BLACKS

Dunstan Times, Issue 1019, 28 October 1881, Page 3

BLACKS

I cannot but write you of the gloiious rain that we have had here lately. There is not the slightest doubt about it—it has saved the district from ruin, as had the drought continued the grain that was in the ground would have died, and not a particle of grain or a seed of turnip could have been put into the ground this spring. There requires but little eloquence to tell what would have been the result of so disastrous a state of things. However, the aspect of affairs is quite changed, and now confidence and contentment has taken the place of mistrust and misery. In Ida Valley nothing like so much rain fell as did under the Dunstan Mountains, but from all I can hear there was enough to give things a good start. There is a large increase in the area of ground broken up, and under crop this year, but I glean from chatting with one and another that this cropping the ground is not so much with the object of getting grain as it is for getting the ground in order for turnips and pasturage, as all are of one mind on the point that in will pay much better to grow mutton, beef, and wool than oats and wheat 1 quite agree with them, as besides the market which is always open for wool and bides, there is also a local market for matron and beef, if it is oily in eatable condition. With the country locked upas it were, with no railways to reach the seaboard markets, the -yntem of fanning is the only one that can pay, and the fanners will undoubtedly be wise in thiir generation if they adopt it. We are to have high jinks and no end of fun here on the Prince of Wales’ Birthday There is to he a pic-nic in connection with the school, to wind up with a concert and dance in the scltoalhouse in the evening. The return ciicket match between the local team and the Alexandra!! 3 is also to he played during the day. Up to the present our cricketers have been unfortunate, having to cry second best in every game they have played. I hope that on this occasion Dame Fortune will bo kinder, and give our hoys some encouragement. To always play second fid 110 is disheartening, but they must not lose heart .and go in steadily for practice, ns cricket, like many other games and studies, is no good without practice. In matters political there is not much doing. For the House of Representatives Mr Pyke’s name is only mentioned, and I look upon it he is sure of almost a block vote. As a matter of course, there will be some who will vote against him, hut there are some people who would vote against the Kaiser if he should seek their confidences. For the County Council there is some little more excitement, but very little at that. MrStronach, I think, will have a wak over for Matakanui; Mr Pitches is to be Strongly opposed for Manuherikia, there*

doubtable -Jack- the Giant-killer (Mr Chappie having entered the arena against him ; and it is rumored that Mr Rurren of Ophir, and Mr J. Beattie, of Ida Valley, and some two or three others are to have a ran for the honor. I only hope that rumor in this instance is correct, not that I believe that a better man than Mr Pitches could possibly represent the district, but for half-a-dozen or more buzzing around together with their supporters on the look out for a stray vote would create some little fun. Ido not intend in this place supporting anyone candidate against another, but I would offer a piece of gratuitous advice—- “ Let the electors weigh well before they o ive their vote as to which of the candidates will carry the most weight, anil demand the greatest amount of respect when silting at the Council board.”

Tne deep lead at Blacks No. 3 is, up to the present, in statuo quo. Blackwell, Templeton and party, it is true, making a shew of work, but it will be only a shew, I think, until Mr Blackwell recovers from the indisposition he is suffering from. The proposed company, 1 fear, has come to grief. 1 should be but little surprised, however, that when the former party I have alluded to get into full swing that a company will yet be formed to work the upper end of the lead. .