TUHIKARAMEA.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 288, 14 May 1898, Page 2

TUHIKARAMEA.

Prospects—The late welcome change to mild showery weather has come at that opportune stage—popularly known as " the nick of time "—and is causing a great growth in pastures and turnips, the former now assuming quite a fresh, spring-like appearance, with the feed coming very fast. Turnips are showing a rapid development, and will, yet, be a fair average crop, though patchy in places. Considering the adverse season the turnips have experienced, such crops as are now to be seen about is a striking proof of the hardiness of the swede, and of its suitability to our soil and climate—while of its value as a standby for winter feeding, it is scarcely necessary now-a-days to add anything. New Zealand has been termed the Britain of the South, and certainly the turnip is fast becoming the mainstay of our, as it is said to be of British, agriculture. A ride through our district just now is full of interest, signs of progress and.improvement being visible on many farms, showing that, although we belong to the down-trodden section of the community, we have not altogether lost heart, and are determined, if energy and careful farming will do it, to keep pace with the times. Along the road to the river landing Mr Livingstone has made great improvements, on the leasehold block lately acquired by him, clearing ti-tree, grass sowing and fencing being the order of work. The same gentleman has a fine crop of swedes on the home farm. These are on high land, and promise to be a heavy crop. Messrs Lang and W. Rothwell are also bringing blocks of rough country under the plough, while further on Mr Reid is reclaiming a quantity of heavy ti-tree land, which is proving of high quality when cleared and drained. Threshing.—Since last writing Mr Hutchinson's steam threshing and chaffcutt:ng plant has been through the district, doing the work in good style. The Messrs Reid had the largest quantity of stuff to pnt through—seven good stacks of wheat and oats, altogether the yields being fair, but scarcely equal to last season. These growers have erected a commodious granary and will probably hold most of the grain for future markets. The Messrs Reid are fast increasing their cropping operations, and will have about 100 acres in grain next season. Road Board.—For the first time for some years we have had a poll for members of the Road Board, most of the, old members being re-elected. Mr F. J. V ickers has been reappointed chairman. The annual meeting of ratepayers lapsed for want of a quorum. School Committee.—At the annual meeting of householders, held on April 25th, Messrs W. Reid, W. Livingstone, O. B. Vickers, F. J. Vickers and W. Barker were elected a School Committee for the ensuing year, Mr Reid being reelected chairman. Apple Crop.—During the past week or two considerable quantities of apples have been sent from this district to the Auckland market, where fair prices are now ruling.—(Own Correspondent).

Mr W. Gardner, Rukuhia, invites tenders for drainage works. A number of fresh entries for Mr W. J. Hunter's Hamilton sale. Skeates' cycles scored heavily at the sports meeting at Hamilton on Wednesday. See advertisement in " wanted " column. At his Tc Awamutu sale on Saturday next, Mr Hunter will offer Mrs Maunder's farm at Kihikihi of 60 acres, with three-roomed house and outbuildings. On' the 25ch inst., Messrs Baker Bros, will sell at their mart, Queen-street, Auckland, part allotment 141, Hamilton East, with five-roomed dwelling thereon, 1