POMAHAKA DOWNS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3212, 6 October 1915, Page 35

POMAHAKA DOWNS.

October 3. —Taking- everything- into account, we have had a splendid spring. Crops havo been got in in beautiful order, and during the last week we have had some nice rain. Certainly, the winds are getting rather strong; but we have had them before, and lived through thorn, and so we will again. The Farm. —The paddocks arc now putting on their spring green. The lambs are coming, and they will be all needed. Cows are coming into profit, and soon the Wairuna Cheese Factory will be started. Mr Rankin, the first manager of the factory, has secured a better appointment up north, and a now manager will take charge. I have often thought that a factory on the banks of the Pomahaka River, say, near the bridge would be a good investment. The cow is steadily improving her position. Tho Telephone.—The terminus has been shifted from Herbert’s farm to tho schoolhouse, and Miss Hay, the teacher, takes charge. Miss Hay had the honour of having a brother in the fighting lino; but, like many others, ho has laid down his life for his country.

Horse-breeding.—Soon wc shall have a view of the stallions which aro going to travel the district. Mr Torn Herbert bought the stallion The Captain at his father’s sale, and ho may be going to travel it. Onr old friend Mr Carmichael has. a splendid thoroughbred stallion, which I saw in Clinton tho other day; but I think hq is going to travel him in the Crookston district. Tho country must bo very short of horses for army purposes, and horse-breeding should bo a profitable business.

The War. —The war overshadows everything 1 . Our young men are coming- forward well, and it will bo a proud thing to Pay that the war has been won by voluntarism; but a lack of recruits ought to bo at once fol-lo-.vod by conscription. Wo have no time to wait, and the more men who go out to the firing line tho sooner will the war be brought to-a close. Much money is being raised for patriotic purposes. Subscriptions have been got up for Christmas boxes for the soldiers, for comforts for the soldiers, for relief for the Highlanders in v. part of Scotland, and for tho Belgians. To all of theso

wo must subscribe. This war will make a queer change in affairs. The wealthy must shell out and the poor must work. Last Thursday in Clinton I saw the work done by the ladies in a display of clothing made up for the Belgians. It was wonderful to see the number oi articles made up out of old clothes. Then Mrs Rodpath showed me a sample parcel of comforts to be sent to all the soldiers from Clinton district. They well deserve all that can bo done for them.