MATAURA.

Clutha Leader, Volume IV, Issue 188, 15 February 1878, Page 6

MAT AURA.

[PROM OUR OWS CORRESPONDENT.] Throughout the length and breadth of the Mataura ancl all the adjacent districts all summer and harvest operations are in full swing. Briskness is consequently the characteristic (to use a trade term) that most fitly describes the general state of agricultural and other operations. There is a great demand for labour, which is nofc confined to any particular locality, and if the harvest should be protracted and no more labourers be forthcoming than at present, wages are sure to run high. With the prospect of a good price for oats the harvest pay should not be such a matter of grudge, and the prospect of the combined reaping and binding machines so soon economising* labour for all and sundry, the sourness of any close-fisted settler should not manifest itself in his temper nor make him sad or heavy in countenance if so much per acre, or even half as much, is to be saved by these machines as is generally calculated. The genial weather that we have been enjoying of late has given a better appearance to the crops, but for all that the-yield per acre cannot be high. The weather was too cold at a very critical time, but heat now will help tbe plumpness and quality ot the grain. The wheat does not seem to he a heavy crop anywhere, and it is not sufficiently headed for a heavy yield. The area under wheat is considerably less, than it has been for some years, and much Jess in proportion to the other crops. Oats seem healthy, hut there are no extra heavy crops, and a great many only a fair average. Potatoes have not been so freely planted this .year; the crop in general is looking well. Turnips are making a fair appearance for the season of the year. The wet weather after Christmas gave the turnip crop a fair start, and a good shower after this heat will place it in an advanced condition. .It will take over two weeks of fine weather before the harvest is general. Only winter-sown crops are cut, and a little sown very early in .spring is nearly ready. While the labour season is in its height and not much time to spare from the requirements of' crops, &c, there are a few who do have a care for the moral welfare of the community, and perhaps the most powerful influence being exerted is that of the Good Templars. Their numbers are steadily increasing in Wyndham, and despite sheep-shearing and other causes which induced many young men to leave the* district for a time, there were not wanting those who kept the meetings well up to their- normal condition. The School Committees have been made up for the year, ancl the new educational system ushered in with perfect quietness. ltis reported that the Hon. Dr Menzies and the Rev. J. Henry have been requested by several School Committees to stand for election as members of the Southland Education Board, and have given their consent.