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King Country Chronicle, Volume VIII, Issue 732, 23 December 1914, Page 4

The two yeaivold son of Mr William McMillan was found lying beneath the gate at his father's resiT dence at Dannevirke on Monday, with his neck dislocated. It is presumed that the child fell off the gate. The public ara notified in (he wanted column this issue that the chemists untl druggists of Te Kuiti will close their places uf business at fa" p.m. each evening except Saturdays alter January Ist. They will open as usual from 7 to 8 p.m. oh Thursdays and Saturdays. . , *

The weather which wss exceptionally dry daring the spring months, bids fair to put up a record for Variety during the summer, and there is every indication that a wet Christmas may bp expected. ' After a couple of fine days on Saturday and Sunday last the weather changed, and on Monday a gala accompanied by heavy rain squalls lasted for half the day.

A son uf Mr L. B. Grimstone, of Eltham, who was a member of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force Gn the troopship Arawa, in a letter, gives some details of the sad death of Dr Webb. It was during the usual humorous ceremonies connected with crossing the line when homage has to be paid to "Father Neptune." Mr Grimstone says: "Dr Webb elected to jump into the bath in preference to being thrown in. But instead of jumping he dived, evidently thinking tha water to be deeper than it was. He hit tha dack beneath the canvas bath with terrific force and dislocated his neck."

The effect of the weather on the crops this season is very noticeable inasmuch as the grain crops in many instances have done badly in consequence of the dry spring. The root crops are starting well, the rain which has fallen lately having been just what was required to give them a proper start. Winter feed should ba abundant during the coming season.

The increase in railway travellers due to the approach of the holiday season is already very marked, and the express trains are always well filled. A number of Te Kuiti r«sidants have already departed fo? a change, while the town population has been reinforced by a number of men from the out-districts. The roadworks throughout tha district will be stopped on Thursday until after New Year.

The fact that the war has not affected the Dominion as seriously as the majority were inclined to fear is exemplified by the fact that the Advances Department has extended . the amount which may be advanced on rural lanes for legitimate improvements to £IOOO. In view of the circumstances this is remarkable, and the benefit to settlers will be widespread.

We have forwarded to tha acting Belgian Consul, Auckland, a further sum of £l3 2s 6d for the Belgian Fund. The sum is made up as follows:—Sale of bullock from Mr Goldfinch by the Loan Co., £5 Is; donation from Mr V. S, Battaway, £5; collected by employees of Mr G. Horner, £2 7s 6d.