CLINTON.

Otago Witness, Issue 2604, 10 February 1904, Page 31

CLINTON.

February 8. — Harvest is again with us, just five weeks earlier than last year. The hot weather has brought on the ciops very fast, and it is doubtful if the grain has had time to fill. The srua.l buds, despite the exertions oi the drffeient local bodies, are about m great numbers, and ar& playing bad havoc. The turnip crop since the lam is coming away splendidly, and now an -abundance of winter fesd is assured. The grass, also, haa freshened up a good deal, and stock of all kinds are gettmg plenty to sat.

Stock Sale. — The stock sale held on Thuisday last was the largest seen here for many a day. The entry of sheep numbered about 10,000, these being principally good 'mes of wetheis fioin surrounding stations. The sheep were all m excellent condition, showing that feed is plentiful. The attendance of buyers was also large, and it is said they were prepaied to buy a yarding twice as large. Ihe pi ices realised were rather above the expectations of owners, and a. most every lot was cieaied i.nder the hammer. Before sta'rtmg, Mr W. Turnbull.. auctioneer for the Xat^onai Mortgage and Agency Company, commented on the enterprise ot out townsman, Mi' R. Irving, m erecting such commodious and substantial yards. He hoped the investment would turn out profitable to Mr Irving, and also to the farmers and others "concerned. Mi T. Taylor, on behalf of the farmers, spoke in a similar strain.

Fire. — A house belonging to Mr R. Cha'mers, situated in the Kuriwao O-oige, on the road to Owaka, was totally destroyed by fire on Wednesday afternoon .ast. The son and daughter, who live on the place, were absent at the time, and iittle or nothing of fie furmtuie or belongings was saved. The building was insured in the National for .£IBO, but the loss is double that amount.

School. — Our school took up cv Monday last, when there was a full attendance of children. In view of the continued hot weather, the teacher (Mr Mackie) decided to take in the children at half-past 8 and let them away an hour earlier at night. In this way much of the heat is escaped, and the children are said to be capable of better woik.