KAEAEA.

King Country Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 79, 24 April 1908, Page 3

KAEAEA.

On Wednesday evening, the 15 th inst., Mr Geo. Barker, of the railway survev part3 r , tendered a social to the residents of Kaeaea and neighbouring districts. The function was pronounced a thorough success, and j great credit redounds on Mr Barker for the efficient manner in which he carried out arrangements. Mr T. Hickman acted as M.C. and discharged his duties in a creditable manner. Mrs Hickman contributed recitations, and Mr Barker songs, while Mr A. Backhouse was present with his phonograph, and rendered a number of selections which were much appreciated. The company broke up at daylight, and all went home feeling that they were indebted to Mr Barker for an enjoyable evening. The caterpillar has worked great havoc on many sections in the district, in places grass being so completely eaten out that stock on the holdings will have to be considerably reduced. Rather a peculiar species of caterpillar has made its presence evident in the garden of a settler in this locality, This particular member of the grub family shows a decided preference for the pumpkin, centreing his energy solely in the fruit. Another noted particular of this species of insect is that he is in the habit of wearing hob - nailed boots, as evidenced by impressions left on the loose soil. Residents of Kaeaea and surrounding districts will be pleased to hear that Mr A. Backhouse is setting up -business as a saddler and harness maker on Mr Williamson's premises at Kaeaea. This will doubtless be a great boon to the users of leather in the district, and it is to be hoped that Mr Backhouse's enterprise will meet with the success it deserves.