Our own correspondent at Ngapara writes, under date 11th February : — This dis trict has lately been visited by some terrifio gales of wind, and many of the crops on high lands have suffered alarmingly in conse quence, so much so that in many places the farmers have decided not to cut them, but in due time to burn them, as they are completely threshed out. I hear of 240 acres of crop in the Waimate district being levelled to the earth while green, so that it will be utterly useless for harvesting. Just before the time for har vesting the crops looked really well, and a good yield was anticipated throughout. The reaper and binder is greatly used in this district, and gives general satisfaction. Large numbers of harvest hands have found employment here,' at from 503 to 60 per week and found. The weather to-day is very favourable, and farmers are very busy. Even in the face of all^ these drawbacks an immense quantity of grain will be sent from this district. The school has been closed for one month in order that the elder boys and girls may assist at home and in the field. Previous to closing, the Committee voted Mr Walker, the teacher, LlO as a sub sidy to his six months' salary, from which it may be inferred his conduct of the school gives entire satisfaction. He has also commenced a Sabbath-school, which is much appreciated. Mr Commissioner Weldon has been here today and made final arrangements for the erection of a lock-up. — The district was favoured with a visit to-day from the Hon. Mr Macandrew and other gentiemen, who came by train from Oamaru. They were driven to various elevated sports in the district, in order to get a good view of the most suitable route for the extension of the railway to Livingstone.
