WAIWERA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2805, 18 December 1907, Page 39

WAIWERA.

December 16.— What with the burning of Parliament Buildings, the big fall in the price of wool, and other startling events we naturally wonder what is to be our next calamity. However, to meet ever-increasing demands, the poor farmer has not much time for reflection. His position seems to be work, work as long as he can, or starve, and when done, " vrelf, serve him right." This is my experience of a farmer in New Zealand. Weather and Crops.— We have lately had some good showers of rain, doing a great deal of good to crops of every description. There has also been a good deal of wind, which somewhat dries up the surface after the splendid rains. Notwithstanding, crops, I think, generally will be good. Turnips in most cases are coming on remarkably well. Shearing is well on (a good deal more than half through), and as far as I can gather the wool is in fair- order. What the real prices will bo is not , definitely known yet, but we have been notified on every hand to prepare for a big drop. This, with double taxes to bear, does not put a person in the most cheerful frame of mind foi the Christmas festivities, which too are near ftt hand.When burdened with disappointments life seems gloomy. Let us hope, however, that a New Year will commence with cheer, goodwill, and pleasure to aH. May the strong help the weak, ana not, as is too often the case, crush the weak. Shows. — The show season lifts again passed. I don't know of many of our smaller farmers having exhibited much; but, as usual, Mr Telford, of Clinton; has come out well, and seems to keep up his splendid reputation as a successful exhibitor. Our Clinton neighbours, too, have come out most creditably.