RAGLAN.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 1982, 21 March 1885, Page 3

RAGLAN.

The weather during the most of last week was very fine, but on Friday strong E. and N.E. winds began to blow, and the warning of rough weather sent by Capt. Edwin from Wellington led us to expect a heavy rainfall On Saturday morning the wind had increased to a heavy gale from the N.E. and N., and continued with very heavy driving rain until late in the afternoon, when a shift of wind to N. took place. Rough weather of an equinoctial character then followed, the wind shifting backward from W. to N.W. the whole of Sunday. But, fortunately, for S. Patrick's Day the wind got into the south, and fine weather came once more. A great deal of damage was done to the standing maize growing in the cultivations of the natives and settlers, most of which was looking very well indeed. It now lies flat on the ground, and in some, cases is completely ruined. The agricultural returns have just been completed in this district, the potato crop in many places being very good. In the Karioi part of the district it will average about 10 tons to the acre. On the well cultivated farm of Mr Mitchell the yield was nearly thirteen tons, to the acre, clearly showing all our land requires is proper cultivation. A most excellent show of tobacco has been grown upon the farms of Messrs Stewart and Bree, the latter having nearly an acre in splendid condition, and which, if nicely cured, will bring in a very handsome return. A large number of visitors have been staying in Raglan during the past week at both the hotels, and were the place better known, and its great natural advantages more sought after, a large number of persons would spend most of the summer here. For I feel quite sure no healthier spot exists, and now that good accomodation can be got for manand beast, Raglan will soon take its place as the sanitorium of the Waikato and Auckland district. The s.s. Hannah Mokau arrived here from Kawhia on Friday night, and left early on Saturday morning for Onehunga, but having carried away some of her gear was obliged to put back, a heavy north gale blowing in her face. It is now very many years since a vessel had to return to port from heavy weather. The owners seem determined to do all they can for the convenience of the settlers, and now run every other Tuesday or oftener. They did not get out until the morning of St. Patrick s Day. She took a large cargo of lime, pigs, apples, butter, and other produce. The Rev. E. Barber preached his farewell sermon in the Wesleyan Church on Sunday morning last to a large congregation. He left the next morning by the mail coach for Hamilton with his wife and family. He intends staying in Auckland about a week before sailing for his new circuit at Port Augusta, South Australia. The Rev. E. Phillips will hold the usual Church of England services here next week. Mr T. B. Hill, with his usual liberality, has sent down from Auckland nearly two dozen choice fowls for distribution amongst the settlers of the district, consisting of Leghorns, white and brown Langshans, Houdans, Andalusians, etc., his object being to encourage settlers in raising poultry and eggs for the Auckland market. —(Own Correspondent )