MANDEVILLE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3014, 20 December 1911, Page 39

MANDEVILLE.

December 18. —The unsettled estate of the weather, week after week, is causing no little uneasiness amongst farmers in Southland. For over two months the weather has been, most unseasonable —rain and cold winds being allotted for every day ; consequently growth is at a standstill. Grass fields are becoming -very bare, and unless a period of warmth comes before long, many farmers will find themselves very much overstocked. Lambs are very backward, and the numbers of freezers taken from their mothers this year will be so small as not to relieve the situation much. Then, again, no progress is made in getting in the winter feed, and the little that has been sown is making no thieadway. Shearing is at a standstill, and the percentage of sheep with their wool off before the New Year Avill be smaller than I ever saw it before in Southand. Indeed, he is a fortunate man who has not made* a commencement because the severity of the weather at times during the past fortnight must mean many deaths amongst flocks just stripped of their wool. The Election. —The elections are over, and the improved position won by the Reform party, as well as the strong vote for national prohibition has been an •eye-opener to most people. Tire strength of both parties seems to be so equal that another election my have to be fought before many months are past. The chances are that the leaders of either party will be very reluctant in taking on the responsibility when the strength of the opposing force is reckoned with. Surprise Visit.—Last Thursday evening the young people of the district paid a surprise visit to Mr and Mrs Gross in their new residence which has just been banded over by the carpenters. The night was cold,.although dry overhead; nevertheless nearly every one for miles around availed themselves of the opportunity of viewing the interior of the handsome structure that has been a source of attractions for months past in the course of its construction, and of passing a pleasant evening with Mr and Mrs Cross. The evening was taken up in cards, songs, and dancing; indeed, next day had long arrived before a move was made homeward. During the evening Mr S. Horrell presented Mrs Cross with a handsome tea set. Cricket. —On Saturday afternoon a game of cricket'was played on the local gi’ounds between Otama and Mandeville. The local team proved themselves far superior to the visitors. I understand that a return match will come off in a week or so, and who can tell but that the tables may be turned.