STIRLING.

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

STIRLING.

May 11.— The older settlers here tell me that they only recollect once before seeing tbe harvest continued into May. It is not all cut yet, so they may see it into June this year unless this fine weather continues all "the mouth. Last year a. wet harvest season made everything late; this- year a cold, wet spring has been the cause. One used to hear that ploughing, draining, and bush clearing meant drier seasons, but there seems to be nothing in that theory if we judge by our district. Draining.— The farmers of Inchclutha hay« agreed to carry out a better system of draining. The main drain through the island is to tfe brought farther up, and at its lower end is to bo deepened over lft. They have a good deal to contend against between bad roads and difficult drainage. In a year or two more; however, they will be much better off. II would be as well for the authorities to look into the valuations of some properties, as they are rumours of certain farms being only hall valued. Bowling Green. — A concert v-as held on Fri> day evening to roisa funds for tho new bowling green. The Balclutha Cricket Club minstrelg came down to help, and gave a mo3t amusing) performance. The bills were right in putting it down as a "screaming farce." They had' a mock court case, in which they caricatured the local notables to the supreme enjoyment of everybody. It was a no-license case, and! brought oub that all tho clowns and weak^inga were for .he "pub." Besides the minstrela several local singers performed. These were all late-comers to the- district, and therefore -novelties. Friday night's performance wfll make them favourites foi the future. The whole thing was a great success. The committee got some £15, and the people had a jollification, if not much edification. A little more continuous work in connection with the green would hare better results than can be shown at present. Working at the green and harvesting cannot be attended with satisfactory results to the bowlers. The Church. — By a; large majority, the Presbyterian congregation d-ecided to introduce the individual cup. One wonders that anyone should oppose this reform, but there were a. few. The same meeting decided not to proceed with a scheme for lighting with acetylene gas at present. We had a sermon on "The Bible and the Land Question" on Sunday evening. The landlordism if the older countries was severely criticised, and the scheme of oui Government upheld.