PIRONGIA.

Waikato Argus, Volume V, Issue 372, 17 December 1898, Page 2

PIRONGIA.

Volunteers.—The 2nd Company of the Waikato Mounted Rifles assembled for drill here on Wednesday last. There were about 40 present, under the command of Lieut. E. H. Aubin. After roll-call the troop proceeded to the old Matakitaki pah, where drill, under the instruction of the officer in command, was continued for some time. At its conclusion the troop proceeded to elect a captain to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Capt. W. M. Grant. Lieut. Aubin and Sergt.-Major Berry were both proposed for the position, but, as the latter gentleman declined to accept the nomination, at the same time thanking the troop for the honour they had done him, Lieut. Aubin was unanimously elected to the vacancy, and briefly thanked the men for the honour they had clone him, and promised that he would do his best to forward the interest of the corps. Bied Nuisance.—Those sweet songbirds, the thrush, blackbirds and goldfiuches are a great nuisance in the Upper Waipa just now. To grow soft fruits is an impossibility ; the strawberries are devoured as soon as seen, and not a cherry is left on the tree after the green stage of growth has pas.ed, and now they arc clearing the gooseberries. How to stop the robbery nobody here has any idea. My own garden is like a rag fair, with old clothes, lines, etc. ; but it has no effect in scaring the thieves. All hopes of strawberries and cream at Christmas have faded away. —(Own Correspondent).