DISTRICT NEWS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 7, 26 January 1915, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

[From Our Own Correspondents.]

PAPAKURA.

A meeting of ths Papakura School Committee was held in the School on Monday of last week; present: Rev. Mr Madill (in t* e chair), Messrs McLean, Mills, Geissler, Andrews and S. Evans (secretary). A satisfactory report ra school grounds, etc., was given by Mr McLean.—The Education Board having offered to bear half the cost of tarring and sanding the basket ball ground, it was agreed to accept the offer. — Arrangements were made for the holding of the annual picnic in the reserve this year, tha committee decidng to give every child in the school a book, also to provide toys for races. There is expected to be keen competition for Dr Brookfield's prize, for the best biih jumper amongst the boys who are attending school.—Permission was granted Mr Whitaker to erect a bcotb on the picnic ground.—The arrangements re sports for the chiildren were left in the hands of Messrs Richardson and Mills.

A meeting of the Papakura branch of the Farmers' Union was held in the Orange Hall on Friday evening, Mr Ewen McLennan occupying the chair, and presiding over a fair attendance. Mr A. Schmitt, provincial secretary, addressed the meeting,,and dealt with the question of enforcements, or otherwise, of the Noxious Weeds Act in Papakura; party politics as against the elective executive, the latter being approved by the Provincial Executive of the Union; Mr H. Walters' report re the Breeders' and Graziers' Association; the refusal to pay claims for insurance on stock on technical points; the enrolment of members of the Farmers' Mcuoted Rifle Corps and the question of tne. supply of teed f r cereal and root crops for the incoming season, and tha preparation of prospective returns of the areas to be sown. At the conclusion of the address, the meeting decided to dißcuss the points raised by Mr Schmitt at the next meeting of the branch on February 4th.

KARAKA.

The farmers of the district will be in dire straits if the dry spell does not break shortly. Copious showers of rain are badly wanted. The cows are giving less milk every day, and the supplies of water both for domestic purposes and for stock are diminishng rapidly. Mr J. G. Walker has had occasion to obtain the services of Mr H. Hussey to sink a well on his property, 'owing to an artesian bore which in the past supplied both the, household and the cattle with an over abundant supply of fresh, clear water practically going dry. The work of forming the new road which when finished will connect the main Earaka road with the new Hangata ferro-concrets bridge at Papakura is being pushed ahead rapidly, some excellent work being done by teams of horses that are being used drawing the scoops. A vast change is being made by Mr J. Muir on the property of 137 acres that he purchased at the beginning of November from the Earaka Land Company for dairying purposes. The property has been sub-divided into nine paddocks and fenced with seven wire fence?. A bore has been sunk 240 feet below the surface of the ground and an excellent flow of clear water is being pumped from it to a tank that supplies the household, outhouses and a cattle trough. Mr Muir has made arrangements for a milking machine to be installed and anjoil engine to drive the same. The latter will also be used to supply power for the pumping of- water which is at present done by hand. A large shed, in easy walking distance of the living quarters, which are to be added to later by an addition of four living rooms, is sub-divided into three sections, the middle section for a lumber room and the outside sections for storing harness and the remaining section, which faces the back of the farm, being used for a cowshed. The concrete floor of the cowshed has been laid down with a nice slope to allow for the expeditious washing down and sweeping of same. Before next year's milking season comes round, Mr Muir hopes to utilise the whole shed for milking purpoes. On one side of the property, in a cool secluded spot, a pig sty, for 24 Berkshire pigs, have been built on •be most up-to-date methods.

WAERENOA.

The Whangamarino Road Board met on Saturday last, Mr J. U. Browne presiding. The Board unanimously supported the Agricultural Department's proposals regarding noxious weeds. The district is now practically free of weeds and members considered that now was the right time to enforce the provisions of the Act. Correspondence was received from the Public Works Office regarding the question of an alternative route across the Whangamarino, avoiding three steep grades on the Main South road. The opinion was strongly expressed that the control and maintenance of this highway should be undertaken by the Government as nearly all the heavy traffic that cuts up the road is through traffic, as many as 30 motors passing daily. Some of the members advocated a toll Kate. The following contracts were let: — Formation, Maramam, J. Goodwin, £l6; Falls road, J. Singleton, £4 15a; formation, Taniwha road, W. B. Carter, £69 10s; metalling, Taniwha road, Bichell and Gill, 4s 8d per yard. Considerable work was authorised for the coming month. The Board decided to purchase a road grader of a four-horse capacity. Accounts amounting to £430 were passed for payment. The district haa come through the drought remarkably well and is looking very green. The inquiry for property is very keen and maty sales are reported at rising values.

GLENBROOK.

Tbe annual picnic of the Gluabrook School is to be held in Mr Hodgainson's paddock on Friday next (Anniversary Day), followed by a dance in tbe evewg.