WAIWERA.

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

WAIWERA.

May 9. — During the past two or three yea*, wo have baen in the habib of calling the sea* sons exceptional when referring to the weather, it being so often wet and boisterous, when we leas-t expect such weather. lam afraid -we shall have to acknowtedga that this is not the rule if we are not sooa favoured with some more settled weather. At present it is still gloomy, and anything but favourable for securing the late portions of the crops. Unfortunately, there is a good deal of crop yet to be taken in. This baing the first month of winter it is useless to predict what the result will be. I notice our inspector, Mr Short, is -round, -with a view of getting statistics of the average yield for the season. I think' he is taking a wise step in relying on tbe mill -tally instead of, as formerly done, guessing at it even bafore it was cut or ripe in many cases. Once in the bags it is usually pretty safe, so that the results taken in this way are likely to be pretty accurate. Tho turnip crop ia ucdoubtcdly a very peculiar one. In many cases where the crop looked best in the early part of the season it now looks sort of withered and stunted, especially where thick sown ; while the later and thinner sown are still fresh and growing. On the whole I think there will be an average crop. Valedictory.— Mr and Mrs Stewart, whe lately sold their farm,, received sonw very valuable and handsome presents from their frienda and neighbours as a token of respect and good fellowship. Among other things, Mr Stewart was presented with a beautiful double gold chain with greenstone- .pendant, and Mra Stewart with a lovely silver-mounted dressibgcasa -well filled with requisites, also a golo* brooch and a travelling rug, the inscription^ being most appropriate. Mr Nicol, C.CL, made the presentation at Mr Breeze's house, where a company of friends met for the occasion, and! in a neat speech alluded in terms of the highest praise to tho recipients. Mr Stewart, on behalf of himself and Mrs Stewart, thanked all the donors for the very beautiful and muchvalued presents, whkh they would ever cherish, as mementoes of the. good old Says amon" their Waiwera friends. Mr and Mrs Stewart have the good wishes of all in the district. Mr Paterson, having taken possession of hi 3 new' purchase, I wish him every success and happiness during his residence among us.