MOMONA.

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

MOMONA.

October 3. —After a prolonged period of exceptionally dry weather welcome rain fell on the afternoon and evening of Wednesday last, and though the downfall was not so heavy or of such duration as wo could' have wished, still it has proved of inestimable value to the young grain crops, and has provided a much-needed supply of water for domestic purposes. There was an entire absence of wind, and oonsecjuontly the value of the rainfall was enhanced by reason of the fact that it had a good opportunity of sinking into the thirsty soil. In fields where the young wheat has a fair cover the moisture will be conserved for some time, and with the heat which is in the ground growth will now be very rapid. The autumn-sown crops are looking well, and give promise of good results. Late winter and spring-sown crops appear thin in some instances, but with a few showers such as. we experienced on Wednesday they will improve and probably yield well. Potato-planting is the principal work in hand at present, though in some instances planting is completed, and the teams are enjoying a well-earned spell preparatory to preparing the ground for the turnip crops. The abnormally dry winter and spring has enabled the team work to proceed without interruption, and work is well advanced. Dairying.—Separating still continues, but I understand cheese-making is to commence in the course of a few days, as the work of installing the machinery in the now factory is about completed. The milk supply is not so large as would have been the case under more favourable conditions, there being a decided shortage of feed on account of the continued dry weather. Obituary.—The sudden death of Mr Peter Ford, on the evening of Sunday last, came as a painful shock to the residents of Momona. Mr Ford had not enjoyed very robust health for some time, but had not been confined to bed until a week before his death, when he underwent an operation for an internal complaint, from the effects of which he never recovered. He leaves a wife and five little children, for whom much sympathy is felt. The Roll of Honour. —Much sympathy is felt throughout Momona for Mr John Sutherland, of River Farm, whose brother, Lance-sergeant David Sutherland, has been reported killed in action at the Dardanelles. Lance-sergeant Sutherland, who was a fine young fellow, worked for some time on his brother’s farm, and was well known in the Momona district. Particulars of the death of Trooper Geo. Swanson have come to hand. It appears that he was shot by a Turkish sniper while bathing, and ho is buried near the beach at Gallipoli. I understand a movement has been projected to place a tablet in the local school in memory of cx-pupds who have given up their lives for their country. Already two ox-pupils have been killed —Trooper Geo. Swanson and Sergeant Grant-Ussher. No further particulars have boon received pf Private -Freddy” Sprott, who was severely wounded in the big engagement in August, but it is thought that he may possibly bo amongst the wounded men who are returning to New Zealand at the end of this month. Scholastic. —Miss Easther has left Momona to take up her now duties at the Forbury School. On Thursday afternoon a number of residents met at the school to bid her farewell. The children presented her with a very pretty hand-bag, and the residents of the district with a manicure sot and a bedroom clock. The presentation on behalf of the children was made by Miss L-izzio Bremnor, and by Mr Amos on behalf of the residents. Speeches were _ also made by Mr Moynihan and Mr Melville. Miss Easther suitably responded,. Afternoon tea and games terminated a very pleasant gathering It was originally intended to entertain Miss Easther at a social in the hall, butowing to the sudden death of Mr Peter Ford this project was abandoned and the afternoon ceremony substituted. The now mistress is Miss Elizabeth Argue, who is at present teaching at the Beaumont School, but aSi Miss Argue cannot take up her duties here until November, a relieving teacher is filling the vacancy in the meantime. There is an epidemic of whooping cough in tho district at present, and the school attendance is being affected.