Waikawa Vallev

Southland Times, Issue 14763, 5 October 1900, Page 4

Waikawa Valley

(From Our Own Correspondent.) The weather we are having now is very different from what we have been accustomed to. For months past, such a fine winter and early spring, I think it is safe to say, have never been known here since the Valley has been civilised. Tanks wei-e a long time empty, and streams, also, which have befoic been depended on, have failed. The last few days, however, have been stormy, and young lambs are suffering hardships. (Jrass is much earlier than usual, and there are patches of turnips .yet to be finished,- so that an abundance of feed is assured even though a long spell of squally weather should now ensue. The dairy factory will commence operations next week ; but the prospects of a success-fill season are not bright. It has all along been prophesied that so long as this factory is privately owned the settlers- will not support it anything like unanimously. Settlers here have for years been trying to get the Waikawa- Wyndham road completed. Now, . recognising that union .is strength, they-have invoked the assistance of the Wyndham Town Board. There are only some four miles of this road unfinished, and the most expensive part of the work is done ; yet, for the sake of this small connecting link, the whole of past expenditure lies valueless for the time being. With the exception of a small contract, which is at present under way, nothing has been done for years. Another undertaking we are anxiously awaiting is the Seaward Bush railway extension. It would be a great satisfaction to see a start made. We would then know that they actually meant business. Our two schools (Waikawa Valley and Quarry Hills half-time) have been examined, and the results are creditable to both teacher (Mr Duthie) ahd pupils, there being, I think, j only one failure in the two schools. The excellent passes which these two schools always have, each one only being open three days a week, and bad roads interfering with the attendance, is enough to make one wonder if it is necessary to bring children to school five days a week. Oct. 1.