DUNTROON

Otago Witness, Issue 2617, 11 May 1904, Page 45

DUNTROON

May 9. — The weather still continues very dry, and a change to wet would be viaceptable at present. The land is parched for want of a shower, and the water tanks are empty, so we have to resort to the wells, the vater in which is very hard and not the best for domestic uses. A. good 2i hours' rain would greatly improvej>liiiigs in general in thia locality. Farming. — A large area of land is ready for the autumn sowing of wheat, but a, large extent of this land will not make good seed beds, as it is very lumpy owing to the heavy wind we have experienced this week or two back. The turnip crops are a fair average this year, the later gown being the best. Potato-digging has commenced, and some good -crops are to be seen, but they are not quite up to the ordinary a lot of them having taken a second growth. Our creamery is still running every day except Sunday. • Library.— A oommittee meeting was held on Saturday evening, when it was decided to get £3 worth of new books, and renew a few of Ilie old ones which aTe worn out. The account for fire insurance on the books was also passed for payment. Church. — A lamp purchased by the ladies in connection with St. Martin's Church has been erected at the gate. It was" used last night for the first time, and is a vast improvement. What is now wanted is a few 6in drain tiles to make culverts. From ths road to the gate is at present grass, and if we had the tiles two loads of gravel would make a good approach. Game Season. — Very few guns were out around here for the opening day of the season. The ducks are very scarce, only an odd pair or so coming to the stubble. I think four is the largest bag made here. A party of three went from here up to the lakes at the head of the Waitaki. They were away six days, and had a good time, bagging 90 ducks and 1 seven swans. The birds were very plentiful, but shy. Judging by appearances at the lake , sides, shooting has been going on up that way | for last month. I think it waa a mistake to alter the date for the opening of the season, especially as the deer season opened a month ago. The season ought to be open by Good Friday, to give the town boys a show as well as the country lads. It is not to be expected that the town boys will pass a few ducks about Easter, as they •well know they will not get another chance. In fact, Easter is the only holiday on whioh they can get away for mor» than one day.