MOMONA.

Otago Witness, Issue 3293, 25 April 1917, Page 27

MOMONA.

April 21. —Though we are now approaching the ©nd of the autumn months, the weather continues remarkably mild—indeed, th© atmospheric conditions prevailing during th© past few weeks have been more suggestive of midsummer than of autumn. Only one or two frosts have yet been experienced, and these have not been severe enough to have a detrimental effect upon the growth of vegetation. Grass has been growing throughout the autumn, and the paddocks are as green and fresh-looking now as at anytime during the season. Young grass sown after harvest has had a splendid opportunity to get well established in til© ground, and certainly any failures cannot be attributed to adverse weather conditions. The turnip crops have not made much, headway, and I am afraid that, on the whole, they will be disappointing. Ihe bulbs are small, and are not likely to attain to any sizo now. Tlio failure of the turnip crops is attributed more to the ravages of the moth than the blight. In nearly eve d;J case the turnip shows have been riddled by the moth, and in some instances the topa. have practically disappeared. When once the shaws are gen© the growth of th© roots is checked, and good results cannot oe obtained. Fortunately the mangold crops are excellent, and It is not anticipated that there will bo any serious shortage of winter feed. At present stock of all kinds are in fine condition. , .... , Potato Crop—The majority of farmers in this district have now finished their potatodigging, ' though here and there a belated farmer has not yet made a commencement. The splendid weather which prevailed during the past month and th© almost total absence of frosts facilitated the work of potato-lifting, and the tubers were got into the hags dry and in splendid condition. Th© area under potatoes in this district was larger than for some seasons past, and the yields, too, have been above the usual average. There has not been a great deal of blight in evidence, and v. her© spraying was carried out practically no disease occurred. Now that th© potatoes are all lifted the ploughs will soon bo at work. From what I can gather, the response to the Minister _of Agriculture’s arpeal for an increased sowing of wheat has been satisfactory, and most farmers will put in something extra, provided seed is available. At present there is a difficulty in obtaining seed wheat. Fed Cross Society.—The ladies of the local Bed Cross Society continue to do splendid work, and a large number of articles are forwarded regularly to the chief centre in Dunedin. Last night a very successful euchre party and dance was held under the auspices of tne above society. The night was fine, and there was a large attendance 1 of th© public. Mr John Campbell presided. The winners of the euchre tournament were Miss Joan O’Leary; and Mr Peter Dow, while the booby prizes were won by Miss D. Sparks and Mr. James Bush. In the \ dance which followed Messrs Arthur Moyui- | ban and Alec M'Hattio acted as M.C.’s, while ! the music was supplied chiefly by Mr and j Mrs J. A. Bruce and Mr and Mrs W. Barron. A plentiful supply of refreshments was provided by the ladies of the district. During the evening a vocal solo was contributed by Mr Draper. I understand that it is the intention of the Bed Cross Society to augment its funds by holding these parties monthly during the winter. Military Service Act,—Only one Momona man was drawn in the last ballot. This was Mr Alec MTlattle, who had previously i enlisted and been rejected. It is worth ; noting that of the 11 Momona men who have been called up since the Military Ser-. ; vice Act came hi to operation seven of them had previously enlisted and been rejected. Our latest voluntary recruit is Mr Alex, j Bruce, who enlisted immediately on attain-

ing 20 year 3of ago. Ho has been passed as fit, and goes into camp with a future draft of Reinforcements.