RAGLAN. Steam Service.

Waikato Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1606, 19 October 1882, Page 3

RAGLAN. Steam Service.

The s.s. Lallah Rookh has at last arrived. It is to be hoped that in futrre her visits to this poi't may bfc more regular. This, however, is doubtful. If she had been much longer in coming, the residents here would have" had to do without some of the necessaries of life, our local storekeepers having almost completely run out of them. With so irregular a service such a result is quite likely to happen. Both of the wharf stores were full of flax before the steamer's arrival, waiting for shipment to Onehuuga, and e'er she returns they will again be in the snmo condition.

Fruit Prospects. The weather having been exceptionally fine during the last fortnight, it is quite a pleasure to notice the profusion of blossoms which now adorn the fruit trees in several of the orchards, more especially in those of Messrs Hill and Duncan. From all appearances, I should predict that there will be a plentiful ciop of the fruits generally grown hi-re. Some orange trees in Mr Liddcll's orchard are thriving splendidly. They have not as yet arrived at bearing age, but when they do so there is no reason why the reault should be otherwise than satisfactory. They are in a sheltered position, j and seem to have been well cared for. Lemons are plentiful here at present, and their size and quality would far pxcpl any of those I saw for sale in Hamilton. One particular feature of this district, and more especially of that portion towai ds Ruapuke, is the suitability which it ex hibits for the culture of fruit tiees, and no doubt as time goes on and the means of communication with, and ti ansitto other markets becomes easier, a large quantity of it will be exported.

Racecourse Site. A great deal of the future prosperity of the Kiiglnn Jockey Club and racing matters here will chiefly depend upon the settlement of this question. This is evident from the feeling which is prevalent amongst the membiMs of that club. Not a few of them wish to see the races held at Mr John Moon's, Waiti-tuna, others would prefer Mr T. "Wilson's, Okete, while the majority of them would desire to t<ee the racecourse fixed permanently near the township. Each party have, of course, claims to advance in favour of their respective ideas. The advantage said to be gained by having it at Waitetuna or Okete is that the site would be more central, and also that bptter ground for a course could be secured. Sites have been offered at both places on the most favourable terms. The ground is of a sandy nature near Raglan, and is consequently not so well suited for the purpose it is required for, although I have seen worse courses in New Zealand than that made use of last March, when a most successful meeting, both financially and otherwise, was held on the Kopua course. Again the accommodation is far more suitable for visitors at Raglan than at any of the proposed places, and being near the township makes it still more desirable that the races should be held there. The Kopua course could be considerably improved at very little expense, and a title could, I believe, be got fer it with little trouble. The natives who own it seem quite willing to grant it for the use of a racecourse on reasonable terms. The Raglan Jockey Club made a most favourable start last year, and have now a balance in hand of £30 to start with this season, and it will be a source of regret if the same good feeling which has existed amongst the members does not continue, and render the prosperity of the club a certainty. With this object in view it is to be hoped that all differences of opinion as to the matter spoken of will at last be amicably arranged, and thereby the welfare of horse racing matters in this distiict will be secured.

Public Vaccinator. Dr. Hooper, who has been appointed one of the public vacciuators for this district, has just been making his quarterly visit to the districts of" Ruapuke and Mata. This will prove a sourse of much convenience to parents of children in the more distant portions of Ruapuke, who have hitheito had to carry their children to Raglan, &onietimcs a distance of twenty -five miles, to have them vaccinated.

Mail Service. Speculation is rife as to who is the successful tenderer for the carriage of the mails between here and Hamilton. The interest taken by the settlers in this matter principally arises from the fact that they are aw.ire it is to be a wheeled service, and as such a service is likely to confer a great benefit upon this district, they are naturally anxious to see the contract fall into the hands of some pei son who has the necessary capital and eneigy to carry it out successfully. — [Own Correspondent, Oct. 13th, 1882.]