KENNINGTON (Southland)

Otago Witness, Issue 2813, 12 February 1908, Page 39

KENNINGTON (Southland)

February B.— During the past eight or 10 weeks we have experienced an unusual amount of wind, winch, whi'e welcome to some — our local fellmongery, for instance. — has been most unwelcome to others. Lately it haa acted rather disastrously on ear'.y crops, one farmer a few miles from, here estimating a loss of -.omething like 10 bushels to the acre in a, crop ready for the reaper. "We have had occ-asional showers, and very heavy dews, which have been a boon to the turnip crops. These, considering the comparatively dr> season, are looking remarkably well. To-day hea-vy rain has set in from the south-west and seems to have come on a prolonged visit. Still, we should not complain, even though the fields are white unto harvest, for the soil is exceedingly dry. Some, and amcaig them, the owners of ripe crops, will growl nevertheless. It is one of the prerogatives of then kind, reminding one of the farmer -who. while contemplating his very heavy crop, was hailed by the squire. The- latter ventured the opinion that the farmer had nothing^ to complain of in that crop anyway. " Well," replied Mr Farmer, "it's a fine crop; but it do be powerful hard on the soil. Industries. — Our local industries are all kept busy. The fellmongery is experiencing a very good season, wool for scouring coming to hand very fieely. The flaxmill. in spite of the slump in the maiket. has' worked continuously. The local creamery is receiving a larger supply than ever this year and Mr Irving is kert as busy as ever with his hedge-knives and slashers. The sawmill (which was m its- infancy when the last note was written) is ww attaining a full and lubty ycuth, and the railage of a large amount of timber adds greatly to the life of our township. The Roads. — The pubic road between hera and Invercargill is, owing to the long-ccn-tinued dry weather, in a very bad state, and is anything but a credit to the authority charged with its upkeep. The de-aleis in b cycles and motors benefit to no small extent by the discreditable state of the highway, while the owners of these articles say emphatic things. Public Library. — The annual meeting of this body was held m December, the balance sheet showing a healthy state of affairs, while the number of books on the shelves stands at 350— not a bad result for three years. It is to be hoped that an even, larger number of subscribers will avail thernse'ves of this institution during the coming winter. The subscription is very reasonable, and anyone with a taste for reading can gratify it by the payment of a few shillings per annum. Ob'tuary. — It- is my painful task to report the death of a very o 7 d settler in this Jistrict in the person of Mr Christopher Bouncy. The deceased gentleman was> over 80 years of ag-e, End w«3 a fine type of th<* sturdy eld settler. Till wi r hin a few months ago he might be seen daily on the road in any season of the year, and Lis kindly word and cheery smile will be missed by many. He lea"es r, laige circle of mourning relatnes and h-iends. Another old identity, who owned a model farm out here, but whose residence was in Invercargill — Mr HufTadjie — has also passed away The old gentleman paid regular visits to the farm, and on the last visit his horse look fright at a motor, and the shock led ta the old man's death.

Picnics. — Puni Bush in this district is a favourite resort for picnickers. Last weo-k a large number came from InvercargiU, and the day being a perfect one, a thoroughly ! enjoyable time was spent. j Valedictory — Miss Dewar. who has been < in charge of Roslyn Bush School for some years, hes received an appointment m South Canterbury. Before leaving, the residents met and presented her with a gcJd brooch and chain in token of their appreciation of , her work among them and their childran. '

Bazaar. — There are preparations for a baza-ar in aid of the local P.M. Church, but cif this more anon.