STILILNG

Otago Witness, Issue 2661, 15 March 1905, Page 35

STILILNG

March 11. There have been held recently several meetings of the local farmers anJ. others, to consider some scheme to cope with the floods that this community has suffered so much from for two years past. These floods have swamped both the township ai d most of the flat country in the neighbourhood of the Kaitangata railway. Some plans are under consideration, and it is to be hoped th::t any adopted will bs more adequate for the purpose than those carried out in the past.

Agricultural. — Harvest has been in operatioo these last few days, and very soon it shoul'i be quite general. G-rain will be as good as the average of years, though it is late.

The Potato Disease. — There is quite a scare over the blight on the potatoes. Several lots are reported as affected, and many have been spraying, while others are digging. There is undoubtedly a blight upon them, for I ha-'e seen them blacken and shrivel up in a day ; but whether this is the Irish or some other blight . seems not quite settled. Potato growers are naturally a bit gloomy over the thought of another destructive pest to annoy them.

Bowls. — Our local club played a match on Wednesday, but was defeated after a good game. On Thursday one rink went down to play at Milton with a Dunedin rink, and than with a Milton rink, and was successful in both contests. Our local club is quite prov J of these victories over such good players. I.is defeated players may, of course, just have aad too nrueh play in contests on two successive days. Eeport says the club is to be represented at the Easter tournament, and as some of the players have come out very well, they ought to have a good chance.

Christian Endeavour Social. — The local Y.P.C.E. held its annual social on Thursday evening. There wa3 a good gathering of friends and visitors. The Kaitangata, Puerua, and Ivahiku Societies were represented, and the Balclutha .Bible Class. The Eev. P. Eamsay presided. Mr D. Wriglit, Dunedin, was present, and gave a very fine address. Some of his stories to the boys and girls about the Dunedin boys and girls wore very funny. Mr Fraser and his choir ieiidered some good music. As a country choir this would be hard to beat.