MOMONA. KAIKOURA (Marlborough)

Otago Witness, Issue 2804, 11 December 1907, Page 39

MOMONA.

KAIKOURA (Marlborough)

December 9.— The weather throughout last week was the hottest w« have experienced here this year. The skies were dull and leadencoloured, and the atmosphere was sultry and oppressive. On Saturday afternoon several heavy peals of thunder were heard, gTeat black clouds rolled up from tbe south, and everything pointed to a heavy downpour of ram. A few light showers were all that came. however, but these were instrumental in clearing and cooling the slmospherD. Yesterday (Sunday) afternoon we had one or two heavy showers of rain which will be of much benefit to the young crops Eveiy thing is delightfully fresh and green-looking now. The early-sown wheat crops are coming into ear, and in nearly every instance give promise of yielding very heavily. Turnips, mangolds, etc., have come on nicely during the week, and thinning aooears to be pretty general now. There ia an abundance of grass, and stock of all descriptions are in good condition. The Factory. — I have not beard lately the amount of milk received daily at the local cheese factory. Mr Robertson continues to be the largest supplier, followed by Mr Birtles. The first consignment of cheese from Momc-na was dispatched to Duuedin at the end of last week I saw the contractor ("Mr Columb) carting it to Otokia on Thursday and Friday. I understand that about 90 cases were sent away. Each case contains two cheeses, and the weight of each cheese is 801b. The cheese remains for a fortnight in the curing loom before being sent away. Examination — The local school children were examined by Inspector Richardson on Monday last (December 2), and I am please* 1 to ba able to record that every child paasec, a result which reflects much credit upon the teachers, and must have afforded extreme gratification to everybody concerned. As the lXJid-sunimor vacation is hot close at hand, only one holiday was granted -the children after the examination.

Sicklies? — I heard on Saturday that Mr Joseph M'Xeil is confined to his house at present, suffering from the afUr effects of ar accident sustained many year" --jo I wish Mr M'Xeil a speedy and pc; _•. .^t reovery.

December 4. — A ketch-rigged fishing boat, -the Wairoa. equipped with a 12 horse-power oil engine and two trawls, arrived here last week. The boat, which is a smart-looking httie craft, is owned by Mr C. Bushett. of Island Bay. Wellington, and it is his intention to prospect the coast from Kaikoura to the Waiau River for fioh.

Grcenhilis Estate —To ghe some tangib c idea of the land and the mildness of the climate at tbe Greenliiils estate, which is to be offered for sal© in smaller blocks, Tanging from 1800 to 6500 acres, en and after December 11, I mpy mention that out of a flock of 60CO halfbred ewes the syndicate secured a percentage of JO9 lambs. In inenno3. from 7000 ewes, over 92 per cent was obtained County Chairman.— Mr James Bojd was on Wednesday unanimously re-e'ected county chairman. The council paid a high tribute

to the good work done by Mr Boyd during his occupancy of the chair. Mr Boyd returned thanks in fitting terms. The Clerk reported that the credit balance to date w?s £603 11s 7d; J-28 have been paid for small birds' eggs and heads, and nearly 600 dcg» have been registered within tbe county.

Personal.— The late Mrs Walter Rutherford gained high, honours for some of her artistic work. For a painting of Lake Tekapo she was awarded a diploma, and she secured a gold medal for one of Captain Coot's Spyglass. Amuri B ufr. at the New Zealand International Exhibition.

Social. — A social under tbe auspices of the Defence Rifle Club was held on Wednesday night, and was well attended, the proceedings throughout being mest enjoyable. Lsdy friends supplied an excellent re-past, which was thoroughly appreciated. During the evening the prizes won at the opening shoot were presented to the successful riflemen.