PROVINCIAL.

Southland Times, Issue 1331, 4 November 1870, Page 2

PROVINCIAL.

■' ' ! Toxomaibibo.— We are indebted to the ! " Bruce Standard" for the following : — No later news of an authentic or impor- 1 tant kind has reached us regarding the gold diggings on the beach at Molyneux. We hear however that a greater number of men are now at work there, and it is to be expected the capabilities of the place will be thoroughly tested. — The crops of all kinds in the Inch Clutha district, aud in other places where the soil is of a dry alluvial character, are very healthy and promising ; while in shallow soils of

a clayey nature, with a wet subsoil, they are but very indifferent looking. The late dry hard winds have injuriously affected the brairds of late sown crops, and unless we get moisture soon, accompanied with heat, we fear the prospects of settlers on the Tokomairiro plain and surrounding ridges will be far from cheering. Lake Wakaka.— The cutter Isabella was wrecked at Damper Bay on the morning of Saturday, the 22nd ult. The Isabella left Pembroke on Friday afternoon, in ballast, for Pigeon Island, but the wind being dead against her, she onlymade about five miles that night, and anchored under the shelter of the peniusula until next morning. After taking in, more ballast, she continued her course, and on reaching the middle of the lake encountered a terrific gale from the north-east. She was put about, but before this could be done a squall caught her, splitting the mainsail, and preventing the crew from wearing the vessel in sufficient time. The anchors were let go, but it was soon found that they would not hold, and she drifted ashore on a bank of mud and boulders in Damper Bay. A tremendous sea was running at the time, and the unfortunate vessel filled and afterwards settled down in about three feet of mud. The Isabella was a smart little cutter of 22 tons. She was built at Pembroke about twelve months ago, and has been chiefly engaged in carrying firewood and sawn timber. Oamabtt.— Garden produce throughout the district is well forward. The want of rain was complained of, but a change to moisture has been welcomed by the gardeners and agriculturists. — The Flax Company is expected to be in full work shortly, and the rope-works are steadily carrying on operations. — Settlers in the district of Cave Valley are busy with a project for the formation of a tramway to 1 enable them to bring their produce to market. — The thrushes imported last year have reared young, and are thriving admirably. Watkouaiti.— Shearing commences at Deep Dell station, Macrae's, on the lith inst. The rate offered per hundred is 15s. — The seventh exhibition of the Northern Agricultural and Pastoral Association takes place on the 11th. — A writ for the election of a member to represent this district in the Provincial Council, iv the room of Mr E. Mitchell, resigned, has been issued. Saturday, the sth inst., is the day of nomination, and on the following Thursday a poll will be taken, if necessary.