RAGLAN.

Waikato Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 2391, 5 November 1887, Page 2

RAGLAN.

The Steamer.—Our local trader, the s.s. Staffa, arrived here on Wednesday morning last, having left Onolmnga the previous afternoon. The weather outside being very windy, with a. rough sea, made it rather an unpleasant trip to the many passengers on board. It is said to be the intention of the Northern S.S. Company to run excursion trips to this place during the coming summer should inducement offer. The Slatfa brought a good cargo of general merchandise. The Moxstkh. —Messrs Newriek ami Graham having now purchased this wonderful animal, are sending it over to Waikato for exhibition after its skin has been prepared and stuffed. The curiosity concerning it was not confined to Waikato alone, as several telegrams arrived from Onehnnga respecting it. Our local library has been found most useful on this occasion, the several works on natural history being in great request, and great interest excited in this wonder of the deep.

Native Cultivation.—The natives seem to be more active this season than ever in the cultivation of the soil. A greater quantity of land is under tillage than for some years back. Several ploughs have arrived from -Auckland for their use, and no doubt in the future greater industry will prevail amongst them, their day for Government aid having gone by.

The Coming Season.—Once more the season has arrived when visitors are sure to find their way to this beautiful and health-giving resort, indeed several have already come; and as Mr Sutton’s mail coach now runs twice a week, to and from this place, an easy means of reaching here is provided. It is to be hoped that the coming season may bo a full one for Raglan. The bathing, boating and fishing have ere this been described, also the romantic beauty of the surrounding scenery.

Treasure Trove. —A large quantity of silver coin is said to have been found by Hie Maori ferryman at Kawhia, amounting to £2O. They were found near the spot where the Tainni canoe was supposed to have come ashore, according to native tradition. By whom placed 'there is unknown ; possibly by some of the numerous vessels that formerly traded to that port.

Wheat Growing.—Several settlers are trying wheat growing once more. It is to be hoped the birds will not, as in Hie pant, prove too much for them. In former years hundreds of acres were grown in all parts of the Kawhia and Raglan districts by tbo Maoris and T’uropeans, but since the small bird pest has prevailed wheat cultivation has ceased.