WAIKOIKOI.

Otago Witness, Issue 1851, 30 March 1904, Page 31

WAIKOIKOI.

March 28. — During the greater part of th& month we have had a contii.uance of favourable weather, interspersed with a few heavy downfalls of rain. Scgns of winter have set in, and we have had a few mild frosts.

The Farm. — With one or two exceptions farmers have all their grain in stack, and threshing mills may be seen at work in some parts of the district. The only growing crop to be seen is that ot turnips. Iv spite of the long spell of dry "weather we had some time ago, this crop has turned out a tfairly good one^ the late rains having benefited it considerably." Grass still looks fresh and green, and the prospect of good wiinter f e ad is very premising. Stock cf all kinds are in prime condition, and the mobs of sheep feeding qnietiy in paddocks are a treat to see, as they all look so healthy and plump. Rabbits. — In all parts of the district this pest is increasing. During the harvest, farmers * being too busy to attend to them, they multiplied gTeatly; but as trapping will soon, be the order of the day, a rapid decrease will then take place.

Coal — Farmers who are waiting for the threshing mill aTe filling in time by carting coal. Some cart from the pit, while others cart fr-om the railway trucks.

The School.— Owing to the prevalence of scarlet fever in the district, the committee met on Saturday, and decided to close the schojl for two week 3.

Earthquake. — A very severe earthquake shock was felt here on Sunday morning at 2.34. So severe was the shock that it made houses shake and windows rattle, while all the houseJiold were aroused from sleep.

Concert. — A complimentaiy concert to raise funds to assist Mr E. J. Cunningham, musician, Gore, who has been, an I sti.l is, laid up with a serious illness, will be held here about the middle of April. A strong committee has been formed, and as Mr Cunningham, who has ably assisted at our school and cricket concerts, and who- has the sympathy of the* Koi^ residents in his illness, is a general favourite, a bumper house is anticipated. Wedding Hells.— Mr H. Black and Miss Maggie Kirk, daughter of our respected townsman, Mr Wm. Kirk, left here last week for Dunedin, to be married. The wedding takes' place to-morrow (Tuesday), and a big dance is to he held in the 'lvoi hall on Wednesday evening to celebrate the event.