RAGLAN,

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 2945, 30 May 1891, Page 2

RAGLAN,

Temperance Meeting. — The monthly meeting of this society was held in the WesIeyan Church, Raglan, on the evening of Friday, May 22nd inst., the Rev. Mr Williams, President, in the chair. After prayer was offered a lengthy programme consisting of hymns, songs and recitations was given in an excellent manner, and very able addresses were delivered by Mr Mieklejohn and the President.

Bush Contracts.—The following tenders for bush falling on the Te Akau estate were accepted by the manager Mr Mathias. on Saturday last, viz., W. Davis, 157 acres at 23s per acre; Pretty and Moon, 302 acres, at 31s 6d per acre ; M. Galvan, 347 acres at 32s per acre, and 272 acres at 30s per acre ; C. and L. Johnstone, 351 acres at 32 4d per acre ; Thornburn Joyce and Co., 276 acres at 26s per acre ; Crosby Bros., 256 acres 29s 6d per acre, and 207 acres at 29s 6d per acre. Blocks 4, 6, and 8, have not yet been allotted. They consist of nearly 800 acres, so that the bush that is shortly to be fallen upon the entire block consist of about 3000 acres, and the cost for these contracts cannot be much less than £4500. The spending of so Iarge a sum of money in the district must be of great benefit, the circulation of it causing great impetus to the trade of the place. Besides this first outlay considerable expense will be incurred in the sowing of grass seed during the autumn of next year, together with the cost of fencing, etc. Bush-falling begins on the 1st of next month. Local contractors have as yet received more than half the work let. Prices this year are considerably higher than last.

Raglan Shipping Company.—A meeting of the provisional directors of this company took place in the Council Chambers on Saturday afternoon, May 23rd inst. Little business was done beyond reading the minutes and correspondence, which consisted of offers of steamers, applications for agents, &c., and other preliminary business. It was determined that the directors should mako a personal canvas of the district for the purpose of securing shareholders in the company. The following notice was posted up in reference to the company's operation, viz. :—"The directors are empowered to state that the boat shall be run for the benefit of shippers, freights to be charged at the minimum rate allowable after paying 5 per cent on capital." Mr F. Sewell acted as secretary, pro. tern.

Mutual Improvement Society. —On Wednesday next a meeting is intended to be held here for the purpose of starting a society of this kind in the district.

Yates' Root Competition.—On Friday afternoon at Messrs Rendell and Henry's store could be seen a collection of twelve champion Purple Top turnips which were grown by Mr T. B. Hill, from Yates' seed. upon his section recently purchased from Mrs Chamberlain, formerly forming a portion of the block known as "Chamberlain's run." The gross weight ot the twelve selected turnips was 338lbs, the heaviest, one weighing 38½lbs and the average weight being over 28lbs each. Mr Hill had not so much in view the gaining of a prize at the root competition as that he might show the superior quality of the soil in this block of land. A very fine mangold wurzel was also exhibited weighing close upon 40lbs, but this was not for competition. Mr Hill computes that the produce of the plot of turnips planted could not be at a less rate than 50 tons per acre. Every part of this block that has been brought into cultivation gives evidence of the excellent quality of the soil, Messrs Rendell and Henry upon their section without manure have this season had potatoes turning out ten tons to the acre, and grass and clover are luxuriant all over the volcanic portion of the block. Last week another section was disposed of, and several good sections are yet for sale.

Auction Sale.—Mr Sutton has another auction sale for Saturday next. These sales cannot help being of great use to settlers, enabling them to dispose of produce and other things they may desire to sell.