WAIKOIKOI

Otago Witness, Issue 2578, 12 August 1903, Page 31

WAIKOIKOI

August 10.— Like our neighbours, we have been experiencing some very br.-d weather. The oldest residents are of opinion that it is tho severest winter they have experienced for many years. AH agree in saying that they never saw the snow He so long in the 'Koi. Three or four inches was about the d«pth of the srnw, but its being followed by very keen frost caused it to remain, on the ground for nearly three weeks. "When we consider the severity of the weather in Central Otago, and compare it with our experience here, however, we have to conclude that we have been considerably more fortunata than our fellow colonists of the heart of Otago. With them, however, the weather, though bitterly cold, is dry; with \\s, though also bitterly cold, it 13 always wet. Even in the summer time there is always a dampness iv the ground here, and for one to lie on the grass for any length of time, even on the warmest days, is at the risk cf catching cold.

The Farm. — Very little farm work has yet been done this season, the bad weather having hindered all work of this kind. Ploughing is> still in its infancy as regards the amount of work don<\ The severe frosts made the ground too hard to plough, and when the thaw came, the land became so saturated that f.irmprs had to stand meekly by till it dried somewhat. During the past week, however, ploughs could be seen at work in a.l parts of the dibtrict. Stock suffered a good deal while the snow lay on the ground, but I have not heard of any severe losses.

The Roads.— With the exception of the main road, 'Koi to Pomahuka Siding, the roads are not in good order, but \V4tll the advent of fine weather we hope to sec the county engineer looking round, and men put on to put things right. When crossing the Pomahaka bridge a few days ago, I was surmised to see the bad E f ate of repair it is m. The woodwork in some places is quite rotten. The bridge looks as if the county's supply of paint had run out, and that no more is obtainable.

■Rabbits.— Owing to the bad weather very little rabbit trapping has been done, but this week, tha weather having improved the- trappers are again hard' at it, and the rabbit cart takes a fair supply to Poniahaka Siding tEree times a week.

Scholastic. — The school lias again taken up, after a spell of two weeks' midwinter siohday3. The mole draining done lately by the committee i 3 proving a great boon, and the playground now keeps fairly dry. Last winter the grounds were like a swamp , but this winter the children can walk dry shod over almost any part of them.

Arboi Day — Wednesday 12th inst , is cur Arbor Day. It i<! the intention ot tho Arbor Day Association to pla.pt 100 holly trees 111 tho cemetery grounds, and some ornamental trees round the church, and io trim the «choo! ar.d church hedges. In the evening a soc.u! and dance will be hold in the hall.

Valedictory. — Mr Stephen Ban. liavirg sold h»3 farm to Mi John Harvey, has left tins district for pastures now. It is Mr Barr' 3 uiteutio'i, 1 understand, to settle in the North Is' and. Prior to leaving, Mr aiid Mrs Barr v/pro entei tained at a farewell social, when the formei was presented by the residents with a useful travelling bag and rug, and the later with r handsome greenstone and gold bico<;h. Thi3 new= is a bit stale, but a"? this m my first letter since the social took place I menhon it now, so that readers of the Witress who are friends of Mr and Mrs Barr maj learn of the

esteem in -winch the latter were held by the residents of the 'Koi.