ARAPOHUE.

Wairoa Bell, Volume V, Issue 192, 7 April 1893, Page 2

ARAPOHUE.

I must apologise for not keeping your readers more regularly’ posted up as to our doings in this part, hut in common with most others, have been taking all possible advantage of the favourable ■weather for work and pleasure. Our roads are in excellent order just now, and it is most enjoyable to be able to visit one’s neighbours, and take a ramble in the moonlight with the roads so smooth and hard. The surface man has begun to quarry the metal for the settlers to haul on to the road by the aehool ; and next week the hauling will probably he done. A subscription list has been opened to raise funds to put in repair the settlers’ shed at Mltitai* If funds will permit, the shed will he painted and foundations strengthened. Mr Mason, one of our young shoemakers, has gone to town having had a situation offered him there. General regret is expressed at his departure, as he was a great help in the Church choir. Mr Higgott has also gone to towu but intends to return and continue at his trade. I have had enquiries as to when the next meeting of our Agricultural Association will take place from those who have not as yet joined. I hope the time will be well notified beforehand. The question of establishing a pound will be discussed Aud though all will iu this, as in most other matters, be of one mind, —the majority of industrious settlers and ratepayers consider that it is time to put a stop to the free running of oattle and horses on the public roads. I regret to find that lung worm is again attacking our young sheep ; one settler losing, I hear, 25 in one week. The sheep appeared so liwJtby tbieyear tjjat a»a»y have neglected to

drench their flock ; this and dipping“seems absolutely necessary. A party numbering about thirty gathered at +“hp T ’->ok or Easter Mondav for a. picnic ; some X’.jl ting and risky climb to the top. There was too much smoke for a good view, but. a fine breeze kept the prsts of flying ants away. It seems wonderful that no accidents have yet occurred to any of the large number who have ventured to scale this formidable peak. As evening drew on a fire was lighted and baskets opened , but the difficulty was to procure water for tea, which had to he carried half a mile. Having had an excellent tea under the puriris, the hoi’ses were saddled and we rode off to Mr Sills’s barn for a dance, which proved most enjoyable ; Mr Jowitt supplying excellent music on the violin. We had hopes of some of Mr Sills’s excellent grapes, but the season is about over. Mr Sills had a splendid crop and some say they were more pleasant eating than those raised under glass. In many places the crop 'of grapes has been abundant this year. This excellent fruit should be more attended to. There is money’ in it both for fruit and wine. Our connection by telephone is not as yet accomplished but I shall soon he able, (provided the Bell can stand the shock and not get cracked.) to communicate by cable ; and give y’ou the very latest.