WHATAWHATA.

Waikato Argus, Volume III, Issue 174, 24 August 1897, Page 2

WHATAWHATA.

Wkatiikr and Roads.—After a few weeks of beautiful weather, during which settlers were very busy getting their grain in, it has turned wet and cold again, the westerly showers experienced during the past few days being particularly keen and cutting, The heavy rains aUo have caused a bad re'apse in I lie state of our roads, which were beginning to diy up wonderfully. On Waipa lauds, and especially on its roids, a little rain in winter goes a long way, and so far as the latter are concerned it must always remain so, until some vigorous scheme of metalling the main lines, such aa that suggested in connection with the Te Awomutu-Kihikihi road, is brought into effect. In the Hakarimata range, close by, there are ample supplies of good road-making limestone, and with the increase of settlement that is steadily iaking place along the Waipa valley, good metalled roads will, ere long, be considered of more vital importr.nce than the little extra taxation which their first cost would entail. At prosent Wha'&whata may be said to be, for all practical purpotes, shut in on every side, owing to the impassable state of the roads, and while such a condition of affiirs is allowed to continue the distr'ct will never progress or attract that class of pushing s-ettlers to which the general good quality of its lands and their proximity to markets otherwise offer such great inducements. To speak of runn'ng the cteimtries in winter before a comprehensive scheme of roadmaking has been carried out is simply absurd. The. Wa : pa lands i\t?, no doubt, aa well able to produce milk in winter as any other in Waiknto, but the state of the roads effectually precludes the possibility of its removal anywhere off the farm. Even us it is, soir,t> difficulty will be expiiienced in collecting a decent supply of milk with which to open our creamery on the Ist of September. Tub Miik Supply.—ln jthis connection sev ral settlers have now a good number of cows in full milk. Mr Blackett has about twenty, so that a spell of fine dtyine weather is anxiously looked for. The altera) ions and repairs to the creamery, carried out by Mr John Leightcn iiiid hiß assistants, ate about completed, and should make the working of the place mure comforlablo and cleanly (hiring the coming season. By grading the pipes from the spring in Mr Ferguson's paddock, a good flow of excellent water has been obtaii ed, sufficient, if need be, for butter making purposes. In tome places the pipes had to be carried 20 feet high when crossing gullies, etc., and no small engineering skill has been displayed in fixing the slender pipes on poles and trees so far above the ground. The contract for carting cream has been taken this year by Messrs Laxon and Rothwell, the price being about 5s per diem, which seems very low, seeing that the cream from three creameries has to be taken to Ngaruawa hia. Departures.—This district like others is losing tome of its young men who j. refer to take their chance on the goldfields to the humdrum life on the farms. During the pa:t week four of Mr Parkes' sons have started fcr Waihi, and others are talking of gong. This exodus of labour from the country districts, which has been going on for some time, will make a difference in the local supply available, and should the sugar-beet indus'ry (in connection with which, by the way, the petitions to Parliament arc being largely signed throughout the district) be successfully inaugurated the question of labour may become a serious one. The Maoris appear to be wedded to the gumfields life, and if the settlers' sons prefer mining to home work, thin who is to grow all the beetroot. It may be that this question of labour has never been sufficiently studied, perhaps as a detail unworthy of notice, and wc may be glad of a few " Chinkics " yet. THE Sciu>OL.—School matters are progressing quietly. During the winter the attendance is always small, but with the advent ot fine weather Mr Pilkinglou expects a full attendance, the school roll being about 40, and will have his hands full. The school building and residence have lately been painted and renovated, which adds greatly to their appearance. Cai.dkii Family.—A rumour is current that Mr Alex. Calder and family ure likely to rctuni from Te Aroha, to their farm in this district. Should this be correct, a hearty welcome will be ex-tcnde-1 to them by their many ole" friends and neighbours.—(Own Correspondent).