BIDEFORD NOTES.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9587, 6 September 1909, Page 6

BIDEFORD NOTES.

(From Our Own Correspondent). A very cold snap was experienced here last week, snow falling on several occasions. Owing to the cold a great number of lambs have expired throughout the district, which will tend to alter the percentage at docking time. The mortality among the ewe flock continues, although not ns heavily as last year, excepting on places where the ewes are extremely fat, and here the old complaint of last year is having a disastrous effect. Messrs Jackson Bros, have almost completed the construction of the telephone system throughout the district, having connected up eleven new subscribers, viz., Messrs D. McKenzie, Carswells, Wrigley Bros. (3), J. Percy, Harris, Matthew Gordon, C. Lang, A. McKay and K. McKenzie. A rather remarkable feat in jumping was* performed by a ponv 33 hands high, which twice in succession a stockyard fence 6 feet 9 inches in height, absolutely clearing it the second time of jumping. This fine performer is owned by Mr W. M. Laing, who has since refused several good offers for him. Docking has already commenced in this district. Some very good percentages have been recorded, considering it is so early in the season for docking.

Bidefora Rifle Club opened its sea" son with a practice at the Rosebank Range to-day. Great interest is being taken in it, and the membership now totals something like twenty. Mr F. J. Miller, their energetic secretary, has been elected captain for the ensuing year. Two very hard frosts were experienced here yesterday, and this morning, the early vegetables suffering rather seriously. Grass is not too plentiful just now owing a great deal to the last fort night's rough weather.