POMAHAKA DOWNS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2652, 11 January 1905, Page 35

POMAHAKA DOWNS.

January 9. — I have seen a good many Christmases and New Years, but I don't think f-T,- 1 t i,n W pre^ ceen such wretched and unseasonable weather as we have just passed tnu-uga. IMoi only was it during this festive season, but for weeks previously the weather lias been most disagreeable — fierce, cold winds were the rule day, after day. The first rain came on the evening of Thursday, 29th ult, and since then it has been showery. The Farm. — The weather we have been experiencing has had a very bad effect on the cropSj and unless jsomething extraordinary tappens the harvest will be very late. In many places the crop is not yet covering the ground. This lateness seems general all oveT, foi I saw a party the other day who had come from £3hrisfchurch, and he said that, unless in the case of a iew patches, the crops seemed no further ahead there than down here. The tur3iir> crop is all sown, and the first sown is out an good leaf. I think a good area of turnips has been put in throughout the district. The shearing is not finished, but is pretty well over. Tanners here maofe great exertions i to feet the wool in for the- sale on the 13th, but She showery weather has been very much against them. The bitterly cold winds hav| fceen veTy severe on the shorn sheep, and I hear of a good many deaths. Wairuna School.— On the evening of Thurs3ay. the 22nd ult., there was a good gathering ©f children and friends at this school to 30m in the ceremony of" hoisting the flae. -Inis

flag was presented to tlie school by the Education Board on condition that the committee should find flagpole and necessary ropes. A good substantial limb of a tree was presented to the committee by Mr C. M'Donald, of Popotunoa, and it was taken to Mr Davidson, the blacksmith, who, along with. Mr Wm. T&f'lndoe, trimmed it into shape. Mr Davidson also presented a bluegum rail, which, when properly dressed, was bolted on to the top of the othsr log. The dressing being finished,. Mr M'lndoe carted the pole to the school ground, where several members of the committee had it duly planted ; and so on the evening of Thursday, when all were gathered together, Mrs Clark, wife of the respected chairman, duly hoisted the flag, after which there were many salutings, and "God save the King" wasTieartily sung. The night being cold, an adjournment was made to the school, where a pleasant hour or so was spent. Tea and cakes were handled rounds of course. I say "of course" because the good ladies of Wairuna are most hospitable, and on every occasion of a gathering there is always abundance to eat and drink. As I was unfortunately unable to be present, I cannot give a full account of the rest of the evening, but Mr Gray, schoolmaster, gave an address on the origin of flags, and I am told the feature of the evening was the singing of the children, for which all the ciedit is due to Mrs Gow. Mr Davidson had also a graphophone present, which afforded considerable amusement. . Picnic.-^At . last' Pomahaka Downs is going io have a picnic "all on its own," and all friends are cordially invited on the afternoon of Eriday, 27th inst. The -first tea is -to be at 2.30,- adjoining the school, so don't .be late.