KOKONGA.

Otago Witness, Issue 3195, 9 June 1915, Page 35

KOKONGA.

June 7.—After a prolonged period of dry weather a change set in during- the last week of May. heavy rain falling- for the ■greater part of two days—a storm which seems to* have been pretty general throughout Now Zealand. A good deal of snow fell on the high country, and the Kakanui Range is clothed from crown to base in her winter garment of purest white. Since the rain ceased ws have had severe frosts almost every night, and winter—grim. Central Otago winter—has arrived in stern reality. The Farm:—Very little farm work is being done at present; but ploughing will soon be general provided the frost docs not become too severe. Rabbit-trapping is still going on, but the “catches” are rapidly decreasing, owing more, I thnik, to the frosty weather than to any scarcity of rabbits. Prospects for winter feed for sheep are none too good, and owners will be obliged to stock lightly, although loth to soli while prices, comparatively speaking, are

so low. The War.—Here, as elsewhere, the war and its attendant consequences are the chief subjects of conversation. Several your:;? men from in and around this district nave joined the reinforcements, one lady having no fewer than four stalwart sons with the colours. 1 hear of three or four more boys who are likely to go into camp soon. During the past week several ladies, aided by financial help from' some members of the sterner sex. have been working energetically in the interests of the hospital ship equipment, with the gratifying result that a substantial parcel of sheets, pillowslips, etc., is now roadv to be suit away.. Our wounded boys deserve all the comfort and help wo can o-ivo them, and our best is little cnougti in return for the sacrifices they hat e mado in order that wo may continue to enjoy the freedom and nonce which the shelter of the British flag affords. Many residents of Kokonga feel that thev have sustained a personal less in the death of Lieutenant Preston Logan, who died at sea from wounds received at the Dardanelles. Lieu to tin n Lc (v an spent his early boyhood among us, and after a few years' absence at the Dunedin Boys’ High School returned to his parents’ home ia Kokonga, where he remained until the prosecution of his military training made it desirable that he show id spend some time at Aldershot. He was a member of the Maniototo Mounted Rifles, of which his father, now Colonel Logan. Samoa., was for some years captain. He was also «i member of the Kokonga, Football dub. He was a lad of much promise, liked and respected by all who knew him for his chivalrous and manly spirit, and very sincere sympathy is felt for his relatives in their sad bereavement.