PUKEURI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2734, 8 August 1906, Page 34

PUKEURI.

.August 4. — The weather has been much colder during the week, and some sharp frosva have been oxperisnred. The uplands have a coating of snow, thus indicating a considerable fall in temperature since last week. The weather since my last has been remarkably open. Veiy little rain has fallen, and farm work has gone ou with almost no interruption all through tho winter months. Most of the knowing ones predict a stormy spring like that of la3t year. Judging by newspaper reports from all parts of New Zealand, the season here has been far more suitable for fanning operations in general than anywhere else iD the colony. The autumn, too, was diy. In England a dry autumn is usually followed by an abundant yield of wheat. It remains tq be seen whether or not this applies to New Zealand.

Pastoral. — A few lambs are now beginning to make their appearance in th© fields, but lambing will not be general for another month yet. Grass is more abundant than usual for the time of year, and as sheep are in good condition, farmers are hopeful of good percentages. Lunar Eclipse. — A very fine total eclipse of the moon is taking place as I write. The night is clear and the conditions entirely favourable for viewing the uncommon occurrence. The curved shadow of the earth can easily be made out, and, when viewed by means of an ordinary field-glass, the effect la most striking. The Hunt — For the second time during the winter the Upper Waitaki Hounds have visited Hilderthorpe, the meet taking place at Mr Corbett's farm. The district is well adapt-- 1 for the sport, but the number of loc-"-l enthusiasts is not very considerable as yet. Assembly. —The local assembly concluded its season on Wednesday evening, when a social was given by the young ladies. Unfortunately the night was wet, which somewhat mterfeied with the attendance. Dancing, etc., was kept up till an early hour, and ai) went "merry as a marriage bell." Obituary. — The many friends of the late Mr George M'Ph«rson, of Richmond, mast have heard of bis sudden death with keen regret. He was widely known and most highly respected. Possessed of a kindly nature and warm at heart, he was esteemed by all. The funeral was tho largest ever witnessed in thi3 district.