TE AWAMUTU.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1897, 2 September 1884, Page 2

TE AWAMUTU.

Mil HurcuiNSON of Orakau, having purchased a hay press, farmers will be now bo able to make better us>e of their straw than hitheito ; it is, if I mistake not, worth £4 a ton in Auckland. Without a press it would be useless to attempt sending it to the market, for such a small quantity could be packed in a truck, that the profit would be wallowed up in freight. Now however, it can be compressed in small tiusses varying m weight from 112 to 160 lbs, by this means a considerable quantity can be easily be put into a truck. The machine is worked by a six horso power engiue. It would be very convenient if firmers could get the press into the paddock while threshing was going on, as the straw could be pressed as it left the thieshing machine, and so save the trouble of stacking, if the demand was fairly active it could be sent off at once from the paddock. By means of the press a good deal of straw that is now wasted could be turned into money ; even if it cleared only £1 a ton after clearing expenses, to the farmer who grows thirty or forty acres of gram, this would prove a great help in the purchase of manures &c, I hope Mr Hutch inson's plucky venture (for the machine is very extensive) will be as profitable for him as it would be beneficial to the district. The Waipa Racing Club has been very successful since it was started scarcely a year ago. The membership has been fixed at a guinea, and the support it received has been very gratifying to the sporting men who started it, After getting up a nice little programme for the 29th of last January the club has now a credit balance of £40, most of which will however be absorbed in putting the course in order permanently. When finished (it is now being ploughed) it will be one of the best and fastest courses in the province. The committee have wisely determined not to give very big prizes for the present, as there are many things necessary besides laying the couise down, but they hope the time is not far distant when they will be able not only to give good prizes but have two days racing annually. The adjourned annual meeting will be held to-night (Saturday) when 1 hope as many members as possible will put in an appearance. I trust the settlers will support it liberally again this year. The fee for membership is small," and it would be a pity not to help the club along as it promises to be a very flourishing one. The road between the township and the station is cutting up badly ; there are a good many nasty holes in it. I noticed some bundles of fascines on the roadside ; I suppose it is intended to temporarily repair the worst ■pots with thorn. As the river is flooded it is impossible to get any gravel at present, but I think a truck load or two of gravel from the sand-pit would be of more service than the fascines which at best will make a' ; poor job of the repairs, but doubtless if it could be obtained it would be used' in preference to'tb'e other. ! - Mp Lake telegraphed to Mr Sloane to', aay that * the , tirae-table? ,wou|d not ,be altered, nor would it tbe ; unless djt the \yish of the bulk -6t v the* settlers. The same was telegraphed fo Kihikibi and Alexandra also,— (Qwu CorWipon4wt4 - > h r : \ J