Rangiwahia Notes.

Feilding Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 133, 4 December 1896, Page 2

Rangiwahia Notes.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) At last, and most suddenly, the weather has made a change for the better. Instead of winter it is Bummer, and tbe whole is prodncing a Invariant growth of grass, bence all classes of stock are in excellent condition. The roads which, a week ago, were knee deep in mud are now dried up sufficiently to carry vehicle traffic. Last Saturday morning, at abont 6.30, I witnessed a beautiful sight in the direction of Tokaanu (LakeTaupo) from the summit of Teparapara road. I saw a dense dark cloud of smoke arise to a height of about 500 feet, travelling in a south-easterly direction, and apparently rising from the east side of Tongariro, or from the Te Mare crater. It lasted for about an hour, during which time Mount Ngaruruhoe was sending forth jets of steam in fits and starts. On Friday, December 18th, the school will break np for the Christmas holidays, when a picnic will be held on the Recreation ground, and prizes distributed to tbe children. Subscriptions for prizes are being collected by Mr Moffatt, who will gladly receiye the smallest donation from any person. Mr Cromer bas lately purchased a farm of 100 acres from Mr Temperly. Tbe price paid has not yet transpired, but I believe it was satisfactory. Bro. Walker, G.L.V.D., held temper-, ance meetings here on the 21st and 22nd of November. There were Large attendI ances, and the speaker proved himself to be an excellent orator, dealing logically with all bis subjects. Shearing bas just commenced, and is making rapid progress. Our inhabitants think it time a special constable was appointed here, or more frequent visits paid from the man in blue. Only the other week a man lost a beautiful 15 months beifer (it would make splendid beef). Another settler left bis home for a few honrs, durinp wbich time be was deprived of four porkers, and yet another, while absent irom his home, lost some corrugated iron from bis chimney, and the windows were broken in.