CLINTON.

Otago Witness, Issue 2663, 29 March 1905, Page 37

CLINTON.

March 27. — The Land Commission ai rived here on Thursday last, and whi'e with us put in- a very busy time. After having lunch, as the farmers were all interested in the laige sheep sale being held, the comnu&ion eet out to view the Pozcahake, Estate. Two drags had airived from Lawrence, and made quick time to the school. A prominent settfer accompanied the party, and pointed out the goeds and other features of the place. The feeling of the rornmisioxi seemed to i)e thait the estats ots not in a thriving condition, and the lepoit to be "drawn xip later will likely suggest that something be done in the direction of making the holdings larger and reducing the rent. Arriving back in Clinton, evidence was taken m the Town Board Chambers. Several prominent farmers were examined, and, with one (.•xoeption, favoured the freehold tenure. One Pomahaka settler gave evidence, and his tale overflowed with the hardship and disappointirients of the unfortunate selectors. For the mosit part the commission seems to be men drawn from tho tillers of the soil, and the lecenfc tcux has provided them with endless information on land tenures and all the troubles that affect the settler. After the sitting th<) Tapa.nui train arrived ajid took the corcruissian on, while tho drags followed on behind, empty, tc be in readiness to convey the party to Lawrence on the following day.

Stock. — The sheep sale oai Thursday last was the largest ever held in the town. From early morning until the time of starting sheep continued to arrive. The yards were soon blocked, and all sorts of enclosures round) aboub had to be resorted to before all were secured. It is now found tL&t fully 16,000 sheep were Yarded. On account of the numbers the sale suffered to some extent. The sheep could not ba properly seen, and buyers having such a choice were able to get supplies without running (mo aoiother too keenly. Ewes and wethers were fully 2s below expectation?. Lambs, however, brought rather moie than was expected. Such a crush is not likely to occur again, for tho larger sheep owners are alieaciy talking of next year having special sales of their own surplus stock. The National Mortgage and Agency Company hud an entry of 10,000; tho Loan Company, 5000 ; and Messrs Dalgety and Co., 1000.

The Harvest. — The high winds of last week gave some of the tardy crops ra.ther a sever? shake. The bulk of the crop, however, had been cut. Leadmg-m has now staited in the Waiwera and Wairuna districts, while in Ashley Downs -a considerable amount of threshing out of the: itook has been done.

Telegraphic. — At present a gang of men is engaged between here and "Waiwera shifting all the telegraph poles from the paddocks on to the loadline^ Tine, will come as a welcome relief to farmers, who for years now have had to guide their teams ge-ntly around these polca when carrying on the difEe-reait farming operations.

Musical Examinations — I notice by the results of the Trinity College, examinations that our respected music teacher, Mrs Martin, has been distinguishing herself. Of eight pupilg presented iv <he different grades ail! passed. This speaks volumes for the skill ot Mis Martin as a teacher, and also shows that there ia no need for parents to send their children mto th« town for a higher musical examination.