RAGLAN.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2523, 11 September 1888, Page 2

RAGLAN.

Export.—During the last week our local trader the s.s. Rowena visited this port, arriving from Onehunga in the early part of the week. She had on board a large general cargo of flour, seed potatoes, oats, bonedust, also an 8 horse power portable steam engine, for the flax mill of Messrs Galvan at Todd's Creek, North Arm Upon the engine being placed upon the wharf it became a great cause for curiosity to those who had never seen its like before, and under the chargo of Mr Sewell steam was got up a few days after, the natives as well as others being highly delighted with its performance. It is intended to get it up to its destination on two canoes, a platform being erected across them, and the engine placed thereon. It is seldom our wharf has presented so animated an appearance, as both stores were full of flax and low, and the platform in front covered as well with both flux and bacon ready for shipment. Here is just cause for congratulation, nearly 300 bales of flax, etc., for the Auckland market. The steamer having goods on board for Knwhia, partly loaded, and on her return from that placo completed her loading, but was not able to take all, lifty bales being left until next trip. European Flax.—Seeing that it is more than likely that in the course of time the native Max may become exhausted, unless efforts are made to cultivate it upon an extensive scale, would it not be desirablo for the settlers residing around the various flax mills, to go in for the cultivation of the European flax? and then the flax manufacturers would have " two strings to their bow," and local industry would be encouraged. Could not rope, binder twine, and matting also be made, and other industries started in connection with these mills? Then trade and agriculture could go hand in hand.

SriUNT. Time.— So fine a spring time is hardly remembered here during the years that are oast. Warm genial showers have fallen, with bright sunny days. The nights not too cold to injuro plant growth, Farmers are busy on every hand getting in their crops, etc., and under favourable conditions a plentiful harvest may be expected.