BEEP STREAM.

Otago Witness, Issue 2808, 8 January 1908, Page 39

BEEP STREAM.

January 3. — Since the heavy rain a fortnight ago there has been a wonderful change-; crops of all kinds and gardens are looking well, and although it is very dry again now, yet there is a good deal of glass, and more is sure to come. It is usual h«T© to have feed very late on in the autumn, when in many other districts there is little or none, and this year will be no exception.

Shearing. — Shearing began, at RocklandsStation about three weeks ago, and the general shearing will be over at about tattime this letter appears in print. The sheep have come in well, and look well — in fact, are m tip-top condition, and there is a great -crop of lambs. The wool is in first-rate order, and very clean. There is an increase in the amount of wool thi9 year, and this is without doubt due to the cleanliness of ■til-© sliecp, ami al&o -to -fif& fswi -tlxa-fc -tliey are in stick good condition. Most of the small farmers hereabouts have got the shearing over, and are well satisfied with their clips. Mining. — The Deep Stream. Company have again started sluicing, after a- few days' holidays at Christmas. There are very good prospects for the coming year, and with Mr John Cartwiight as manager the shareholders may resf satisfied that the most will be made of every paddock, i&nd no time wasted. I hear that the antimony mine in Stoney Creek, Lammerlaw, has changed hands at a very satisfactory figure. Obituary. — Everyone here was startled to hear of the death of Mr William Wells. He was found dead outside his hut at the Upper Taieri, near Canadian Flat, where he had lived for some eight or nine years. His death took place some time on Boxing Day. and came as a very painful surprise to the residents hero, all of whom knew him well and respected him highly. He was down at Rocklands Station on the Saturday prior to Christmas Day, and was then hale a.nd hearty, and his sudden death is somewh&tt of a mystery to his acquaintances. The police too his body to Patearoa foi burial, but no inquest -was held, and, considering the circumstances known here in connection! with his death, this" proceeding has excited some surprise. An investigation ought to have been held.