TINUI NOTES.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 3080, 29 December 1908, Page 3

TINUI NOTES.

(From a Correspondent). Pecembar 22nd. Since last writing we have gone through the busiest part of the year 1908—viz., lambing, shearing, etc., and must report good results all round. After a return of nearly 100 per cent, of lambs on most stations around here, we have been rewarded with an excellent clip of wool. Having inspected both Annedale and Manawa stations during shearing operations, I find all classes of sheep coming out of the wool in splendid condition and yielJing heavy fleeces. The wool being bright, clean and of good staple, this must be gratifying to the respective owners of the abovementioned stations. As regarding fat stock in our district, I saw two good drafts wending their way towards Masterton last week on their way to the factory. The first line of 2,000 wethers passed through on Friday last, and following on their heels was a fine draft of Down Cross,lambs from Manawa station, the buyer, Mr A. McKenzie, of Featherston, taking 700 odd out of a line of a thousand, which is considered highly satisfactory. The foregoing line of wethers came from Annedale station, the buyer being Mr Reside, of Masterton. A most peculiar incident happened on Manawa station last week. A shepherd mamed Thomas Scott was in the act of shearing a Southdown ram, and at the time was wearing his waistcoat, to which was attached his watch and chain and a valuable "gold medal." In the course of operations the ram chewed the medal from the chain and swallowed 1 it—it afterwards being found in the 1 paunch of the animal after it had been slaughtered for the dogs. The above may appear a fairy tale, but it is a fact, as the medal was seen by | myself taken from the stomach of the animal, and, also, by several others. At the time of writing it is raining heavily, and has the appearance of continuing. The ram will be welcomed by everybody, as pastures were beginning to wear a dry colour. | I regret to report the very sudden illness of Mr Dickens, of Riverside Estate, Tinui, who is confined to his bed at present with a severe attack of quinsy. His many friends will be pleased to see again this esteemed resident to health.