HYDE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2892, 18 August 1909, Page 39

HYDE.

August 16. — Wintev may now be safely ?aid to bo past. Ppi-ing is fairly with us. A few sliurp f rests havp been expeiienofd during- the pa->l fortnig'lit, hut, on tho whole, the weather has been exceptional for the first, half of Augu-'t- There is a decided spring in sheltered spot?. Fruit trees in warm situations are budding for blossom, spring flwrs aie making their way, and a green tinge ife ob-er\ablo on the pasture?. The Farm. — Farm work is well advanced, and is now being pushed on \ l^orously, the sowing- of wheat biing tho principal work, for the wheat boom has come hciu iJso. The soil is in splendid order, and with the early season growers of this

cereal are fortunate in getting a favourable start for tii3 crop. Small as the area of oats was last year it is likely to be smaller still this year, this cereal beingI quite oitt cif favour, though a certain amount must always be grown for feed, etc. The -turnip crop has turned out excellently this year, and most farmers have sufficient to keep their flocks until well on in September. The prospects f or the shs-sp-farmers for next season are not of the be&t, as though wool is selling well, and appears to be or" the up grade, the abnormal slump in the meat market more than discounts this. Whether the market will recover before next year or -"not no one seems to have courage to predict ; if it does not, one thing is certain : prices that this season -were tiiouglkt lew will next season be quite uamttainabJe. Cattle are now being inquired for, especially dairy oowe, and as our local creamery has been closed permanently our dad ry -farmers have taken the opportunity of disposing of their herds at profitable prices. Missior. Work. — M.r Mawson, Chinese missionary in Canton, who is at present home on furlougih, visited Hyde on the 30ih, when he lectured on fcis work in China under the auspices of the Presbyterian Church. He illustrated his lecture with lantern views Mr Mawson! occupied the' pulpit of the Presbyterian Church on Sunday, Ist, his address being "China and Her People." Mr Mawso- is a fluen*, able speaker, and during his six $ears in Ohdna has evidently studied that laod and its' peoples to some- purpose.