RAGLAN.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2433, 14 February 1888, Page 2

RAGLAN.

The Season.—Never before, perhaps, in the reineoiberauce of the oldest settler here did such cold weather prevail as during this summer. It must have been caused by the drifting of large icebergs from the Southern pole. Cold, bitter winds from the South have swept over the district, ehillmir the old and feeble, and making 11s think the summer was past and ended. But now it does seem as if wo were going to have glorious weather at last, as the last two days have been much warmer. Bush Fires. —The atmosphere has been filled with dense smoke proceeding from Waikato and the south, and the orb of day in going to rest last night a weird aspect as of a blazing red ball rolling over into a smoky bed. ' Visitors.—Visitors are still arriving hero, and departing hence. Up till the end of May we often have glorious weather, and now is the pleasantest time for a trip over here. All seem hent 011 enjoyment, the children most of all. Fruit. —Large quantities of fruit are now ripe. Plums are very plentiful; also apples and pears, in many orchards here. As yet I have not seen much sign of the dreaded codlin moth. No doubt it will soon make its appearance here. Peaches are more plentiful than in many previous years. The trees seem in many parts to be reviving again. The Flax Industry.—Grind away and make it pay seems to be the order of the day in the flax industry here. The market still keeps up, £20 per ton being obtained ; and I see the growth of flux both in Ireland and 011 the continent was a great failure this season, owing to the drought. This also may tend to harden prices. County Election.—County matters arc still the leading subject of conversation among the ratepayers here. Nothing has been heard as yet of the new election for the county, which the Act seems to require, as also do a great many ratepayers here. The highest legal authority in New Zealand has declared that an election must take place; but as yet the Government have made no move in the matter, and the settlers are anxiously waiting to see if they do so. In the event of the elections coming off, there are many candidates in the field. Sale oe Lands.—Since Mr D.mdo, our local land agent, began business several town allotments and country lands have been disposed of, at good prices. This business is one long required here.