MANDEVILLE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2808, 8 January 1908, Page 39

MANDEVILLE.

December 29. — We are 7d.awing to the close of one of the most prosperous seasons Southland has ever had. Although, a little on the dry side for a month or two during the summer, the autumn was so exceptionally good and the winter so mild* that the grain was saved in gooi time and in good condition. As other parts of the Dominion had suffered so severely from the" drought, South.land had practically the whole market to herself, and as heavy demands were made on her surplus grain from all parts of the Dominion, the price rapidly rose after harvest, and remained at a high level the whole season, so that the grain-grower was handsomely remunerated for his year's work. Then, again, the season was so suitable for the green crop that the farmer was able to fatten the whole of his surplus stock early in the season, and then found himself in the fortunate position of being able to sell a large proportion of his turnips at a big figure to his brother farmers in the neighbouring provinces, who sent their sheep down here by the thousand that they might keep them' from starvation. The season of 1808, on which we will have entered before this appears in print, promises to be even more bountiful than the one we are leaving behind. Things never looked better in Southland than they do at the present time. So heavy are many -of the grain crops' that it is feared great difficulty will be experienced! in manipulating them should rough weather set in before harvest, which is bound to have the effect of laying a large proportion on the river flats.

Tie Holidays. — Christinas passed off very quietly in our little township; in fact, very few people remained a-t home. A large number journeyed to the larger centres to breathe the sea air for a few days. Others spent the day at sports and picnics in neighboring districts

A Good "Work. — Ever since Mrs Taylor has been in Handeville she has taken a keen interest in the girls of the place, especially those who have just completed' their school life. She. holds the opinion tha.t a- girl does not make a successful woman whose- knowledge ends at knowing how to read, write, and do sums. Some two years ago she invited a. few to her private room and decided to devote half a day eveTy week to teaching them how to use their needles. The numbers have kept on growing, until l now she has quite a large family. The young ladies fully appreciate the interest Mrs Taylor has taken in them, and for a. long time h<as been discussing the best way and most suitable time of showing in a small manner their regard for what she has done for them. Finally they decided' to purchase a handsome copper kettle and present it to her on Christmas Eve. At the appointed hour all the young ladies arrived at the hotel, and met -Mrs Taylor, in the very room ' in which they had spent so many pleasant and profitable afternoons. Miss Harraway was chosen spokeswoman, and. in a. neat speech) explained the object- of their; gathering. She said that «fer h»S, mxh pleasure in asking;

Mrs Taylor to accept of a tea kettle as tv small token of the esteem, in which she was held by those who had benefited so much from the time she had devoted to them. Mis Taylor, who was without doubt taken by surprise, feelingly returned thanks.