RANFURLY

Otago Witness, Issue 3005, 18 October 1911, Page 39

RANFURLY

October 16. —The long-continued spell of dry weather was broken on Friday. A south-west wind, with rain showers, sat in on Friday evening, and towards Saturday morning snow commenced to fall, which lasted, a few hours, some 2in to Sin being on the ground. At the time of writing there is every indication of more rain, which will be welcomed by all, as the grass is very backward. Stock are suffering from the want of feed, more especially the sheep. Farmers have a very trying time, as a good deal of worrying is going on, two farmers losing 14 and 20 sheen each in one night. Sickness.—Ranfurly has not been without its share of the mumps and sore throats. A good many of the residents have been laid aside for a few days with this sickness.

Tennis.—The opening - day of the Tennis Club was held last Saturday week. The weather was cold, nevertheless the players had some real good games. During the afternoon tea and cakes were partaker# ■ of, which were kindly supplied by the ladies. In the evening a most enjoyable dance was held, the music being supplied by Finder’s orchestra. Improvements Wanted. —Some time ago the Hon. . J. A. Millar, on his rounds through Central Otago, promised the Ranfurly residents some improvements in regard to the local railway station, and post office. As yet nothing has been done. The post office is far too small for present requirements: irr fact, when the people are in it the place is full. It is time a better office was built, as no doubt the business transacted will hold its own with any township in Central Otago. Crossing Trains. —We learn that another change is to be made in regard to the crossing of the trains. In future they are to cross here, which will be a great boon to Naseby residents and also to the travelling public in genera.!. Banks. —Business with the banks must be increasing, a® we have the branch offices of both banks from Naseby open twice weekly. This will prove a great convenience to residents at. the far end of the plain. Flour Mill.—The local mill has not. yet made a start owing to some of the machinery being delayed at Horae. We look forward. to a start soon after its arrival. General.—The health officer- lias b~->n round lately, and reports are very satisfactory. It is about time the Maniototo County Council did something in the matter of forming roads and drains. When rain comes it just floods the pla.ee owing to the want of properly constructed drains. No doubt a good deal of the nuisance could be abated by cutting a drain down the creek bed, catching the drainage from several houses and also any surface water.