RAGLAN.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 2885, 10 January 1891, Page 2

RAGLAN.

Xi'.w Vi-:\[i':.( Day.—This hrim/. the occv sinn for holding the annual spoils, prresit disappointment was felt wlihii it was found that, the u-mithor, which w;is wretched and boisterous tlirnuslio'iS the day, would prevent the taunts t,iki'i(, r phn;u. 1u oonse(juence, the Sports Committee postponed them until Kriijay, the Kith, when it is to be hoped tine weal her will prevail. A goodly numbar of settlers arruod in the township during the day, and in the evenin" the usual ball took place in the Public Hall.

Croi'S.—Oats are beimj carried in all parts of the district. Potatoes, in most parts, are looking i;rand, and if the appearance of the upper growth is any criterion, there will be a large yield. I'.-trly pears and apples are ripening fust, Peaches, in some parts, are more abundant, whilst in others the tierce tralea have attain cut all the fruit from the trees. Smnll fruits, a? gooseberries and currants, will soon be over. The former, in some eases, have yielded well, the small soits being most, appreciated, as the yield and flavour is superior to those of larger size. Walnuts have, in many orchards, a Rood show, and oranges have, in one or two places, done well, whilst lemons have, in the mitt season, yielded an abundant cropi (),ie settler having sent nearly 1,000 to the Auckland market, cettins; a very Rood price for tlie samp. Several trees which the natives obtained years afro from the \l*.v. Yen. ■). Wallis (who was then stationed here), and planted oul; at Rakunui, c.;iitiin>e to yield larße quantities nf the gulden fruit.

Vwrroiss. —There are, at the present time, a huge number of visitors staving both in Riglan and nt thft Hot Springs. On Tuesday hist Mr Wilson, lessee of the Spring's Sanatorium, brought down to the township in his luge but Mr McMillan and family, of Auckland, Mr John Allen, of Pnkekohe, and ATr Jackson, who have all been staying at his hotel. Mr Allen was much pleased with t!i<; appearance of the land in the neighbourhood of the Springs, and the excellent show of grass growing thereon. Next day the party returned to the Springs, much ploased with the trip down thR harbour to Raglan. They had a pretty still' north-east wind to contend with, but with four willing bands at the oars, and a (rood boat, they would not be long in arriving at their destination.

Matt. Skrvicks.—The termination of the pastyenr concluded the mail contract of Mr Sutton, who has during the last six years faithfully carried on the service. Tho commencement of the New Year began with the new contractor, Mr Kingi, who with h!s mail coach left Kagliui on Friday mornin? for Hamilton, returning to Raglan on the to'lnwing dr.y arriving and departing at the hours specified in the contract. Retrospection.—Throughout the year great progress can be truly reported in nearly all parts of the Raglan county. Onewhe.ro. Whnngape, Karioi, around tho Hot Springs, etc., settlement has gone on apace. A very low increase has taken place, in the returns published, of tho number of aheap in the country, and also, it might be obsarve.d, which is equally important in the quality of the animals kept. Cattle have continued to increase in number, more than a thousand head havo been driven over tho mountain road for jale in Waikato at Ohaupo and other place*, besides the cattle sent out of the county from it's mnnv other outlets

Flax. —All the flax mills (with perhaps the exception of one mill) have bpen kept busy during the la<t year, thus giving employment to a large n umber of both Maoris and Europeans and although the prica unfortunately has not been so good as in previous years, yet a good deal of money must have changed hands in consequence of this industry. Lime.—Kilns have been erected at the Waitetuna, Heads, on the property of Messrs Johnstono admirably situated for the purpose. Deep water frontage and plenty of limestone available close at hand, firewood within easy distance and other advantages. Mr Vercon is engaged burning the lime, orders for tho same, having been received from Auckland, Waitoa, Xew Plymouth, Waimate, ote. And there will soon be a steady increasing demand for the same.

FltuiT.—Last season was in most orchards a very good imo for .ill kinds nf fruit. A very large quantity <if various kinds nf truifc trees have boon planted during the last season, Mr Sharp, of Cambridge, having disposed of a great number of trees, which uro now in most places doing well, though the sale was rather late in the season.

Visitors.— During the last year a great number of visitors have been with ns. Staying both in Raglan and at the Hot Springs, and coming not only from Auckland but from other iiarts of the colony.

Oi.ij Sbttlehs.—Some of our old and esteemed settlers have passed away at an advanced agß, Mr Gibbison and Mrs Kescel amongst the number, us well as several natives of note.