ROXBURGH.

Otago Witness, Issue 3352, 12 June 1918, Page 23

ROXBURGH.

Jane 10. —We are losing two important citizens from our midst, for a time at least —namely, D.r Gilmore and our schoolmaster, Mr "Williamson. Both gentlemen are held in high esteem not only in respect to their callings, but also for their liberal public service. The two vacancies will bo hard to fill. One and all wish them Godspeed, hoping they will be spared to return to us and their loved ones. Mrs Williamson has our warmest; wishes. .She and her husband will be much missed. Mining.—Mining is at a very low ebb as regards numbers. The Laclysmith and Mr Ewing's claim ate the only claims steadily at work in 'the district. The Commissioners Flat is handicapped because of a water deficiency, caused by water spouts, _ which carried away a considerable portion of "their head-race in Shingle Creek, necessitating a considerable outlay in pipes. The damage was so severe owing to the great rush of water • 'that it is impossible to rebuild the race. Mr James Craig and party have taken up the Pleasant Valley claim, and are driving it out in the old alluvial method by tunnelling and winding the wash-dirt up to a landing, afterwards washing the same through sluices. There has been no report yet as to whether this is successful. "Rabbits.—Rabbiting seems to be the best paying proposition in this district or any other at present, as £6 per week is considered by a rabbiter not too good. At from £2 10s to £3 per 100, this can easily be understood. No doubt v the country is swarming with rabbits—l' mean by the country the Dominion,—and yet the landowner gets nothing by the rabbit but loss, and a rabbiter who maker; from £6 to £l2 per week would consider it impertinent if a land-owner was to ask for a portion of the proceeds of the rabbit industry. _ But the runholder or land-owner sometimes gets fined in court for allowing rabbits 'to run about en his estate. Orchard. —Orchard work is being pushed forward vigorously, and pruning and ploughing are the order of the day. Spraying "comes on about August. Much land seems to be offered to returned soldiers in this district for orchard purposes. Weather. —The weather so_ far has been exceptional. Our roads are in good order, Whatever the motor car or motor lorry does to the roads in other districts, the motor traffic improves the gravel roads. If onlv the cotintv could get away from the old system snd place a light tip dray with horse to fill holes when small, the surfaceman would then be doing good work.