MOMONA.

Otago Witness, Issue 3327, 19 December 1917, Page 27

MOMONA.

December 14.—After some weeks of very dry weather and excessive heat there was a .-■pronounced fall in the temperature this morning, accompanied by heavy rain, which continues as I write. The rain will be welcomed generally by the farming community, as the ground had become very dry on the surface, and vegetation of all descriptions was languishing for want of moisture. Grain crops especially will benefit by the rain, and the ground, very warm, growth should be rapid. The grass, too, will be freshened considerably. Crops.—Most of the grain crops, l:ein<* heavily inclined, could have done very well ■without the present rainj and in several instances wheat is lodging rather badly ; but • the late-sown oat crops will be much bene- • fited. The season is a curious one, and the : progress of the different, crops varies considerably. For instance, on some farms turnip-thining has been in progress ' for some time, while on other farms in the same locality sowing has not yet been completed. The same remark applies to potatoes, which in some places are in bloom, while in others they are only appearing above the surface of the ground. With regard to the grain orops, some'*.are 'in ear, while others are barely covering the ground. The abnormally wet spring has been responsible for this curious position, as those who were fortunate enough to possess dry ground were able to get their crops in weeks before those whose lands were submerged. Floral Fete.—The floral fete held in the Momona school ground on December 8 under the joint auspices of the School Committee and Bed Cross Society was a great success, and the result must have been particularly gratifying to those who had the task of organising and carrying the project into effect. There was a very large attendance of the public on the grounds during the afternoon, and brisk business was done at the various stalls. The Taieri Pipe Band was in attendance and their bright music assisted materially in making the entertainment a success. A large party of returned soldiers from Dunedin were present as guests, and were welcomed by Mr Amos. The various sports events and competitions went off very successfully. A detailed list of prize-winners ; appeared in last week's issue of the "Witness ; also the" names of the ladies presiding at the various stalls. The floral effects in some of the competitions were very pretty and artistic. In the evening the entertainment was continued in the hall, when there was again a very large attendance. Mr W. Penrose's concert party from Dunedin provided a programme which was much enjoyed by all present. The gross proceeds of the floral fete amounted to £llO 13s 2d, and the net result was £93 15s Bd. Of this amount the School Committee has been apportioned . £35, and the balance goes to the ladies of the Bed Cross Society. The Bed Cross Society will now be in a position to provide working material for some time to come, and the School Committee will be enabled to carry out repairs which have been contemplated for some time, but which lack of funds has prevented from being carried into effect. The joint secretaries of the floral fete were Miss E. Nichol and Mr A. W. Amos, upon whom a large amount of work devolved. A marked feature of the entertainment was the hearty manner in which all worked together, and this rarity, was no doubt responsible in a large degree for the success achieved. School Vacation.—The school breaks-up for the annual summer holidays on Friday next, December 21. We have been fortunate in retaining for so long the services of such efficient- teachers as Mr Melville and Miss Argue.