WAIRAM.

Otago Witness, Issue 3382, 8 January 1919, Page 23

WAIRAM.

January 6.—The prevailing weather conditions are of the worst type—not the least like summer. Tho snow we experienced on tho 21st of December did not, as was expected, clear the air, as, with the exception of Christmas Day and Boxing Day, the weather has been most unsettled. Shearing operations are being hindered on the stations through inclement weather. Dairying.—Birchwood farmers complain of the shortage of feed for dairy cows, and the grass is not what it should be. Winter turnip feed in some instances is not in the ground yet, and consequently the crops will be late. This season's cheese has l graded first grade all through, which reflects great credit on the new management and staff. It is not expected that calves will

bring the high prices this year that they did last year 5 but the price is sure to be a good one, as the demand is bo The whey butter * 'output for the ■season 19 reported to have been sold to a Dunedin. firm. Coal—Tenders are out for the work of laying down the tramline from the Wairaki and Linton Collieries to the Mossbank terminus. The Diamond Coal Company are altering their line from the pit to the Morley village tip head. The wide gauge put down by Messrs Bain and Crooks is being replaced by one to run the 7cwt boxes, which are the best suited for the farming trade Accident.—Mr David M'Kenzie, proprietor of Mossbank No. 2 Mine, met his death on the 19th December by a fall of coal at his open-face works. His death resulted more from shock than from the accident, although one of his legs was very severely injured. Mr M'Kenzie had a kindly disposition, which made him a general favourite, amongst his acquaintances- He was very widely known in the coal trade. His remains were buried in the Nightcaps Cemetery m the presence of a large and representative gathering. The Rev. 'Mr Bandy conducted the service at the grave. A widow and .two song are left to mourn their loss. During the recent epidemic the late Mr M'Kenzie nursed his own household! through the trouble, he not falling a victim at the time. Town .Board.—The newly-elected Town Board of Nightcaps has not made much progress, owing to the cpidernio. The chairman (Mr James Ferguson) isi still confined to his home, and was unable to be present at the last meeting, where matters were considered relating to business between the Wallace County Council and the new board. Mr R. J. Irwin has been appointed to act as chairman xvntil the return of Mr- Ferguson. A vacancy has occurred on the board through the death of Mr W. Jaggers, which will require to be filled in due time. Church Affairs.—-The. different _ churches have resumed their ordinary services again in Nightcaps. Memorial services for those who succumbed to the influenza epidemic have been held in the respective churches, large congregations' being present on these occasions. Thero was a special *' In Memoriam" for the late Mr Donald Munn held in the Presbyterian Church on the 29th of December. The office-bearers of >uo Wairio-Nightcaps charge were present by request, the late Mr Munn being an elder. At the close .of .an impressive service the " Dead March" was played by Miss Perry (organist), the congregation standing.