THE COUNTRY.

Otago Witness, 1 June 1910, Page 39

THE COUNTRY.

g|P Correspondents are reminded that all letters for the current week's issue must reach Denedin NOT LATER THAN MONDAY NIGHT. Letters coming to hand on Tuesday are too late, •cd are thus a week old when they appear.

LAKE COUNTY. May 28.—The weather continues exceptionally mild, and farmers are busily engaged in ploughing, which is somewhat unusual at this time of. year. The weather is also most favourably for the miner, and full advantage is being taken of the mild open season. Health Note.—lnfluenza, of a somewhat severe form, is prevalent in the Arrow district at present. Personal.—Mr H. G. Youngman, postmaster at Arrowtovvn, is at present on his annual holiday, and his place is being taken by Mr Brebner, relieving officer. Obituary.—lt is my painful duty this week to record the death of one of the oldest residents of the district in the person of Mr William Paterson, J.P., of Ayrburn. Arrow, who died at his home this morning. Although deceased gentleman had reached the age of 78 years, he had enjoyed good health up to a week ago, when he was laid up with an attack of influenza. This developed into pneumonia. No name was better known throughout the Wakatipu than that of the late Mr William Paterson, and he was held in the highest esteem by all classes of the community, and deservedly so, as he was upright and honourable in all -his dealings. Ho was of the most kindhearted nature, and there are many in the district who will ever remember him for his many acts of charity. For many years he was a large employer of labour, and he was held in the highest esteem and affection by all who worked under him. He always took a keen and practical interest in everything that had for its object the welfare of the district. He was largely instrumental in the formation of the Lake County A and P. Society, end was president from its inception till last year, when he resigned, and he was then sleeted governor of the society. His wife predeceased him some years ago, and of his family of eleven eight survive him, and they have the sincere' sympathy of the whole of the residents of the district. When the news of Mr Paterson's death was received in Arrowtown, the flags on the business places were hoisted half-mast as a sorrowing tribute of respect to the memory of a gentleman who had endeared himself to all.—Mr Charles Beeby, one of the oldest identities of Queenstown, passed away somewhat suddenly on Tuesday last at the good old age of 95 years. It has been mentioned in the newspapers during the past week or so that the late Mr Beeby had lived under six English sovereigns, having been born on Waterloo Day, 1815. Despite his advanced years the de-. ceased gentleman had enjoyed good health to within a day or two of his death. He carried on business in Queenstown for a number of years as a stationer and bookseller. He did not take any prominent part in public affairs, but his kindly disposition endeared him to those who knew him, and he was held in the highest esteem and respect by the community. A widow, two sons, and two daughters are left to mourn their loss. The funeral took place at Queenstown on Thursday, when a large number attended to pay the last tribute of respect. The funeral service was conducted by the Rev. H. Packe.

OPIW. May 24.—General regret was felt throughout the district at the sudden death of the King. Little did «e think when, he was crowned that his reign would be so short. Memorial services were held in the hall in Nightcaps the day of the funeral. General.—Farming operations are not very brisk just now, grain carting being the most important work. The mill is doing a little grass-seed threshing work that had been left over for some time. Ploughing will soon be general. Roads are in perfect order. I see the surfaceman has been, round repairing bridges, cleaning out the water tables, and generally making a thorough fixing up. Death.—The unexpected death of Mr D. Macintosh, of Opio, came as a shock to his many friends. His remains were taken by train to Inveroargill for interment. Quadrille Assembly.—The young people have organised a weekly quadrille assembly, to be held in the School shed on Saturday evenings. So far it has been fairly well attended. Shooting.—So far I have hot heard of any great bags being obtained, though occasional shots round about make one remember the season, is in. But it will soon be out again.

BROIUCSIDE May 30.-rOn Friday, the 13th May. a chrysanthemum show was held in the Public School. Brookside, the object being to raise funds for the home mission work of 'the Church. There was a very fine exhibition of plants indeed on the part of local competitors, while friends in Christchurch. and Leeston also gave assistance. In addition to the 'mums, there were many other competitions in spravs, bouquets, floral devices, decorated tables, etc. The local farmers gave liberal donations of oats, chaff, etc.. while there was a well-furnished dairy produce stall, a bran tub. and the usual nail-driving and hat-trimroing com petitions in the evening. The school was w«U filled with an intemsied srathcrinar all afternoon, ladies and gentemen being present from all the surrounding districts: and in the evening there was a sreat crowd. The, show was under the charce of the of the Brookside Presbyterian Sewine Meeting, and «'as in every way a gratifving success. The total proceeds amounted to over £4O. May 30. —Tn accordance with instructions from the Most Rev. the Primate, a most impre-sive memorial service was held in the Church of Eoiphany on Fridav afternoon. The church was fairly well fil'ed, representatives from all the congregations beinp present. The service was conducted bv Mr H. W. C. Horvnll. \t the conclusion of the service Mrs Overton, the oro-a.ni-sr,, played the March" in "Sard."

Fatal > Accident.—Mr and Mrs M'Leod lost their little bov, two and a-hnlf years old. bv accident. It appears the little chap left the house with ip.ta father. Some shore time after Mr M'Leod's attention was directed towards the work that on© of his employees was engaged in, and left the boy for a short time. It is evident tha

' little chap wandered straight off to the ] creek, for very little time had- elapsed i when his father mised nim and caused a search to be made. He found the body in a creek close to the homestead. All known methods were resorted to to bringback life, but without, avail. The doctor was at once communicated with, and arrived shortly after, onl;' f tfo pronounce life extinct. The news canre as a shock to the whole community, who sympathise with the parents in their bereavement. The remains wer-3 interred in the Gore Cemetery on Saturday, a very large number of friends attending to pay the last tribute of respect. Rink.— The young people of Mandeville have engaged the hall for the season for three nights in the week for skating. From present appearances the venture is likely to afford plenty of amusement. Ball.—The harvest home ball came off on the 13th inst., and was well supported, many coming long distances. The hall was tastefully decorated for the occasion, and wore a very pleasing appearance. The committee went to no- end of trouble to make the function a success. The secretaries, Messrs H. Tremain and H. Horrell, are entitled to a special word of praise for the manner in which they filled their responsible positions. Departure.—Mr F Cross has purchased a property just out of the town of Oamaru, and intends removing there, with his wife and family, about the end of next week. His clearing sale is advertised for Wednesday of next week. Milling.—The local flour and oatmeal mills are kept very busy just now to supply orders for both flour - and oatmeal. As plenty of water is available, the manager, Mr Collett, is keeping the plant going at high pressure. lIA3HLT»K. May 27. —The annual picnic and sports of the Hamilton public school was held on the school grounds on Empire Day, May 24, and proved a great success. The weather was, all that could be desired. The children assembled after 1 o'clock, and after doing justice to all the good things that were laid out for them in the scnool—tea, coffee, eatables of the best, fruit and lollies —they prepared for the snorts while the adults were refreshing themselves. The sports resulted as follows —Boys' Race. 12 and under, 120ydis— Guy Hooper 1, Victor Symes 2, Vincent Graham 3. Girls' Race, 13 years, 120yds— Elsie M'Alpine 1, Rose Graham 2. Boys' Race, under 11 years—Samuel Hooper 1, Williaim Hooper 2, Charles Paterson 3. Girls' Pace, 12 and under—May Roberts 1, Geraldine Graham 2. Matilda M'Alpine 3. Girls' Three-legged Race—May Roberts and Rose Graham 1, Amy Hooper and Elsie M'Alnine 2. Boys age —Arthur Hooper 1, George Hooper 2. Consolation Race, for all beaten boys—A. Paterson 1, V. Symes 2, T. Hooper 3. Vaulting for boys, 12 and 11 years—Guy Hooper (7ft 2in) 1, William Hooper (7ft) 2. Vaulting for younger boys—T. Hooper (6ft lOin) 1, C. Paterson (6ft Bin) 2. Consolation Vaulting—A Paterson (6ft lOin) 1, V. Symes (6ft Bin) 2. The sports were the best contested ever held here. The young people kept up the games till 6 o'clock. Tea and coffee were never off. The clerk, _Mr M'Alpine, in the absence of the chairman, thanked-the people fortheir attendance and for the liberal manner in which they had subscribed to the funds. He then called the children to sing the National Anthem, which was very well rendered. Miss Coram accompanied. The children then save three heartv cheers for their teacher, Mrs Symes and three cheers for the committee brought, a pleasant day's outincr to an end, all going- home well satisfied.

Mining.—There was a little excitement here as the result of Mr Loathen anplying for 50 acres of the Hamilton mining reserve right across the outlet on the banks of theTaien River. The miners strongly ohiect to the land beincr leased for any other purpose than grazing-. The warden was over seeing it on Tuesday, and a CtPa . • on consl sting of Messrs J H M Alpine, G F Hooper, and E. ' Eaton (manager H.S. Company) waited on him. Ihe warden assured them that the mining privileges would not be interfered with and the people all think it would be a great mistake to lease the river frontage, as the rest of the reserve would be no good for grassing. With over 30 heads of water gornar ovei the land it would not be much good for cultivation. It is hoped the board will let well alone. The weather still I<~eps very dry, and nothing is doing in miningit has been the driest spell ever known here, having lasted over six months. There is no water for mining, and most of the grass is burnt up. KAHITIKA May 30.—The weather aere for some time has been rough and stormy. Roads.—On account of so much wet the mads are getting soft in places, especially the parts for which the grants were voted for this season, and were supposed to be handed over to the council for expenditure. This much-vaunted change ha« turned out a complete farce, as the county had in every case to make out estimates, etc., and by the time all the red taoe had been complied with it was either too late or the money had flowed into next year's surplus. At any rate, none of it went into road' metal, and back-blockers think it another cunning dodge on the part of those in authority. The Railway.—Construction works here are also getting into * dormant state, and we are wondering if the Railway League is defunct. I am told on good authority that if the men at work on any one day were counted carefully the-*- would not number more than 200. Although the clay workers are within a quartei of a mile of the busofellers, there are only two m-ei employed bushfelling at the present time, while there are enough expert bushmen shovelling clay to make up several gangs of bushfellers. We think, therefore, things need shaking up a bit somehow. Wo do not want the public to think we blame Mr Furkert or his officers for the state of affairs existing' here. We know Mr Furkert left a splendid record behind him in the North Island, and believe he can rep.i.-it that record here if allowed to do so. Our present Ministry is entirely responsible, and our member seems very tame on the subject, too. At our banquets here and elsewhere we have been told the line would bo in the valley in 10 months. If things go on as they are going it will take as many years before it reaches M'Lennan's.

Educational.—l am pleased to say I can write in a more cheerful strain. On Friday, 27th May, we had a social and, dance to

' welcome our new teacher, Mi6s Gray, and to bid good-bye to our departing teacher, Mr M'Donald. Although the weather was rough there was a fiplendid gathering, and a very enjoyable l evening was spent 'n dancing, interspersed frequently with songs and recitations. After refreshments had 1 been handed round by the ladies, the chairman of the committee (Mr Peterson) said he supposed that they were all aware of the object of the gathering. Thev were very fortunate in securing the services of such an excellent teacner as Miss Gray had proved herself to be. both as to private character and educational attainments. He hoped her stay would be a long, a happy, and a prosperous one. The controlling ana' teaching of children was no easy task, and he assured her that she would have the assistance of the parents and committee in obtaining for the children the benefits and" privileges of our splendid educational system. He Had very great pleasure in, calling on Mr M'Donald to come forward and receive from a representative of the. scholars a handsome dressing-case and neck: tie. The present spoke for itself. The children without any assistance or advice from anyone had collected the amount necessary. Every child in the schooi had subscribed. Mr M'Donald carried with him the very best wishes of parents and scholars. he had been kind and considerate, yet firm enough to keep control. The tone of the school had improved, and the relations between teacher and committee had been pleasant and agreeable. If Mr M'Donald continued as he had: commenced there was no doubt that a useful and honourable career was before him. Mr Riddle (secretary) said he could bear out the -chairman's remarks about Mr M'Donald. They could all see by the way he bad conducted himself and the marked improvement in their school that he was a born teacher, and had a knack of imparting knowledge to children and gaining their love and confidence. Although he was now on the lower rung of the l ladder, if he kept on the way he was going he would soon be on the top. They were all very sorry to part with him, and fully believed their loss would be someone else's gain. They were also very pleased to welcome Mies Gray, and were glad to know the good work would be carried on. Mr Wells said he was happy to .welcome Miss Gray, and hoped hei stay would be a long and useful one. Pie voiced the feelings not only of the parents, but also of every resident, inwishing Mr M'Donald every success in the future, and they were all sorry he was leaving. Mr M'Donald thanked the children for their token of good feeling. He had found them very .anxious to learn, and their behaviour both in school and playground had been very good. Referring to the committee, he found them very wiiiing to render him any help in. their power. He thanked them for their complimentary remarks. He would look back with pleasant memories on his short stay at Kahuika. Messrs Hollows and M'Cullough were kept busy with piccolo and violin till the singing of "Aula lang syne" brought a- very {pleasant gathering to a close. WOOOSIBE. May 30. —Empire Day was observed in connection with West Taieri School last Thursday evening, when a very encouraging number of the parents and friends attended with the children to take part in the patriotic celebration. Mr W. Maopherson, chairman of the School Committee, presided, and the proceedings were opened by all present singing "God save the King." After appropriate introductory remarks by the chairman, the programme of the evening was proceeded with. Recitations were rendered by Master Alex. Chisholm and Master Vincent Reid, the former reciting "That's Not the Way at Sea" and the latter, "Play Up and Play the Game." "Soldiers of the King" and "Ark of freedom" were sung, and the Rev. W. Spence delivered a short address jd "Patriotism." The rest, of the programme was taken up by a series of pictures, kindly supplied by the Victoria League. In addition to these, some very fine pictures of the late King Edward VII and of King George V and Queen Mary were shown, the whole making a list very appropriate to the occasion. During the evening the Rev. Mr Spence sang very effectively "The battle of Stirling." Miss Lilian Finlay presided at the piano, and made a most efficient accompanist. The proceedings terminated by the audience again singing a verse of the National Anthem. K7VA.PMAI.E. May 26. —With the exception, of a squally day occasionally, the weather still continues very mild a-nd open for this time of the year. Stock are in very fair condition, and in the majority of cases breeding ewes have not been put on turnips as yet. The fat lamb trade still continues brisk in spite of the decrease in values of late, and I think it may be safely said that the past season has been a very gratifying one to pastoralists when compared with the returns of former years. It is the general opinion that the turnip crop as a whole will not stand so much feeding as last year, but granted a fair winter, there should be no scarcity of winter feed locally. A good deal of sheep-worrying has been going on in this district during the past fortnight, several cases of worrying having _ been reported, in every instance considerable damage having been done. Social.—The Knapdale Christian Endeavour Society held its annual social on the- 25th ult., there being a good attendance of friends and visitors from the neighbouring societies present. After greetings had been received and exchanged a good programme of speeches, recitations, and soles was submitted to the audience by the chairman, the- Rev. J. M'lnnes, of Riversdale. An excellent supper, provided by the lady members of the society, added greatly to the material success of the function. Personal.—An event of no small interest locally will be celebrated in the local hall on the 27th inst. I refer to the golden wedding of Mr and Mrs John. Gerken, two of the pioneer settlers of this district, who, although of a retiring disposition, are very popular and highly respected members of the community. HIDE. May 27.—Splendid weather is now being experienced here, with an entire absence of frost, cloudy skies, and an air that is reminiscent of early summer instead of the end of the first (nominally) mouth of winter.

f Farm Work. —Ploughing and potato-lift-ing have 'been the principal work on the farm during the month, and for the latter work the weather has been ideal and the tubers have been lifted in splendid order* As the price is rapidly rising, those who .have a- surplus to sell are fortunate. A,' considerable amount of stubble has beetf ploughed during the month, but beyond stubble land it is impossible to do any* thing with the dry state of the land. A few paddocks of winter wheat have been sown and also some dun oats, and it ia probable that a considerable amount of both wheat and oats wdl be sown in the spring, as the present level of prices for both cereals is profitable if fair crops are secured. Most of the wheat grown here was easily disposed of at from 3s 9d to 4s per bushel on trucks, and chaff is now worth £3 15s per ton on trucks, less commission. The mild weather has not made any visible improvement in the turnip crop, and in some instances they have begun to rot, and stock are being put on to feed them off. Rabbiting.—Trapping is still being prosecuted' vigorously the price now being' per pair on the fence. Some very fait cheques are being made by trappers. 111-health. —Sickness is unusually prevalent among both young and old in the district just now, and during the past fortnight both Dr Irwin, of Middlemarch, and Dr By ers, of Waipiata, have had several calls to the district, and it is pleasing tc record that their patients are now on the waj to recovery. HINDU*. May 28.—The pastoral outlook in respect to the condition of the flocks to enable them to brave the storms of the ensuing winter season may be truly said to be of the brightest, as the stock grazing in this district are in splendid order —in fact, I have never seer them better at this lata period of the fall during my experience for many years past. It is worthy of not* that the surplus stock have been disposed oi Dy me sneep-tarmers at satisfactory rates, with the result that the grazing runs are not overstocked in the matter of their carrying capacities, while, on the other hand, the flocks depastured here are, of a high-class order in respect to pedigree and the growth of wool. Suppression of Bunny.—During the current month a great deal has been done by the land-owners in the suppression of the rabbit pest. A new departure has been adopted by several of the Crown tenants here in the matter of mitigating the pest over their tussock grazing country. Singlefurrow ploughs have been brought into requisition. The course of procedure adopted where practical is to turn over a shallow furrow with a team of horses, a person following behind the plough with a bag of phesphcrised pollard, laying it in the furrow for bunny to sample at his leisure. This improved method of getting rid of bunny has proved very deadly in its effects, as well as a great saving of labour. Hindon Quartz Reefs.—The ail-engrossing topic of conversation here for some time past has been in reference to the development of the reefs by the formation of a syndicate in the near future. Judging by the large amount of gold that was unearthed in this district in the early hsitory of Otago, when thousands of sturdy diggers flocked to Hindon to try their luck. I should say that under expert management, combined with modern appliances, the reefs under notice would yield remunerative returns to an enterprising company. It is more than 25 years since the original promoter prosecuted operations in the development of the reefs. When we consider the rapid strides that science has made in the gold-saving process, there, is reason to believe that the development of the Hindon reefs would prove a profitable investment to a band of enterprising miners. It seems to me that the dredging boom is on the wane, and I venture to predict that the day is not far distant when the capital withdrawn from dredging, claims will be invested in other branches of mining that have been overlooked since the dredging boom set in. I am persuaded* that reefing operations will shortly b§ carried on with renewed vigour through s out the Dominion, and with the advent 0? spring- T trust to see the development C v the Hindon reefs utrrlpr :■ t>™ "(im r rny, TAIEKI «»HTII May 30.--The news of King Edward's death came as a great shock to' everyone here. When we compare his reign and that of his noble mother with the reign, of monarchs in early history, what & difference 1 King Edward, the " peacemaker," is a fit name for our beloved lost King, and well may it be applied to his late mother —peaceful Queen Victoria. It is to be' hoped King George V >vill prove equally as peaceful. Weather. —Wo have had very fair weather for the first month of winter, until Satur* day, when, between 3 and 4 o'clock in the afternoon the wind began to blow a. terrific gale, such as has not often beeni experienced here. Halley's comet madei its appearance about 7 p.m. on Saturday and remained in sight for nearly an hour.. Last night I watched to see the first sighfe of the comet. At first it looked like a star, dimmed by a thin cloud, but as the. stars appeared brightly in the heavens, the comet became a little more distinct, until the head and tail were quite visible to. the naked eye. Yesterday was a beautiful day, but we have very sudden changes audi this morning it commenced to rain after 7 o'clock and continued steadily for three and a-half hours. It has ceased at present,, but there are indications of a further rail.

Concert.--On Friday, May 27, a concert' and social was held in the school. The taking's, which were in aid of the library,, were very good considering that we have no visitors staying at the beach at present.. Road Contract. —Messrs Joseph Brothers and Morgan are getting on well with their road contract, which evidently fell into the right hands, as not only are they, pushing along with it, but they are making a. splendid job of it. People will now be able to get from the launches to the store without dirtying their shoe leather.

Changes.—Several farms here are change ing hands. Mr J. Palmer, who lately took over the lease held by Mrs Findley, is busy, ploughing up an extensive piece of grass land that has not seen the plough for many years. He is, I hear, going to crop it. Another of the places that changed; hands is one taken by Mr D. late of Cromwell. He has, I believe, five children, so there will be an addition to tbe roll of the school. Another pur-

chaser of land here is, I hear, going to put in a lot of fruit trees, which, I should think, should prove a £ood speculation, as pears, apples, and plums do remarkably well here. Some nice cheques have boon made this year from" fowls and cows. The latter paid some who have separators very well. Of course, there is not so much labour in the making of butter with a separator, as it setting, skimming, and cleaning <; dishes; while only a small dairy is required, and the butter is &o much nicer. II '••-. the next best thing to a driry factory The present factory is too far away for many, and until we get the bridge built the sending of milk ro it from this side of the river is out of the question. The Bridge.—The residents here arc wondering- when the long-talked-of bridge is going to be started. Some months have elapsed since it was fully promised, but so far I have not heard of tender? being called for. The other day the wind was too strong to permit of the punt beingused, and the mailman had to cross in a boat. Unless he was able to secure a iporse after crossing, he would have to tomplete the rest of the journey to the ipper post office on foot. W-AIKOUAITI. May 30.—The debate which wasarranged r'or the opening 'meeting of the Waikouaiti Literary and Debating Society took place on Tuesday last in the Public Hall. The Rev. J. Featherston (president of the society) occupied the chair, and there was a good attendant 1 • of members and friends. The -subject of debate was " Towff versus Country Life," and the principals were sfessrs E. Davis and J. Kendall, jun.. but ■\s the latter was unable to be present, his ■paper was read by Mr D. W. Malloch. jfeach of the leaders treated his subject in a thorough manner, bringing forward Strong supporting arguments. An interesting general discussion followed. During the evening Mr 11. West gave a humorous Recitation,- and songs were sung by Mrs „Kerr, Miss Cairns, and Mr West, all the items being much enjoyed. The President expressed his pleasure at the success of the opening meeting, and a verse of the National Anthem was sung as a concluding item.

' Harvest Thanksgiving.—A harvest thanksfiving service was held on Wednesday vening in the Presbyterian Church. The Rev. J. J. Cairney presided and there was It large attendance. The church choir sang In good style the anthems, " O Lord, how manifold," " Hark, hark, ray soul," "Ye shall dwell in the Land," and <: The Radiant Morn," and solos were rendered by Miss Cairns and Mr H. West, and an appropriate address was delivered by Mr Cairney The church was nicely decorated for the occasion with fruit and flowers, and a large number of gifts of produce, etc., were brought by the members of the congregation to be forwarded to the Presbyterian orphanages at Anderson's Bay and Clyde street, Dunedin. Whist Tournament. —The whist tournament arranged by the Athenaeum subscribers has now been completed, the winners being Messrs T. Morrison and R. Templeton, who managed to win 19 games out of a possible 24. Prizes were given by Mr E. Davis and presented to the winners by Mr N. Stewart (chairman At-hemeum Committee) on Saturday evening in the club room. The .recipients responded in suitable terms. Owing to the interest taken in the first tournament, it has been decided to com menco another, and Mr Neil Stewart liar intimated his intention of presenting prizes to the successful competitors.

Football.—The Palmerston and Waikouaiti second fifteens met for the first time this season at Waikouaiti on Wednesday afternoon. The ground was in capital condition, and the g-ame an interesting one to watch. The result was a win for the local team by 8 points to nil. Tries were scored for Waikouaiti by W. Hewie and T. Bell the one obtained "by the latter being converted. Mr A. Galland controlled the game satisfactorily as referee.

TABLE HILX. May 25.—W0 are having very fine weather for the time of the year-bright sunshine and warm as m early spring or autumn. There has not been much rain. Odd days are cloudy, but not very cold I considei this a fine climate. On Odd mornings there has been ice the thickness of a penny. Stock are doing well. Theie are several aged golden wattle trees in this and neighbouring districts which may be taken a* indication of the mildness of the climate. There are also some unusually large bluegum trees, and these have never at any time been touched by frost. Bluegum 'posts split out of trees that are 30 years old have been found to be sound after being in the ground 10 or 12 years. Threshing —Mr Tough's threshing and chaffing plant has finished the upper part of Table Hill, and is now working on die lower part, and will most likely finish this week. So far the best yield was on Mr Forsyth's farm, which gave 11 saoks ot oats to the acre, and about eight sacks ot spring wheat. Messrs Ross and Forsyth have just dug their potatoes on their respective tarns. I did not hear what the yield was but the tubers are perfectly sound, and found a ready market as soon as dug. Ine around was manured with stable manure. Poultry.—Poultry are a valuable asset on all farms, and items concerning them are always interesting. The imported vermin, comprising stoats and weasels are a big source of annoyance and loss to the farmer, and at the time when the hens are not laying very well, as soon as a nen cackles, some of these vermin are sure to be round for the egg. They take, away china nest eggs as well. The vermin are in large numbers, and just before harvest they could be heard fighting in the manuka in all directions. They are savage little fighters, and roll one another and over and screech vigorously, borne ot the farmers have lost savera young fowls, which dropped dead very suddenlv. Sunday School.-The Rev. Mr Jupp the travelling organising secretary ot the 1 resbyterian Sundav schools and Bible classes, favoured us with a very interesting address in the schoolhouse, and at the conclusion held a conversation with Messrs Forsyth and M'Arthur a.s to the best kind of books for Sunday school teachers to use. Mr Jupp mentioned that in Auckland a retired acrobat and a retired prize-fighter are prominent members of the senior Bible class. It was explained once more that the rising generation required careful teaching and training to make them good citizens. But it should not be lost sight of that many of the parents require a guiding hand themselves, being incapable of guiding others. The lot of children slightly defective in intelligence is frequently very hard, and their own families are apt to either bully them or pet and spoil them. Obituary.—Mr David M'Laren. one of the early settlers, died lately in Milton at the age'of 79 year's, Mr M'Laren and his wife were natives of Scotland, and landed in Port Chalmers in 1863. They settled at Milton for a few years, where . Mr M'Laren worked at his trade as carpenter and builder. Mrs M'Laren died about 21 years ago, and then Mr M,'Laren settled on his farm on Table Hill with his son John, and remained there till a few months: ago, when, owing to increasing asre a.r.d infirmities, he was induced to reside with bis son Andrew. He had suffered from some kind of chronic bronchitis for many yeans past, but received every care and attention. He leaves a-grown-up family all in good circumstances, and also a number of grandchildren, one of whom is married. The deceased was buried in the Fairfax cemetery, the funeral being an unusually large one. The service was taken by the Rev. Mr Howes (Presbyterian) and Rev. Mr Reader (Wesleyan). Mice.—l notice that one of the Witness readers asks for a cure for a plague of' mice. When I came here I found all the buildings swarming with* mice, and they did a lot of damage. It was surprising how they would nibble every oat in a bushel in the bottom of a sack. Last winter a little owl took up its quarters on the premises, and sometimes visited the neighbours, and thinned them out a bit. Poisoned wheat made for the small bird 6 is quite safe, and can be laid down where nothing else can reach it and left till it is eaten up. Then a cat was procured, and soon removed the last of the plague. There does not seem to be any rats in the district.

Over-cropping.—A farm of about 300 acres, situated about three or four miles from Manuka, on the Lawrence line, was latelv put up for sale by auction, and as the best offer was seven shillings an acre it was passed in. the reserve being 14 shillings. The land is nearly all ploughable, and has a good ring fence round it. There is a wood and iron cottage a.nd a sod outbuilding. There is a good water supply, and it is all down hill to the railway station. In the early days the land yielded large crops of oats, but as the ground was never kept up it is now cropped cut, and has lain fallow for years. The present owners being aged and' infirm have banded it over to the Benevolent Institution trustees. There arc other pieces of land in the district that hava been cropped out and are now abandoned. At one time the rich Tokomairiri Plain farms were about cropped out. but when the_ lirno kilns were started they were well limed, and with bonedust added are now better than ever they were. I am told that out Mil burn way the ground was never very fertile till treated in this way, and now there are always good crops. Helianti. —Since writing my last letter I have read further information about helianti. In several places in the North Island a quantity of the tubers has been procured to give the plant a trial, so that something definite should be beard about it at the end of next season. As potatoes take the blight in so many places, helianti might make a useful substitute. There is yet time to get some of the tubers by parcel post, for warden nlanting f'om the Prowers. and Son. England, mice 77s per owt.- It does not seem feasible, however, that you can cut the tons down twice in a season, for fodder, a.nd the roots then produce 30 to 40 tons of tubers. But then, new plants are fUwavs boomed up to the sky. Where is the nrickley com f rev. for instance, and the Japanese fodder grass, and the alfalfa, and strawberry raspberry, and Logan berry, and the new varieties of potatoes, which required artificial garden cultivation, and failed altogether in field cultivation ? Why,' nowhere. Truly the farmer is very longemfTering, a.nd very much imposed upon. The new fruit plant, the wonder berry, however, seems to be worthy of an extended ia ,; «.L even if it is identical with

the Alanum Nigrum, a plant that grows wild in some parts of this country. From the descriptions given plants that must be S. Nigrum during the last three years or so established themselves in two or three places in the Wanaka district. They were only small plants, but they grew vigorously, with white flowers; the leaves were a bright green, and there was a profusion of black berries', larger than black currants, full of sap, and seeds the same as in a potato apple. The wonderful thing is that the plants were cither growing in gravel or among stones. I did not pay any attention to them at the time, thinking that they were the night shade plants, which are very poisonous. Mr Robert J. Elliott, from the Wanaka, lately paid this district a few days' visit, and has a high opinion of the farms and the grazing country, nut expressed some surprise at hearing that it is customary to sow as much as three bushels of either oats or spring wheat to the acre.