TUHIKARAMEA.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 275, 16 April 1898, Page 2

TUHIKARAMEA.

Weather and Cnors.—The present season is eclipsing all records lor excessive dryness, and now that the nights are turning cold and frosty, the great heat during the day lias a very prejudicial effect upon the growth of all vegetation, which is practically at a standstill, and were it not for the heavy dews at night it would he a hard matter for the plants even to keep alive. As might he expected, the growth of the turnips is anything but what could he wished for, though the fields are still green aud fresh looking, a marked contrast to the turnip fields in some adjoining districts, where it would seem as if some crops that looked remarkably well a few weeks ago have become almost a complete failure. The weather lias, however, been very suitable for threshing, chaff-cutting, etc., which has beeu proceeding during the past week or so, Messrs ' Taylor Bros.' steam threshing plant being at work in several of the stackyards. Some of the largest grain-growers are waiting for Mr Hutchinson's machine, which has for some years worked through the district, giving satisfaction as regards e'ean work, but coming rather late in the season, a serious matter where the grain and chaff have to be carted so many miles over soft country roads to the railway stations. Grain Cbops.—Grain crops generally are turning out light, but Messrs Reid, C. B. Vickers and McMiken expect to have good yields, the quality of the grain all through being particularly good. Returned Home.—Within the past fewdiysMrW. Reid, sen., aud Miss Reid have returned from a visit to Whakataue and the East Coast districts. They went overland by rail to Rotorua, theuce by bugcy and horse back to Opoiiaou, where Mr W. Reid, jun , is now farming. Our friends enjoyed themselves greatly, the weather being of course just the very thing for the purpose. Mr Reid reports considerable damage having been done to the maize crops along the East Coast by frosts, the lots to settlers in some instances running into hundreds of pounds. Our respected neighbour, like others who go from Tuhikaramea on similar expeditions, comes home better satisfied than ever with his home and district, and well he may, for seldom, if ever, has their farm, with its group of substantial grain stacks and long reaches of turnips, looked better than it does at the present time.

Illness.—l regret to say that Mrs W. Livingstone, who has for some time past been in poor health, lias found it necessary to reside in Hamilton for additional medical attendance. I am only echoing the general feeling in expressing the wish that this lady may soon be restated lo health and back among us again. Clarke's Bridgk.—Since last writing Messrs Mawhiuney Bros., under instructions from the Waipa County Council, have put in the two sets of pipes at Clarke's Bridge, filling in the embankment over them, the ordinary traffic being resumed again. Now conies the unwelcome intelligence that the pipes have collapsed, completely breaking up before a drop of water has passed through them. This is a serioas matter, as it involves taking out the remains of the pipes and also the large quantity of earth that has been put over them. It would certainly seem as if the pipes were of poor quality to break up as they have done, but in any case drain pipes, however large, are not suitable for the place, aod the Council was warned of this. Now, after all the delay and expense gone to, a bridge or culvert will have to be put in at a much greater cost than if it had been done directly the bridge was burnt. Experience will teach, even County Councillors. Swamp Road —Some useful work has lately been done by the County authorities along the Swamp Road to Ohaupo, the road drains being eularged and deepened, the earth (of a-sandy nature) being spread to help the roadway. Something should also ba done to stop the progress of a fire on the above road, which has a firm hold near one of the culverts, or a repetition of what has occurred along the district road to Hamilton may take place, where repairs at considerable cost are now being carried out.—(Own Correspondent).