MATAURA ISLAND NOTES.

Digger (Invercargill RSA), Issue 35, 12 November 1920, Page 6

MATAURA ISLAND NOTES.

We have now passed an ideal spring. Summer has not opened too promising. Heavy rain set in on Wednesday last and continued without intermission throughout the night. Several showers of hail and sleet has been expenenced during the week. The ground bemg in much need of moisture, is now throughly sat-urated, and given some favourable weather a good harvest can he expected. Grass has come away well and is easy a month aliead of that in the western district. Potatoes that were cut down by the frost have now recovered, and it is hoped no more late frosts will he experienced. Dairying. — The Island dairy factory paid out its second monthly cheque on xriday last. At present they are 'only paying out at the rata of one and sixpence per pound for butter fat, but a bonus of sixpence is to be paid out at the beginning of New Year. A record intake is this season being experienced. The daily average is at present 3,600 gallons arid is increasing daily. An extra vat has been installed during the last week and probably another one will he required for the fiush of Ihe season. Puhlic School. — The a-ttendance "at the district sohool for the past month has been considerably low, there being a large majority of the children effected with measles and other coinplaints. The head mistress (Miss Gray), has also been seized with an illness and is likely to be off duty for some months. Mr Grant, a retumed soldier, has been appointed temporary head master. Senior Inspector Wylie, of the Education Board, paid his usual visit to the local sohool last week. Although his repctft c» iiot yet been received, a good one is expected by all concerned.