MANDEVILLE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3400, 14 May 1919, Page 27

MANDEVILLE.

May s.—This has been ons cf these sea-, sons that makes on© who has closely followed farming pursuits all his life wonder how anyone can permanently settle in a place where the elements are constantly •upsetting his plans and making life a drudgery. To look back through the year makes one think that everything is out of joint. The spring was that bad that the soil was for the most time, save in favoured spots, kept too wet to make ..any progress •jui tilling, and much cultivation was done when the ground was in an unfit state. The summer was such that growth was slow right through,"with the result that feed for stock through the winter is so meagre as to be a matter of serious concern. The Autumn was so devoid of sunshine as to delay the ripening of the corn, resulting in the non-completion of . harvest work until well into the. winter. Indeed, it is problematical if a good portion will not have to remain in stook until the spring. The first month of winter has commenced very cold and wet, pointing to a severe winter. The farmer's difficulties in this favoured season is intensified by the fact that the freezing works are full, and the fat stock he has and which he is so anxious to have removed to make room for the other he has to hold on to, being at his wits' end to keep on the condition until the promised ships relieve the works that his may be taken in. Our little township is beginning to wear a wintry appeai-ance. The leaves are fast falling from the trees. The Hokonuis have a small coating of snow on the tops. Mud and slush are very conspicuous in our streets, and a frosty air is easily detected at sunset. Rabbits.—The local trappers are hard at it, and bunny is reported fairly plentiful. The prices, although not as good as last year, are steadily moving up, and, given a run of better weather, good returns should result from this out. Shooting Season. —The opening of the shooting season ranks amongst the most important days in the year with Mandevil'.e and the immediate district. With the ' Mataura River, Waimea and Ofcamita streams, and so many swamps and lagoons in close proximity to the township make 3 her a centre of fame from the sportsman's point of view—in fact, the influx of outsiders to share in the sport, which is yearly t on the increase, is a matter of great concern to our local shots, and in a few instances (I am glad to say they are rare) _ efforts are made ,to show the outsider that they are not wanted. Such selfishness is not worthy of a true sport.