CLINTON.

Otago Witness, Issue 3270, 15 November 1916, Page 23

CLINTON.

November 13. —The fine weather experienced lately has enabled farmers to get along with their work. Turnip and grass lauds are being worked up with all possible speed, and shortly a start will be made with the sowing. Grain crops are looking well, and promise an abundant harvest. Lamb-marking in the lower lands is finished, and some fine percentages are recorded. Shearing of hoggets and fat sheep has commenced, but ihe general shearing will not be on until the beginning of next month. Strange to say, shearers seem to be plentiful, the larger sheds having had little trouble in getting a full complement of men. Wool.—A little uneasiness prevails amongst wool men regarding the threatened action of the Government in commandeering outwool. It was fully expected that in the open markets prices would be from Id to 2d per lb better than last year; but now, with the Government the only purchaser, prices will no doubt come out about the same as last year. However, if this is so, and the grading fairly clone, we should not have much to complain of. Sheep have wintered well, and should carry a good weight of fleece. I am sure most of our farmers would give their clip away almost for nothing if the war would only stop. Town Clerk.—Mr Percy Martin, our competent and popular town clerk, has resigned his position under the board, and Mr Carl" has been appointed in his stead. Mr Martin's business now takes him a lot out of town, and he could not give his attention to this town that he would liko. We congratulate Mr Carr on his appointment, and hone he will carry out his duties as faithfully and fearlessly as Mr Martin has done. Angling.—The streams here are in splendid trim for fishing this year, and many fine baskets are being secured. I notice our worthy townsman, Mr Carr, is endeavouring to advertise the possibilities of our town and district as a tourist resort. Plenty of fishing, shooting, mountaineering, bowling, and tennis are lo be had, and already we have had a number of visitors, with the promise- of more to follow. Clause 35. —Our local policeman has had a few busy days lately delivering conscription notices under clause 35, and has driven consternation into man;: a home. So zealous have the authorities been in this matter that hardly a house has escaped. In some instances men passed as unfit and men over age have l>een called on to surrender. Two youngmen (single), brothers, but each with a farm of his own, are greatly concerned about the scope of clause 35, and intend to appeal on the grounds of " wanted at home." School Matters.—l hear that the Wairuna School is likely to lose the services of the assistant teacher. Miss Hay, the attendance having gone down very much of late. This is greatly to be regretted, as the lady had done good work in the school, and was very popular in ihe district. Fire.—A cottage on Mr Angus Couston's estate, and occupied by one of It's ploughmen, was burned to the ground one day last week. Everything seemed right when locked up at dinner time, but when the teamster returned at night nothing was left but the chimney and the smell of smoke. There was no insurance, so the loss to both occupant and owner will be great.