RATANUI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2660, 8 March 1905, Page 39

RATANUI.

March 1. — The weather tip to Saturday 25th uit., was something to be remembeied. and was enough to maxe us forget the wet weather during th-e holidays. So dry was it that I Lea.i prayers were offered up for is hi in Owaka ; and they have been abur>daait'y answered, foi there has been an easterly nun since Saturday night, not continuous, bill coming down in copious showers sufficient tc fill the water tanks.

Picnic. — The Taiaia Sunday and day school picnic was held at the Purakanui Brida'o and Falls. This wou'd ba an ideal spot for a picnic if there wa» only a cleared spot where the children could havp some games. This difficulty was oveiconie by running the races on the road. Old and young made the trip to the Fall&, and as the day was bright and sunny, the shade of the bush was very enjoyable. The Falls are very beautiful at the present time, but those who have seen them sfter a flood say that they are a wonder, being almost awesome in their turbulency There are some beautiful ferns to be found on the banks of this stream, and the lovely umbrella fern is to be found in secluded

spots. Aftar the le'.urn to the bridge, garner were entered into with great spirit. Miss Scott did" her utmost to make the picnic a s'-icces^, and Mrs Crawford looked after the making of the tea. This was a basket picni" (there being ro funds), and it is to be hoped it will be made an annual gathering, and that next year a subscription will ba raised, enabling provisions to be supplied, and thus making the picnic moie sociable.

Visitors. — Many visitors are still residing in our beautiful district, and in speaking to one of our boarding-housekeepers the other day I found that he was very hopeful as to the future of this district as a" tourist resoit. Many touiists having come from Christchurch, Tiinaru, and Oamsm. and were loucl in their praises of the beauty of our river and lake scenery, and also of the splendid opportunities for boating and fishing, both with the net and rod and hne. One of our local fishermen has been very successful in luring the spotted beauties from the Catiins, M'Lennan. and Purakanui Rivers. From a botanist's point of view this district shou'd yield a splendid harvest. In the season there should he good shooting, as ducks are plentiful, noi to mention other game.

Roads. — A good deal of work has been dent on the roads lately, many of the worst places being metalled. The settlers lent very substantial aid to the Clutiia C.C., many giving either work or subscribing money. A~ gooi. many places still need attention. espeeialiS on the Catiins River rosd. It is astonishing to <=ec so bad a road where metal is sc pie n til ul.

Obituary — A very regrettab'e death occurred here lately. Mr John Irvine, an old and highly re-spected settler on the Catiins Rivet recently had his hand rather badly crushed^ but nothing dangerous was anticipated. Bloodpoisoning set in, however, and he succumbed in a few days. Hi? remains were taken foi ir-termeat to Allojiloia. His widow lias the sincere sympathy of the people cf the district in her sad bereavement.

Crops. — Turnips are looking wel l , as are also potatoes, and there are g,ome excellent crops of oats, but tire birds are very hard, on, them. It is to bf» hoped the ootato disease will not reach this locality, but it may be mentioned that for some years several kinds of potatoes have been spotted back. Vary few can grow Derwents siiccessfully.