generally are such as to maks it desirable to have harvest operations over as soon as possible, but they also threaten certain risks that cannot he trifled with with impunity. Much depends .upon circumstancea in these cases, and circumstances have been fairly favourable the last month or so. Some little time ago I said a. word in favour of lucerne a3 forage. Recently I came across an account of experiments made Tvith the alfalfa in Kansas, U.S.A., where five crops werj taken off the same field in one season, the total crop measuring 13ft inJength. Allowing- that this was done in Yankeeland, and under favourable circumstances, there is Btill a wide margin in favour of lucerne aa a profitable fodder. Besides, it must be borne in mind that there are few plants having such a spread and depth of root, breaking up the soil and making it permeable to air and fructifying gases. Valedictory.— A large and representative party, chiefly con c i3ting of members of the Church of England congregation at Queenstown, met last week in the local Town Hall to bid farewell to Captain Wing, managing director of the late Lake Wakatipu Shipping Company, Queenstown. During a residsnee of 17 years Captain Wing has been one of the mainstays of the congregation, conducting for a number of months the services unassisted es lay reader, and acting as church warden -and superintendent of the Sunday school in the most devoted and self-sacrificing mannei. Captain Wing also took an active part in many public movements, and a3 manager of the largest commercial business concern in the town was the centre of the business life of the district. AU this, coupled with an even urbanity and never-failing courtesy to all, won for him the hearty goodwill of the community. In fact, it is not too much to say that m«n of Captain Wing's stamp give a wholesome tone to human society. For these reasons it ■will be seen that Quaenstown suffers a severe, if not irreparable, lo3S- by the departure of Captain Wing and h'"s family. The Rev. J. H Brooke, the vicar, presented Captain Wing with a beautifully-illuminated address, expressing thanks to their guest for the many services 'Tendered the congregation, also regret for his and his family' 3 departure, concluding with the prayer that God's abundant blessing might follow them wherever their lot may be cast. A farewell presentation was nJso made to Miss "Wing, -who for 17 years has acted as organist -to the choir. The present consisted of a pair of handsome embossed silver-backed hair brushes, comb, and hand glass. Captain Wing, on his own behalf and on that of his daughter, acknowledged the presentations m?de them in feeling and appreciative terms. The gathering was made the occasion of presenting Miss Daisy Warren with a token of appreciation from the congregation for her services rendered to the choir. The party took the form of a social, at which many songs and instrumental pieces were given iv a finished style of art that speaks well for the musical talent of Queenstown. The speakero on this occasion ■were the Rev. Mr Brooke and Messrs Hotop and Porter. A cold collation of dainty dishes ■was served by way of supper, and was greatly €i;joycd by those present. The Weather and the Moon.— Considering that there always was a moon and plenty of •weather, it is surprising that there should lie. down to our days, so much controversy about both and their relations to each other. To read a-11 that appears in the public presa about them mak^s the layman doubt the efficacy of science and its professors. Meteorology and moonology are made to account for a great many things. There are people who on no account would have their hair cut except at new moon ; all charms of ancient times, ■whose place is now taken by patent medicines —not nearly as efficacious as the charms and a great deal dearer — were connected with the different phases of the moon. As for meteorology, there ia not a single man or woman who is not -weathorwise. Their wisdom may not agree — indeed, it is notable for the greatest possible divergence— but each sticks up for his own. I have known two case 3 where weather prophets have come to blows, because the •weather did not turn out as predicted by either. Now, • all this is surely lamentable, and the man who would solve the problem of the w«ather and the moon would be a public benefactor. The temptation is so great that I am induced to become that benefactor, especially as it is so easy. My experience of nearly 70 years of observation has proved that there are a great many changes iv the moon as well as in the weather — so many, in fact, that they cannot help but fall together often. Therefore, it is safe to predict the weather by tho changes of moon, and if the predictions do not come true blame the moon or the weather, •whichever is the more convenient. Never own up to a mistake the weather or the moon may make. Obituary.— On Monday last news reached Macetown of the death of Mr Wm. Patton's second daughter at Dunedin. In order to be in time to attend the funeral of his daughter, llr Patton mounted a horse at Macetown, riding all Monday night to meet the Otago Ceniral down train — a journey of about GO odd miles^ — under a heavy load of sorrow, falling upon him suddenly and unexpectedly. Particulars of the sad event have not yet reached here, but as it is the most heartfelt sympathy is felt for the bereaved parents and family. •who are universally respected and esteemed. Bunny.— Though bunny at the present time Soiins an article of export, and fairly good Imsiness is doing in this line, the rodent is mot nearly so r^entiful as he was a '.pvt years ago. It is chiefly in the outlying and isolated parts. of the district where he most does congregate. Ferrets and weasels have caused a considerable decreas. in his numbers, besides •which other conditions have made for his teduction. Whea the harvest is finished the Hiands thrown out of employment will no doubt descend upon him with telling effect. Changes. — After a service of a good many Jears at Arrowtown, Constable Tracy took a Vf«H-earned holiday for chance and recupera-ft-ion. During his absence Constable Bonnei, Stationed at Queenstown, filled the vacancy jjrith much credit to himself. It should be retmembered that at the present time, when many Btrangers flock to this district for work in the harvest field, it is necessary that a sharp eye l>e kept on them, and it is only fair to say

' that Constable Bonner succeeded 1 in maintaining perfect order during his stay amongst them. Mr Bob Craig, long and popularly known a-s one of the most successful drivers of Cobb and Co.'s coaches on the main road to Dunedin, resumed the ribands of his coach (Queenstown to Alexandra) last week, after a spell of a fortnight. More Deer. — The other day four clear from Tapanui arrived at Queenstown, imported by the local Acclimatisation Society. They were liberated near the Head of Lake Wakatipu, and a3 more are to follow there is some reason to surmise that this time tha attempt to acclimatise deer at the Lake will be successful. Accident.— A rather singular accident happened the other day to Mr O. Powell. Government linesman, living at Queenstcrwn.. Deciding upon trimming some gum trees near his residence, he took his position upon a branch to lop off another, when suddenly the branch ho wag standing upon gave way, Mr Powell being precipitated to the ground from a height o£ 20ft. Unfortunately, no one was near to see the accident and lender aid, so that Mr Powell was not found until some time afterwards. Though he was picked up in an unconscious state, he fortunately sustained no serious injuries beyond a bad shaking.