THE COUNTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2955, 2 November 1910, Page 39

THE COUNTRY.

gg" Correspondents are reminded that all let. ters for the current week's issue must react Bpaed-ra 2TOT LA.TSR THAN MOSDAY NIGHT. T&tten oSming to hand on Tuesday a.-e too iate, acd en thus a week old when thev appear.

USE COUNTY

- October 29.—The weather experienced for the past week has been all that could be desired. . Nice showers fell on Wednesdayand yesterday, which have 'iad the effect, of freshening everything up. Bowling.—The Queemstown Bowling: Club opened its season on Wednesday. Heavy xain in. the morning prevented a coupie of rinks of Arrowtown players from attending. The weather cleared in the afternoon, and the green was in capital older. Mrs P. M'Carthy, wife of the president, rolled the first bowl, and scored a toucher. The ladies supplied afternoon tea, and the Queenstown Brass Band were in attendance. Mr P. M'Carthy, pre«id->nt,- in declaring the green open, said he hoped the reason would be a * successful one. He congratulated the Tourist Department on the spleir did condition of the green, and thanked the band for their attendance and tie ladies for supplying afternoon tea. —The Arrowtown Green, is to be opened on Wednesday. .November 9. Lake County Council. —The ordinary monthly meeting of the council was held in Queenstown on Wednesday .last. The county chairman (Mr W. Re-id) was able to attend the meeting for the first timj since hris illness, and was welcomed back by the members. Permission was granted the Arrow River Sluicing Company to shift the road near its claim. A discussion tcok place regarding the approach to the new Shetover bridge, but the council decided to await the reply of Mr Furkert. district engineer, b~-fore coming to any definite decision. The .matter of purchasing King':patent bird trap was held; over in. the meantime. Messrs M'Kin-lay Bios, were granted half cost of making i: pack track between ■Deep Creek and Moonlight track at Jones's Raddle, the cost of which was estimated at £2O. Cr M'Kibbin tabied a motion in reference to a new read from Patorson's to Hamilton's Hill, Arrow Ridinir. but after discussion it was left to the chairman and inspector to make inquiries and report at Tyaxt - meeting. Reg-ardin.g the Blue Slip or. Skippers road, the Inspector reported that the water had washed away the mosv dangerous part of the slip. A bar of rock was holding part cf it beck, but it lias hoped "that this would go at. any time. Account* to tho amount of £3"5 6* lid were paste.] for pavment. leaving the bank overdraft at £2831" 10s Id, or £2OO below *he limit. Other business was of an ordinary nature. The council went into committee over liowei' Shotover bridge affairs. Irrigation.—ln the part of this year a meeting of fawners was held in Arrowtown to consider the question of an irrigation scheme for the, district. The proposal was to lift the Arrow River at the Falls and pipe if down to distributing centres. A separate scheme was proposed for Gibbston —namely, to bring in Dcclan's Creek water. At that time the acreage given by farmers in the Arrowtowu dis ■ferret Was 2760 acres, and in the Gibbston district 1655 acres. The farmers signified their williry_rr.ess to pay a reasonable tax for the us>s of the waver. As the outcome of representations innre to the Government. Mr F. W. Furkert, district engineer, visited Arrowtown last week, and in company with Mr P. de la Porrclle, went as far as -Arrow Falls, the suggested of intake. Mr /' Furkert also inspected the farm lands likely to be benefited. He considers the schema practicable, and the land in every wfcv suitable for irrigaticn. Mr Furkert did ?iot visit Gibbston, as he is acquainted with that locality. . "The Ma--oar-in. "—A crowded h->:iso .areeied the members of the Arrow Gic x Ciub.in their production of the cr. r -va la-t •yiening. The oerforroance rook place in the Athr.nsnm Hall. Arrowrown.arid was a very .meritorious or,'-, the various part; allotted the p-.:-'o:-'r>rs bomar well scsvainetl. The following took the principal c-arts:—The MnrxK:"ir>. Mr Gordon Camphell; the daughter. .M'sa IT. Graham; So-gah, Miss You'igman : Do-ray - me. Miss L. Youngman; Sing-song, MisToll; Chang (public Mr P. de la PorreHe; Chung (counsel for defencei Mr W. Stevenson: usher. Mr W. Campbell; foreman of the jury. Mr W. Graham: Lieut. John Smith. Mr XJ. Hume: Colonel Ccklsteel, Mr Rlackie: Captain Bluff. E. Jenkins. There was also a strong chorus of Chinese ladies, jurymen. P>riti~h soldiery and lantern and standard hearers. The conductor, Rev. H. Pneke. and members of the club are to \y congratulated on the splendid performance. Presentation. —On the occasion of hi l soverimr his cormeeiion with the Wakatipti Hospital, where !k- has acted as wardeman for some vears. Mr Walter M::nson p' met by a few of his Friend* and acquaintances at the Antrim \rms Hotel, Fra.nkv-.::i. and presented with a purse of sovfire'Tn*. The presentation w.w made hv Mr Je :;■ [Edgar, who referred to the faithful man* "|- i'i which Mi- Manson had eatri<xl out h~ duties. Mr M-jsnson feelins-ly ronli-'d. Personal.— Re.gref mingled with nleasm-j -will be felt at the announcement that Mr jR, M Intcsh. Inspector of Minos, has :<■■ signed—regret, that He k leaving the po-n tion he so worthilv filial, nnd pleasure th <r he is to tak" up his residence in the district. Mr MTntosh i« !ar°:o!v interested in a oompanv recently formed to work thiArrow River, near Arrowtown. and signed his position to tnko over the chir-re of the operations of the eomn.iny. His resignation takes effect on D«eomhor 1, and •he- will then take up his residence in Arrowtown. Durin? the time Mr M'lntosh has 5- Ojad charge of this district he has proved

himself a most capable and obliging officer. Whilst always guarding the interests of bis department, he spared no time and trouble in investigating claims for subsidies, and any genuine application had his support.

OPIO.

October 29.—C01d winds and rain showers have been the prevailing element hero for some time now. So far we have only had a few days of what one could call spring weather. On one evening last week a terrifis gale blew, and continued until early next mo: ling, when on rising farmers could see their straw and hay stacks flat on the ground, and the roofs of some of the stables blown off as well. Some look on October as a bad month. We hone for bett-s-r weather in the eominjg month. Crops.—The crops are now well above the ground, and ,»me farmers have got theirs rolled, but there is little growth with so much drying winds. General.—The chaff cutter is in thia district again going its last round for this season. Some improvements are being made to the roads,. and seme new bridges which were badiy needed are being put in. Angling.—The river has not been in good fishing order owing to so much snow water. The only nice baske!; I have heard of was taken by Mr C. Stevens, who secured six fish, averaging over 31b.

MA2<fBEVILLE

October 30.—The ball at the conclusion ! of the skating season was very_ successful, ! and everyone appeared to enjoy 'themselves immensely. The music was supplied by i Miss Crombie (piano) and Mr Green I (violin). Mr S. Horrell carried out the J duties of M.C. Milking Machine. —Mr Dickson, over the ; river,- is nothing if not up to date, and h;s j first consideration- is ever for the most ■ labour-saving appli-inces in the working lof his faTm He has been giving special I attention to the milking machine for a I number of years, and now that he is ! satisfied that it is so far improved that it Will successfully replace hand labour he has i installed one of Storrie's latest improved lin a new shed built for the purpose. The shed is so constructed that the old labourious bailing and leg-roping is non-existent, j A patent device so eecures the cow that the j old-time practice is unnecessary. When I the cow is milked she passes through the | shed by means of an automatic dcor into ; the paddock. 1 Entertainment.—Mr and Mrs Wayte, of | Otamira, gave a delightful euchre party and j ball at their residence last Wednesday in i honour of their son's home-coming for a I short holiday. The many guests were rej ceived by Mr and Mrs Wayte and daughter. ! The first part of the evening was taken ! up with euchre, rows of tables encircling I the large billiard room. Some 40 young ! people sat down to a very interesting game j for two hours, at the end of which time ! prizes were awarded which caused much i amu«ement, especially so when the winners I of the "booby" prizes were rewarded tor j their results. The tables were then removed, and the remainder of the night I was taken up with dancintg and singing. ! The last dance was announced at 2 a.m., j bringing to a close one of the most enioy- ! able evenings that these taking part had •■ ever experienced. Public Hall.—The annual meeting of I shareholders of the Public Hall was held j in. the hall last Saturday evening, and was : very poorly attended, only seven putting in I an "anpearance to hear the result of the ! yp&r's working. The secretary read the balj arice sheet, which showed that the overdraft had been \ery much reduced, standing a- the present time under £lO. The hope was exnressed that another year would see the nail free of aebf. Mr Wilkinson was e'ected to the directorate in tho place of Mr Kellv, who retired. Mr J. Sliced was jo-elected chairman, and Mr S. Horrell secretary.

CiOBG

October 29.—Genial weather after steady, warm rains in the early part of the week, produced rapid growth of all kinds, most noticeable in grasses throughout the district; voung grass especially is looking well, arid in a few caseiS ten sheep per acre | are carried satisfactorily. All classes of I sheep are in brisk demand, and hard to j get; 20s 8d at- auction was obtained for i hoggets, and at Btirnside market a Gore ! vendor, -secured £l7 10s for a fat bullock, I whilst another local settler, netted £l2 per ton for potatoes. Other farmers' produce | is selling at highly profitable prices, and ! is a busin-ss full of promise and hope ; at the present time. j Co-operation.— The annual meeting of the | Southland Farmers' Cooperative was held i to-day a.t Invercergill, the report for the i voir discloses a toss in round figures of I 24000. The meeting was orderly and symi pathetic in tone, and adopted the report. ' The feature of the meeting was the rejec- : t.ion of Mr Alex. Murdoch at the 001 l for i director*. Locally this came as a surorise. ■ The association is .weighted with too many i directors, whose capacity for mercantile ! management is an unknown quantity. The ' affairs of the concern have got quite out ! of hand, and altogether away from the I principles and ideals of co-operation, as '. outlined in the company's prospectus ot the 1 start, and the present "troublous times for ! the management" shall not have been in vain if it is the cause of a return to the original prudent po' : cy of centralising at Gore and Invercargill, and dropping the rp.tail business, until shareholders furnish the necessary capital to run the latter, without crippling the stock and mercantile departments. Changes.—The coal and carrying business long carried on bv Mr George Hicks has been acquired by Mr John F;ilconer, who I has now an improved addition to the plant. | and in other ways, indicate* that he is out ; with attention and application achieve '. y"iccess in his now undertaking.—Mr M. [ Cramer, another ca.rricr of sorr>f» years' , tandinv. has recently purchased a farm at Wo'snumu. and has sold out to Mr A. I f-.-.'-'er; of the railway platform fte.fr. Mr : C- -.e'en'- long exoerie-nce in handling goods ■ should '■■-;< in commending his services to j the o\\\lic. TAUAKOPA VALLEY. ! October 28. —The weather has been very unsettled thi-; lr. c t few week~, and when North Otago was lately visited with a dry, blighting north-west wind we bad the wind with its warmth, but, as usual, it brought us a useful downpour of rein that fa ; rlv established the hitherto backward herbage and growth generally. In looking around on the landscape the greenness of the forest is intervened where the eye .ireets the patches cf grass clearing's and tho springing croos of oats. Such a wealth of greenness

J is a joy to behold, and to see the stock with the abundance so much needed. J The Railway.—Of the railway I am J pleased to record that it is advancing—if j not by leaps and bounds, the inspiring f;ict lis that it is progressing valleywards, and j doubtless those in power have a regard tor ] our great nesdw and wtill push it on as | they are financially able, for we need a railway more than any ether part of the j Dominion. The farmers in Central Otago ; have open land.. Even -if some of it is rugged and shingly, there are parts where ; the plough can turn the sod and give a j return whereby settlers cun not only make | a good living but make money; and last | vseek's report from your Waneka correspondent, discloses* the fact that several of . the settlers have been able to rest and pay ! a visit to their friends in the Homeland ! ard the ether colonies Happy people even ! without the railway, for they have a mono- ; poly of the local market, w'h.ich is exten- ' sive and good, a dry climate, and hard : roads, while this district is wrapt around with a mighty forest. It is in the meantime . hidebound, and will give practically r.o return until we can market the 6awn timber posts ■ and props that the open country and coal mines are in constant need , of. We in the bush, with our burdens and ! bad reads, feel the Government is doing the right thing in leaving for the present the comfortable settler? of the Central in : their happy condition of a good local market, which ensures them areliable return, and a railway convenient to the most of them,, and in :egarding the isolated, roadless bush district that will not only assist ket, which ensures them a reliable return, to the railway department in freight and fares. Football.-—The members of the Owaka Football 'Club paid a visit to this valley on the 22nd inst. to trv conclusions with our local men. They came fully 25 miles for the purpose in buggies and on horseback. The match was played in Dr Kind's paddock. It is almost needless to say that the visiting team, w-ho have for years established a name for themselves, were victorious. Mrs Stoddart provided an ample table for all. and after dinner the evening was spent in the usual way. Most of the visitors made their way down to the ford, ! and were comfortably housed for the night by Mrs Scott, returning to Owaka next day.

lIAWEJ-71LAT.

I October 27.—The weather during the present month has been exceptionally cold | and stormy, and sun.ny days have been few 1 a-nd far between. Heavy soaking rains have fallen, .and there is every prcspect of an abundant harvest. The autumn-sown crops j have made splendid progress, and the season should prove one of the most prosperous for pastoralists and farmers generally. Sports.—The local tennis court was j opened for practice on the 6th inst., when I a fair number attended. Will sheltered | from the prevailing winds, the position of ! th© court » an ideail one, and with the approach of finiß weather practices should ba- ' come constant and regular. . The local | cricketers have been practising steadily for ! some time past, -but thus far no matches. • have been played. Racing.—The Hawea. Sporting Club hold their annual meeting on the Domain on Satm*day, November 12. The coarse is in good order, and a capital day's sport is confidently anticipated. Church Social—The annual social of the Hawea, Presbyterian Ohiureh was held on the night of "Wednesday, the 19th insf., when there was a good attendance from all paints of the district. The chairman (the Rev. Mr Chandler) gave a summary of the church during the past year, and in the course of his address referred to the neces- . sity of having a church built at Hawea. I In the absence of Mr W. Kingan he called ; upon. Mr D. Urquhart to read, the report j and balance sheet, which showed the church ito be in a good financial position. With the valuable assistance of a number of j visitors from Pembroke, a good programme ■ had been arranged, and the different items were well received. Good refreshments were provided by the ladies of .the -congregation, and greatly appreciated. The accompaniments to the various items woe played by Misses Barclay and Murdoch. Speaking on behalf cf the Church Committee, and thanking all who had assisted Mr Smith made special reference to the great assistance of the different ladies and gentlemen from Pembroke who had contributed largely to the programme. After the singing of the Doxology Mr Chandler pronounced tlhe benediction., bringing a very pleasant evening to a close, following are the items:—Opening Hymn, Old Hundredth; chorus, "We'll never say goodbye," Hawea choir; solo. Mr W. Roritt: duet, "He wines the tear from every eye," Miss L. and Mr M. Barclay: chorus, "Golden Gates," Pembroke choir; duet. "Onward," Mrs Burns and Rev. Mr Chand-k-r; ko!o. Mr T. Anderson: recitation, "Our Children's GhiWhcnd." Miss Hansen; chorus, "The King's b<\ iress," Pembroke choir; solo, "Come unto Mo." Mrs Barns; anthem. "God reigneth." Hawea choir; , trio. "Take time to be holy." Messrs Chandler, And-srson. and Borritt; duet. "The life stieaim on the river," Misa L. and Mr M. Barclay; recitation. "The Women of Mumble's Head," Mr M'Kouzie; solo. Will there be any stars in my crown," Miss M. Harvey ; combined chorus. "God will tak" care of you': solo, "I'll be there." Miss Barclay; chorus, "Lean on His arms," Pembroke choir; solo. "Queen of the earth," Mr Macarthur; chorus, Pern- . broke choir.

i'»n.4iuKA nowxs

October 28. —Since spring came the weather has been as follows—a storm of wind, hail, and rain for three clays, tlien a day's drying wind and two days to, work on the land. The last three days'hove, been exceptional ly fin?, but a .storm broke out to-day about 11.30 a.m., ami I suppose it will run its usual course. The Farm. —Owing to the above-men-tioned few days of fine weather there has b?en a wonderful growth in the grass and stock in rh<>> oaddoeks are able to rest a. litr'e after their long search for food. This will relieve the farmer of one burden, but j he has plenty more worries. I wonder j if other farmers are as worried over their ! .sheep as I am. It is extraordinary howsome sheen always prefer to be in the next mdr'oek to tb/» on-* they ought to be in. hew and fhr>re one comes upon a ■dead lamb —full-grown and in good order, and one that has got over the storms and the docking. I suppose these things will happen to most of us. yet they are vexing. Shearing will be starting soon amongst the dry sheep. I saw Messrs M'lndee's dray come, home from Clinton the other day with a new shearing machine for two

and I hope to have a look at it whe?„ shearing commences. Forfeited Section. —The section winch was lately forfeited >vas ballolted for last week, and I heard that a Mr Sym, of Heriot, had got it. A good many we<re after it. Schools. —I am told that the new school on Clydevale has been opened. Tliis will suit our one-time fellow settler Mr Thcs. Chapman. Then Mr Lates, of Wairuna School, is leaving, he having got a new position at the Lower' Ha.rbcur. He has been in Wairuna for .three or four years. The Bridge.—l saw Mr Watson Rhodes and his son the other day on their way out to build the bridge over the Pcmahaka River. He has a big plant to take out for erecting the bridge, -and I saw a. traction engine with a loaded waggon on its way out. He has to build a temporn.ry bridge first, on which to run his trolley. The piles will be driven in by a hammer which weight 25cwt Wairuna Dairy Factory.—This factory will most likely be opened on November 3. Such an important affair will no doubt draw many visitors, and T hear there will be a picnic. By-and-bye T hope to see creameries established in tha adjoining districts —Wnioahi. Pomahnka Downs, Taumata Settlement. ard the Gorge. Then, the Wairuna Factory would be a big concern. Farmers' Union. —Last sale day a meeting of this union was held, when a fair number of members were present. A conversation took place about nutting on a train for lifting stock for the Burnside market, and it was also pronosed to be remitted to the Provincial Council that a request be made to the Railwav Department that when stock is lifted by any train it, be taken straight on to its destination, and not shunted off to wait for a l8t?r train. A letter was read from the Wellington executive in re valuing land, organising the union, increasing the company, and forming the branches of the union into a Land and Estate Agency. This letter was left to be brousrht up at a fuller meeting of the union. It, was decided to hold a meeting that day month (17th November) to discuss wagps. etc. Mr Webb proposed that a beard should be placed somewhere in the station on which advertifements could be placed where labour was wanted.

fTAIXKA

October 29. —The spring has just been literally blown out here, and we are now thinkine that we will «non be rid of the persecuting winds They hove blown, more nereistently this year than formerly, and the ground is in a fairly dry condition. The Towth of the grass has been .ill over rather satisfactory, and stock are beginning, to look well. The rain about 9. wee:-: ago did some damage amongst the lambs, but otherwise there have been few losses in this department. Tile oat crops just sown are beari lining to look green, and most of the farmers are preparing their ground for the turnips. Changes.—Mr J. A. Murdoch who recently sold his place at the Nine Mile, has now purchased a farm at Maitland, e.nd will short.lv bo taking up his T>sidenee there. Mr Loutit's farm at Waipounamu has been sold to Mr J. Dickson, of Otama, and a clearing sale was held on the premises on Tuesday, 'last. The prices realised <vere good, the sale being very well attended. Schools.—The school concerts have comprised the largest ' part of the social element. The Riversdale school held theirs on October 19, and the Pyramid school a week later. The children's performances were a leading f>*rt in the programmes of both concerts. Inspector Wyllre, of the Southland Education Board, has been payinsr his annual visit to all the schools in Waimea. He had not paid this part, a visit for some time. So far no reports are to hand.

WAF^A

October 31. —The weather for the past month has been very unsettled, high winds prevailing. Several nice showers of rain have fallen, but have done littlegood owing to the high wind which followed, leaving everything as dry as before. We could do with 24 hours' steady rain to thoroughly soak the ground. If we do no get a good fall soon it will be a serious thing for the country. Grass.—Grass is very backward for this time of the year, and where the paddocks are overstocked they present quite a bare appearance. The crops are coming on slowly, but look a bit patchy in some •dace-". Some of the winter crops are not looking too well, having turned quite a brown colour. Lambing.—The lambing season is about finished, and. as far as I con learn, the percentage has Ik; en satisfactory, as high as 130 per e?nt. being obtained. School. —The annual school examination '.vas held last month, and I understand the results were gratifying to the teachers. Inspector Richardson conducted the examination. After the examination the school was closed for a week for the soring holidays. ' Church Matters.—The Sunday school was reopened at the beginning of the month with Mr R. Sutherland as superintendent. At the last Sunday school examinations some of the children from this district obtained high marks in the different grades. On Thursday. October 27. the Kov. A. Watson was inducted into the Worepa-Ciutha charge, the Revs. Carrie, Spence. Blair, and Miller taking part in the ceremony. In the evening a welcome social was held in the church, when there was a very large attendance. The programme consisted of musical items by the Warena choir, under the conductorship of Mr Tweed, and the Puerua quartet, party, while several ad- .'.•,»= S os were also given. The Rev. A. Watson presided, end a very pleasant evening was spent in welcoming him to • 'is new parish. During the evening the Rev. S. W. Currie, who has acted as Moderator, was nre=ented with a cheque in recognition of his services.

CI.YME

October 29.—The days of the past week were warm and bright, and sunny, so that vegetation of all kinds made a big stride in grovrth. The pastoral country round about Clycte is looking extremely well, so that flocks should have no scarcity of nutritious feed at present. Re-grassing.—The 20 acres or so which the Lands Department acquired and fenced in on the Earnscleugh run is looking fairly green with its growth of natural vegetation, amongst which a few native grasses are making their appearance. Had this bit of hillv country been sown down with «jrass seed before the atK-en*. n f our rainj

? season the experiment would have been i attended with certain success, but as the season is now so far advanced there is small likelihood of the department doing anything until next year, as the hot sun would be cure to scorch the seed as H germinated. I In Quest of Land.—There are very perI sistent inquiries made for land round nere that is suitable for fruit-growing, and very probably one or two farms may exchange nands within a short period. • Angling.—The late stiff nor'-wes-iers have had tne effect of bringing away the snows rather hurriedly, thereiore the Fraser. River still continues too high to permit of a successful pursuit of the "'gentle art." 1 Owing to the excessive volume of snowwater in the river the fish appear to bo dull and sluggish in their movements, although the few that have been taken were fairly well-conditioned and of "excellent flavour. The mining water-races are constantly depleting the river of an enormous number of trout that finally find their way.; to the Molyneux or the many dredge paddocks, into which the races are discharged. The fish grow to a great s.ize in these dredge paddocks, and no angler can tempt them to take a bait of any kind. Small fry finding their way to thcuse paddocks ar e devoured by the big fellows, anything under a pound in weight being eagerly gulped up by thoie voracious monsters. Ifc would be a good thing were the Otago Acclimatisation Society to issue a license to net, thss* fish to the dredgemaste-r havrnj*, charge of the dredge in the different pad? docks. There a .re only two or three af most to whom such licenses might be issued, and a small fee could be charged for the privilege. The-- trout are absolutely lost to all rod-fishing when once they enter those paddocks, so that, no harm could result by adopting my suggestion as to nermitting the dr-edge crew to net. When, as it frequently happens, a paddock is deserted by the dredge, the water becomes stagnant, and a green fungus forms upon the bottom. In such circumstances the trout become unfit for human consumption, in the course of a few years; and as the growth of fungus creeps nearer the warmth of a summer's sun, the fish must ' become diseased in such a puddle and tangle of stagnant water and sweltering vegetation.

WAIPAHI.

October 31.—" Boisterous and change> able" marks the weather. Calm, sunny, mornings change to wiid. cold afternoons,, with grey clouds scudding before . the south-wester, and rain showers scourging the fields. With all drawback growth goes on. but a quiet time of warmth wouLd bo welcomed.

. 1 though, perhaps, a trifle slow, has reached l us. An energetic land-owner with faith ir* our future is removing a house from, the railway land and re-erecting it on themain street as a desirable residence. Onj' the same property a shop is being renovated with an. entirely new front for th» use of our local storekeeper. Another ofi, the houses on the railway land is to be' removed and re-erected and improved on, the buyers' section, and the Hall Com-' mittec has its scheme of improvements to carry out. In the suburbs across the river j a new cottage is b."ing built, and repairs to the church and outbuildings have been completed. It. only reonares the new railway station, so long spoken of, to be commenced, and necessary roads and an-, proachee completed to improve the hillside part of Waipahi.. and give the resident* on that part pro Der access to their houses. Concert.—The football concert, in spite* of a boisterous night, drew a good audi* enca, which evidently enjoyed the performance, and showed its enjoyment by rndemanding every item of the 16 on the con. cert programme. Mr Webb, the presidentof the club, opened the proceedings bv malting a short speech, detailing the object of the entertainment and elaiminz for the club the support of all in the district. The programme commenced with a son* "On the Ball," by the footballers. wh<* at the finish gave a haka. much .to th* delight, of the small boys. Mies Kirke an<t Miss E. Suttle piayed :n nice style a duet. Songs were sung by Miss .1. TrtisL-s. and Miss E. Truster, and by Mies J. Turn*. bull. Mi<s M. Sandilands played two violin solos, and Mrs T. Johnston a brilliant so!<*. on the piano. Mr R-clgers recited "The Bush Christening" and "The Man from Fronbark." and Messrs P. Couperthwait-?, J. Wilson. T. Johnston. Gibson, and H. Collins tang various songs. Master Jame» Murray played a violin solo in capital style for a lad, Miss Sandilands playing hia accompaniment. Miss Robertson kindly played, the actOMjpaniments to most of the eongs. A capitlal farce followed the com cert pi-Dgi'iinime, mwb merriment feeing caused by the antics of boy Pat and Sam : while the ladies seemed specially amused! at the performance of S-allv and Juli* " and Miss Poger—ail represented bv wel!- a known footballers. The prp.per-/ coloneJ and the scamp of a lover, with other s-übsiV, diary characters, were well done. Ail tha' characters were members of the Football Club. A final item caused much amusement, the sale of a wonderful musical instm-1 ment. on which the music was supplied by five performers, all but their heads hidden from the view of the audience. An Aroeri- ' can salesman, an Irish purchaser, and a final breakdown of the instrument enderJ with the flourishing of five pairs of boots! in the air, and brought down the house and the curtain. The financial results will ; be some reward to the club for the labour of getttinjr up the entertainment.

otijhehui.

October 31. —Following upon an open, dry winter, the succession of heavy gales prevailing during the past, two months an<i intermittent sharp hosts has had the effec of greatly retarding growth. Feed at pre sent is not. as plentiful as it might hav< be«n after the splendid rain of the 12th. Lambing.—Lambing is bring somewhat] prolonged, but I believe the percentage will be fairly up to the average, a tat] number of twins being seen in moat flocks. One settlor has 16 pairs of twin, and one lot of triplets in a flock of about 20C ewes. Farm.—Farm work is well advanced, and crops are brairding well, but a good soaking rain would do an immense amounj. of good. The sharp frosts experienced during the month have had a serious effect upon the fruit treccs, although small fruit ig looking well. Social.—The Rough Ridge Debating Club still carry on the even tonor of its way holding a meeting occasionally, and if the debates are not characterised by any brilliant speeches and papers, vvc can bard' man* a heart* laugh at the odd and whim-

sieal expressions of thought of some of the debaters. Ball.—The bachelors of Oturehua hold their anunual ball on the Ith November-, and have issued a very pretty invitation card to the spinsters. The renowned family of Morgan, from Cambrians, will supply the music,- and a very successful time is anticipated. „ „ , Church.—Our minister, Mr Harkness, whose time with us expired, has been given another term of 12 months at the earnest wish of the peopl'?. Mr Harkness haa done good work amongst us during his sojourn in the district, and is now endeavouring to get the community to erect a church, as the present building-used (the Kjhoolhous'e) is too small to comfortably seat the worshippers. A meeting was held on the 21st to consider the matter, but no definite decision is as yet arrived at. School.—The annual examination was held by Inspector Goyen on the 14th, only one candidate in the three presented in Sixth Standard failing, the others dcing fairly well. General.—Messrs Armstrong Bios., ot iua Valley, have turned over a lot of ground this season with their newly-imported 25 b..h.p. internationd oil motor, with eight furrows of plough, and express themselves as highly, pleased with the machine. There is no doubt it effects a considerable saving in the labour bill, and does a lot of work afc verv little cost,—Mr P. Law, jun., has been through the district doctoring colts or Ihe new principle. The work is done with the colt standing, and with the assistanecof only one man. I have seen him catch the colt and complete the job inside of nine minutes. This is a great improvement on Ihe old and brutal style of throwing and trussing a horse like a fowl.

M'»S»E>'

October 31. —About midnight on.the night of the 18th »ve experienced _ a terrific gale, ihe jjiifnax of a succession of wind and rain storfci*. Roofs of houses were bodily stripped, fences flatted to the ground, fruit trees and bushes, even in well sheltered orchards, were almost' completely stnppeu of a splendid crop of blossoms, and in many instances s'fero.ig branches- were torn off, thus seriously damaging the prospects of what otherwise promised to be a very prolific fruit crop. Freshly cultivated ground and freshly-sown fields suffered almost severely. In some instances tons ot toil were away and acres of young briared torn out of the ground. On the following morning a dust storm swept ecross fields 'f light soil and down main thoroughfares It was an experience not, to be soon forgotten. The gale was followed by a downpour of rain, thus compensating somewhat for damage done by wind. Flooded rivers and a heavy coating of snow on the mountain tops is our bill of fare during the past 10 days, and on all hands complaint is made of no growth. County Works.—lt must bo very gratifying to the ratepayers in this part of Southland County, that oar member, MiDickie, has gained recognition of our need for roads, etc. The long list of tenders for county council works and the large sums of moneys allocated shows that there is no room for complaint that each part of the riding is not 'equally receiving its due share of moneys. The works aie being done at a time when farmers will have an opportunity of tendering, being as it is their slack season. -Caledonian Society.—The annual meeting of the management will be held shortly to arrange details. for carrying out the annual gathering. The society is well pleased at the action of the Athletic Union In granting us the 26th of December on which to hold the annuai gathering. If this apd all neighbouring societies would cast aside petty jealousy and join hands in a sportsmanlike spirit of manly rivalry true sport and competition would be of a purer and nobler nature than is (I am grieved to think) the case in present-day conditions. Sabbath Observance.—l notice that a company of musicians about to tour the world is applying for permission to give a S inday performance at Invercargill. I think it is the bounden duty of the lawabiding people to protest against such a thing. If the itinerary will not allow of the company giving Southlanders an opportunity of hearing them on a week day then we should forego even a musical treat.

OITIIAJI

October 31. —In common with "other parts we have not experienced as yet any good growing weather, and in consequence tno -; crops are not as far forward as might be- • expected at this time of the' year. The • continuous winds day after day seem to ; have dried all the moisture from the soil and- given the crops a withered appearance. . A day's rain followed by calm weather would freshen up things generally, and j bring away the grass, thiis ensuring a more plentiful supnlv of milk to the dairy. ■ Picnic.-—The* West Taieri Brass Band and j friends, through the kindness of Mr : M'Kegg, of Henley, held a picnic at Taieri ; Mouth on Saturday. The outing was most •enjoyable, and on reaching Henley on the return voyage Mr Neil in a neat little speech thanked Mr M'Kegg for his hosI pitality, and called for cheers, which were : heartiiy given. This is an ideal 6pot for la- picnic, and any one contemplating a day's outing cannot do better than make the trip. " Young People's Day."—This day was duly observed in the West Taieri Church, when there was a good attendance, especially of children. The Rev. Mr Spence.deI livered an address on "Christ's use of a I Jad and' the five barley loaves and two small fishes." The hymns and responsive readings of Scriptures were rendered by the children in a hearty manner, and the service was most impressive throughout. Outram Bowling Club.—The Outram • fowling Green was opened for play on Saturday, 15th inst,. when a large number j pi visitors and lady friends and members of ihe club were present. The President jMr Geo. Withers) welcomed all to the rreen, hoping they would spend a pleasant ,; sour. He said that they were there to "play a game of bowls, and not listen to a Speech. He called on Mr? Withers to roll ;lhe firai bowl of the season, and this the iiadv did in good style, for a toucher was {registered, which might be taken as a pocd :©men for the" club's success this year. TH e '.ween played very well, although a little "batchy in places, and caretaker Murray is wo be complimented. After an exciting conifcest the President's side was victorious by H point. During the afternoon the ladieo present dispensed afternoon tea and cakes. , jgLt the conclusion of the day Mr Abbott, of ibe N.E. Valley Club, returned thanks for *e afternoon's pleasure. He was ably teoonjd«d by Mr Wardrop, of the Waikari