POWAHAKA DOWNS.

Otago Witness, Volume 14, Issue 2648, 14 December 1904, Page 35

POWAHAKA DOWNS.

December 30.— At the moment the weather is all that could be desired — fine, warm sun after a good shower ox rain. During the last fortnight there has been a few claps of thunder, accompanied by rain, but I hear of no destruction by lightning, as was the case !asi year, when Mr Herriott had four horses knocked down in a heap. The Farm. — The genial weather that we are now getting will help on the crops, and they have much need of it. Some turnips have already been sown. This- time last year more turnips were in, but I consider that vve are later this year by at least a fortnight owing to \onseasonable weather. Gore Show. — As there was> every appearance of it being a fine day en the morning of the show, I went without my oilskin and leggings, but when 1 saw some on the train with their waterproofs I felt a little dubious. "Why, manj it aye rains at Gore!" said one comforting individual. However, we were lucky, and had a real fine day and a real good show. If the committee could see their way to ptiu up a good-sized stand it vculd be of enormous advantage, and I am sure it would be well patronised. After one had had a look round and examined everything a seat would be very acceptable. Certainly there were a few forms round the ring but nothing like sufficient.

The School. — We have now got another teacher — Miss M'Dougall, who is likewise boarding at Mr Erskine's, as the school is still held in the Government hut adjoining Mr Erskine's farm. Miss M'Dougall must bo even a point better than any previous one, as I hear she proposes holding a Sunday school.

The Settlement. — Although there are still a large number of vacant sections, yet two new settlers are amongst us. We have tried on several occasions to^ get some reduction in the rent, but up till now have been unsuccessful. I think it is now time to apply tj the powers that be to see if the heavy loading for roads and survey could not be taken oir. The amount comes to about 10£ d per acre. Take it roughly at Is, and already 10s per acre has been*' paid in rent for this" roading and survey. At the end of the lease, should no alteration be made, £49 19s per acre would have been paid. Just think of the money the G-overnment is coining out of us! But I think now that the rent will soon be coming due that the Board, if applied to, could with the consent of the Minister of Lands make this reduction. It would materially benefit the • settlement.