COUNTRY NEWS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 384, 5 August 1911, Page 5

COUNTRY NEWS.

(Own Correspondents)

Otorohan,2;a. The weather has been exceptionally fine here during the last few days, arid the farmers are all taking advantage of the fact to get their ploughing, etc., done. A big season is being anticipated at the creamery this year.

The Princess Pictures, under the management of Mr A. J. Wilson gave an entertainment here on Tuesday night last. The subjects screened were of excellent clearness and interesting nature. Next Wednesday, 9th inst, a concert and dance in aid of the Roman Catholic building fund is to be held here. A number of performers are coming from Auckland and Hamilton, and a del'ghtful function is anticipated. The grand ball under the auspices of the Farmers' Union will be given on 17th inst.

Wairere. The settlers of Wairere have long been handicapped in connection with educational facilities for the rising generation, the nearest school being at Pio Pio, some four miles distant. Like sensible men, they met together and resolved to act on the principle of the "Lord helping them that helped themselves," and put their hands in thsir pockets for the sinews of war. The Education Board, duly recognising and appreciating the energy of the settlers, have substantially assisted them as far as the Act would allow, with the excellent result that on Monday, 31st ult., a comfortable school, fit to accommodate the children of the district, was opened, with Mr Lightwood as master. Mr Milner, in a short speech, congratulated the settlers in having arrived, through many difficulties, at this final stage, and felt assured that the school would be a success in the future. Great credit is due to Messrs McKenzie, Leith, Milner and Hilleur, for their untiring efforts to bring the matter to a successful issue. Mrs McKenzie intimated her intention to give a prize for the best scholar a Chrismas time. The children, with their visiting parents, were photographed by Mr Milner.

Kaeaea. The last few weeks of fine weather have made a distinct improvement in the appearance of the paddocks, which are beginning to look nice and green. Farmers generally are anticipating a favourable spring. The good old times are reviving in regard to socials and entertainments in the district. A party was held at Mr H. Budd's residence at which about thirty people gathered last Saturday, and it speaks well for the ladies that they came out at all, as we had very t-eacherous weather, with very heavy showers. No effort was spared by the host and hostess to make the gathering a success, and a very enjoyable evening was spent. The Kaeaea Hall Committee is displaying untiring energy. At the last meeting the application for incorporation was largely signed, and more than the full number required, fifteen, are now on the list. A social committee was also appointed, which is very busymaking up a very extensive programme for the entertainment to celebrate the opening of the hall, which will probably be the 11th inst., and it is to be hoped that the settlers of the district will avail themselves of what promises to the evening of the season. The local ladies are taking a very prominent part, and it would no doubt be a great disappointment to them if people did not respond to the very hearty welcome it is intended to extend to all comers.

Settlers who intend to go in for dairying are now begining to make preparations for an early start. Mogt of the cows in this part will, I believe be somewhat late in coming into profit, but all shareholders in the local enterprise are confident they have a promising future before them now that the co-operative system is being adopted.

Honikiwi. Matters in this district are still very quiet, and will be so no doubt for another month at least. The weather for this time of the year has been Very satisfactory, and the roads have not been quite so bad as in former years. With the advent of fine weather and longer and warmer days, they should soon be fit for heavier traffic again. No doubt as soon as they are in any kind of a suitable condition the much needed arid long looked for metal will be put on. Mr Carter and family moved into their new house on Thursday last. During the season, Mr Carter will most likely start milking. There is possibility of at least one

I other farmer starting on the same j lines. j Sickness, among the school children I especially, has been very prevalent j lately, and this has reduced the averi age somewhat. However, considering the distance the little ones have to ride : and the state of the trades over which | they travel, the attendance has been ; very satisfactory. j Bushfelling has been guing on apace ; during the past few weeks. There still remain a good number of acres to be cut.