RAREWOOD.

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

RAREWOOD.

October 16.—The weather lately has been of a particularly springlike •nature in its changeableness. On the whole it has been most- enjoyable, several days being perfect. Soft warm showers of rain have .sustained growth, and moderated the heat A splendid rain fell yesterday. Farming.—Ploughing- operations and preparations for growing crops are in full swing, and settlers anticipate very favourable results. as this spring is much better than last year's. Stock are looking well, and lambing is general. Valedictory.—The settlers of Matarae and Barewood, and friends from Sutton and elsewhere, met at Matarae in the woolshed kindly lent by Mr J. Anderson, on October 4 (a beautifully calm and mild night) for the purpose of bidding adieu and extending hearty good wishes for his future to Mr William Crombe, who has disposed of his run to Messrs J. and W. Anderson. Mrs Page and Miss Kinsman had spent considerable time in preparing the building for the evening, and its appearance reflected great credit on them. Cards and dancing were indulged in. and recitations and songs were "contributed bv the following ladies and gentlemen:—Miss Gilbert (recitation), Miss and Mr Kinsman (duet),Mr Walls (song and recitations), Mr Mathewson (song). During the course of the evening Mr Kinsman, in a hapnly little speech, presented Mr Crombe, on behalf of those present, with a handsome silver-mounted walking-stick. suitably engraved, as a souvenir of his stay in Matarae. Mr D. M‘Lennan, of Barewood Homestead, also passed some complimentary remarks about the guest of the evening, and expressed the regret of his neighbours at his leaving the district. Mr Crombe, in a few well-chosen words, expressed his gratitude for the kindness shown to him, and said that the gift he had 1 received would tilways recall a happy time. The customary 'musical honours were most enthusiastically sung. Refreshments, (bountifully supplied b ,? the ladies present, were liberally dispensed. Votes of thanks to all who had assisted were given in the usual way. Mr J. Garrett, of Barewood Reefs, thanked the folks of Matarae for their hospitality, and invited those present to the next social gathering at the Reels, when the Barewood residents would 1 have an opportunity of showing 'similar friendliness. After a most enjoyable time, the social was brought to a close by the singing of “ Auld lang syne.” Mr Walls, of Barewood, kindly supplied excellent music for the dances, extras being played by Messrs D. Anderson and J. Mathews-on. Roads. —The want of a direct road between Barewood and Sutton was very apparent to those travelling to Mr Crombe'3 social, and several of those present wondered how Mr Anderson, who intends building a larger house, would convey the material for it to Matarae. The site, near the railway station, is that pointed -out by the authorities as being the best pjace on the run for the house. The road is surveyed alongside* the railway lino, and as it presents no great -engineering difficulties, would require no great expenditure to make it- fit for use. Now that one part of the road i« started —that much-needed one from Mr Rcado’s property, Castle Hill, to Barewood railway station —the settlers might make an attempt to have it formoq all the wav to Sutton. Doubtless our Sutton and- Middlemarch neighbours’ would, gladly help by signing a petition. Mining.—The English syndicate did nof take up the option they held over t-h* Barewood Reefs mine, owing, it is said, to the labour troubles in London, Accordingly it is feared that mining operations, for the present at all events, will be entirely suspended. The mining community at thfr- Reef-a, who become very much

iftached to their homes and gardens and £he district, are thinking reluctantly of taking their departure in two or .three months. The general opinion of those qualified to judge is that gold, and .also e<*eelite as in the mine, probably in payable quantities if onlv the mine were equipped with stronger and more ® l *; Commission of Mines.-Mr H Moimeau, late manager of the Barewood Reefs vaae, is at present on the West Coast with the Commission of Mines, he having been ap pointed one of the commissioners. -' Flower Culture.—ln common with otheT places the spring flowers produced at Barewood this season" are exceptionally tine, . Messrs Reade, A. Ewart, and J. Garrett ehowing splendid daffodils and narcissi, while the Messrs Bevah have carnations that would be hard to beat anywhere. OfAKOV. October 16.—The Moni Tamarikf Social Olub held the last meeting of the season on Tuesday last, inst. It took the form of a social gathering and coffee cupper. Some of the gentlemen, provided the tea, coffee, sugar, etc, and the ladies brought the eatables. A general and personal invitation bad been given to friends in the . district, and it is a great pity that so few availed themselves of these. The olub was started under circumstances whicfc needed careful guiding to keep it going, and it requires strongersupport to make it successful in seasons to come. Unless the ■ people in the community of good social standing give it countenance it most likely " will come to an end, as, a good many ; social and musical enterprises have done in this' community before. The few who gathered spent a very enjoyable evening. Cterd-playing was indulged in for. some time, then some of the younger folks went to the piano, and soon the pleasing strains of some popular songs reached the ear of the card-players, and presently the tables were deserted, with the exception of a few inveterate draughts playera. At about ll ofoioek supper was handed rOund, and jtfter having refreshed the inner man everybody went home happy, and, we hope, the bettor for having been there. Road Board.—The ordinary monthly meeting of the Otago Heads Road Board, held at the sohoolhouse on October 14. wasi attended by Messrs Allen (in the chair), Mitchell, Karetai, Bams, and A communication from the Government Btated that a subsidy was granted for rates collected from Europeans, but that no subsidy was granted on rates collected from Natives. The clerk was instructed to. communicate with Messrs Downie Stewart and Pavne (the board's solicitors) for advice in this matter. Two objections were lodged in regard to taking land for Rauone Beach road, but as there were no valid reasons given, being only a matter of compensation, they were left for future consideration. The clerk was instructed to write to Mr Patterson, the surveyor, to complete the

necessary work connected with Pioikaretu " road, to enable the board to get the work .in hand as soon as possible. Accounts to the amount of about £2O were passed for payment. ■>"'■'■'■ FI,AXBOUK*E. October 9.—After a late and very cold spring we arc now experiencing a week of ' beautifully fine weather, with an agreeable' absence of wind. Grass is now growing well, but for some time feed has been very scarce, and fat stock at a premium. A week ago, atSeddon.Mr George Armstrong got 27s 3d for wethers. Fat cattle have • been correspondingly high. Lambing is now practically over, and tailing in full swing. In spite of the fine, dry lambing weather the percentages are not going to be as large as last year. One man had 110 per cent, in a fair-sized flock, but 85 per cent, to 95 per cent, will probably be "about the average. Crop Prospects.—Crops in the majority of cases seem likely to be heavy and also ' early, as the custom of early autumn-sowing is generally followed here. Last year's crop is now all away in the shape of chaff, ' which products is now locally very scarce, owing, perhaps, '* to the railways works making a big demand. ;■; ' Church Affairs.—The churches here are '' all showing great activity in collecting ' funds for building on their respective sites. The English Church is starting almost immediately, and has timber stacked on their section. The Catholics held a large social and concert here on Friday for funds for the same purpose. It was well organised, and was, I believe, very successful. Improvements.—The addition tQ the : school is now in use, and was much heeded, as there are now over 60 children oh the roll. The saleyards are also completed, and it is expected that regular sales will be held there this, season- ,"■"■• Settlers*.Association.—The annual meeting of tjie Flaxbourne Settlers' Association •was held on Monday, the 9th. Mr. J, J. Jenkins was elected president for the coming year, 'and Mr J. Jenkins, junr., secretary* ;■;"!■'■

FAIRFAX. October 13.—During the past fortnight Jhe weather has been favourable for outfloor labour; consequently farm work is Well advanced. Grain-sowing is practically finished, and .farmers are now busy preparing the ground for rape and turnips. Draughts.—The 'entire neighbourhood jeems to ibo smitten with the draughts fever. A few weeks ago a local club was formed, which promises to be .a. success:A short time ago a team, ; .consisting of 14 players, journeyed-to Otautau; and was beaten by the home team, Otautau. scoring 24 wins to their opponents 131 On the 12 inst. the return match was played at Fairfax, when the local team was victorious, the scores being—Otautau 13, Fairfax 24. Another contest to decide the supremacy would 1 be interesting, but it is doubtful if it will eventuate, owing to the lateness of the season. Dairying. —Another attempt has been made to re-establish a dairy factory at Fairfcx. Mr T. B. MTntyre convened a meeting of" those interested, in the matter, and offered to dispose of the old factory buildings—which are wonderfully well preserved—and grounds at what was considered By the meeting a reasonable figure. Mr AlTntyre-also submitted an estimate, whic:i was prepared by a practical man, of the cost i>i putting tfhe buildings, etc., in thorough working order After several meetings had been held and 1 the matter fully considered, it was decided not to attempt to open the factory for this season, but to endeavour to secure the buildings and site, and to have everything in readiness for next season, and on the evening of the 7th inst. a company was fqrmed, mnd provisional directors appointed, who

were empowered to purchase the buildings, if the report of the dairy expert, who has been asked to inapct, is favourable. Departure.—lt was with regret that the residents of the district learned that the . Rev. H. H. Barton, Presbyterian minister of the Limestone Plains parish, had accepted a call to Maori Hill. The rev. gentleman has been president of the Fairfax Literary and Debating Society for the past five sessions, and the success of the institution was due in no small measure to his able leadership. He is to be entertained 1 by the society at a social on Monday, the 16th. •.*--•■ Ball.—The ladies of the district have issued numerous invitations to a ball which is to be held in the Pufblic Hall tonight. Our fair friends have-spared no pains in endeavouring to make the function a success, and no doulbt all will go " happy as a marriage bell." POXAHAKA DOWNS. October 12.—The weather has been warm for some little time, with pretty heavy dews in the mornings; but we haven't had that fine, soaking rain we read about up north. At the present moment the sky is overcast, and a few drops have fallen, so I sincerely hop© we may get a good downpour, for the earth is very- thirsty; ■■"-•■ The chief business on the farm at present is" the lambing, and the weather couldn't be better for that important operation. Certainly wo had one rough nigJrt, which accounted for some deaths. I have lost two or three ewes, and on opening them I have found in each a pair of monster lambs. I notice others have been losing in the same way, and: I read'that the cause of the deaths is too much fat inside. I noticed: a good deal of fat in those that died. Clutha County Election—There is going to be a contest this year. Mr Clarke, our present member, is standing again, and Mr Miller, of Taumata, the president of the Farmers' Union Cknton Branch, is also aspiring to county nonou.fsi The day of the poll is, I think, the Bth of November. I hope that whoever gets in will continue to apply for metal to our Pomahaka roads—at least to the maiin road leading right up to the Pomahaka River. Wairuua School Concert.—Last Wednes"tKJy week a most successful concert took place in this school. The room was packed with" a most appreciative audience Mr Divers, chairmancf the School Committee, was in "the choir, and explained that the object of the concert was to raise funds to pay for a piano, wlfioh had been placed in the school. He then called on Miss Clarke to open the concert by giving an overture on the piano. Thereafter, the following ladies and gentlemen contributed to the enjoyment of the evening, in the order named:—Mr Cairney, Mr Lake, Mrs Castles, Masters Wilson, Mr Clarke, Mrs Ingpen, Mrs Wilson, Mr Alexander, and Mr Baurd. Tea and cakes were then handed round, and some pleasant remarks made, alter which the above mentioned perforjners again helped, to make a very pleasant evening. In addition to them we had a song "from Mr John Roy and a recitation from Mr James recitation that did him great credit. Mr W. M'lndoe proposed a vote of thanks to the performers, and especially mentioned Miss Clarke, who, besides playing the opening piano solo, accompanied all the songs with the exception of one: Mr John Roy proposed a vote of thanks to the ladies. A dance followed, at whioh Mrs Wilson supplied the/music on the violin, and judging from her concert violin solos the .music must have been good. Church Matters.—Our /mnister, Rev. Mr Blair, is at present away on a holiday. Mr James Taylor took the services on the Ist October, Mr Cawley last Sunday, and. Mr M'Slamming, of Benhar, as coming this next Sunday. •,