RIVERTON.

Southland Times, Issue 1952, 24 July 1874, Page 2

RIVERTON.

(PBOiT OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) July 22. The annual "Western District Ploughing match took place thia day at Mr Hazlett's farm, on the east bank of Jacob's Eiver, the weather being all that could be desired by the most fastidious competitor. There waa a large gathering of spectators, amongst whom were a goodly number of our citizens, who, you will no doubt be surprised to hear, take such an interest in this yearly trial of agricultural skill as to observe the day as a close holiday, the town wearing the aspect of a Sabbath day, all shops being closed, and the streets nearly deserted. The Barrack-master here must have his work cut out now for some time, as what with the late., batch of immigrants per s.s. Wallabi, together with some half dozen coach loads per M'lntyre and Co. — the latter being forwarded by the contractor for navvy work ou the new lines of railway — 3oine6o souls in all are now located under hia charge. No doubt, as far as the agricultural laborer is concerned, far more than have already arrived would be speedily absorbed. Not so, however, with regard to the other class of new-comers, the latter of which, unfortunately, predominate ; but nous verrons . With regard to operations now proceeding upon the railway works, a good start has been made on either side of the rirer, a large number of hands being employed. Owiug to some misunderstanding, or rather for lack of an arrangement with the owners of the land on the north side of the Aparirna, as to compensation, efcc, the works on that side are temporarily stayed. How this oversight ha 3 occurred remains at present an enigma. Nos. 1 and 2 sections of the Riverton and Otautau branch line havo been let, the respective contractors bein^ Messrs Stuart and Co. and Messrs Fraser and Co ; No 1 section, according to information received, being for one mile, that of No. 2 being some four miles. This is, of course, open to correction, but it is not far from the mark. Dr Carr has lately paid us a flying visit, fully sustaining his well-known and universally acknowledged prestige as an unrivalled lecturer aad. mesmerist, the nonchalance displayed, coupled with urbanity aud gentlemanly deportment during his exposition, being truly refreshing. The brigantine '' Sarah Pile" havincr shipped, as reported in my last, some 500 or 600 sheep, on account of Messrs Scott aud Baird, for Stewart's Island, has not been able, through stress of weather, to take her departure hence. The sheep have been disembarked. As to whether or not it is their owner's intention to make another attempt, I have not received any information.