THE COUNTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3100, 13 August 1913, Page 35

THE COUNTRY.

gg” Correspondents are reminded that all letters lor the current week’s issue must reach Dunedin NOT LATEB THAN MONDAY NIGHT. Letters coming to hand on Tuesday are too late, and are thus ft week old when they appear. IjAKE couxtt. August 9.—Heavy rain fell in the beginning of the week, but the weather is again fine. ' Football. —Queenstown defeated Arrowtown at the latter place on W ednceday last •by 11 points to 5. The teams are now equal in points for the Cup, each having won two matches. The final game will be played at Queenstown on Wednesday next. Personal.—Mr T. Pope, postmaster at Arrowtown, is at present on holiday leave Mr H. Edser, relieving- officer, is in charge. —Mr T. J. Harris, chief clerk of the Lake •Wlakatipu steamer service, has been transferred to Invercargill. Prior to leaving Queenstown he was presented with a purse of sovereigns from the staff of the steamer service, a shaving outfit from tho Queenstown Football Club, arid a cigarette holder and silver matchbox from the members of the Catholic Young Men’s Club. Wedding.—At St. Paul's Church, Arrowtown, on Monday last a pretty wedding was celebrated. The contracting parties were Mr Joseph N. Thompson (of the firm of Romans and Thompson) and Miss May M‘Dowall, youngest daughter of the late Captain M'Dowall, Queenstown. The officiating clergyman was the Rev. W. Uphill. Tho bride was given away by her brother, Mr F. M'Dowall, and was attended by her sister. Miss B. M'Dowall. Mr S. George was best man. The young couple, who are very popular throughout tho district, :e-

ceived many handsome and useful presents. The honeymoon is being spent in Christchurch. Death. —Mr Thomas Sloan, an old resident of Queenstown, passed away at the Wakatipu Hospital on Sunday last. Deceased was 78 years of age, and had been in failing health for some time. He was a native of Dumfries, Scotland, and name to New Zealand in 1863. He settled m Queenstown about 20 years ago, and followed his trade as a bootmaker. Ho leaves four eons and one daughter. His wife died many years ago. Of a quiet and unassuming nature, tho late Mr -Sloan was generally respected.

A Sad End.—A painful sensation was caused in Arrowtown last evening when it became known that Allan M'Kenzie, a wellknown district resident, had been found dead in a water-hole at Ayrbnrn Station. Deceased met with an accident about two months ago by which he had an ankle sprained. He was an inmate of the Arrow Hospital, and left there "on Thursday last, and was driven out to his hut at Ayrbnrn, where he had been employed. His intention was to return to the hospital the same day, but on reaching his hut he told the driver, to come back for him on the following day (Friday). On going to the place yesterday no traee could be seen of M’Kenzie, and on search being made the body of the unfortunate man was found in a water-hole a short distance from his hut. Hie throat was cut, and a blood-stained razor was found close by. An inquest was held by Air H. Graham, coroner, at Arrowtown to-day. From the evidence given it was shown that deceased had been somewhat peculiar in his manner lately, and had worried greatly over his sprained ankle. A verdict of suicide while temporarily insane was returned. The late Allan M'Kenzie was about 45 years of age, unmarried, and was a native of Waikaia. He had been a resident of this district for several years. Strictly honourable in all his dealings, he was respected by all. and his many friends were shocked to hear of his sad end. Lake County Council. —An ordinary meeting of the council was hold at Queenstown on Wednesday last. The secretary of the Dunedin Expansion League forwarded information in re forming a branch of the league in the district, lint the council decided not to take any action in flm matter. The council decided to accept the plans submitted by the Pubh'c Works Department for the proposed bridge at Kawarau Falls, and the work is to be gone on with as soon as the council is in a financial position. It was decided that the council meet every two months instead of monthly, as at present. Other business was of a routine nature. A sub-committee of the conned met at Arrowtown to day to deal wth tenders for Roaring B : llv track. Three fenders were received—v'z.. M. Trainer. £ll3 16s 6d; Kellv and Moran. £110: end G Slopcr, £94 8s 6d. The latter tender was accented. MOSSB! August 8. —After one of the wettest winters known for a number of years in Mossburn, August has come in bringing beautiful warm spring days to gladden the hearts of the farmers, and although the wise ones say we shall pay for it later on. everyone is glad to take things as they are, and everywhere the teams are busy ‘ turning up the land for oats and turnips* Farm.—This _ coming year will see a greater area given to turnips, and, given a favourable year, all hope to fatten their Jambs. The farmers are more than ever assured that they can fatten lambs as well ias _ their Canterbury friends. All they require is plenty of' suitable food, and the land will grow that if edven a chance. Wedding.—A quiet wedding took place here on July 21. when Miss Dorothy Browping, youngest daughter of Mr A. Browning, was married to Mr L. Wcllbrock, of In vercar trill. Mutual Improvement .Society. Great interest is still taken in our Mutual Improvement Society, and there is a good attendance at each meeting. musnux. Autrust 11.—Sinoe the advent of spring the weather lias been all that could he desired, and there is every indication of a very early season, for which everyone is busy preparing in orchard, garden, and field. Football. —An impromptu game was played here on Saturday, the married men versus the single men. and resulted in a win for the latter by 15 points to 6. The game was played in a friendly spirit throughout. Obituary.—One of the very earliest pioneers of Southland passed away on Wednesday last, 6(h inst., in the person of Mrs Robert Ross, late of Otama and Elderburn (Riv< rsdale). and latterly of Lumsclen. The old lady succumbed to an injury received six weeks ago, which has been previously noted. Mrs Ross was one of those exceptionally fine typo of women that is seldom to bo with, a devoted

wife, and a most affectionate mother to her children, by whom she was dearly loved and revered. Mrs Ross lived an unassuming and Christian life. She was predeceased by her husband 12 years. TAH AKOP A VALLEY. August 9.—lt is a pleasure that I can record that the springlike days have come again. The ground is stdl needing a greater length oi day of botli sun and wind ere it can bo suitable for sowing and planting. The grass has a wonderful greenness for tho month of August, and gives every promise of an early season. Cattle are in fair condition, and chose which have not not been fed wandered into the forests, and have benefited greatly by its extended covering as well as from the rough food it furnishes. Dairying.—The additions and alterations to the Railhead dairy factory here arc now well in hand, and when completed the factory will bo capable of dealing with an increased milk supply that is looked for from increased herds and now suppliers. The high grade given hitherto to our cheese has been highly satisfactory, and the company have disposed of the next season's output for bid on trucks, a price that few factories have hitherto obtained. Railway.—The railway, line is practically completed to the M‘German River, and the bridge material is being laid down while the workmen arc on the new formation, which extends from Papatowai to its authorised distance up the valley. And now that the question of where the main station shall be is settled, it is to be hoped all feeling in the matter will subside, and that the peace and harmony formerly so pronounced will still be with us, for life is too short to bo marred with discord; each party doubtless believed tliey were right. It has been a pleasure to the writer to observe what a bond of brotherhood the co-operative dairy factory has been inspiring among shareholders and suppliers, a loyalty to each other calling forth concerted action and ensuring success that isolated endeavour could not have produced, verifying the wishes and predictions of Dr King when he handed over tho factory to the settlors—that the act of co-operation was really a wedding, the community entering into bonds that would bind them not only to the factory, but to each other. TUAI’EKA MOUTH. August 11. —The weather of the past week lias oeen exceptionally line. ine ingnts nave been frosty, with clear sunny clays following. The Roads. —During Uie past week the roads have dried considerably, and if tlie surface water could be let away now our roads would soon be more passable. The punt road is still very bad, but until tne choked culvert is sorted 1 do not see how this road can be improved. Social.- —Previous to his marriage and departure from our district, Mr A. Biair, wlio lias done so much to promote the interests of Tuapcka Mouth, was entertained by the people at a social and dance. Mr Skinner opened the proceedings with a few happy and well-chosen remarks. The following kindly contributed xo the programme and helped tc. make the social a pronounced success: —Overture, Miss Drain (piano), Mr C. Edwards (cornet), and Messrs M'Oorkindale and Morrison (violins); Mr Skinner, recitation; Miss Wood, song; Messrs Hay man brothers, duet; Mr J. M'Goun, song; Mr A. M'C-orkindalc, song; Mr licit Hayrnan, song; Mr Morrison, violin solo; and a selection by tho orchestra. During the social Mr Skinner called upon Mr John Keenan to present to the guest of the evening a handsome oak case of cutlery, 26 pieces in all. Mr Keenan made the presentation in a very happy and pleasing manner, and testified to the esteem in which Mr Bair is held by all. Mr Blair feelingly responded, and thanked the people for their useful gift. After this supper was handed round, and when this was done full justice to the hall was cleared for dancing, which was kept going till 1.30 a.in. The dance music was supplied by the abovementioned orchestra, and was all that could be desired. Mr W. Drain carried out the duties of M.C. in his usual good style. Changes.—Mr E. Hayrnan, quite a young farmer, of these parts, lias taken over the late Mr M'Evoy’s farm. Mr Hayrnan is of a very progressive nature, and 1 am sure ho will do well in his new venture. I wish him every success. Weekly Dance.—-Our weekly dance, which is hold on Saturday evenings, is now hi full swing. The attendance of the ladies has now increased, and a good time awaits all who attend. VTAIWR.UA. August 11. —For a good while we have been getting remarkably fine weather for the season of tho year, consequently the grass and all other vegetation is rapidly growing; even old paddocks have quite a green appearance, and already afford quite a bite for the stock. Those of us who had not as many turnips us usual are now qu te relieved, hoping to pull the stock through all right. Ploughing is being pushed along with all possible speed, and if the present fine weather continues sowing will also soon start again. 1 notice Mr Guthrie has some oats (which were sown about a month ago) up and looking well; indeed, there has boon perceptible growth nearly the whole winter, and from present indications wc are to lie favoured with an early and probably mild spring. Lambing.—l noticed on passing a young lamb in Mr Elaikio’s paddock. It seemed to be several weeks old, and to be doing well. A good flock like that now would be worth a good sum The general lambing will not start for some time yet. Sheep are still booming at our sales. I notice, too, the Messrs Reid are making great improvements in their property by ploughing up the waste parts, ditching, etc. Timber, too, is on the ground for building. This is a healthy sign of the times. Horse Breeding.—While chatting with several of our horsey men I find there is still a spirit of rivalry existing among thorn, and from what I can gather I should say there is something good to come along soon in the breeding lino. Friendly' competition is the life of trade. Ayrshire Cattle.—The Messrs M'Phail, too, are still to the fore with their Ayrshire cattle breed. On taking a look in at their placo I saw one of tho picked ones of tho nerd, which has just started on her tost trial. Tho owners are very confident, except misfortune of some kind happens, that the cow will have no difficulty in reaching the required standard with something to spare. There is no doubt the cow here referred to is a splendid specimen of the breed, and I heartily congratulate my friends on their pluck.

Departures.—One after another, I regret to say, our young folks are still drifting north. Some of the causes are very plain. The last to leave us is Mr Tom Cooke, who has acted as agent for the Farmers’ Co-operative Company at Clinton for several years. I am sure all wish Mr and Mrs Cooke every success in their new home and sphere. Personally, we shall mis§ them very much from among us. Sickness.- I am sorry to have to report there is still a good deal of sickness in and around the distr.ct, which always causes a sort of gloom. Perhaps when we get more sun and less rain our spirits will again be raised and our energies renewed. DIILTOK. August 11. —Good progress is being made with farm work and stubble, and lea ploughing is now pretty well completed. Turnips are lasting well considering the nature of the crop ; but the crop was a very medium one at the outset, and the supply is none too plentiful. Threepence a week seems to bo the regular price going for sheep on turnips in the meantime; but even that fails sometimes to secure the quantity desired. However, everything points to an early spring, and graziers are in hopes that grass will bo available when the turnip supply fails. Telephone.—A telephone line between Milton and Waronui is now in course of erection, and is likely to prove very convenient. It is understood that some of the residents of Milton, who have summer cottages at Coombo Hay, intend running a private line from there to Waronui, thus having ready means of communication with Milton. Save the Babies.—Blanket Nurse Lee has now commenced her duties, and is in Milton on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons of each week. The remainder of her time is spent in the Clutha district, Milton and Balclutha having co-opcratcd to secure her services. There arc hopes that Lawrence may yet join with these two centres, in which case part of the nurse's time will be devoted to that district also. Y.M.C.A. —The executive of the Y.M.C.A., which recently undertook a throe days’ “more men campaign” with surprising success, over 100 now members being enrolled in that time, has just secured a three years’ lease of the old Athenaeum building, which it purposes converting into cjubrooms. The rooms over the Optimus Studio Company, which have served the purpose for some years past, were small and inconvenient, and the executive felt that the recent influx of members warranted launching out into something more ambitious. The association has the best wishes of the public for success in its new venture. Farmers’ Club. —The forty-seventh annual meeting of the Tokomairiro Farmers’ Club was held on Thursday evening. The report and balance sheet recorded a successful year’s work. There was a credit balance, £SB 8s 2d. Last year’s balance was £ll3 Os sd; but during the year £2O 6s Id was spent on alterations to the buildings and £47 16s on jar rah timber for new stalls, both of which represent permanent improvements to the show ground. Mr 11. Clark was elected president for the ensuing year, and Mr W. W. P. Hall vice-president, while the retiring members of committee wore re-elected without opposition. Mr J. W, Petrie, retiring president, who was nominated, generously stood aside in order to obviate a ballot. Mr Hall retains the position of treasurer in the meantime. Mr .1 J Lane was re-elected auditor, and Mr J. Danskin, M.R.C.V.S., hon. veterinary surgeon. At a meeting of committee held subsequently the date of the annual horse parade was fixed for Tuesday, October 14, and the Summer Show or Tuesday, December 2. KOXBIIICH. August 10.—Spring has again returned. The winter lias been wet, but not cold, and many trees and shrubs retained much of their leaves. Already the fruit tree buds show signs of bursting, and grass is springing. It is to be hoped the forwardness of the season will not injure the fruit crop, which ha.s every appearance of being a very big one. Roads. —Nature is a good road-maker. The past fortnight of good weather has assisted in drying up the roads. Mining.—There is a revival in mining m this district. Mr Ewing’s company is employing a number of men. whilst waggons are" employed in bringing plant, etc. —Messrs Hays, Manuel Bros., and M’Giligato Bros, are" developing big hydraulic works to win the precious metal from the flat at Coal Crook. The race is almost finished, and several leads of pipes arc now on the ground, and three months will probably see the venture in working order —The Amalgamated washed up a fairly good return, but the prospect's of this company are not so reassuring for speculation.—The Ladysmith Company is doing fairlv well, and, 1 learn, with a lot of good ground between themselves and the Amalgamated yet to be treated. —The Commissioners’ Flat Company is working full time, and other ventures at Coal Creek are working well, and new ones, I am informed, likely to start. It is a good thing that alluvial mining in the way of sluicing, etc., is being proceeded with, as dredging is almost at an end. and only one dredge now works here (the Kohinoor). The Treasure and Golden Bed dredges under new conditions are like]' begin shortly, which will considerably affect this part of the district, as coal is supplied from Coal Creek, and each dredge when working distributes about £6O per week to carters.

Improvement**. —Several now houses have boon erected throughout the district. Mr F Waite has had erected a pretty cottage. Mr T. I’. Marshall, who sold out his former house and gardens to Mr William Toms, late of Cromwell, is also having a nice villa erected within a mile of Boxburgh. It has a beautiful view, faking in the whole prospect of the flat Mr Kirston is c.ontractor in both eases, and has the work nearly completed.—Mr W. P.owder, contractor, has had a large cottage of six rooms shifted some two miles by two traction engines for Mr Ci, Straehan.—l/eslie Bros., drapers, havo made a new addition to their building, whieh will give them greater facilities for display. Fruit-growing.—Many thousands of trees are being planted, and new machinery is being introduced for spraying and genera! working. A look through some of the gardens shows how verv up-to-date are the methods exercised in the matter of pruning and cultivation so n> to ensure the trees hearing fruit from the trunks to uppermost tops of the branches. Florists. —Messrs Waigth Bros, are setting an example to florists, as they have done in previous years, by laying out so tastefully the new plots of ground they have within the borough. This is one of the most

praiseworthy ofibrts that can bo made to make things cheerful and bright. Amusement.—Our lawn tennis and bowling green grounds arc fairly well patronised. The tennis courts arc well laid down. The golf links arc now less thought of, whilst football has had a great innings. The Coal Creeks have always proved themselves good sports, and well deserved the flag honour. General.—A new addition the Athenaeum is on the tapis. The new post office is a very imposing building, and much regret is expressed that the building was not, of stone or concrete. OUTRADI. August 11. —During the past month, with the exception of a few very wot and stormy days about the middle of the. month, the weather on the average has been fair and mild, enabling the farmers to push on their work, which, with a favourable spring, should make the coming harvest considerably earlier than usual. Death, —I have to record the death, winch occurred on Friday, of Mr Jas. Leslie, one of the oldest residents of thg district. The deceased, who was 83 years of age. was born in Aberdeen, and came to the colonics in the early days and followed the occupation of a carrier on the roads. At cue time he was in good circumstances, and intended taking a tr : p Home, but missed the ship— tho Royal Charter —at Melbourne, and thus was saved from shipwreck in the ill-fated vessel. His death removes one of the oldest landmarks in the district. Departures.—Mr and Mrs Wildey and family are leaving the district in a dav or two, and it is intended to give them a farewell social and presentation on Tuesday evening. Mr Wildey’s departure will be regretted by the members of tho Bowling Club, of which, he was a prominent member. Church Social.—The annual social of the West Taiori Presbyterian Church will be held in the church on Tuesday, 19th inst. Amusement*. —We have had no lack of amusement in the way of dancing during the winter month*. Tho Fire Brigade hold a dance each month, and the Cinderella Club aho hold a short dance each month The bachelors are holding a ball on the 22nd inst.. and it is anticipated a record attendance will be present. OTAKOH. August 10.—Tho weather here has been most trying; some days are fine, and during the night or the day after it rains again. The ground is in such a state that working it, in most instances, is impossible; but ns tho days grow longer we may expect the ground to dry up more and more. Tho continual drizzly rain is a'so very trying to all live stock. Road Board.—The ordinary mooting of the Otago Heads Road Board was hold on Saturday, August: 9, Mr R. Mitchell being in the chair. The ordinary business of the beard in connection with urgent road repairs was transacted. The clerk was instructed. to write to tho Perpetual Trustees, Estate, and Agency Company (Ltd.), asking it, as administrators in the estate of the late Mr John Taiaroa, whether there would be any objection raised to the Harbour Board erecting a wharf at tho Kaik Rocks, and, if a favourable answer be received, communicate with tho secretary of the Otago Harbour Board requesting that board to exnedite tho erection of tho wharf, as it. would be of great benefit, to the residents of the district. A few small accounts were passed for payment. School. —Our teacher. Mr J. S. Nelson. Is going to leave our school, as he has obtained a better and more lucrative appointment at Nelson College. This is very much to be regretted in one sense, as Mr Nelson had worked this school up in a most wonderful way; besides, Mr Nelson was a splendid disciplinarian, and tho tone of the school, especially among the boys, had greatly improved. Church.—Church work is progressing slowly. The attendance has not been up to its earlier standard, but, we must partly blame the inclement weather for that Lately an executive committee of ladies has Iteen appointed to take over the management of church affairs. The interior of the church has already been greatly improved by the purchase of a new organ and new carpet-runners. The ladies now intend holding an Arbor Day celebration on Monday. August 11. Tho next and most necessary thing to be done is repairing the hui’ding. The church needs roofing badly, and it is simply for want of funds that it has not been done before. Smallpox Scare. —Even here, in this remote little place, the scare has taken a grip, and vaccination has been the fashion for the last three weeks. Orders came from' headquarters to the doctors attending this district to vaccinate all the Maoris. It is exceedingly strange that, in connection with these matters, the health authorities alwnvs dr<-p on the Natives first, for. a* far as this district goe<. Maoris are remarkably free from skin diseases, and so far nothing has occurred at Otakou to be alarmed at. F » I fit. IK. August 7. The monthly meeting of the Fairlie School Committee was held on Monday evening, when there were,present Messrs C. J. Talbot (chairman), J. Franco (secretary). A. E. Chapman, A. Cooper. J. Binney, ‘and I). Cuthill. Mr T. Foden sent an apology for absence. r l ho chairman reported that lie had received word from the Education Office that the workmen would be sent, up when they had disposed of work then in hand, and that the new bathroom and other authorised works would then he completed. It was decided that Mr Talbot he asked to represent Fairlie School at the School Committees A'-sociat-ons’ Conference at Timaru on the 23rd. The head master (Mr Clarke) reported that tho roll number had risen to 137, and that he had received a subscription towards the refreshment fund from Mr A. W. Robertson. It was decided that a euchre party and dance be held in the school on Friday. August 22, and that a sub-committee, consisting of Messrs Talbot. Franco, Clarke (head master), and the teaching staff, be appointed to make the necessary arrangements in connection therewith. Mr J. Binnev reported that the pipe dram bad been la : d bv the contractor (Mr Creighton), and although it was not quite, finished, lie thought that the work had been well done. The matter of repairing the nophalt was left until the frosts had finally disappeared. Several other minor matters were discussed, and the meeting closed after some sma’l accounts had boon passed for payment. Weather.—-Fairlie has an unenviable reputation for the severity of its winters, but this year the weather has been remarkably dry and clear. There have been plenty of frosts, but the days have been heant’fullv fine, and the mountain air ip undoubtedly

bracing. Many arc making a start wit, 1 ' die gardens, and, though early, they have sown some of the hardy seeds. There are some lambs in the district, and the grass is showing signs of a spring growth.

Technical School.— J lie Fairhe Technical classes, which were c’oscd for a fortnight, are now progressing very favourab'y, and ail the lectures are well attended. The agricultural course, a varied one, is now being carried on by Mr A. Hailey, Mansfield, who gives three lectures on fruit culture. He will be followed in due course by Mr Harte, who will lecture on wool, and then Mr M'Gowan, of Willow bridge, will give an evening lecture dealing with his favourit® subject, ‘‘The Potato.” Ho has some cx. cellent lantern slides dealing with the blight* by which this tuber is likely to bo attacked. Golf. —Tlie Golf Gltib is enjoying a most successful season, and has 15 new members, all of whom are showing a keen desire to understand the mysterious tricks of the wayward golf ball. A match with Timaru will be played at an early date, and a return match with Geraldine has been postponed until a more suitable date can be arranged, (,'AVIi (South Canterbury.) August 11. —The weather has been all that could be wished for. It is a long time sinct» we have had such a grand winter —dry frosts and warm sunny days. There is a coating of snow on the hills. Land Hale. —Mr J. Low has sold his farm to Mr Wisley, of Orari. Mr and Mrs Low are going Home in the Runhine, which euil( from Wellington on August 21. Rabbit-trapping. Rabbit - trapping ami shooting hate been going on uns winter at a great rate. One trapper has caught 4000 rabbits. Poisoning has also been done on all infested parts of the district, and lias reduced the rabbits considerably. Address to Farmers. —On August 1 an address to farmers was given in the Cave Hall by Mr Win. Martin, agricultural instructor for South Canterbury. The subject was “i he Sc entitle Tillage of the Soil,” and the lecturer by moans of charts gave a clear description of results aclreved in the various modes of working the ground, lie emphasised the necessity of treating the soil to conserve the winter's rainfall, and among other matters referred to tin chemical changes in the soil. He dealt with soil-test-ing and manures, and rne>ntioned the common practice of farmers continually sowing manures with the same analysis, and never thinking how the land was becoming exhausted in other inspects. Knowing their country, he recommended the manures most suitable for theii requirements At the close of the address questions were invited, and a great deal of valuable information was thus elicited. Mr Win. Barrie, hi moving a hearty vote of thanks to Mi Martin for his most instructive address, said a little time back fanners had not taken kindly to the idea of scientific agriculture, but this was a prejudice which had been outlived, and, from what they had just hoard, it could be aeon that the lecturer was working hand-in-hand with the farmer. Mr Maxwell heartily endorsed Mr Barrie’s remarks, and hoped that at some future time Mr Martin would again favour them with a lecture. The vote was carried with acclamation.

Grain.— Pules* there is a large increase in the amount sown in the spring, grain-grow-ing is going to be on a very small scale this season. Green crops are what a good few farmers are cultivating, as wool and lamb arc found to be the most profitable at the present time. Land for Settlement.—Portion of Timunga settlement, which was nor taken up when it first came on the market, has been resurveyed into larger farms, and will be open for selection on August 2b. ' The rent it? from 11s to 15.- per acre. There are three farms, and the distance from Timaru is 13 miles.

General. —The grasa grub is making its appearance again in some parts of the district. Potatoes are held in large lots bt some growers, and the market is still falling. Those who predicted that potatoes would be at £lO per ton in September won' evidently a good deal astray.