''High winds are almost our daily supply, especially after showers. The grass is 'clean gone'.
''Unless on low lying places, sheep are in most places in low condition, and crops on to which sheep have been turned have not stood much feeding, owing to being very thin and having nothing of an undergrowth.
''I do not believe that North Otago has had such a poor harvest for 20 years, and, in my opinion, counting the area sown, about 12 bushels will not be much under the average yield of wheat.
''Lambs on their way to the works look nothing better than seconds, and 28lbs would be about the freezing weight of many of them, and drafts are very small per hundred.
''If rain does not come until March, rape and turnips, which are as yet looking fair, will turn out very disappointing.
''Potatoes are looking in line with all other crops, and had a turn of frost in low-lying places not long ago, which, in the absence of rain, is sure to cause damage to the already poor looking crops. Dairying is also suffering.
''The prolonged drought is making it almost impossible for cows to exist on what they can get off the bare ground, and many will go under before the winter is through, owing to their present low condition.''
■ Harvesting in the Palmerston district has already started, and several good crops are in stock (says the Times).
Notwithstanding the very dry season experienced, the crops in the Palmerston and Waikouaiti districts are looking remarkably well, and judging by appearance should give a good yield. It is true there is not much straw, but taken as a whole they are thick and short with a good head.
There are also several fine wheat fields to be seen between Palmerston and Waikouaiti. Reports from the Dunback district, however, are unfavourable, the grain crops and grass there being very poor owing to the prolonged drought.
■ While there is probably no more trusty or careful ‘‘skipper'' than the young man who so capably handles the ferry boat Viking on the Taieri River, a mistake happened with him on Sunday morning, as sometimes will with the most careful.
Just as the boat reached the landing at Titri he jumped ashore to make it fast, but misjudged his distance, and was forced to take a choice between a dip in the cold water or letting the rope go. He chose the latter, and away the boat drifted.
There was a fair number of passengers on board, and although they were all capable enough in their various callings, none felt competent to take the skipper's place, and right matters.
However, one well-known Dunedin solicitor grasped the engine brake, but instead of slowing her down only set her quicker in motion, and the boat's bow was driven rather hastily into the opposite bank. Another city gentleman took the wheel, and managed to steer the boat round a little.
By this time the solicitor had gained a little more knowledge of his engine, and the boat was gradually coaxed into a safe position.
Shortly afterwards the ‘‘skipper'' came alongside in a commandeered launch, and gave the necessary directions for landing, and the Viking was made fast. Cheers were given for the temporary skipper and engineer.
- ODT, 11.1.1916.
