COUNTRY NEWS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2083, 8 January 1908, Page 1

COUNTRY NEWS.

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(iuom oun comtnsvoNOENT.) Jan. If

Tlio holiday eensmi passed off hero v<>rv quietly, ns usual, but si,ill not without- a little Lit of rational amusement. Christmas Day was slightly niiim'il by rain sotting in about midday and run ti mi ini; wall into Hie night, However, lioxing Day dawned with a clear sky, and the races held at Pukarae on that day proved a great attraction to tho many lovers of Ihe lioilio play. On Now . Year's l)ay, which hnppily jiroved propitious, the residents of Pounwii. turned out ell masse, sojourning to the Leach half-way between the eree’k and Tapuae, wliere they held a monster picnic, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. In the early part of the day the weather was a little threatening, but luckily kept fine, the slight dullness being rather an advantage. The catering was simply perfect, ample being provided for young and old, with a large margin left for casual visitors who chanced to come, and also for any travellers who could he prevailed on to feast. Fishing, 'paddling, and bathing were indulged in, the day' seeming much too short. The general break-up was delayed as long as possible, home not being reached in many instances until long after Mindown. Such a. day as the picnickers spent proves a. fine diversion from the ordinary routine of country life. A few lots of fat lambs I rive been sent off from, the different holdings, hut tlie numbers available were rutin;!- disappointing. Little more Ilian half of the estimated f-.U were fit when they came under ibe picker's hands, the weather being a hit too dry, and the rains wlrVh fell here in Christmas week were hardlv adequate to tlio requirements. The weather having again set in dry. any benefit that would have followed lias been counteracted, .although stock as yet haVo enough feed at their disposal.

Mr. Melldowie and Mr. Fraser have iust finished their lamb shearing, the wool coining off m fine condition and of more than average "fight. The little fellows should do Letter villi their coats off in this warm weather.