WAITEPEKA.

Clutha Leader, Volume I, Issue 37, 25 March 1875, Page 6

WAITEPEKA.

Valuable Rams.— Last week, Mr Scott, of Waitepeka Station, forwarded to Dunedin, en route for Napier, a couple of handsome 2-tooth Lincoln. Jams. The animals were purchased by a stockowner in Napier for a sum of LSO each. They were both got by a favorite ram of Mr Scott's, to which first prize was awarded at the last Clutha Show. Their sire was got out of Kirkham's imported ewes. Our correspondent adds:— -"It is very unfortunate the cream of our most valiiable flocks have to leave the district in which they were reared. Something should be done to obviate that necessity. The settlers should look to their own interest; and if they do so properly, they will not allow this wholesale dispoilation of local flocks to go on."

The Crops.— The crops for the most part have been secured in good condition. One unfortunate exception to this rule has, however, to be recorded, viz, Messrs. Somerville Bros., the greater portion of whose crops is still standing. The late stormy weather has done it very considerable damage; indeed, the shake was so great that, it is estimated, about fifty per cent of the grain will be lost.

Heaping. — Reaping operations in this part of the district has been done by one of Bamlett's reaping machines, and a good deal of satisfaction has been expressed at the manner :in which the work was performed. A distinguishing feature of these, as compared with other machines, is the extraordinary lightness of draught, coupled with evenness of cut. Two horses can do the work with perfect ease. With a 4|ft. cut the machine in question got through from eight to ten acres per day.

Railway Deviation. — A considerable amount of disappointment has been expressed in consequence of no definite information having been received as to the final result of the agitation which, took place a few weeks since. It will be remembered that, in answer to a deputation who waited upon tbe Hon. Mr Reynold's, in Dunedin, the Engineer-in-Chief inspected the district some five or cix weeks sgo. Nothing transpired at that time as to the opinion he had formed on the subject, but a distinct promise was given that the final determination of Government would be communicated without delay. It was rumored at one time the deviation had been recommended by the Engineer-in-Chief, but whether that is or is not correct cannot be stated with any degree of certainty, as Government has been completely silent on the subiect. We trust Government will see its way to arrive at an early decision, and make tbe same known to the district without further delay.