Clifden-Waiau

Southland Times, Issue 19034, 30 April 1903, Page 4

Clifden-Waiau

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

Harvesting is the main occupation nt the present time. There is still some of the crop to bo cut, while some hns nlroady beeu threshed. The .weather, although wet for several days past, has now set in fine and 1 hope that soon harvesting for 1903 will be over. The

oat crop is a record one

We had a short visit from Mr Robert Tapper, of your city. He came to see his sons who manage his Clifden estate. Mr Tapper must have noticed great changes in these parts since the time when a portion of his run had beeu opened up by the Government for closer settlement, and what was once the habitat of pukakis is now dotted with " smiling homesteads." He is of opinion •that the railway will never reach the Waiau in his time and if a purchaser could be found he will dispose of Clifden station. Mr John Horrell. one of our nio&t practical farmers, has placed his form on the m a rket for the oxpre&s purpose of purchasing a more extensive place. This is a very healthy iign.

The election of a school comimltitee takes place -next week, when it is to be hoped that new blood will bo infused thereinto. The outgoing committee held one solitary meeting during their term of office. Miss SJouthbery has on several occasions reported on the school groumd as being in tt dreadful state, but to date no notice has been taken of at. It is practically surrounded by water.

I have been requested to ventilate the grievances of a number of members of the Wallace Mounted Rifles. Five of them are* employed on Clifden station, and on account of their not putting in an appearance at the late encampment at Makarewa they have been mulcted in fines to the extent of £9. At the time of. the encampment shearing was in full swing and it was useless for any of them to expect to get away at such a busy time. They say that other troopers placed in the same position were not flned for non-attendance and want to know why they are singled but. They state also that at the time not one of them had a full kit, the majority being without tunica.

Rabbits *are having a bad time of it for Mr Sutherland's waggons are to be seen almost daily loaded with bum.-ys. What with rabbiting and harvesting farm hands are scarce.

We have had several ss o rts passing hero in 'guest of gaxtie, and 1 do not think' they have gone away with empty bags. One party passed with three pigs, which are yet fairly plentiful. Ducks and turkeys are now in the oat stu)>l>les, while pigeons and kakas are numerous in the bush,

25th April