DISTRICT NEWS

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 61, 26 July 1915, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS

PATUMAHOE. (See also page 1) At the uraal monthly meeting of the Mauku branch of the Farmers' Union, held on Monday, July 19th, in the Fatumahoe Hall, Mr W. Finlay presiding over a good attendance, a lecture, illustrated with lantern slides, was given on intense farming by Mr W. S. Hill, late plant breedet at Hie Moumoukai Experimental Farm, Taranaki. Thtt first illustration shown was a irap of New ZeaUnd dotted over with black spots, and the latter, Mr Hill explaJaed, indicated districts where the dairiyng industry was txtensiv.ly carried out, and each spot represented 1000 head of dairy cows. The three leading districts were Taranaki, Wairarapa and Waikato, the same being a mass of black spots. Mr Hill considered that most farmers h-Id too much land for proper working. Some very interesting illustrations of growing crops of roota, corn, and different kinds of fodder most suitable as soiling crops were given, one being lucerne. Mr Bill explained the proper way luccrce should be grown and the most suitable claia of land for it. Dress irg land with lime, the selection of seeds, etc., were also dealt witb by Mr Hill, who alao afaowed views of different kinds of machinery for harvesting, etc. Mr Bill stated that v as this year there would be a shortage of hands on account of so many people being engaged in the war that that clars of machinery would Have to be brought into general use this season. • The chairman proposed, and Mr M. Crispe seconded, a very heartv vote ot thanks to Mr Hill for his very interesting and inatiuctive lecture, and the motion was carried with acclamation. The local creamery re-opens to-day for the start of the new dairying aeason.

CLEVEDON.

The showgrounds at Clevedon presented a busy spectacle on Arbor Day, when mmbers of the A. and P. Association and of the Tennis, Croquet, Football and Cricket Clubs met witb the object ot planting shelter trees and bedges. A great many people brought trees, including the school children. Lunch waa provided by the ladies of the Croquet Club, and afternoon tea by the tenois ladies. The tennis coutts should look very gay next season. Humbler roses were planted around the courts by seme of the active members, and with a hedge of mountain birch planted around tfce courts also they should be quite cosy. A steam roller is improving the Papakura road. Up till now the surface has been extremely bad, especially for motor cars. One of the much wanted improvements at Clevedon is a lamp in front of the post office. On dark nights the post office corner is very dangerous, and there have been numerous cases of people who have only just escaped being knocked down. If a lamp was erected it would light up the Public Hall, Boardinghouse and Post Office, as well as the cross roads. What might have been a serious accident happened last Friday night near Ardmore, when a local young man, dming his two sisters back from Papakura in a gig, unfortunately drove over a bank. The gig waa overturned and the occupants thrown out, though luckily they escaped injury. The gig was not damaged.

DRURY.

On Tuesday last Ibc combined Bible Classes elected their officers for the ensuing jear, practically all the retiring officers being reelected. The membership is also increasing. On Wednesday the Band of Hope met in the Public Hall, ar.d a highly successful function resulted. The dialogues were much above the average, and were thoroughly enjoyed by all. lht- dialogue taken by the adults was almost a miniature drama. The chief characters were portrayed by Miss A. Dixon and Mr E. Wall in a graphic and lucid manner, the lesser rolea being also well sustained. Mr Fell gave a short, pithy address to the juveniles. Miss McNaugbton took care oft he muaical portion of the function. Readings, recitations and songs were rendered, and the president, Rev. J. A. Medill, was in hia element, beaming over with good humour.

The ladies are as busy as can be koitting and crocheting comforts for our woundtd solidtrs. Soon a good stock will be in hand. The flower garden that extends from the cemttery to Slippery Creek is in bloom, and many of the flowerb are from twilve to fourteen feet high. The gardens on the west bank of the Hingaia are also arrayed in all their beauty. The heavy rains of the last few days have flooded the rivers, made the ground sodden and almost put a stup to all outside work.

Some tine vehicles are to be seen at Messrd Quinn and Peoples' coach buildicg establishment, notably a fine waggon, and framed cart and gig in course of contraction. This firm have lately turned out a butcher's cart to the order of Mr Stokes, of Ardmore. Good work and material goes into all the jobs entrusted to the Drury firm mentioned.