ARARIMU.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 22, 19 March 1915, Page 4

ARARIMU.

A pleasant little function, in the form of a smrke concert was held here on the evening of March 6th, when a number of friends assembled to farewell Mr E. Coleman, who is shortly leaving for the war. Patriotic songs and loyal toasts were the order of the evening, and the few remarks by Mr Markbam (the chairman) commendatory of Mr Coleman's action were heartily approved by all present. Mr Coleman will take with him the very best wishes and esteem of a large number of friends.

The work of preparing the ground for grass seed is the chief occupaton of settlers at present. Teams are busy in every dirtctkn, the very dry weather rendering cultivation difficult in some places. Notwithstanding the high price of seed a fairly large area is being put down permanently. Some have already sown, but the majority prefer to wait for rain, not caring to risk the loss of expensive seed by an over anxiety for early feed. The turnip crops are beginning to feel the effects of the prolonged drought, and though they may be. said to hold out well under the circumstances, a continuation of such conditions must seriously reduce the yield.

Late potato crops, just being dug, are turning out well, and though the area planted is not large th°. soil in the distiict is most suitable tar the growth of the tuber. All are free from blight this year. The writer was shown a rare sample grown by Mr McCabe, or rather on that gentleman's farm, since they may be described as self-grown, coming up thickly on a small plot of well-manured ground lying idle since last year's crop. They were never moulded up, r.or hoed, nor weeded, and certainly showed an extraordinary growth even under best conditions, a few sacks being obtained from well under a square chain. A very genetai movement is on foot here for the suppression of the rabbit nuisance, and quite a number of farmers, acting under the directions and advice ot Fields Insrector Rowan, of the Agricultural Department, have been poisoning diligently for the last week or two, aid with excellent results. The very dry weather and parched up condition of the grass haa been ideal for the work. A few absentees and other negligent ones are ot course hard to move, and the aid of the magistrate will possibly hsve to be invoked to persuade them to do their share for the general benefit. As the neighbouring districts have also taken the matter up and are all working conjointly the result should be a severe check to this pest which was fast becoming a menace to the countryside.