RAGLAN.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 2655, 18 July 1889, Page 2

RAGLAN.

Flax Txi.-ustky.—ln consequence of the increased trade of the district and the larger quantity of flax produced, the Northern Company are sending their boat every fortnight now, and tho R,owena arrived on Tuesday afternoon with a large quantity of general cargo, bringing also a six horse power portable steam engine, manufactured by Marshall and Sons. It is the property of Messrs S. and T. Wilson, who intend to run a new flax mill which they are erecting up the harbour at a place called Wairata. They have nearly completed the building of a new punt ill which to convey the engmo and machinery, which also came by the steamer. Flax to the right of us, flax to the left of lis, wherever we go is still the cry. Already there are eight or nine mills in the district, and it is said four or more are to be soon erected. MiHall, from Blenheim, has taken the flax district in the Te Akau run, five miles from Raglan down the coast below the Mussel rocks. He was here last week inspecting the field. There is said to be immense quantities of the raw material at hand. The engine,boilers and other machinery are being made in Auckland, and in the course of a month or so will be upon the ground. This mill must bo of great benefit to the district, employing as it must many hands. At Kawhia Messrs Langley and Phillips are erecting two or three mills, using both steam and water power. Mr Charlton, of this place, has gone over to see about erection of buildings, etc. At the old flour mill at Aotea, Messrs Rutherford, I hoar, are about to erect another'mill. It is most pleasing to have to record the increased prosperity of the district by the enterprise of those, who are engaged in the manufacture of flux.

Housk Dkmaxd.— All the unoccupied houses in the township are finding tenants, and soon there must be new buildings erected, as there is a demand for dwelling houses.

Land Sai.k.s.—Several portions of land near Raglan upon the property of tho lato Mr Chamberlain have been disposed of through Mr Dando, land agent, of this place, who has been appointed solo agent for the sale of the land.

Accidknt.—Though, as a rule, few accidents have occurred at the various flaxmills of the district, which is a cause of thankfulness, vet we have to record one which might have been serious enough. Mr John Ormeston, of the tinn of Ormeston and Co., whilst engaged on the irnil, unfortunately got three or four of the tingors of his left hand in the cogwheel of the machinery, and though not crushing the bones, it burst the fingers open, and caused him ereat pain. Mr Bay, who was at Kawhia at the time, having been sent for, arrived in a few hours, and dressed the fingers. The Wkathkr.— Still the old tale retold of continued rain, "The rain it raineth every day." The ground is sodden, and cultivation is impossible, therefore earlier crops are implanted. Early potatoes are still implanted. Last year they were in three weeks before this time in some parts of the district. Speaking to an old Raglan resident he stated it was just 30 years ago since we had such a wet winter. The loads are at their. and the poor cattle and horses find it d.Seuit to get over them.