ALEXANDRA.

Waikato Times, Volume XIII, Issue 1058, 5 April 1879, Page 2

ALEXANDRA.

Mr Richard Seccombe has triv \ as an experiment on his farm Here, the suitability of the land for growing a barley crop. Mr Seccombe put m a paddock of nineteen acres, the returns of which were 374 bushels of grain of a fair average sample, considering the remarkably dry summer we have had. He ia of opinion that had the summer been more favorable the crop would have been a much heavier one, and the grain much fuller. Grass seed was sown with the barley, which suffered considerably from the caterpillars, but the grain was but little injured by them. The news of the removal of the surveyors from ths Wairaate plains has caused no little excitement amongst the King natives, a step on Te Whiti's part, I need hardly say, that has their entire approval. No doubt the postponement of the Kopua meeting for another month is on account of the Waimate affair, Large numbers of natives were assembled who will now have to return to their homes, a3 Tawhiao has determined to issue invitations to all the tribes m New Zealand, and hold a grand Parliament at the end of this present month. I apprehend there will be a great destitution amongst them here this winter, as already at Kopua and surrounding settlements, potatoes and other food are scarce, from so many visitors. On Tuesday last no fewer than 40 sheep were killed and consumed during the day. It is currently reported here that no Government officers will be invited to the meet. iug, but from careful inquiry, I have no doubt. Sir George Grey and Hon. John Sheehan will be invited. — Own Correspondent.