MATIERE.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 515, 6 November 1912, Page 6

MATIERE.

Own Correspondent,

Fine weather is now being experienced here and much improvement is noticeable in th* roads already, although the adhesive quality of the mud will be more evident for some time. The bullocks, after their win ter siesta, are again making their appearance, but do not, as a whole, exhibit the same condition as in former years. Mr Klein, our local barber, has been rather seriously ill lately, but I am glad to learn that he is now upon the mend. A good deal of influenza is rife at present, and will no doubt run the gamut before it becomes quiescent again. The mention in the Public, Works Statement of the early opening for traffic of the road to Okahukara, from the eleven mile, is giving general satisfaction here, as it will shorten our outlet to the rail by over six miles. Many competent judges, however, think that the new road is too narrow for two loaded vehicles to pass which will be rather a serious drawback to a road which has otherwise all the advantages of a good grade and hard surface.

I learn that the local bakery is to start operations shortly, and . 'Will fill along-felt want. Indeed, it seems singular that one has not been run before. Houses here are at a premium, one vacant cottage had three prospective tenants waiting for ic, and I hear that two speculative builders are going to build a number of houses for letting at once, or as soon as the timber is procurable. lam glad to learn that Mr Manning, of Niho Niho, has left the Waikato Hospital for Taumarunui. It was thought that a second operation would, have to be performed, but this was found unnecessary, and he is at present convalescing before venturing on our corrugated, and plastic thoroughfare, ycelpt a road. At present at least one of our shops here has more lights than can be hidden under the old-time bushel. Messrs Moore and Wills are turning out a large number of acetylene plants of their patented invention, of all sizes and shapes. One small plant, "the N ; mble Tommy," is for workshop use, and is as portable as the versatile kerosene tin, and can be put to nearly as many uses, the cost not running over the amount of a Tattersall's sweep ticket. Another large size is the "Royal Reggie," and the largest size the "King Dick," ia quite equal to lighting a large building. Inventiveness and enterprise of this order is highly commenable.and will no doubt bring large profits to its investors.

I notice a good deal of cropping about the district, and a few year* should bring about a transformation it? the contour of the country. It the present time the cost of fertiliser and seed makes it rather prohibitive to cultivate on any large scale. I learn that Dr Latchmore, of Mangaroa, leaves this district shortly to act as colleague to a medico in Taumarunui. We wish the doctor every success in his new sphere of action. Both Messrs Trewin and Agang, of Waitangata, have been trying the curative effects of Rotorua, but in each case with only partial success.

Shearing is now starting, and the present fine weather should prove admirable for the purpose, provided no cold snap interfere with the work.