Tumut Notes

Albury Banner and Wodonga Express

31 December 1897

Christmas, that time of happy reunions, is now as far off as ever. It passed off very quietly here.

The continued dry weather had ripened the crops so fast, strippers were to be seen going all Christmas Day, and even on the Sabbath, the farmers appeasing their con- sciences with the oft quoted saying, "Necessity has no law."

The wheat yield, is pronounced to be good, many garnering 7 and 8 bags per acre, while some have got 10. The wheat will in some instances be slightly pinched, but on the whole is of prime milling quality. What we want now is a few good buyers; 3s. 6d. and bag is quoted, but producers are trying for 4s.

The Boxing Day races at Killarney were well attended, and the different events were eagerly contested for. The spirited proprietress of the Killarney Hotel may congratulate herself of the admirable way everything was conducted.

With this issue we must say farewell to another year, and 1897 - with its 365 days of joy to the few, worry and annoyance to the many - will merge into the river of eternity.

May the coming year prove brighter, may the shades of adversity be dissipated by the bright sun of prosperity, and whether the Premier gets snowbound on Kosciusko, or gets lost in the Jersey Caves at Yarrangobilly, may his wings be clipped in 1898, and the prophet of protection reign in his place. To all who read these lines, I wish a happy and prosperous New Year.