CLINTON.

Otago Witness, Issue 2667, 26 April 1905, Page 32

CLINTON.

April 22. — The weather lately has been very unsettled, and the haivest is still uncompleted. I hear of one man with 80 acres still in the stcok ; another with 40, and many with smaller areas. The mills are all out, but on account of the wet, progress has so far been slow. The yield on some farms has turned out well, but on others the reveise. This can partly be accounted, i*. by a severe gale at the beginning of harvest, which shook out a lot of grain. I hear a great many farmers are this year keeping the bulk of their stuff for chaffs If the cartags is not too tar, this, pays better than oats; hvd. uuless the supply is regulated, chaff will com© down, and after all, threshing will be the best. I hear of a local cropper who has already had this season's crop chaffed and sold in Dunedin at £3 7s 6d per ton — good for new stuff.

Ticks in Sheep. — Thursday last, being sale day, a number cf farmers were ra>ther startled to see the local inspector of stock diligently examining the different pens of sheep, and where possible bringing ticks and other vermin to the top. All thought that as a, fortnight oi the time allowed for dipping had yet to run, they were quite safe ; but this is not so, as the inspector explained that they could be taken up any time if they exposed dirty sheep in the yards. One lot of hoggets sold to an Oamaru buyer would not pass, and had to be dipped before being trucked. Quite right; pity to take healthy ticks from one district to another.

Valedictory. — Our local stationmaster, Mr Kcir. is being transferred to Mosgiel, and leaves on Tuesday next to take up his new duties 1 . Mr Ken has not been in good health of late, and the change is being made to escape the iigour3 of our bracing climate. On Saturday e^enin^ last tjbo railway empLoyees a.ncl towiispeoplo entertained him to supper in the Town Hall. During the cx r ening lie was the recipient c-f two easy chairs from the railway employees and a travelling bag and rug from the townspeople. Mrs Kerr also received' a pretty silvermounted afternoon tea tray irorn the ladies.

Fire. — A fire broke cut last Sunday morning in Mr Wai burton's (watchmaker's) shop. Fortunately the fire was noticed in time and put out. The damage done to the stock was considerable, and the building was damaged to the extent of .6-20. Had the fire got a proper bold, nothing could have saved the principal block of buildings in the town.

Road Improvements. — The Town, Board are at present top-dressing the footpaths of the town. They have also had a new piece done in front of G arden's store 1 . Mr Roberts was entrusted vith the work, and along with Messrs Meggit and Ray, he has made an excellent job. The booid supplied the tar and sand,.