GENERAL ITEMS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15127, 23 January 1917, Page 6

GENERAL ITEMS.

By the will of a North Countryman, just provid, the testator leaves to hiS wife the sum of one shilling. This bequest, though small, is, perhaps, generous as compared with that of a testator who, some time ago, directed that the sum of one farthing should be sent to his wife in an unstamped envelope Wellington business has been very good in the city and district during the past month (states the Labour report for December). The building trades are still kept .busy, many large contracts are in progress, and a large number of suburban homes and cottages are being built. Engineering trades are keeping busy, and skilled mechanics are badly wanted. Clothing, trades have been very busy, and a considerable amount of overtime has been worked.' Eetail trades have had an exceptionally good month. During the month 149 men were assisted, 11 by reduced fares and 81 to private employment and 57 to Government works. The callings represented were carpenters, hotel workers, labourera, etc. Of the number 51 were married men and 98 single men with 110 dependents.

Another evidence of the dry season nearly dried up, says the Wyndham is to be found' in the streams that are Herald. The Mataura River is lower than it has been for over a quarter of a cenutry. A person might, wade across it anywhere, the depth of water not being over a foot at many places. It is remarkably clear, too. Many of the small lagoons that are river fed are quite dry, and the fish in them have died. Old residents tell us of a time, variously estimated at 28 to 30 years ago, when Southland had a drought. The Mataura Eiver was even then lower; and Stewart’s Creek, generally considered a never-failing stream. was dry. The old windmills on Fdcndaia went wrong, and water bad to be carte dto the famished stock, amongst which there was ■ a considerable mortality for want of water. Then, as now, flounders could be seen in the clear waters of the Mataura.