Notes from Leeston.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5454, 30 October 1885, Page 3

Notes from Leeston.

+ [from our own correspondent.] The forthcoming Bhow is the principal topic of conversation in the district just now. The entries number 862, as against 280 laßt year, tbe falling off being principally in implements, of which I am afraid there will only be a meagre display. The live stock elapses are, however, well .filled, notwithstanding the shortness of feed and the generally poor condition of atock, One of the attractions of the day to sheep farmers will^ be a shearing competition, for prizes very generously offered by Mr J. R. Campbell, of Wedderburn, Southbridge. There are aix entries, and each man hns to shear ten' sheep within an -hour. The publican's booth nnd judges' luncheon tent are thia year in the hands of Mr Britton, of the Eoyal Hotel, Southbridge, which should be -sufficient guarantee that visitors will be •carefully, attended to. .The area in crop in this part .of the •district this year is much about the same -aa usual, but I think the proportion of wheat is rather smaller. The young crops -are not looking as well ser they might at thiß time of the year. Th*" nights are, too cold for them to grow much, and the zeoent frosty weather has kept the grass very backward. No one has feed for his stook, anditiß not an uncommon thing to turn. a flock of sheep on the back roada, and let them eat up the grass growing thereon. Shearing haß now commenced, and from what I can hear, the result in weight of wool is very satisfactory ; but on the other hand the price of wool is very iow, and not at all encouraging to tho grower. Although wo hear so much of hard times, low priceß and shortness of mouey, yet land in this district maintains its \i cc very well. It waß only about a week ago that a farm of 50 acres changed hands at £25 an acre. Surely this shows that there is money to be made yet in farming, only farming nowadays must bo carried on in a different style to tho days gone by, when noth/ng but cropping was done. The recently formed Firo Brigade in Leoston .continues to hold its weekly practice, and at ia satisfactory to noto that tho attendance of members is vory good, and that each one takes an interest in his work. Jt is only by continual practice and atten-

tion to duty that a Fire Brigade can be of any use, and although up to the present time the Brigade has not been called out, yet I think when a fire does occur it will bo ready. It is intended next month to give a concert and ball to augment the finances of the Brigade, and it is to be hoped that the public will liberally respond and assist those who voluntarily offer their services and risk their lives to cheok a fire. The Salvation Army continue to hold their meetings in the Orange Hall, but beyond seeing tho scarlet uniform about, and hearing an ejcasional blast of a trumpet in the evenings, they are very quiet. They do not appear to be making any " converts." The contractors for the now flour mill at the corner of the" Leeston and Southbridge roads, aro making good progress with their work. Tho framework of the mill itself is now nearly completed, and a commencement will soon be made in fitting up the machinery. The contractors for making the mill-raae have had a good deal of difficulty in contending against the water, but now their work is all but finished. Mr Steggal hopes to havo the mill in full working order by the end of the present year. The second session of the Ellesmere Debating Club waß brought to a close last Monday evening. It had been intended to close the session in the usual Parliamentary style, but other engagements interfered with the necessary arrangements being made ; consequently there was no formal prorogation. The meetinga throughout have been fairly well attended, and some very useful discussions have been held. Before closing, Mr D. Withers, the Premier, in moving a vote of thanks to the President, paid that gentleman a high compliment on the manner in which he had presided at the meetings. The motion was heartily supported by other members, and carried unanimously.