RAGLAN.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 2918, 28 March 1891, Page 2

RAGLAN.

Church service.—The usual service that is held in the Church of England, Raglan and conducted by Mr LaTrobe, lay reader, took place on Sunday evening last. As this was the last occasion on which Mr LaTrobe would be able to conduct the service for many months to come, owing to his leaving on a visit to England, a large congregation assembled, consisting of representatives from nearly all the families in Raglan and the surrounding parts. Miss Mitchell presided at the harmonium, and the congregation heartily joined in the singing. The whole service was impressive. The sermon read was a most excellent one, dealing with unbelief based upon Peter's denial of Christ ; and dealing with the subject, either from the agnostic side of the question or from the backsliders' standpoint, the remedy recommended was sure and certain—viz., a return, like Peter, to his Lord and Master if peace was to be obtained. Mr LaTrobe's services as lay reader have been much appreciated, and he will be greatly missed from the district on this account.

Insect Pests. —A week or two sense an army of caterpillars came down, evidently from the bush, and, entering the paddocks of Mr Savage, Karioi, cleared every vestige of vegetation before them, both the maize and grass suffering greatly. The grass previous to their attack, owing, no doubt, to the moist summer weather, was looking grand ; but after their march over it presented a very sad appearance. Every blade was eaten quite close to the ground and the ground as bare as could be. On the road adjoining the paddock, and in the line of march of the destroying insects, you could have scooped them up if desired ; and, strange to say, the small birds were not to be seen anywhere—but, stranger still, they soon after appeared in great droves after the mischief had been done.

Bush Fires. - During the past fortnight or so bush fires have prevailed all around the district, from where Waingaro's boiling springs arise to right across the country, through the Te Akau station, past Mangate to the coast and around the harbour, the effect from a distance being often grand in the extreme; and as clouds of smoke swept seawards — The rippling sea as burnished gold, The bar as silver bright, And Karioi, wrapt in clouds, As dark as sombre night. The weather having changed and rain coming on at intervals, burning operations, where not completed, have been thus delayed. Store Cattle. —A large demand seems to exist for both yearling and young stock throughout the district, and several buyers have been about and many purchases made. Generally speaking, in consequence of the good feed prevailing, stock are in excellent condition for this time of the year.