CLYDE

Otago Witness, Issue 2685, 30 August 1905, Page 35

CLYDE

August 26.— Although the evenings are somewhat sold, and often boisterously so, the sun 3 s warm, and the atmosphere has a feeling of spring in it during the forenoons of each day. Tne mild winter is sure to permit an early growth in pasture lands, provided, ot course, that late frosts keep away. At present it appears as if we were about to experience a spell of very seasonabe weather. Absent Visitors,— lt is a most remarkable faot that the dotterel is much behind this year in the time of its usual annuar visu. Its first appearance here in past years is usually noted about the 10th or 14th ot August, but never is it later than the latter date. Last year the birds arrived here on or about the Bth of August, and at a time when the snow was still lying upon much of our lowiands. For some years they have arrived before the departure of the snow, and consequently must have felt some inconvenience in providing themselves with food. Can it be that the birds have instinctively postponed •their date of arrival here owing to experiences .gleaned during the pasb 10 years, when they must have suffered) hardships through arriving before our winter had taken flight? Fore&tsrs' Ball.— This annual function took place on Friday night last, and was a brilliant success. 'There were over 50 couples present, and dancing was kept up until far into Saturday morning. The music was supplied by Miss Bellamy (piano), Mr Briasco friolin), and Mr Briggins. (cornet). Che catering was carried out to the entire satisfaction of all present. Mr W. Holt aoted in the capacity of M.C., in his usual efficient nianB< Small Birds.— This pest is doing immense damage in the orchards, and many fruit growers complain of the increasing numbers that are to be seen here, despite the steps taken by the local bodies to poi ? on the birds during the \rinter months. Owing to the mild weather too birds were not so heard pressed for food as to be tempted to eat that prepared with alkaloids.