CARSTON.

Otago Witness, Issue 3614, 19 June 1923, Page 27

CARSTON.

June 8. —The weather for the past few weeks has been showery, with days of rain succeeded by frosty nights. The last three days, however, were exceptions, the sun appearing in all it 3 glory, for which one and all appear happy. Farm Work. —The thrashing mill is busyin our midst, and the yields are in most cases good. The quality of the grain, too, is better than was at one time anticipated, because of the very wet season. This part of the country can absorb much rain without detriment to any cereals grown in it.

All stock are in good condition—this, too, because of tlie abundance of feed; and the desire now among the milk suppliers is that there will be no further decline in price in the dairy produce market, as it would be disappointing to those who have invested in young cows coming early to profit. The price of fat stock still holds good at remunerative prices, and is in some way commensurate with the high price of labour, which remains so far beyond the small farmer in the Homeland that, instead of holding on to their farmrs, they are obliged to look for some other methods of making a living. Instances of this kind may be found in this country, too. Farewelling.—A social and presentation took place in the schoolroom here on the evening of the Ist inst. When it became known that Mr John Soper, Mrs Soper, and their boys were leaving the district to reside nearer Invercargill, a- large gathering assembled in the schoolroom to bid them good-bye. Both Mr and Mrs Soper were born, if not in this district, in its immediate vicinity. They have lived here for the last 85 years, turning the wild into a comfortable home, and makingit- blossom like the able home, and making it blossom like the assist anyone who might be in need of help. In fact, he had sympathies large enough to enfold all men as brothers; while Mrs Soper has been in every home in this district assisting during periods of illness —thi3 with but few exceptions,—and many a sufferer has to thank her with gratitude for help given at critical periods, the nearest doctor being 30 miles away. Among tlie assemblage there that night were many who spoke in eulogistic manner of the guests o£ the evening. Mr Alexander M'Caughan presented Mr and Mrs Soper with two handsome divan chairs, Mr Hector Soper with a v/e 11-bound suitcase, and young Master Allan Soper with a leather travelling bag. After a sumptuous supper had been done justice to, the room was cleared for dancing, which was kept up till 4 a.m., Mr M‘Cau.ghan acting as M.C. The music was supplied by Mrs M'Lister and Mr Burrel (piano) and Mr John and Henry Soper (violin). A party went to see them on the train, and all joined in wishing them a happy and successful future.

Personal. —Mr William Gordon, who has so ably represented this riding on the Lake County Council, having resigned, his place has been filled by Mr Archibald M‘Caughan, jun., who, we hope, will fill his predecessor’s shoes with equal care and attention.