MOMONA.

Otago Witness, Issue 3330, 9 January 1918, Page 23

MOMONA.

January 5. —Since my last notes were written the weather has been very changeable—intermittent spells of warm weather alternating with cold showers and high winds. There has been no sustained period of warm weather such as we look for at this season. However, the showers have been of benefit to the mangold and turnip crops, and has freshened the grass, of which, generally speaking, there is still an abundance. Crops.—The grain crops have been knocked about a good deal, and some of the heavier wheat has lodged rather badly, and will be difficult to handle when harvesting commences. Some very heavy crops of wheat are to be seen on the Taieri Plain this year; but, unfortunately, the area under .this cereal is much smaller than usual, on account of the continued wet weather in the spring. Turnip-thinning is in progress on most farms; but here and there a belated farmer is still sowing. It is too late in the season to sow swedes with any expectation of obtaining a heavy yield; but if the late autumn and early winter is favourable a good deal of feed may be obtained from turnips sown now. Farmers have had no option in the matter of early or late sowing, and have been obliged to do the best they could under adverse circumstances. Excepting in occasional small plots, where the conditions are especially favourable, potatoes are not making great progress, and the yields will be considerably lighter tha.n those of last year.

Returned From the War..—Private James Nichol returned from England by the hospital ship which arrived at Post Chalmers on New Year's morning. " Jimmy." who went away with the Sixteenth Reinforcements, was severely wounded at Messines in June last. He is now able to get about on cratches, and has our best wishes for a permanent recovery. Private William Lindsay lias also returned to New Zealand, but has not yet arrived at Moraoiia. Farewell Social. —Last night Trooper Ford M'Hattie, who is at present home on final leave, was tendered a farewell social by the residents of Momona. Mr A. "W. Amos presided, and there was a very large attendance,

the hall being quite filled. In the- course of the evening Mr Amos presented Trooper M'Hattio with a very handsome, silver tobacco box suitably inscribed. "Ferdie" has always been very popular in our district, and carries away with him our very best wishes. He enlisted immediately on attaining military age. Private James Nichol, who has just returned from the war, waa present, and received a rousing reception from the large audience. Mr Amos spoke a few words of welcome, and expressed the hope that Jimmie would soon be fully restored to health, and be able to take hia usual active part in all that is going forward in the district. - A very enjoyable concert programme was supplied by the following ladies and gentlemen: —Misses Dow (painoforte duets), Misses Cherry and Lurnley (vocal solos), Miss Gamble (elocutionary items), Messrs Paterson and Henderson (vocal solos), Mr W. Roxburgh (mandolin solos). The accompaniments were played by Miss Lumley' and Miss Nellie Cherry. Dancing was indulged in for some time to music supplied by Mr and Mi*s W. Ban-on. Mr A. M'Hattie acted as M.C. The ladies of the district provided refreshments. On Leave.—Private Douglas Dawson is at present on final leave from camp. Death.—The news of the death of Mr D. T. Inglis, late manager of the National Bank of New Zealand at Outram, was received with much regret here. In the course of business Mr Inglis was acquainted with practically all the farmers in this district, and was held in the highest esteem and respect.