HAWEA FLAT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2849, 21 October 1908, Page 39

HAWEA FLAT.

October 15. — Although the snow iay ■heavily on the higher country, the winter has been a comparatively mild one, and farm work is -far advanced in consequence. JFeed is abundant, and the past month of genial spring w-ea+her hss brought the crops on apace. The growing of barley is claiming more attention than formerly, and several farmers have sown large areas of the cereal mentioned this season. Central RaUway. — Neither Government nor oppo3itioi^6upporter3 have bsen- backward- in condemning the action of our rulers in refusing- a vote for the prosecu"fcion of that important work, the Otago pejrtraL cajiway. By judicious pressure the Canterbury inemiers .secured heavy votes soy that province, but it wouvd appear ac though Otago's repr^entatives were more anx-ious to retain tJieir.saats than do anytfaing which, might embarrass the Ministry. aseturn of Dr Chappie gave the latter «n opportunity of pestponing a work which <lid not appear to influence enough votes to make it a popular political line; and it would seem .as thougb ballot boxes were more eloquent v aEd worthy of more attention than the redemption of a promise made to the early settlers here on behalf of the country. Half a million sovereigns are expended in, gikling a cavern in the Southern Alp 3, but when the claims of Ofcago io consideration are insisted upon the reply — given with all sympathy, — is that "no funds are available." The absurdaty of euch a statement is its own refutation. Tho surprising feature -of tie position is the apathy of Dunedin electors. White northern towns are advancing in prosperity and increasing in population, our chief city submits almost without a murmur to the stoppage of a life-giving artei-y. and its mem-fce-rs will probably be feted and returned Again for their helpless share in the operation. Tile closing down of this work may be a good political move, but it is certainly not the act of a statesman. Cricket.— The Hawea cricketers commence the seaeon xind-er favourable auspices. With an energetic captan (Mr J. Kane) and deputy (Mr J. Kcrin) their record this year should be in advance of the past, when victory was not so common as keen players wcttid wish. By the willing cooperation of monitors an asphalt piteii has been formed, and* p layers will bat with more confidence than when under the neoestrity of guarding their beads as well ac the wickets. Several of the best batsmen— absent last season — etc again in their places, and visiting teams may anticipate well-contested games. , County Council. — A meetinjr of ratepayers ■was held on the 3rd inst. (Mr D. Urquhart in tho chair) ta select a candidate for tho approaching election. Mr John Kane, 6-en.. who has represented the riding for many years, hsd imamated his intention of not ■accepting another nomination, but at the unanimous request of those present consented lo act for another term. Raciug. — The annual meeting is to be held on the Domain, November 7. and all indications point tc a record attendance. A few local horses are in training, but the majority of entries will come from outside dfstric.B. The booth and ofne-38 are being greatly enlarged, and the track sown down in tho autumn, is looking its best just now. With good sport assured, visitors and patrons should have an enjoyable outing.