RAGLAN.

Waikato Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1509, 7 March 1882, Page 2

RAGLAN.

Ik my last correspondence, I complained of the results which had been realized from the growing of grain crops here this season. This, however, will not apply to the crops of grass and rape seeds which have been secured. Without any exception the returns got in this respect have been excellent. A large quantity of grass as well as rape seed was exported from here last season, and I am of opinion that the amount will be doubled this year, It is encouraging to see from time to time efforts being made to open up some riew channel whereby the surplus labour in this district may be utilised, and hence it affords me satisfaction to be able to inform you that Messrs Guthrie and Larnach have at present men working here, engaged in getting out sleepers for railway lines. The timber here is good and far from scarce; there is a large quantity of puriri, and in several places totara is abundant. Mr Vercoe has a contract from the firm spoken of, and contemplates putting on-more men shortly. In one of my communications to you lately I made .mention that the " Hannah Mokau," the only steamer no^v trading here, need fear no opposition as long as she continued to run regularly. This I still maintain, and it is to be hoped for the benefit of her owners, that she will noc be so irregular in " her attendance , upon our wants as she has been recently. I am no believer in monopolies, but there can be little doubt that for the present one steamer if run systematically is quite enough for, our requirements. > The Maoris here are now busily engaged catching fish and preserving them. This is all with < the* object of making King Tawhiao large presents of food of all varieties, so that he may be in a position to offer his friends an abundance of the good ; things, oorf r this Jife r (according .to Maori' opinion)'- at the meeting. I. Jtiaye iv witnessed the efforts "being made by. the natives here to collect food for^this^pjarpoAe^and feel sure thaV ithe r Eifropea^|whj6 r .yisit-tlie' projected^ pared [for,. , It , is v exhibition, ; { prl6r;i'tq >;fcli '&^d.fejiifi'6£ -jthe, ' to]