THE COUNTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2949, 21 September 1910, Page 39

THE COUNTRY.

'4§r* Correspondents art reminded that all letten tor the current week's issue must reach gunedin NOT LATEK THAN MONDAY NIGHT. Betters coming to hand on Tuesday are too late, •fid are Urns a week old when they appear.

LAKE COUSTY

September 17.—Heavy rain fell on Monday and Tuesday, and the ground got a good soaking. Snow fell on the high country. The rain will bo of great benefit, to farmers and miners. Personal.—Mr James Davis, an old and irespected resident of the Upper Shotover, left Queenstowrt la*?t week for the land of his birth, Devonshire, . England. Since Mr Davis left Devonshire, 50 years ago, has followed the pursuit of mining. He came to Wakatipu in 1862. Willi his brother (the late Mr W. L. Davis) he was engaged in alluvial mining at Skippers for many years. At intervals Mr James Dav's managed the Invincible mine at the Head of the Lake; the Shotover Quartz Company, at Skippers; and the Morning Star mine, at Perseveration Inlet. Davis has a brother and sister at Home, and it is his intention to spend the remainder of his days with diem. His many friends in this district will wish him a safe passage Homes and also that he may enjoy gcod health during the evening of his life. Marriage.—A wed-ding of interest to Queenstown people was celebrated at Mataura on Wednesday. September 7. The contracting parties were Miss Man.' Emily Shepherd, only daughter of Mr H. F. Shepherd, of Mataura, and Mr W. Q. Mehaffcy, son of Mr John Mehaffey, for many years (head master of Queeawtown Public School, but now of West Plains. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Father O'Donnell, of Gore, at the residence of the bride's parents. Miss Violet MeJiaffey (sister of the bridegroom) was bridesmaid, and Mr G. Shepherd (brother of the bride) best man.

More Light.—A special meeting of the* Queenstown Borough Council was held on Monday evening last, to deal with the acetylene gas lighting scheme. Mr Desmoulins, manager of the New Zealand Acetylene Gas Company, Dunedin. waited on the council, and made an offer to install tho gas in the town. The offer was accepted, subject to the legal opinion of the borough solicitor as to whether it would bo necessary to call tenders for the work. Mr Desmoulins said the work would tako two months to complete. Tho council decided to purchase sections from Mr D. M'Bride on wh'ch to erect the plant. ■ Obituary.—Genuine regret was expressed throughout the district when news was received on Monday of the death, at Dunedin. of Miss .fcnnie Baird. third daughter of the late Mr Thomas Baird. of Mornington, and sister of Mr G. D. Baird, oi Bendemeer, Arrow. The late Miss Baird had visited this district ou several occasions, and was greatly esteemed by these who had the privilege, of her acquaintance. The relatives have the sincere .sympathy of their numerous friends in this district. Tennis.—The annual mer/ina; of the members of the Arrow Tennis Club was held on Tuesday evening last, the Rev. H. Packo presiding. The following: officebearers were elected:— Patron, Mr W. Fraser, M.P. ; president, Dr Thomson ; vice-presid'cnts —Revs. Paeke and Welch, Messrs Baird. Gifford, Pater Son. Good!ey. 11. M'Kibbin, Yc.ungma.n. and Perrelic; secretary and treasurer, Mr Hickman. The subscription was fix<vrl at 10* for gentlemen, and ladies ss. The balance sheet showed a credit balance of £2 7s 6d.

HAWEA FLAT

September 14. —For the past feu weeks the weather ha? been changeable and gonerally cold, anid, as a result, crop or pasture has" made little headway. So very little rain had fallen through the mouths of winter that the soil, even thus early in the year, was almost as free of ruoi.sture as i;i tha height of summer, and with every prospect c£ an even drier season than laM.. the outlook was not encouraging. A heavy, Soaking* rain, which set in early on Monday last and continued for several hour*, was therefore very welcome and from now on growth should b? rapid and unchecked.

Sickness and D^arh. —Owing to the unseasonably mild weather of the pafit winter sickness ha-s bcJn very prevalent among the younger people, and a particularly severe form of whooping 1 cough so affected the attendance that it ivai found necessary to close the -school for a tine l . Hardly a family in tha district escaped this distress-

ing complaint, nor has it been confined to children alorw\ several persons of mature ago being among the sufferers. One death lias occurred from this cause, that of the infant, son of Mr S. Johns on Saturday last. The funeral took place on the 12th inst., and was largely attended. The Rev. Mr Chandler officiated at. the graveside. Great, and general sympathy is expressed for the bereaved pa-rents. Tennis 1 .—Under the energetic presidency of Mr R. Khngan. the members of theTennis Club are making preparations for a busy season. A court has been laid off on the Domain, and several gentlemen belonging to the club hav> recently been engaged in making the necessary arrangements there. With the large number of young peop'o in the district, there shottld b» no difficulty in maintaining the eluh in a good position as regards members, and the game offers pleasant and healthy recreation to all.

Wedding.—The marriage of Miss Kerin, eldest, daughter of Mr .T. Kerin. of this district, to Mr J. Fcuhy, of Tuar>oka Mouth, took nlaee in the local Catholic Church on Wednesday., the 31st nit. The ceremony yas performed by tho Ro,-.. Father Hunt, of Cromwell, and the newly.married couple left on the same day for Cardror.a. the first stags of their journey to tliejr home in the south. Grain-carting.—Very little arain is being cent from here at present, the prices ruling for wheat not being sufficient to tempt townens to forward the quantity still unsold

to Dunedin. Unless a?i exceptionally good price is to be obtained, there is little profit in growing this cereal, as the present cost of transportation to the Dunedin market is almost prohibitive.

HXAPDAIiE. )

September 14.—The weather _ (topic of general interest at this season of the year) has during the last few days been very stormy and unsettled. However, present indications are towards an improvement, and no doubt farmers will be able to proceed with their sowing again in a day or two.

Farm Works. —Grain-sowing is now general, and to all appearances the area under cereal crops this season will be much the same as that of former years. The autumn crops are coming away well, and in . some instances- are being grazed in order j to check' their growth for a time. In consequence of the miid winter experi- , enced, and an abundance of feed, stock are in good condition, and should thrive well during the coming summeT. A large number of young lambs have made their appearance, but the lambing will not be general for a few weeks yet.

Roads. —For a country district our roads are in excellent condition at present, very little inconvenience having been felt during the winter months by those making uee of them.

Mutual Improvement Society.—The last fortnightly meeting of this society was held on the 13th ult-., when there was a large attendance of members and visitors. The evening was. devoted to a debate on the question. "Should Civilised Nations Disarm?" which proved to be very interesting and instructive. The tive side was upheld by Mr R. K. Baird and Mr J. Pottinser, whilst- the negative was taken by Mr E. K. Prebble and Mr G. D. Wilson'. . After hearing the various arguments brought forward in favour of both aspects of the subject, a vote was taken resulting in a win for the negative by 14 to 7. A .-iolo. ''The skylark," rendered by Miss Moffat, was very much appreciated Judging by the interest taken in the meetings, the present session is probabk the most successful yet held by this society since its commencement. Pastimes. —Hockeyi appears to have caught on with the young ladies of the district, and keen interest is being taken in the weekly practices. The local cricket club is also" making preparations for the coming sea-on. and I understand various improvements to the pitch are to be carried out by the executive.

MANBKVILL.E

September 19.—The weather, although very changeable, is not. interfering with the tilling- of the soil, and spring work is very far forward. The area put into oats will be very large again, which is surprising that the prospects 'for that cereal yearly seem to get less promising. The demand for oats nowadays is very restricted', and the chance of a payable price very remote. Farmers, however, are very conservative, and' it takes a- long time to shift them out of the old groove, but the sooner thev give up oat-growing beyond sufficient for their own requirements and devote- their land to stock-raising and dairying the better it will be for their banking account.

Prospects—The prospects for butter and cheese," fat. lam'b and mutton, were never better, and good prices are. pretty well assured for the coming season. The only cloud that hangs over the horizon at the present time that will militate against good prifces is the industrial disturbance causing so much concern in the Mother Country, and what affects this Dominion far more tban many have any idea of. It is to be hoped that wiser counsels will prevail, and that the differences between (he employers and employees will Do amicably settled.

Valedictory.—The send-off to Messrs J. I Graham and Robert Xeale took the shape of a well-attended smoke concert in the j Public Hall. Mr Wilkinson was voted to ! the chair. Speeches were delivered by ' Messrs Gray, Falconer, Spence, and others, after which the chairman presented Messrs Graham and Neale e;ich with a gold albert. Roth gentlemen feelingly returned thanks. The following evening Mrs Duggan gave a large party at her beautiful residence in honour of the Misses Graham and Miss Ncale prior to their departure from the district. Although the night was cold, nearly every lady in the district availed themselves of the invitation, with the result that, large a.s the house is, it was fully taxed to accommodate all. A very pleasant evening was spent in games, songs, etc. At a suitable interval Mrs Wilkinson was called upon to present each of the iir!s with a. greenstone brooch, mounted in gold. Lambing.—Lambs are to be seen on most of the farms, although lambing is not I reckoned to be general in this district beI fore the first of the month. Past seasons ' have convinced most farmers that feed s I not too plentiful at this time of the -year. | and to time th»ir lambing for the Ist of I October has proved beneficial in years ! gone by. I am sure they have no cause to regret their action this year, as grass pad' docks are terribly bare. The early spring prospects that were so visible on all sid-e« a few weeks ago have entirely disappeared. The cold nor'-westers, combined with repeated frosts, have completely checked growth.

MOSSBUUX.

September 15.—0 n Friday evening, Sop I tember 9, the bachelors of Mossburn gavo ! their annual ball, which this year took tho I form of either plain or fancy dregs. Being J a line night a very large number attended. Shortly after 9 o'clock the arand march was led off by Mr Healey and Mrs Roonev. ! about 50 couples taking pare. The fancy i costumes and pretty evening dresses worn I made this a very brilliant sight. Tho music I was supplied by Taylor's Band, from Gore. The hall was beautifully decorated, and its appearance was a credit to tit" bachelors, i who worked so hard to make the hall the i succor it: proved to be. Supper was served ! iti a large marquee, and the catering was j done by Mr Small, of Lumsdcn. Amongst I tho many pretty dresses worn, tho followI irip- chat actors were represented:—Mrs j Rooney. Stars and Stripes; Mrs Crosbie, ! n egress: Mr-. Roy, Japanese lady; Mi?s ' Roy. "Powder and Patches"; Miss Crosbie,'"Night" ; Mis; Southberg, Maori ; wahine; Miss R. Southberg. Grecian dro-s ; ! Miss FrndJay, Moorish maid ; Miss Carter,

, Stars and Stupes; Miss Browning. Empire j dress; Miss Dawson, school girl; Miss i K. Peer. Jananese; Mi«s D. Browning. Japanese: Misw Patterson, sailor crirl; I Miss E. Browning, Sliak<«nearean dress; Miss M. Dawson, " Mother Hubbard";

Miss T. Dawson, flower girl; Miss Hinds, Spanish dancer; Miss Gutsal!., gipsy; Misses Jack, Japanese; Miss Billing-. nurse; Miss I. Boer, ivy; Miss Dye)-, French sailor; Mr Baker, Admiral; Mr C. Beer, Old English; Mr J. Browning. Court suit; Mr Frazer, ccok; Mr A. Beer, Chinaman; Mr \V. Pagan, policeman; Mr Roy, stock rider; Mr D. M'Kay, sailor boy; Mr A. Patterson, negro; Mr W. Waddel, negro; Mr Guy Chewings, pierrot; Mr G. Hoskin, Japanese student; Mr Healey. Volunteer; Mr Judge, Irishman; Mr E. Macdonald. "Tennis"; Mr Adams, New Zealand railways; Mr Coekerill. burglar; Mr H. Beer, clown. The secretary (Mr J. Judge) doserves special mention for the way in which he carried out his duties.

ARTHL'RTOX

September 15. —During the past month various samples of weather hare been experienced, but now it has set in line and warm during the day, with very slight frosts at night. Farm. —Early spring and the absence of hard frost has allowed farm work to be pushed well forward. The soil is now drying off rapidly, and the preparing of a good seed bed is the chief work. Some of the farmers have a little crop sown, but sowing will be general in a few days' time. Grass is coming away well, and feed will soon be very plentiful Lambing, too, is becoming pretty general, and the farmers are kept fairly busy. Sheep generally are in good condition, so, given fine weather, this should be a record lambing Wedding-—Wedding bells have been pretty prominent lately, but I think the excitement has somewhat abated now. On the 7th inst. there was quite a large gathering of friends of the families of Mr John Bagrie, of Gore (formerly of Arthurton), and Mr James Catto, of Ota gam ma, at the residence of the latter, the occasion being the marriage of Robert, fifth son of Mr Bagrie, and Ellen, only daughter of Mr Catto. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. S. Gaston, of Pukerau. The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a cream silk voile costume with the usual veil and wreath of orange bloffioms. The bride was attended by her cousins (Maw Lindsay, of Allanton, and Miss Maggie Catto). Both were attired in cream costumes, and wove gold bangles, the sift of the bridegroom. Mr Wm. Bagrie discharged the duties of best, man. The party then sat down to the wedding breakfast. The Rev. S. Gaston presided. After the good things had been partaken of the chairman proposed tho toast of the bride and bridegroom, to which the bridegroom made a suitable response. Other usual toasts followed, after which the young couple left amid showers of rice and confetti by the 3.30 express for Dunedin, where the honeymoon was spent. The bride's travelling dress was a brown cloth costume with hat to match.

WAIHAO DOWNS,

September 17.-On Friday evening th

Waihao Downs Rifle Club bail was held in Mr Richards's exhibition shed. The grand march was led oft by Mrs Richards and Captain Hurst. Excellent musio was supplied bv G-ibb and M'Bride's Band from Oamaru; Mr Alex. M'Kenzie acted as M.C., and during the evening tongs were contributed by Mrs P. W. Borrie, Messrs Walker (encored), Pressor, J. W. Manchester, Fyfe (encored), Ferguson (encored). Miss Ivy Nicol accompanied the vocalists. About 11 o'clock Captain Hurst. in a brief speech', thanked the donors of

prizes to the Rifle Club, especially MiRichards, whees prize was like the King, who never died —as soon as one cup was disposed of another took its place. After

thanking the donors of prizes— Mrs .Tea. .-Mien and Messrs Richards* J. W. Manchester, Elliot, W. Crossan, OrbeJUWhite, Cliff, Flynn, Mathiescn, and the Rev. C. C. Oldham, —and the visitors for responding' ho heartily to tho invitation of the club in coming from near and far, Captain Hurst called upon the Mayor of Waimate (Mr Norton. Francis) for a few words. Mr Francis, in a felicitous speech, returned thanks on behalf of the visitors, more especially those from Waimate. Whenever help was needed in Waimate for anything to forward borough interests, the people of Waihao Downs were always ready to give that help. Especially was this the case in the matt?r of the Band Rotund;), to be croeted a« a memorial to his

late Majesty, King Edward. The cards from Waihao Downs contain a larger sum than was contributed by any other country district. It leflected credit on the district, too, that the R.ifle Club had such a large membership, and displayed such activity. Such clubs as this were an im-

portant factor in a scheme of defence — witness (heir usefulness in the late Boer war He was glad to see that the handsome cup before him had been won by Vice-captain Borrie. whc«e name he had often noticed in the reports of matches. He would now call upon Mrs Richards to

present the cup. Vic-e-c.iptain Borrie then came forward and received the, cup from Mrs Richards, amidst applause. Cap tain Hurst called for three hearty cheers for Mr Richards, the patron of the club and the donor of the cup. Mr Francis called for three cheers for Captain Hurst, and exprcesed the ho;x> that he would cue day be the winner of the cup. These calls having been responded to. Captain , Hurst announced th:ir supper was ready. i Tickets would be issued, 20 at a time, by the members of the club. The first relay 'of guests then oartook of supper in the men'« spacious, dining room adjoining the homestead. Messrs Simon= catered in first-class style". Dancing was kent. up till early on Saturday morning. The Rifle Club w to be congratulated on what wn« perhaps rhe largest, and most brilliant gathering cf the kind held at the Downs.

««me.

September 19. —The weather for the past week has been mostly fair, although somewhat windy, consequently most of the land is in good ordei' for the preparation of t-eed beds, ant] a large amount of sowing has been got through. In young grass paddocks especially, where fertilisers have been us-f.d, there is abundant evidence of strong growth, -bowing that the aid of artificial fertilisers stimulates early and i neroa <ed orcducHveDe/ss Stock.—Most recent sales have been somewhat dull and dragging. Priee*. however, still maintain a level highly remunerative to vendors. Business Change.—Mr John Jamie. watchmaker and jeweller, has sold his business to Mr G. Claude Hamilton, of Lnvercargill. The new proprietor has largely added to the stock, and from tho ■ attractiveness of his dieclay should speedily

secure a liberal share of public patronage. • Hospital.—At a public meeting of citizens it was decided to hold a field day for collection of funds on Show Day. The ambulance has arrived, and i 6 said to ba a model of perfection in the builder's art. It is to be housed and horsed by the N.Z. Express Company. Land Sales —Throughout the past few months a large number of farm properties have changed hands, at prices in every case which show an advance in value. A large proportion of Canterbury farmers have done well in this and in other Southland localities. This fact, together with their appreciation of our soil and climate, doubtless accounts for the increasing numbers of northern investors that - of late have inspected properties, and in not a few instances mgde a selection. Temperance.—The local and central organisation holds its annual public meeting next Wednesday, and the annual report to be submitted is said to be an unusually interesting production. In the evening a banquet will be held, for which 1200 invitations have been issued, and it is expected that in point of numbers as well as socially, it will equal, if not ellipse, anything previously attempted in the town. Anniversary Services.—Presbyterian anniversary services were conducted yesterday by the Rev. Mr Rybuvn, of First Church. Invercargill. Large congregations greeted the preacher, who delivered himself in a most masterful style of enlightened and impressive sermons.

riINAHAKA UOWXM

September 13.—We have just had a very severe south-west storm—rain, hail, and sleet. Now wo are getting wind. Spring weather has been the same since I came to this part, so we must just grin and bear it.

The Farm.—Turnip ground is being ploughed, and some crop has been sown. Though the ground was very wet,„ these winds soon dry it up again. Lambing is fairly well advanced, and I nstice there are a good many ewe« with twins, but many lambs have succumbed to the storm. If feed could be arranged I think lambing in July and August would bo the best. In Wairana I suppose more attention will now b» paid to raising heifers, seeing that the dairy factory is going to be put up. I heard that the tender for building it had been leb. It seems to me to be the best paying part of the farm where the farmer can have his cows milked by the members of his own family. The majority of the farmers here have now got separators, and I see separator butter always commands at least 2d per lb more than ordinary dairy pats. I hear that the dairy factory is not to bp worked on Sundays, so there will still be the Sunday milk to be separated. According to the papers butter is likely io make gocd prices this year, so it will be a good start for the factory. I wonder if there would bo any chance of getting a factory up on the Downs? To have it. situated beside the school would be a pretty central place. But, as a farmer's wife in Wairuna said to me the other day, we will have to learn to grow grass. On several occasions when journeying towards Invercargill I have been struck with the magnificent fields of grass and clover, with cattle knee deep in it, and the thought ha-s come to me, " Why cannot I get grass like that?" Is it that the land is too poor to grow it? or is it that I don't manure enough? I have been here for a gcod many years now, and I am sure that I have sown a sufficiencv of seed and clover. Knowing that lime has been crreatly used down Edendale way. I am this year going to try the effects of lime on a part which I am sowing down with grass, and I will watch its growth with great interest. If I can get grass knee-deep T think I'll have to go in for raising heifers. Rabbits.—l don't know whether the factories here stopped taking rabbits, but I know that the rabbits took some powon I laid latelv verv trreedilv— scarcely a bit of pollard being'left on the sod. It may have been a Rood time to lay it—just b??ore the green shoots of grass had sprung The Bridge.—A waggon and light horses ha* been busv carting out timber for the new bridge, and Mr Rhodes will soon h«v« it tin. We, will expect the Minister of Public Works here to officially open it. and. of course, we would have a banquet or a picnic at the bridg-*. The Farmers' Union.—The members of this union will soon be asked for their yearly subscription". As it was-arranged at. the last general meeting the subscription this vear is increasca by 2s bd, in order that there may b~ something in hand to '■over the oypense<= of the local branch. The union is now firmly fixed on its feet, and is consulted bv the Govorsm."nt on many points affect,ncr »«rr«sUltur#. This is as-it ou<rht to h- but the faniDimr communis would never We b-en -jr. the position it is to-day had th~e not Wn S union amorist them to look afW their interests. *nd every farmer should be a member of it.

wwky's nrsH.

hicrh winds nr.v a i!ii lS r dfljJy., Sow,l^J s well tdwwed. but growth w verv backward. Your* lambs -re plentiful. MHJjfrspite the stormy weather, few d.-aths have occurred. . , ... - Election.—The election of co«r«ilIor for Wairlo Riding, vacant through the death of the late Mr -Tobn Forde. took place o« Mordav l?t.h Rept»mber. and. «s nnti<-]-pated "resulted in tho retv.-n of Mr Achefon Greer, of Ni«htesn». Mr Oreer is af old resident of the d : striot. with a <«yvl erosn of council matters, and no doubt will worthilv fill ».V; ilaoo of that good man. ibo late Mr Forde. Football.—The South HMend schoolboy" met ? team the Wrev's 'Ru»h ?ohoo! on Saturday. 17th. on the 'or"l pround. The visitors proved successful in defeating their opnonents bv 9 points to 6.

HIM-RH'S rr,AT.

September 12. —We. have had a prolonged season of remarkably dry weather, and till last night the pro«p<*cts for farmers and minors was anything but brisrht. The r.loughad ground was like ashes, water tanks wore all drv, the creeks were following snit. and' what water was to be had was filled with thyriads of insect life, and the aocumulatiofii of slime on ' the bottom .'if the watercourses must have been anything but healthy for domestic purposes'. No doubt this has a trood deal to do with the prevailing epidemic now ravaging the countrv. However, last night and to-dav a splendid roild rain has be>en falling, ■which

will purify the air and prove the salvation of the crops aixT the country. Influenza. —A seven? fcrm of influenza, combined with diarrhoea, has attacked nearly every family in the district. Adults in particular were more subject to it* attacks, and for the last month Dv Gilmour has been working at high pressure all the time, sometimes three calls to different places in Miller's Flat in one night. An. old and respected settler, Ml David Walker, succumbed to the effects of th-> complaint last week. Fruit Prospects.—lf rich blossom is an index of a prolific crop then I should say the coming- fruit season will -be a record. The number of votes fruit trees planted this .season in the Molyne-ux Valley hai exceeded any previous record, and this even in the face of the stopping of the Lawrence-Roxburgh railway. This shows the confidence people have in the resources cf the district. With a continuation of the present rate of enterprising progress and improvements there is nothing surer than that the Government will be compelled in rhe near future to carry on the railway to its original termination. Prime Minister's Visit.—lt was reported some time ago that the Prime Minister was to pay a flying visit to the district, but ho has not made his appearance yet. Th : s visit, no doubt, ie in connection with continuation of the railway works, and should-; the event oceur the people of the district) and our Dunedin friends should not relax in their efforts to have the Irine- carried through to Roxburgh. Social.—.ln social entertainments and sports we are keeping well to the front, and where the money comes from is a mystery. Good times or bad, high price or low. dredging boom or slump, the hat ie kept! j going round begging for churches, chapels, and social entertainments; and still the cry is "Give, give!" If such a drain- on our private means were compulsory it would cause a revolution.

Cemetery.—Our cemetery trustees havt had the cemetery substantially fenced in, but there is room for a good deal more improvements yet. Some means ought to bo devised to prevent the gravel from running while digging the graves. The ground is all shirJgle, and 0.1 one occasion lately the burial service had to be stopped until the coffin had been lowered b&fore the grave would get filled up with the mining gravel. I think some simple method could be devised to prevent this. Improvements.—Our enterprising hotel' keeper, Mr Young, is making big improvements on the Bridge Hotel, and has. got A renovated and well furnished for the accommodation of the public, and evidently he is well :>atronised.

Mining.—Dredging keeps up at a faif average, and all spare, or supposed spare. ground has been pegged out and .several applications for residence areas are at present under consideration. Owing to heavier covering of snow on the high tops and the present rainfall the prospects oi hydraulic and sluicing claims are more encouraging than they have been for some time past. |9 Brass Band.—Efforts are being made to . " establish a brass band at Miller's Flat. We have got lots of the raw material to work on, and the youth of the district are inclined to bo musical, so that there should be no difficulty in getting up a good band m under an efficient master; and the sooner tm the better, for some of the young feUlowa |l have got hold of instruments, and' while I passing a I night where these aspirants aire 9 practising the wind tooting And bellowing • I are enough to wreck one's nervea.

TAPANUI.

September 19. —The second montii of spring is now well advanced, but so far I there been no settled weather, and i there is very little growth. Late frosts and 1 cold winds have retarded the growth of.-? grass, and the paddocks, excepting patches v* of young grass, are slow in taking on a m green tint. Lambing is proceeding on 3 most farms, and the percentage generailji | should be good, but there is a want of I grass in paddocks. A few weeks' warm, i moist weather would work wonders, and U badly needed at present. Bazaar. —For gome months past the local 1

fire brigade have been preparing for mm bazaar in aid of their funds, and the Town I Hall had a gay - appearance on Thursday, > Friday, and Saturday evenings. The bri« I gade were most fortunate in collecting a I large quantity of goods, including all man- j ner of things, from a toy doll to a valu* * able oil-j>ainting. The hall was neatly ar-1 ranged tor the various stalls, and a good 9 deal of trouble was gone to in the matter | of decorations. Besides the different Stalls, ;. refreshment, room, etc., there were- ntt-Vj merous side showe, and on each evening business was brisk, the hall being thronged:; on the closing night. The .gross proceeds muist be somewhere in the vicinity of fiUXK"* and the brigade should net a handsome , sum ais the reward of thek - enterprise. The.' management throughout was all that could/ be desired, and the committee deserve, great credit for the manner in which-the bazaar was conducted. I Brass Band.—The local brass band has been playing in public several times lately,, 1 and it is pleasing to note that excellent; progress is still being made. It will soon be time for the band to rurt a money-mak-ing function for the purchase of new instruments and to augment their funds. If the iv.embers stick together I am sure they wili get liberal support from the public when funds are asked for. '■£ Hospital —The Tapanui Cottage Hospital should soon be an accomplished _ fact, a* the necessary funds are now in sight. X committe» of the Dunedin Hospital Boaroj visited Tapanui on Saturday with reference to the site, etc., but it is not yet knowi* where the hospital will be erected. I not'ee a movement is on foot to p>et a resident, doctor at Heriot, so that if the services of two medical men are required for the district the claims for a hospital should hi more than justified. There ui large of country between Clinton and Roxburgh, and of lat? years sickness has appeared to be on the incro-ise, with mow pronounced visitations of the dis?grceabk complaint influenza. Lately thire has beei ouite an epidemic of this malady, but | apoeara to be dyinc out again. . Farmers' Club.—The round of agrjcji]| turol shows is again close at hand, and * a meeting of the Tapanui Farmers' Clul on Saturday i( « - ;i- decided to hold annual hors-' parade, etc., on the Ist OctoM ber. Already ;:. number of bents have bee^H

mapped out for draught horsw, and wit; the brisk shipping; trarlo to Australia !atel experienced breeders should have ovety if duoemr>nt to roar <roorl n-oinp? stock. Dairying.—The dniry fnoto'-v erected fc Mr Or ay close to Tapanui 'Railway Stl tion is now ready to receive milk, on yvill probably be opened about the bit

ginning of October. The building is welliquipped, with a septic tank to treat drainage; and the roads from all parts of the district junction near the factory. There should be a good supply of milk forthcoming, with every prospect of a large increase after the first season, when landowners have had time to get dairy herds together. The Right Class.—Mr "Whiteiev, from Manuka Creek, has taken up his residence on his reaently-acouired 'arm next the dairy factory. By his arrival in the district the school got an additional halfdozen pupils the other day. The farm Mr Whiteley occupies bae changed hands pretty frequently during the last few years, and I hope the newcomer and his large family will prosper in their new home. Cricket.—The cricketers are preparing for the coining season, but recently weather has not been inviting for the summer game. The opening match has been fixed, Ladies v. Gentlemen, with a gate in aid of the hospital funds. Given a fine afternoon, this should attract a good gathering. Angling. —Fishermen are looking to thenrods and tackle, and the Pomahaka is now in splendid order. Should no floods occur before October 1, the river should be in eapifcal trim for the opening day.

TAIERI MOUTH.

September 19.—For some time we have experienced very boisterous weather, accompanied with snow and rain and several severe hailstorms. I have not yet heard what the lambing is like, but this cold, boisterous weather must surely decrease the percentage. Still, withal, there are complaint* ot the ground being too hard for the plough. Changes.—Several places have changed hands, mostly by way of lease. I hear Mr John M'Laughli'n, who lately leased a. farm from Mr Green, has sold his interest to Mr Scott from the Cromwell district. Mr Scott has also purchased Mr Well's property here, part of which is a. store, a* Mr Wolls did a good business between the Beach and Brighton, besides taking passengers to and from Dunedin. This should prove a good speculation. The Bridge.—The new 6 that renders for the promised bridge had -closed and that one had ben accepted was received with much joy; but, lo! the joy was cut short, when it was known that the successful tenderer had thrown, up the contract and that fresh tenders will have to be called. Really, it i* very disheartening to the settlers. It is rumoured that the Government 6ay the bridge can be built for £SOOO. If the rumour is true, why not give the Government the extra £IOOO and iet the work be commenced at once. Personal. —Since writing last 1 have been for a verv plcasiint outing. The principal place of my stay was at Wyllie's Crossing, where I spent some 10 days with Messrs Anderson and Sons. Mr Thos. Anderson's many friends at Hawea, Luggate, and Pembroke will be pleased to hear that he is now hale and hearty. He was a sufferer for many years, which was partly the cause of his selling his farm and flourmill at Luggate and buying a larce place down south. l.,The place agreed with him worse than the Luggate, and after going to the North Inland and other places in search of health. he and his sons settled at Wyllie's Crossing, nea<- Mosgiel. His health became I worse Jnstead of better, and at last he to undergo an operation. This he did about 15 months ago. and since then he has enjoyed very good health. Mr An- ; derson has had 40 years' colonial experience in farming, and thoroughly understands it. I —Mrs Sanders's friends will be clad to hear I that she is as hale and hearty as ever.— I was driven by my friends right around • Ihe district, and a verv pretty drive it i-. with excellent roads. We also visited Wairongoa, which has been wondrously beautified by the Messrs Thomson Bros. In the "grounds are to be seen two white and two jblack swans and various "kinds of birds, etc. The public are allowed access to the beautiful grounds free of charge, and the M**^ (Thomson are eniiried to their thanks.

OWAKI

i September 16.--After a few days of high wind, heavy rain and hail, wo are again ixperiencing beautiful spring weather, and should the frost hold off pastures will won be improving everywhere. The roads. too, have dried up and on the metal are tjuite dusty. A good many of the farmers Save started taking milk to the creamery, ind dairy cows are in gcod demand. Bank.—Tlie Bank of Now Zealand has purchased Mr T. Latta's office in the

township and transformed it into quite a respectable little bank. I understand Mr jatta intends building' another office imnediately. „. Obituary.—We all sympathised sincerely nrith Mr Rix and his family when (he news Seached us of the death by accident at Dunjaok of hia son Edward, a young lad of K The bodfy was brought 'here for urial, end a memorial wrvice. which was urgoly attended, was held in the Anglican Ihurc'h on the Sunday following. Mr 'ord ccv.diictcd the service, and gave a litable address. The hymns li Thv wili e done" and " When our head? are owed with woe" were sung. As the ody was borne to its last resting nlaee te Dead March was olayed. Mr Ford !so conducted the service at the grave. Rink.—The skating rink season concluded St week with a carnival, which, for some aeon or other, was not well attended. 11 the same, the skating lint, run a very

tcoessful season, and a good many merry renings as well have been spent over it. Valedictory.- If neonle continue to sell it and move off as they have been doing late there will s'vjn be no faniilia l ' oes left among us. Mr R. Blyt.h. an old id well-known resident, has ju~t

sposed <">f his oronortv .if a very bstantip.! figure to Mr Wrijrlit. of Abbotsp. Before Mr Bl.vtfi held a sarinc sale, whan all ho v ses. rattle, im>menl- fnrnitti'"*. "to., brought a Inch ioe. Th"' l Mr R. SmitK who i- not in e best of health, hr* thoucht it advisle to *<>ll out and buy n fa'in in the tn«Ht district, pml =n will be loavinct us >rtl« as well. Mr Bearers, too. a comrativelv new sol tier, has soon grown ed of farm lif-°. and he. *oo. hs>* sold | and back to Dupedin. I believe ■A. Richf-'-on aid Mr Adam Med«r well are boldine their clearing ta!<»s this inth Ox a little lator.

WAIMKA.

eptember 17. —So far this smino: the ither has Ivcp practically all that could desired. There has been quite a suffijcy of ■rain, and, what is more, it ha* le in such a way a.s not to nut back ring operations to any extent, for Itteis are well forward with their work.

Lambing.—Lambs are now drawing to them the attention of their owners, and although we had a severe storm at the begininng of the week, the s weather has since bsen very suitable for These tender and precious little creatures.

Conceit. —The Riversdale Rifle Club held its concert in the Drill Hall on the evening of the 9th September. Mr John Gee (chairman), in introducing the programme, remarked on tb,e history and various successes of the club, mentioning that the district should be proud of its members. A lengthy and much-appreciaed programme was then proceeded with, the following contributing items:—Miss MacNinis, Miss Hicks, Mrs Dr Watt, Mrs MLay, MisS Balintvne; also Messrs A. Crawford, J. H. Reed, R Nibb. W. M'Cutoheon. Robson. T. Green. D. Sinclair, and R. Monagan. A mo3t enjoyable dance followed, Mrs W. M'Cutcheon (piano) and Mr T. Green (violin) supplying the musio. Wedding.—A very pretty wedding was celebrated in the Riversda.le Presbyterian Church last week, when Miss Agnes Hume, third daughter of Mr James Hume, of Riversdale, was ii.nited in the bonds of matrimony to Mr Thomas M'Kinnell. fifth son of Mr John M'Kinnell. of'" Fernhill." Waikaia. The Rev. Mr Maclnnc-s officiated. The friends of the bride viul bridegroom repaired in the evening to the Drill Hall, where a most enjoyable time was spent in dancing and playing games.

L. and D. Society!— Th? Riversdale Literary and Debating Society held their final meetine in the Drill Hall last Monday evening. Miss Clearwater (vice-president), who was in the chair, spoke of the enjoyable and beneficial session just over. The evening was spent pleasantly in dancing and playing games.

Obituary.—The many friend? of Mr Robert. Tait, who some two years ago conducted a biitohery business in Rivc-isdale. were trrieved on learning that he had met with his death in the Old -Country through falling off <>. train between Edinburgh and Galashiek

W4REPA

September 19.—As usual at this time of the year, we are experiencing very dry, windy weather. Now and then we have some good showeis of rain, but the high wind which generally follows soon dries it all up.

Farm Work. —Sowing is the main work at present, and with the exception of the turnip ground. U pretty well finished. Turnips are nearly all eaten, and owing to the unfavourable weather, grass has nor come away as early as u.sual. ffndsoma farmers are rather short of feed in consequence. Lambing has .started in a few places, but will not be general for a veek or two.

Church Matters.—At a congregational meeting hold at Pi tenia Ciiurcli on Tuesday afternoon, September 6. it was decided thai a call be given to the Rev. A. Watson, of Alexandra, from the. Ware-pa and Pnerua parishes; so that in another* month or so we hope to have a settled minister amongst us, and all the church organisations in working order again. Ladies' Ball.—On Friday e%ening a most successful ball was given by the ladies (married and single) of Toiro and Warepa. Fortunately the night was fine, with moonlight, so that there was a very large attendance of visitors- from the surrounding district?. _ With Miss Crawford at. the head, the Mioses X Moffat ar.d Praser as secretaries, and a strong committee of ladies. everything was carried out well, and a most enjoyable evening was spent by all present Music was supplied by ihc Messrs Roberts, and the catering was in the hands of Mr Boyd, Balc'iitha. During the first part of the eveninir the Misses Crawford and Moffat acted as M.C.'s, and later on their places were lak.'/n by Messrs J.-.c-k and .7. Sarginson. Several gentlemen contributed musical items between rho dances. Sale.—A clearing sale was held at Mr Alex. Smith's farm (Bankfoot) on Thursday. September 15. Mr Smith has deposed of his faun to Mr Clark. «-f Owaka. T understand the sa!<» was a good one, everything .sold reaVsing good prices.

W.IIRKA. iliuwke* May)>

■September 13.—A sad drowning fa.'nlifv occurred up the Wairoa River last week, when a young man named Kinlayson, enwaged with a party putting in a telephone line to the Rttakiruri slipped into a deep hole witile talcing- the wire across the river. One of his mates made a gallant attempt to save him. but he was unsuccessful. The body was afterward? recovered and brought into Wairoa. en route to Petane.—The littJe daughter of Mr V. E. Winter fell down the etairs at the new Presbyterian Church last Sunday, and had her collarbone broken. It is not long since the same little gir! wa.> laid up with a broken lep.

Loan. Poll.—The county loan of £40,000 wa* caricd by a large majority. The expenditure of this money will mean plenty of work fo;- some time. We .rust it will also mean jrood roads for rlip future. A large and representative deputation have orone to Wellington to lav before Sir Joseph Ward and his lieutenants the many needs,of this district. No doubt they have t strong case: but it remains to be seen whethei they will receive anything more 'ban plentiful and gracious promises Of *-he«p- to have had any number in the uast, but it is only of very recent years rhat these r>rorni*es are besrinning to result in baneSi to this part of the Dominion. General.—The weather of kite has beer. axoellent. Young lambs are receiving a good start, fruit is making a good show, and. what ; s of great impotance. the roads are fuxt getting into go<id condition.—The hockey ami football seasons are at .i close, the former closing with a match Dalretv's '9 ft-oaU) v. All-comers (8 aoal-s). and the latter finishing with a s°ven-a,sid.- t«~'irna■''etit. won by City Seniors and Mohak* Juniors.

SAWYERS BAY

September 17. —During the week very ■valuable and much needed rains fell, oausing the district to put on quite a different appearance as regards vegetation. Last Monday the rainfall was very heavy, but it faired off in the afternoon. A 6 evening set in, however, it commenced again, and for an hour or two quite a storm raged. During its progress vivid lightning, accompanied by some heavy peals of thunder, wao experienced, and occasionally the rain turned to fairly large hailstones. On the day previous a smart shock of earthquake was felt, so the meteorological programme has been a somewhat varied one. The rain, besides doing a power of good to field and garden, put an end to some extensive bush fires that were raging on the top and sides of Mihiwaka. It is a pity these fires are allowed to start, for the damage they do to the scenic reserves can never be repaired. Entertainment.—On Tuetday the Valentine Biograph Company gave an 'jntertainjnent in the hall. The building was well filled by an audience that witnessed a capital performance. On Friday evening the hall was again crowded on the occasion of a visit of the Port Chalmers League of Service to its neighbour in Sawyer's Bay. The meeting was presided over by Mr T. J. Thomson, who made a capital 6peech on the eubject of "Service." During the evening a long programme of songs, recitations, and dialogues was negotiated, and a vote of thanks to the performers brought a. pleasant evening to a close.

FI.AXBUUHME

September 9. —The weather now is delightful, and we are experiencing: the best spring we have had for years. About a fortnight ago we had our share of the southerly burst that visited the rest of the country, and the snow lay lower on the grazing runs than it has done since the start of the settlement. It soon went off, however, and as lambing had hardly started on the hills it caused little or no damage. Some very cold rain fell on the low country though there was no enow. Even then very little damage resulted in spite of the fear that the ewes on the farms were in the middle of lambing. Now the ground has had a good soaking, and with the fine, warm days we are having . the grass is making rapid progress. Lambing.—The lambing is now in full Bwing oln the runs. The farms in most c£.ses have nearly finished ; in fact, in a few oases the lambs are already tailed. The prospects for a large lambing all over are good, and on the farms the percentages should' be very high. Fat Sheep.—Fat sheep are very dear and scarce just now. One pen at Seddon sale last week fetched 37s 6d, and others from 20s to 25s a head. Railway.—According to the Minister's promise we are looking forward to the opening of the railway on the Ist November. At. present we see verv little prospect of the work being finished by that date, but we are in hopes that, at anvrate, a passenger carriage will be attached to tho goods train running to and. from Seddon daily. The railway station is proceeding slowly; so far only the cattle yards have bean ereoted'. Transfers. —Now that the five years' residence are up many sections have been sold. The two latest were on account of Mr R. Hannah, who sold his 1.i.p., 315 acres, with stook and improvements, to Mr Gunn. of Seddon, and also Mr J. Andrews, a neighbour of Mr Hannah, sold his section, also a 1.i.p., 503 acres, stock and improvements, to Mr Egan, who, I believe, comes from Home. The price of this section was, I hear, about £2500.

UUNTROON

September 17. —The annual bachelors' plain and fancy dress ball was held "in the Duntroon Volunteer Hall last Friday night, September 16. The dancing hall was ' splendidly decorated with flowers and evergreens, and the weather being favourable, there was a large attendance to enjoy the dancing, visitors attending from miles around. A few opening remarks were made by Mr M. Stalker re the energctio committee, who had spared no pains >in making the annual ball a greater success than ito predecessors. One hundred and fifty couples took part in the Grand March, "headed by Mr M Stalker and Miss Don. The originality displayed in the character costumes showed the extensive interest taken in this annual function. Mr Henry Walters, with the assistance of one or two of the ooaiinittee, acted as Master of .Ceremonies. The floor was in splendid order, and dancing was enjoyable to the delightful strains of musio supplied by Messrs Sherwin (cornet), Reaven (violin), and Miss Viesky (paino). The arrangement of tables and eatables was every thing that could be desired, and reflected great credit on the ladies who had the matter in hand. During supper extras were contributed by Miss Greenie, Mr Jack Sutherland, and Mr Davy. Dancing was kept up till 3 in the mornintr. when all retired to their homes, thoroughly satisfied at having spent a most enjoyable night.

pi;k£KAI t

September 17. —The weather lately lias been very unsettled. Farmers are busy putting in their grain crops, and a good deal is already sown, and others are busypreparing the land. A large number of young- lambs aro appearing, though many have- died owing to th-3 stormy weather we have had. Dairying —The local factory :s expected to open for the season in about a fortnight. There will be a numlvr of new -suppliers this year, and a prosperous season is confidently expected. Land. —Mr Scou.'.lar iast week disponed of the homestead block of his Oakland estate to a gentleman from the Wakatipu district. The buildings on this section aro without equal in the district, constituting a beautiful country home. The land, like the whole of the estate, is also in splendid beart. There is but one block of about 200 acre.' Btill to be sold. Sickness.—lnfluenza and severe oolds) have been prevalent during the las r few Tnonths. young and old being alike affected. It was found necessary to close the school Tor 10 days, but it is now again open, with most of the scholars recovered. Stock.—There has been quite a stir among horse owners lately, a large number haying been bought for Australian shipments. Dairy cows are also realising good prioes ;

very high prices being obtained for first class animals.

Weddings.—On the 7th inst., Miss E. Catto, of Otikarama, was married 'o Mr Robert Bagrie, of Arthurton. The ceremony was conducted at the residence of the bride's parents, by the Rev. S. Gaston, of Pukerau. Tho happy couple left by the afternoon's express for Dunedin, where the honeymoon was spent. A large dance was given in. the evening in Pukerau Hall. On the 14th Mis* J. B. Young, of Otaraia. was married to Mr Hugh M'Donald. of Pukerau. The Rev. S. Gaston performed the ceremony at the residence of the bride's parents. A large dance was given in the evening in the barn, which was thoroughly ■enjoyed by the large number present. The happy ©ouple left for the north by the next morning's express.