KAIKOURA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2817, 11 March 1908, Page 39

KAIKOURA.

March 4.—The universal theme of conversation for weeks past has been centred in that .one word " weather." Far some time now the long spell of dry weather, not only locally, but throughout the length and breadth of the Dominion, has not been relieved in some instances by so. much as an occasional shower, and this, -together with the intense heat experienced, will prove detrimental to the winter crops. One has only to look back seme four years to; be reminded of the prophecy of Clement Wragge, when touring New Zealand, that the summer of 1907-06 would be a disastrous season far New Zealand, end people are now realising to the full the undisputed truth of that forecast of 1904. During the past week, however, the press has gladdened the hearts of agriculturist and pastoral ist alike by the welcome tidings cif a complete change in the weather in many parts of the Dominion, and the fall of heavy rain. Kaikoura was foiiunate enough to bt visited by the welcome and much-needed moisture. Late on Monday afternoon rain «et in, and continued almost incessantly withoiit abatement till Wednesday morning, and even now there is every indication of continued wet weather. Though somewhat late to materially benefit the farmers, the change was moat welcome after the continued dry weather, and as putting an end to the numerous bush fires prevailing around this district, which enveloped the town in dense smoke and gave the atmosphere a hazy appearance that it was difficult to discern objects at close range. Fire Brigade.—Efforts have already bfon made to form a fire brigade in this town, but as yet the promoters—Messrs Ingram and Wisker—have not met with the success they deserve, considering the object is one worthy of the heartiest and most loyal support of all inhabitants, business people and householders alike. After tw.o narrow escapes from fire last week, the towns- j people and public generally may yet be inclined to show their generosity for this worthy object, and I hope yet to chronicle the. formation of this worthy and necessary institution —a fire brigade.