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Motueka Star, Volume II, Issue 57, 28 February 1902, Page 3

We understand that Mr C. H. Banfield, of Riwaka, one of the largest shippers ot fruit in the district, has, on behalf of the Fruit Growers' Union’ telegraphed to Mr Gray, Secretary to the Postal Department, asking him to delay calling for tenders for the proposed direct steam service until the result of Saturday night’s meeting is known. ’ —— — —— ”J

The local schools will be closed to-day for a fortnight, in order to give the children an opportunity’ of ensfag-insr in hop picking.

The Picton Press says: “It is reported that a swarm of fleas passed through Picton lately, houses in certain localities being infested with them.” Our contemporary does not give the strength of the “contingent”, but we believe the left, wing of the said swarm is on a foraging expedition in Motueka at present, as almost every householder is complaining of the rapacious activity of the “ wicked flea.”

The Timaru Post says -Oats have still further increased in value, 2s 6d being refused for a prime sample the other day. Before the appointment of Mr G. A. Harris to the position of Headmaster of the Motueka High School, the class rooms presented a bare appearance. The walls have now been covered with pictures illustrating various phases of life ; there are battle scftenes, pastoral views, portraits of celebrities etc.—all ot interest. Mr Harris evidently believes in imparting information to the rising generation by means of the eye as well as the ear. Certainly the change is pleasing and appropriate.

Ihe various Boards of Education throughout Mew Zealand, have been asked to assist the cause of the Teachers' Provident Fund, by retaining when requested, a half per cent of the salaries of teachers in their district. The replies, says the Secretary, received, so far, have all given a general support to the scheme, while several have emphatically agreed to assist the teachers in this most important matter - in every way that lies in tlieir power, notably Southland, South Canterbury, and W estland. Replies are still expected from several Boards. The Grey Board is of opinion that the fund ought to be administered and controlled bv teachers themselves.

-* According to a statement made before the Hutt Road Commission, the Gear Company pays <£32,000 a y’ear in wages in Petone, and employs 250 workmen. The company pays .£3OO to the Petone borough in rates and slaughter fees. According to the “North Otago Times,” new potatoes in Oamaru are only worth from 25s to 27s 6d per ton, sacks in.

A correspondent of the Dairyman overheard the following conversation while travelling by train in the Waikato :—Waikato farmer : “You come from Taranaki, do you not?” Taranaki dairyman : “I do.” W.F. : “Great place for dairying.” T.D. : “Yes. Everywhere one looks there are milk carts. Yes even going to church you see the cans in transit.” W\F. :

“You have plenty of grass and rain, don’t you. ’ T.D. : “Abundance of grass, but not much rain.” W.F. .

“Oh ! I thought you had a heavy rainfall, which interfered with the factory test, and that you had to cover your cows.” T.D.: “How could it affect the test ?” W.F. :“I heard if you did not cover the cows the rain went right through them I”'