HATUMA.

Waipukurau Press, Issue 310, 19 September 1908, Page 6

HATUMA.

(from our own correspondent.) The genial rain that has fallen and is still falling has put a dark healthy hue on all vegetation. The crops are looking very healthy and the ground that is being prepared for rape and turnips is working into a splendid tilth. A good many clumps of early potatoes are planted. The farmers here do not grow large areas of that crop, but the most of them grow ample for their own use. Several farmers are just finishing their turnips, which is a great help at this season of the year, giving the grass a good start, a.nc one farmer has a nice picking off last season’s rape. There has been yet another sur-

prise party. The other night a big gathering of settlers and friends took possession of Mr Lawther’s house, cleared out one of the front rooms, lifted the carpet, and were very soon dancing merrily to music supplied by Messrs A. H. McKay," C. Schroden and H. Wright. Besides the dances, a number of songs and recitations were given, and there were games and card playing. The time flew so fast that when going home was spoken of, Mr Lawther declared it was only half a surprise party, and invited all not to go home “ before the break o’ day.” Mr McKay retorted that the best of friends must part, so Mr Lawther reluctantly allowed the gathering to join hands and sing “ Auld Lang Syne.”