LAWRENCE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2677, 5 July 1905, Page 35

LAWRENCE.

July 1. — A heavy fog has enveloped the town from Friday evening, and during the whole of Saturday it has not lifted. A number of people have prognosticated a heavy fall of snow, but a reference to the barometer, which stands unusually high, puts such an idea to flight. Up to date there is * general concensus of opinion that the winter weather has been very good — very little rain, but plenty of frosts, although most of them not of a very severe nature. With a continuance of similar weather we should have an early spring. Produce of all kinds- command satisfactory prices in the local markets. Potatoes are scarce,, and dear. Oats, Is Bd, with an upward tendency. Turnips- have been brought into the district in large quantities for winter feeding this season, prices having ruled very low for some in the Bruce and adjacent district. Sheep continue to command at price, which many think beyond their value. Cattle ia comparison are very low. The cost of living has been on an upward scale for a long time> past, the earning power not being at all ia proportion-, but one thing most certain, the work done for the> money earned is much less than it used to be.

We are anxiously looking forward to the introduction of our creamery, many being of opinion that' soon after a start is made the advantages will be so obvious that there will be three or four established between Lawrence- and the Round Hill.

The Waitahuna farmers are agitating for stock sale yards to be erected there. In my opinion, » creamery would be of much more local benefit to the community, although I do not in any way disparage the advantage of having district sales of stock to secure the best current values I would suggest to them thai the Farmers' Club or Society erect the yards, and. have a fixed scale of charges to b* paid by any auctioneer- selling at their yards. Our local authorities have had Mr Ussher up- for a few days to report on, the best method of preventing the possibility of the lower part of th,e town being flooded by the silting up of the sludge channel from the Wetherstoiiea mines. I understand be will recommend a very simple way of effectually or effectively dealing with the matter, but I must not be guilty of a^ breach of privilege in stating what I understand it to be until such time as his report is public property. Meanwhile", the Borough Council is doing its part in widening the creek and culverts that carry the water flow through the town from the hospital flat, and which will- greatly minimise any danger froxa. that direction.

The usual borough rate of Is Gd in the pound and water rate of 6d in the pound were struck at the last meeting of the council, and tenders are now being called to see whst amount of a special rate would be required to carry out st proper sanitation scheme for the botcugh. I trust the Otago League will not lose sight ot the importance of some more attention being given to prospecting for gold and other minerals. Now is the time, when the House is in session, and it is quite as impoitanfc as pushing on railways.