ARARIMU.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 161, 31 March 1916, Page 4

ARARIMU.

ARARIMU. Recent rains have had the effect of freshening up the old pastures considerably, and the whole district now bears quite an encouraging appearance. A few fields of early new grass are already quite green, showing a remarkable growth as the result of the warm rains. Others are just coming over ground, and altogether a large area is being sown, nearly every farmer being responsible for a good sized paddock. Turnip crops are also now doing well and those who were fortunate enough to secure a good take are assured of an abundance of winter feed. The more diligent of our settlors are at present endeavouring to combat the rabbit pest by laying poison wholesale on their properties. Considerable heartburning is felt over this business through the inaction of a number of indolent ones. Possibly a few prosecutions will be necessary to awaken some to a sense of their responsibilities in this matter. A petition in favour of merging the Opaheke road district into the Franklin County is being circulated here Though meeting with fair support it is yet too early to prophesy as to its prospects of success. A very general opinion prevails, however, that two local governing bodies, with the heavy rates and expenses they entail, are not necessary. A resident of Ararimu, near Drury, Mr Richard James died suddenly on the train while going into Auckland on Tuesday afternoon. Mr James, who was 6G years of age, had been feeling unwell, aud was on his way, in company with his wife, to obtain medical treatment and to enjoy a holiday. He complained of feeling ill during the journey, and shortly afterwards died. On the arrival of the train in Auckland the body was removed to the mortuary. For many years Mr James was the caretaker of the city salt water baths, and looked after the Albert Street baths. When the latter were closed he commenced farming near Drury. Mr James leaves a widow and family.