TE AWAMUTU.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 2561, 8 December 1888, Page 2

TE AWAMUTU.

Volunteer Spirit.—There is much room yet for encouraging the growth of a genuine spirit of volunteering. In the South Island many of the volunteers ride 00 miles to the half yearly drill. On these occasions two troops come together and camp, when they are constantly drilled during the day while there, and at night do guard duty. They have their own mess, and for half-a-crown a day have a table much better than is supplied at the hotels there for double the money. They endure no discomfort, and are instructed in much of the duty they would have to perform in the Held. Some such arrangement could be made by which the Waiuku and Te Awamntu Troops could hold their encampments alternately in Waiuku and To Awamutu. Such meetings would be something to look forward to as a pleasant break in the monotony of a farmer's yearly round of duty, besides drawing them out of the narrow groove they are in and giving them a better cpinion of each other. If the young men would make up their minds to give it a trial they would be so pleased with the change that they would be glad to keep the custom up. Regarded from a utilitarian standpoint it would be of great importance, for if we are to have volunteering kept up in the colony, the men would thus be rendered more efficient than by always drilling in small troops. We commend the idea to our readers' favourable consideration.

A Freak of Natuuk.—A few days ago a strange occurrence in Hawera was reported in the "Herald." A mare in that place dropped a dead foal after which she appeared ill, and about ten days afterwards she dropped a live and healthy foal. A similar occurrence happened to a mare of Mr Teasdale. She dropped a dead foal to Ingomar, and as the dam is a particularly fine animal and well suited for breeding this particular class of horses, the owner regretted it very much. The mare appeared to be quite well and strong after it, and strange to say three weeks after she again foaled, this time the foal being alive, and strong and healthy. Such occurrences are extremely rare, and are worthy of notice. Tub Crops.— Winter ;wheat is looking very well, but that which was sown late, requires rain to bring it on after the cold blighting winds wo have had. Potatoes so far are looking well, notwithstanding the cold season. Mr Holden has been digging some of great size for the last two or three weeks. They are the sort known as the " early prolific," a name which is very appropriate, for they are very prolific, and cnme in early. Some of the potatoes weigh over a pound each. Last night's frost did little damage, except to potatoes and gardens in low lying situations, in such cases the effects were rather severe, all tender plants being completely cut down. Organ Recital at St. John's.—The forthcoming organ recital at St. John's on 111 th inst. promises to be a decided success. The members of the choir and other friends are practising very assiduously for it. There will be no charge for admission, but a collection will be taken up, the proceeds to be devoted to the purchase of new music for the choir, which, by the way, has wonderfully improved under the leadership of Mr Burgess.

Wksleyan Bazaar. —This bazaar, which is to be held in the hall on Wednesday next will be very attractive. Great quantities of articles, useful and ornamental, have been procured for it. A feature in the affair will be the pictvre gallery, many people who possess works of art having lent them for the occasion. The members of the Wesleyan body throughout the district are working hard for the occasion, and no doubt their efforts will be crowned with success.