MAUNGATUROTO.

Wairoa Bell, Volume V, Issue 208, 28 July 1893, Page 3

MAUNGATUROTO .

[from our own correspondent] There is but little to report from this district just now, for everything and everybody seem to have settled down into a state of torpidity owing to the long continued and exceedingly wet weather. And there is no prospect whatever of any change yet, it is truly getting very monotonous for we hear of little else but water and mud, and we certainly see little else either; and if there is not some change before long I think everything will be under water except vrhat have wings and can fly. Our roads are bogs and many of our paddocks are little better, especially where heavy cattle are allowed to roam over them. There are a few early lambs in the district, but I expect that flockmasters will devoutly pray that few will be the number for some time yet. Grown stock as a rule are looking well, but it is very hard upon young stock, especially sheep. I was told the other day of a settler in Waipn having lost every young sheep he had through disease (worms I suppose) and wet. The mortality among young sheep is very trying to many settlers at the present time ; dosing with turpentine and milk is certainly beneficial if persevered in and practised with care, and the treatment is by no means expensive. A few fine days would cause many farmers and gardeners to think about preparing ground for early crops and vegetables. Public matters are rather quiet just now, no doubt owing to the bad weather and bad roads. The National Association are to try again for a meeting on the 27th inst. I hear that the two gentlemen who have been talked of as probable candidates for Councillor for next term are both looked upon as decidedly party men so that a third (or neutral) man is to be asked to come forward. Neither of the other two I believe have any intention of retiring, so matters will be pretty much mixed up. If the public would oast part feeling and action aside and go for measures instead, of men then we might expect justice from our local bodies.