WHATAWHATA.

Waikato Argus, Volume I, Issue 34, 26 September 1896, Page 3

WHATAWHATA.

* Weather axi> Crops. With tlic milil ami genial weather experienced since the beginning of the month, the growth of vegetation h;is been rapid, in fact, almost phenomenal, and those who got in early crops have had the satisfacton of seeing them go-ahead, without the cheek experienced last Spring. Grass is becoming more plentiful and cows are looking better than a month ago, but it may be said that, otviuc to the mild winter, cattle fared better than usual, ami nothing like the losses of the previous winter were experienced. Our local creamery is again in full swing, but up to the present, the supply is small, very few of the cows having calved as yet, soins of the largest suppliers only milking half a dozen or so. In a few weeks a fair quantity will be put through, but this difficulty in getting the milkers to come in early will always stand in the way of a full supply in .September and October. The crea-n carting contract for the Whatawlmta and To Kawhai creameries, lias, this season, been taken by Mr S. Cvilder, at about ">s per diem. Timber Mll.T,.—Messrs l'arkes' saw mill at the foot of the range is busy with ore Yrs, but the dilliculty has bcjn to get the limber from the mill to the river bank, a distance of about two miles. The linn have lately decided to put en a waggon team, ami the r< ads now improving, they should be able to keep pace with orders. h\ respect to the mountain timber, which is being cut, Messrs l'arkes say that it is very hard ami heavy, but of splendid quality, and us they are able to get varieties of timber, including totara, tanikaha, and mang:ao, the mill will doubtless be kept fully employed. Mn A. Calmer.—lt is pleasant to hear of the progress of a former Wluitawhati settler. After some vicissitudes at 'i'c Aroha, including a house-warming of a

rather severe kind, our old neighbour, Mr A. Calder has again started business in his fine new premise, Park House, Whitaker-strcet, Te Aroha, and those who know Mr and Mrs Calder, will believe it is not necessary to go further in search of comfortable lodgings when visiting that town. In this connection Mr C*lder's advertisement will appear shortly in the Aiturs. Their well-known farm in this district is still unoccupied, save by two of the sons, who curry on the milk bus : ius--, and intending sett'ers might do worse than take a look at this pretty little homestead. Produce sales. —I am glad to say that the rise in potatoes has lison of substantial benetit to the settlers in this anil adjoining districts along the river, con fiiderable quatrities being sold to deliver in Hamilton, Cambridge, a:>d other stations lower down, the price ranging from .£.} .">s to £3 10s on the river bank up to t'4 delivered in Cambridge, a good many sides being effected through Mr IJavirlge, Hamilton agency. Chad', however, appears to go oil'slowly, two of our settlers having sonic 3j tons between them yet to cur. In view of this dragging sale for oats and chad, \vl)C>t would appear to be a safer crop, and some hue fields will be grown this season. The leport is also again current that the Ngaruawahia Hour milling plant is to be le-instated. and this would provide a handy cash market for all the wheat we could grow. Sheep.—Sheep are doing well this season, the lamb crop throughout the "Waipa being a particularly good one, in many cases over 100 per cent, of fine, strong, lambs being obtained ; and, if wool keeps a fair price, settlers will probably go in more largely for sheep ; the returns from a well managed Hock being more sure tliau from any other class of stock.

Thk Estates Company's Claim.—The thoughtful action of This Annus peoplj in sending over extras containing the result of the late legal action against Mr Edg'.'cumbe was niinli appreciated by our residents, and it is almost needless to add that the outcome of the law-suit —if it may l-o dignified by that tenuwas also well received, for apart from all political questions, .Mr Edgecumbe is personally very popular in the district.

Politics.—-Writing of politics, I may mention that a requisition to the Hon. Mir Cad man to stand for the Waikato seat is being taken round the district for signature. It is yet early to state the result of the canvass, but a number are expressing their regret that Mr Cadman should be asked to come out, for his defeat, which is certain if he stands for Waikato, would be a matter for genuine regret on all sides, Mr Cadman being generally regarded as tin; most able and honest member of the present administration. Why the Seddon party should elect to risk one of their very best men in a toutest with Mr Lang, who has certainly proved himself to be. one of the few members of the House that have fulfilled their election pledges, iiml who hrs also showed himself to be in direct touch with his constituents even to the most remote parts of the electorate, is hard to understand, but a good many seem to think that Mr Cadman is too wise to accept such an invitation, so many other scats being practically safe for him.—(Own Correspondent).