PROVINCIAL CENTRES.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 975, 16 November 1910, Page 4

PROVINCIAL CENTRES.

(From Onr Sooclal CorTOßDoriacncsJ ■— —v — ; —., : '-:' , FEILDINC. It is generally understood that extreme valuations are put on land disposed of, by "swaps," but a recent instance in this district hardly bears that out. A farm of a little over 100 acres was "swapped'', at £16.105...an acre. The new owner ploujdied -it, and sowed grass, and, three months afterwards, ho resold it at £27 10s. per acre. The Rongbtea Horticultural Society's annual show is to bo held to-day, and promises to bo a successful affair. . OTAKI. Mr. Fred Dunn,son of Mr. A'. S. Dunn, chemist, of Otaki, has received notice thaVhe has passed his examination, and is now a duly qualified chemist. Mr. Dunn, junr., "is a brother of Dr. Dunn, of London. It is understood, ho will 'enter his father's business as a partner.; : -'■ • ' ■"'•■■■ . The railway/station, is beginning to show signs of nearing completion, painters being now hard at work. It is hoped that all will be finished in the course of three weeks. ' ■ Heavy and welcomo rain fell here on Monday, and will have a very beneficial effect on pastures, gardens, etc. HASTINGS. Messrs. Dnlgety.and Co. have opened a branch of their business in Hastings- This may be taken as affords ing evidence of the growing 'importance- of the town. Au interesting event took place, on Monday, when Mr!. W. Henry, the famous life-saving enthusiast, paid a brief visit to the school baths ,and addressed the children'. Everyone" regretted that Mr. Henry had not sufficient time at his disposal to give 'a'demonstration in the water, but Napier claims proved the stronger, and ho hurried away by motor. Nevertheless the little talk was well worth listening to. The local baths, have now been furnished with seating accommodation all round in the shape of raised platforms and'.a "shoot" has. been .added to the features of the bath.' Still more important is a- separato bath of very shallow depth, which has been constructed at tho end of the main bath for the benefit of'small children and those who cannot swim. The much-needed, ■ rain refuses to visit, the district, and, as the days are getting hotter, the prospects for the country are somewhat distressing. The'crop's are almost doomed, and unless rains fall soon the . pastures, which so-i far ,havo maintained' good growths, will fall away. Horse feed is becoming dear, and oat-sheaf chaff will command' £5 and over from' merchants.