KOKONGA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2603, 3 February 1904, Page 44

KOKONGA.

Januaiy 28. — The Christmas holidays passed \oiy fjuK^'y hfie. Kxeept iov the " hcnie corning of relations to complete family circles, <md the customary goodwill season's greeting exchanged, there \vs but little excitement to maik the festive season ol the year. On New Year's Day cur little township was well- lepiessnted at MiddUmarch. The sports there were very good, and an en^ojwb'e tinio was spent ptrollmg round the grounds watching the different events, listening to the band, and chatting with friends, etc. Middle march is a flourishing place.

Agricultural aiid Pastoial — The spell of diy, hot weather, wh'ch, unfoicunately has been our lot for the p-st few veeks, lias been very tiymg to pr.storalists and agriculturists alike. "Whav can possibly grow in this heafc? The a;i?s3 is withering, and the crops are preinaimely ripening. Already hardest operations have commenced. One fie.d I notice in stcok, and the binder busiiy engaged mowing down the golden grain. This is surely an ear'y harvest! Mt.ch of the later sown crops, I am afraid, will not fully develop. Potatoes aie yielding exceptionally well this year. Earlysown turnips, too, were very promising, but they badly require rain now.

Stock. — A few sheep buyers have been round tins way lately, but os the buyers do not fesl disposed to give iho pnees sheepowners rr^ demanding very few sheep, so far, have changed hands.

Cricket — I must congratulate "our boys" on having launched out and started a cricket <lub. The benefits of outdoor exercise are too well known for me ti dilate en. I am sure, however, that all who join will find the rfcreation 9 very pleas~nt and profitable one for the summer evenings. A meeting or two have Leen held, and the necessary arrangements made.