EAIRLIE NEWS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CVI, Issue 16429, 29 December 1917, Page 11

EAIRLIE NEWS.

From Our Own Correspondent,

WITHER AK'O THE FARMS.

Abou'fc five inches of rain have fallen in the Fairlie district during fhe month. The weather still continues changeable, with a tendency to rain on the slightest provocation. Although the wet weather was very acceptable when it set in a* the beginning of the month', it is now felt that some hot summer weather would 1 be acceptable. For one thing farm work has got very much behind, and for another the crop's need some fine, sunny weather to harden them up. They are now being delayed more than is desirable in the ripening _ process. The shearing has been seriously hindered, and it looks as if it will be some time before the farmers' sheds will be able to cut out. The up country shearing has still to be done except on some of the earlier stations, which were fortunate enough to get through in November while the finie weather lasted!. Feed is 'everywhere very plentiful; indeed the general complaint is that there is not a sufficient number of sheep to keep it down. The crops are looking well, amd if notbnng happens to them during the next few weeks there will be some heavy yields. The birds are severely punishing the early oats. A large paddock on Strathconan, near the Winsoombe station, is a notable example, all the grain being praotically picked out. As in other parts Si Canterbury a good deal of wheat has become laid, some of it so badly that it will be unreapable. Turnip sowing has been delayed by the. weather, but some of the early drillings aiie doing very well. When the weather clears up again thlere will be a big rush to get shearing and cultivation work through b eft-re i harvest begins.

THE HOLIDAYS

Hi© lidiCay season is passing over very quietly. As there were no local spoi-te this yeas- some of the residents contented themselves with picnicking at the several spots in the district which lendl themselves to that pastime, while others journeyed to Tamuka nnrl Waimate. Luckily Christmas Day and Boxing Day were very fine, so tha> holiday makers were able to make the most of their opportunities for a change. On Christmas Eve a good number of country visitors came into the township to do their Christmas : shopping, and to compare notes. The Pips Band, paraded' the streets, and small boys amused themselves by I'eti ting off crackers. On Christmas Day j divine service was held in the Anglican and Roman Caibholic Churches, and these weir© very well attended, especially _ the early morning services. On Boxing Day there was a "big demand for vehicles for picnic purposes, and the township looked very deserted after these got away.

On New Year's Day a "big patriotic garden party will be held at Mrs R. Leitch's place on Punaroa. It is expected that the attendance will be a vetry large one. _ Mrs lieitoh, with her helpers, is sparing no effort to make the day an interesting and amusing one. The competitions will be many and varied. A large number of surprise packets has been prepared and the tickets are already selling freely. If the day should be a fine one the patriotic funds will undoubtedly be eonsidferably benefited by Mrs Leitch's commendable efforts. \