RAGLAN.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 2882, 3 January 1891, Page 2

RAGLAN.

Ciiristmastidk.—Another Christmas lias passed away, with all its hallowed associations, for it matters not where celebrated whether in the homes of the " Old Land " after the time-honoured name or in the homos of the Raglan settlers in the "New Land," where were gathered on Christmas Day the happy families of the various settlers, or the stranger who might happen to be amongst them. All alike on pleasure bent, doing justice t > the good tilings provided for their Christinas cheer. In some of the homes somewhere about thirty of the famiiy assembled, from the grandsira and grandmother to tho little child. In every home (except where sorrow had crept in) was joy and gladness. Could it be otherwise when peace and plenty prevailed.

Boxini; Day.—This popular day of recreation and amusement was celebrated in the Raglan district by a public picnic at Te Akau station (by the kind permission of the County chairman, Mr R. C. Mathias). Messrs Rendell and Henry having kindly placed their new boat the Rangitira at the disposal of the picnicers, about sixty persons left the old wharf at 10 o'clock a.m. under the command of Captain Vercoe. And after a pleasant sail across the harbour were safely landed on the Te Akau side, just above the station house, and beneath the romantic limestone rocks, piled up on every hand in every shape, here a castle high, there a cool giot. All safely landed, the steep hill was climbed, and soon beneath the cool shades of the glorious trees the dinner was spread out by the ladies of the company, who had provided all the delicacies of the season and to which our increased appetites did equal justice. In the afternoon various games became the order of the day, tennis for thoso who delighted in that game, rounders and tig, with other sports. Tea having been partaken of, Mr Hudson brought his camera into play and a picture of the merry group of picnicers was taken. Homewards was then and when assembled in the Rangatira another view was taken of those on board, and no doubt these views will mako a couple of very good photographic pictures. Thanks and three cheers were then given for Mr and Mrs Mathias for thoir kindness, to which Mr Mathias suitably responded, and Rag lau was soou after reached.

t-'EsiiviTiKs at WArricriXA.—Tlie Jay was celebrated by the Maori:; and their pakeha friends by the holding "I race ,'and other sporta. A large number of people were on tlie ground and various races took place. Tlio natives had a great spread of good tilings to which all wore welcome. Chsistm.\s Weathku. — On Christmas Day and Boxing-Day v.'<: had splendid weather, but on Saturday afternoon a heavy thunder storm passed over the district. On Sunday afternoon a strong gale began to blow from the north west, and towards evening it increased in violence, when a very severe thunder storm again passed over the district, the lightning being most brilliant, and the thunder incessant. The weather is now much colder.

Flax-mills. — Sotre of the flax-mills have closed for the holidays, and amongst the number is that of Mr Hall's, on the Te Akau Station. A thorough overhaul of the boiler, engine and machinery is being carried out, an engineer having come down from Auckland for the purpose. It is expected that the mill will bo in full swim,' again soon after the new year.