FAIRLIE NOTES.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 14058, 16 November 1909, Page 2

FAIRLIE NOTES.

(I-Voat <>ur <»»" Coire;;p.»vi.u-..) The wyalher last wee Is was one long H--.1- weaC gak, and a most unpleasant week it was in consequence. 'J U~' only respite was on tiie King's Birtnday, wiit-ii the Caledonian Spoils were hettt. On that day the wind from the sea tried to beat tiie wind iroiu tin- lulls, and a go.nl contest too* place. The easicriy log accompan>uig the sea breeze was allowed to advance no further than the tops of tho Brothers, range, and was oceasioiial!.,heat hack from that position. '!»■-• nor'wester was, however, quitened f< r the day, much to the satisfaction of those who visited Fairlie for tb • sport.,. Next day was very hot, ami liio nor'-wester g.ithi red its forces for ;:t\:>t!icr onslaught. On Thursday morning it swooped down from the ranges in great gu.sts, and then blew' almost constantly till Saturday evening. The ground lias dried very considerably on the surface, and a good shower of rain is needed. LaK* sown crops are sulfering, especially on •sigh land. They will be. very poor if they do not get a good wetting shortly. Some of the early sown crops are looking remarkably well. In some spots on the Punaroa Settlement they are commencing to go down already. As there is plenty of feed about lambs are growing fast. A good deal of rape and early turnip is being sown to carry them on after weaning. The Fairlie district should be able to maintain its reputation next season for a big fat lamb output. Steps are to. lie taken to form a branch of tho new Farmers' Union at Fairlie. It is probable that a meeting will be held after the Timaru meeting on the 20th inst. It is understood that similar steps will also bo taken in the Toniuka and Ocraldine districts. The time seems to be now opportune for organisation, j and as Fairlie possessed a thriving branch some years ago there should be a good chance of a strong revival taking place in the Union's affairs. It will be remembered that nearly twelve months ago tho Prime Minister promised £IOO to form a new rifle range at Fairlie. Endeavours have been made to get a freehold site near the township tor the proposed range, but withous success. Tiie best that could be arranged was a five years' lease. Mr Buxton, M.P., was written to, asking him to ascertain what ( the Defence Department would be prepared to do on that tenure. Mr • Buxton has promised to .lay the matter before tho Prime Minister, but ' is not hopeful of being able to pro- ! cure the money on any other tenure I but that of tho freehold. The Budget contains proposals encouraging Kifle Clubs, and the Mackenzie Club ] hopes that ifc may yet he able to get ' <lown to the business it was formed ; for.