THE COUNTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 1851, 30 March 1904, Page 30

THE COUNTRY.

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March 28.- — The auttimn weather, the most delightful of the whole year, is now upon us, and we may expect weeks of settled, blight and cleai days. It is ideal for harvesting — sunny and warm during the day, and cold at night.

Earthquakes. — Last wesk a slight shock occi.rred one morning at 6.15. It proved the forerunner of one of the heaviest shakes ever experienced here. This occurred on Sunday n.ornmg at about 2. '15. Commencing with a slight quiver, it increased in force till the earth seemed rolling. The shock lasted some seconds, and the direction appeared to be east and -west.

Obituary. — On Monday last the death occurred at Cherry Farm, Frankton, of Mr Frederick Evan3, one of the best known and best-liked 1 residents in the district. His life of 73 years was crowded with movement. He came out to Australia some 40 odd years ago, and after visiting many rushes there csme across to New Zealand about 36 years ago. He immediately took the management for Mr Bullen of the quartz mine at Bullendale, known as the Phcsmx. Under- 'his management and supervision all the extensive electrical motive power and works were installed, and for many years he managed ths property successfully. A few years ago he went to London, and was there successful in his mission of floating- a .company called) The Achilles Goldfields to acquire the property. He retired horn the management a few years ago, suffering a stroke of paralysis, which from that time made hra an invalid. Several lesser strokes had so debilitated him that his constitution could not withstand the severe colic which' attacked him last Friday. He was predeceased by a few months by his son Albert Evans, late host of the Autrim Arms Hotel p.t Frankton.

Mining. — Up to the very last Mr Evan's belief in the Achilles property was unshaken, and 1 it seems an irony of fate that at the time when he lay dying the new holders of the property should strike rich stone. The property was purchased some time ago by Mr Robert Lee, who put men on to tunnel in the face across the creek opposite the old workings. This is the locality where Soubhberg and party took out several thousand pounds worth of stone; and the new workings, higher up than those of vSoubhbsrg, have disclosed a goodlooking reef some sft wide, ard showing good payable gold. Everyone in the district will be pleased tc hear of this, as the closing of the mine during the company's liquidation was acutely felt.

The Holidays. — Easter excursions are advertised, and if anyone should be wondering whether this is a good time of the year to visit the Lakes I would say, emphatically. Yes. The days' are wonderfully clear, and the visitor now sees Earnslaw, with its snow covering/ in a way that the summer visitor never does. The only entertainment or amusement to take place during the holiday is a cKckefc match between the local team and a team from down country.

Entertainment. — On Friday evening last those well-known and highly popular vice-regal entertainers — Mr Barrie Marshael and Miss Irene Carlyon — supported by their lyric ard comedy company, gave on© of their pleasant and exceptionally meritorious programmes. What pleased in vice-regal circles evidently did; not appeal to thoss living in rural simplicity, for, I regret to say; the .audienoe numbsred only some 60 or 70 persons. At Is tickets the house was not a good ons.