Wyndham

Southland Times, Issue 11901, 24 November 1891, Page 2

Wyndham

(FROM OUB OWN CORRESPOXDEST.) From towns we hear the wail of the unemployed. In face of the state of the labour market in the country this cry to a " beneficent " government is treated with incredulity. In nearly every shed where shearing ia advertised to start we Bee " a few good shearers wanted." In one particular case which has come under my notice of a shed which is usually "rushed " the manager informs me that though he starts in a week or ten days' time be has only booked three hands. Just now when he could employ a large number he has not a boul looking for m job. Good shearers, shedhands, trappers, and gorse cutters— trappers especially— are not to be had when wanted throughout the Wyndham district and still the "unemployed " cry rolls on. The Band of Hope in connection witn the Presbyterian Church had a very successful gathering in Milne's Hall on Wednesday night. The Rev. Mr Smellie presided, and a programme of recitations, dialogues, and (nblea,iix vhnnt was gone through fairly well considering the advantages of the youthful performers. Mrs Allen and Mrs Drummoad helped along the vocal part of the entertainment, the lattoir especially was very generally appreciated. The numbers, chosen with sokiq view tQ the cu'cumataacea q{ \fe

meeting, were all well received. Miss Sangater accompanied, while Mr Clark and Mr Stewart assisted her in arranging the different tableaux, the best of which would have been the " Babes in the wood " except for the introduction of a grotesque specimen of the feathered tribe which was supposed to cover the babes with leaves. The best of the children's pieces was "Tom Sawyers' party." The management had evidently not expected such a large attendance and seating accommodation was in short supply. A great deal of unnecessary noise was made by the youngsters and half-grown young; men at the back which the officials might have counteracted by placing one of their number amongst them to keep order. The collection was satisfactory. One of the finest fields of grain in Southland, I believe, is on Mr Forsyth's property At Edendale. The paddock is even all over, is strong in the blade, thick, and healthy looking. The paddock was the scene of the Wyndham ploughing contest last winter, but first or last prize rig shows no\ difference in quality of crop so far. It it has luck the yield should be very considerable. That there should be a difference of one and three-quarter millions short in the sheep returns, upon which sheep tax had to be paid, in the last census returns is not creditable to the honour of the sheep-farm-ing community. Statistics taken from the returns must therefore be very unreliable. The revenue has been seriously cheated if the information is true, and so far it has gone uncontradicted. Good percentages of lambs seem to have been the rule throughoat Southland. On Edendale, in a flock of Lincoln and Leicester crossbred ewes put to Shropshire Down rams, bred by Rowley and Hamilton, a return at tailing time of 125 per cent was booked. These lambs are grown for early freezers, and in this respect it would appear they come up to all ihat> is said of the breed. At Glenham the percentage was as near as possible 100 all over ; in fact for all practical purposes it was slightly better. Local breeders of stock are on their mettle at present making ready for the displays at Gore and Wyndham. In Wyndham this year Srize money, except in special cases, will be ispensed with and in lieu we are to have illuminated certificates of merit. As we follow the Gore show we are likely to draw a lot of the prize-winners to our rings. There should be a very respectable exhibition of the graziers' pets. At Edendale factory this year a casual .visitor would be astonished to see the large vats of milk which are every day operated upon for butter and cheese manufacture. At present the daily supply exceeds 3000 K lions, the largest any dairy in New Zeaid can boast of. All the manufacture of this great white sea is conducted upon the very latest scientific principles. All the buildings have undergone repairs, and these are now being brought to a close by a renovation of the interior of the factory. All £he/.work which this factory means and'the money it daily pays away is the result of private venture unmolested by molly-cod-dling governments. The highest price is Elven lor milk, and there is practically no mit to the manufacturing capacity [of the works. Crops throughout the district look well, and grass is abundant. Considerable interest is awakened and anxiety expressed as. to what the result of the opening of fresh freezing works will mean to the farmers who grow small lines of freezers. Fat cattle are moving off freely just now, and stores even are in good demand. Sheep are neglected and will be until after the New Year, and then the sale yards will soon be •live. It is difficult to predict what the market will be, but a demand is not likely to set in for any class of sheep until about ■ March, that is following on the usual custom in. this district. Mr Thomas Mclnerney, who has been in charge of the Wyndham branch of Messrs Babbidge's drapery business for some time past, wa« entertained at supper in Monaghan's hotel on Tuesday night. There was a Bmall but select party present and good wishes were showered upon Mr Mclnerney for his future success. He has, since taking up his abode here, contributed eonaiderably to the social functions of the place and his absence from the local cricket team will be a loss to it. 20th November.