BOMBAY.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 239, 5 January 1917, Page 1

BOMBAY.

The Paparata Methodist Sunday School held their annual picnic on New Year's Day in Mr R. Kemp's paddock, next to the Church, when there was a large number of scholars with their parents present, Miss C. Wootten, as superintendent, looking after the juveniles. Various games were entered into, the children thoroughly enjoying themselves. Tea was served in the day school, and subsequently a conceit was held, over which the Rev. J. B Suckling presided. Various items were contributed by scholars and friends, the chairman also giving some recitations. Altogether a pleasant time was spent. A collection was taken at the close on behalf of the Circuit Fund.

Despite the abnormal rains recently the country all round is looking remarkably well. Some paddocks of wheat and oats, noticeably on the Pukekohe road, are in excellent order, and the crops generally present a vigour which with more sunshine will soon be ready for cutting. There is a cleanliness about all the crops, and although the unwelcome blackberry is to be seen along the road the absence of noxious weeds in the crops is an exemplification of good farming Young stock are in a healthy state, and sheep, which are not too plentiful, should do better with dryer weather. Unfortunately much hay has been spoiled by the heavy rains, but farmers are under all the circumstances doing their best to cope with these drawbacks, and also the lack of labour In this latter respect many farmers, who had retired and were enjoying peaceful days, have been obliged to return to the cowbails, so that their boys could " do their bit" for the defence of the Empire.