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New Zealand Tablet, 2 January 1913, Page 29

Notwithstanding the superabundance of rain in the early part of the season, and the succession of drying winds later on, some remarkably good crops are now to be seen in different parts of the district (states the Timaru Herald)., Crops which were almost drowned out have made a wonderful recovery. • The danger of playing with 1 crackers ’ was exemplified at Geraldine the other day (says the Timaru Herald). A little chap, son of a well-known resident, was holding a cracker which he thought had failed to light, when it exploded, striking, one of his eyes and burning into the corner. The doctor says he escaped loss of sight by a hair-breadth. The review of trade in Otago for this year shows that the producers obtained more than their original share of profit. In some branches of trade they obtained record prices, this being especially marked in grain, potatoes,; and wool. As regards potatoes, it is stated that , growers and merchants divided about £40,000 extra profit this year, this return being due to the Australian demand which took'close on 5000 tons. The prosperit||has been very marked in the city. Several merchants' have admitted a substantial increase in business, one soft goods importer placing his increase at 25 per cent. As regards buildings, the city and suburbs snow a m ante a increase over the number last year. Over £200,000 has been spent on buildings. Almost in every department of commercial activity prosperity is a marked feature.