WHATAWHATA.

Waikato Argus, Volume II, Issue 88, 30 January 1897, Page 2

WHATAWHATA.

Farming Noti:s.—The genial weather lately experienced has effected a great transformation in the appearance of farms, the fields once more assuming their customary green tint, and, short as the time has been since the drought ended, a good bit of grass is alreadyavailable for stock. The rain has also had a wonderful effect upon the young turnips, which are going ahead very fast. In many cases, however, where tho seed was sown tiny length of time before the rain, the results arc poor, a considerable portion of the seed having either never germinated, or. if it did so, then the plants died off, and re-sowing is required. For the past week or two settlers have been very busy with harvest work, Mr C. Limmer's Massey-Harris binder going from daylight till dark, and most of the grain is now cut. The above machine docs excellent work, and, as may be supposed, in the bauds of its present owner, is not allowed much idle time. Considering the ability and energy which Mr Linnner pn*s into all harvest work entrusted to him, it would not be surprising to see him in a few years with a complete set of harvesting machinery, from seed drills to thrashing and gristing mills. Settlers could then rely on getting their crops properly and expeditiously handled. The grain this season is turning out very light, though better than was at one time expected. Wheat will yield fairly, the oats suffering most from the drought. Potatoes arc far from satisfactory, and general complaints are now heard of the tops withering in patches since the rain came, in the same manner as occurred about, two years ago, and yields must be very poor indeed. A few late crops of potatoes, particularly those of the Maoris planted in December, have still a chance 'as they have not yet come into flower, but, so far as the main crop is concerned, we may exclaim in the mystical words of th<? aged Tohunga, " the potato is cooked." Mrs FERGUSON. —Very much satisfaction is expressed at the litest information from the Waikato Hospital that Mrs A.M. Ferguson is fast recovering from the serious accident which befel her on New Year's Day, and will soon be home again. In this connection Mr Fergusou wishes me to express his gratitude to those who showed such practical sympathy at the time of the accident, and also to Dr. Kenny and the hospital staff for the unremitting care and attention they have bestowed upon his wife while at the institution. Mr Graham's Circular.— Since last writing Mr W. A. Graham's circular re sugar-beet has been received and discussed in the district, but while fully admitting the public spirit and enthusiasm which actuates Mr Jrahani in this matter, and which may yet be of great benefit to Waikato, settlers are very far from being disposed to enter into a scheme involving such heavy liabilities, and the success r.f which is not absolutely certain. They feel, not unnaturally, that by undertaking to grow a considerable area of the roots annually for five years they incur sufficient responsibility, and it is also suggested that if the project is not sufficiently attractive to induce capitalists, who are supposed to be always looking for good investments, to embark in it, theu it is not good enough for settlers who have quite sufficient to carry at present, But, under any circumstances, it may truthfully be said that the amount of credulity left in people generally regarding the success of almost anything run by a Company or an Association has become so inh'nitesimally small, that their frame of mind can only be described in the words of the immortal "Figg," who didn't believe, no, not even that he didn't believe. New Hotel.—Our new hotel which has added greatly to the look of the township, is fast approaching completion and will be ready tor occupation about the beginning of March. It is not quite certain whether Mr L. Sutton will go into the new house, there beiug some talk of a tennant coming up from town, and Mr Sutton going fanning up the Tunaiki Creek. New Suttlkr, This reminds mo that we have a new settler in the form of Mr Murray-Maogrogor, who litis taken up the land on the west bank of the Waipa River, owned by Mrs Gage, and formerly occupied by Mr Aldred. Mr Macgrcgor is making a lot of improvements in the way of fencing, house building, etc. Koromatua BiunoK.—Much satisfaction is expressed at the steps being taken by the Waipa County Council, in replacing the Kotomatua Bridge, and Cr, Bycrolt litis earned the thanks of the Whatawhata residents by his action in this matter.—-(Own Correspondent).