TUAPEKA WEST.

Otago Witness, Issue 2895, 8 September 1909, Page 38

TUAPEKA WEST.

September 4. — The weather has changed from a beautiful warm spring atmosphere to cold rain, snow, and sleet. Farm work was well advanced, but this cold wet spell will stop all. sowing for some time, the ground being too wet meantime. Crops. — The mild weather we have been getting through the early part of August has given the grass a good start. There are dome autumn sowr paddocks looking remarkably well, affording excellent sheep feed already The autumn-sown wheat and oats are also looking very well. I notice Mr Williams's paddock of wheat, sown in the latter end of April, is looking exceedingly well, the braird being about 6in long and showing a fine healthy colour. Autumn sowing has not been practicable here of late years on account of the hard frosts prevailing. So far the turnip crop has lasted very well this year, as most farmers have more than they can eat off. The big drop in sheep no doubt is the cause of this, as the price of store sheep exceeds that of the fats. There is no margin between the two. Those that fattened have done so at a loss. There is a large area being sown in wheat this year as oa.ts are so low in price that it will not pay to grow them. As for barley, well, we do not need any, as our beer is stopped. Bunny. — Rabbits are fairly numerous for this time of the year. I hear they have not taken the poison »o w-ell as in former years. I daresay the mild winter has something to do with this, but some people think the phosphorus is not so effective as it used to be. Rabbits have eaten the poisoned grain in many places, but still the dead carcases are not to be found. This is rather disappointing, considering the good price of skins There has been great destruction among the young ones in the nest by the late rains. Social.- -A house-warming was given by Mrs Dalziel and family to the neighbours and friends on Friday evening last. There were between 30 and 40 present, and all enjoyed themselves immensely. Games and other amusements were indulged in until the early hours of the morning. Mr A. Todd aaie some \ery good selections on his gramophone, and sorgs were rendered by Mrs M-Latchie (Owaka) and Mr G. Smith. Everyoue was loud in praise of Mr C. Dalziel for the manner in which he built and finished the house. He did everything in connection with the house, including building chimneys, ejecting spoutings, painting and varnishing, and the work will stand the inspection of any city architect. Christi* is one of those self-m.ide men that we do not meet with every day in life. At the close of the evening's entertainment Mr W. Bulfin in a neat little speech thanked Mrs Dalziel and family for their kindness in entertaining them at so enjoyable an evening. Mr Chris. Dalziel suitably replied, tbanHng the company fo>* their attendance.