MAIROA.

King Country Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 66, 24 January 1908, Page 3

MAIROA.

In consequence of the exceptionally dry weather experienced of late, most of the settlers have burnt their felled bush. In some instances the fires did more than was expected, and damage has been done to fences and buildings. Mr R. Bailey's fences at Mangaotaki are stated to have suffered considerably, through the fire spreading to the old clearing. Mr J. Evans is also reported to have sustained some loss, the fire having consumed his whare, sheep yards, and cow shed. Mr Johnston, and Mr Bevege have also suffered to a slight degree. However, in all cases the fires have done excellent work in the fallen bush, and clean burns are general. With a decent rainfall, in a short time settlers will be in a position to congratulate themselves. In contrast to the hot weather experienced during the day time, the nights have been unusually cold, and several frosts have been felt. At " Miroahuiao, on Saturday last, a heavy frost was experienced, and the Natives' maize crops suffered severely. ' This wUI mean a 1 serious' loss '|6 the . JTaprisJ'as ma'py of tfce potato crops were "spoilt by" the blight, and the question of food for the coming winter will be difficult to deal with. The loss is greatly to be deplored as the crops were doing remarkably well until cut down by the frost. Mairoa school is to open this week, the mid - summer vacation having been curtailed in order to provide a longer holiday in winter. This is a sensible course to pursue, as the roads in winter are very bad arid school attendance suffers' in consequence. A meeting was held on Saturday evening last for the purpose of squaring up matters in connection with the recent picnic and social. Everything iyas satisfactorily adjusted, and'it was unanimously resolved to make the gathering an annual function.