ALEXANDRA NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3333, 30 January 1918, Page 23

ALEXANDRA NOTES.

ALEXANDRA January 22: Cold, changeable days Lave been experienced, affecting the fruit crop, in some cases causing apricots to split open, as well as interfering with the ripening of the poaches. In spite of these handicaps, 19 tons of fruit w.cre despatched for the Alexandra railway station on Monday morning. It is expected soon to beat even this high figure. It is said that 90 per cent, of the district 'fruit-growlers are members of the new co-operative association, and while some have a few complaints to make, there is-' a general desire to give the a chance, as a thoroughly efficient organisation cannot bo created in a month or two. The working of the new scheme of grading the fruit and the better distribution of it among the main centres, to prevent a glut in the markets, are points that are being keenly watched. Opinions vary as to the practicability of the scheme. It is unusual for Alexandra to be troubled with grass fires, but the phenomenal growth of grass in the spring and early summer has created a serious problem now that the sun has bleached the tall grass bone dry. Five times has the- local brigade been turned out to deal with grass conflagrations. The Borough Council was forced to harvest the grass growing in the Recreation Reserve to remove the danger. In bowling circles there is keen satisfaction in that, a rink from the local olub captured the coveted Jolly Memorial Cup from the Clyde Club, which had but recently won it from the Cromwell Club. Tomorrow (Wednesday) the local club has to defend its conquest from a challenge rnado by No. 2 rink from Clyde. If the local club manages to retain the cup, it is again called on to defend it from a challenge by the Naseby Club. This is to be played off on Saturday morning.