RAGLAN.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 3080, 12 April 1892, Page 2

RAGLAN.

Te Kopua—The natives living in this set tlement have been busy lately in getting up their late crop of potatoes, of which they have a considerable quantity. They are now engaged in gathering in their maize of which they have grown more than ever this year ; it is of fine quality too. A few days ago a very large tangi was held here over the remains of Murimuri, a young woman who died at Aotea. She was the daughter of Marsh, and granddaughter of Kereopa, who died a year ago and was buried in the sand near the beach. The usual display of food—bullocks and pigs with potatoes, kumeras, bread, etc., took place and was partaken of. Preparations have been made for the reception of Tawhiao (the Maori King) at the settlement, a grand whare having been built with Maori carvings, and the wooden facings of the whare painted red. Large quantities of dried fish, shark, dogfish and schnappor, are hanging up around the whares, and send out the most delightful odours, if not to the pakeha sense, at least to thfi native nasal organs. Shipping.— The cutter Coralie, on her last visit brought a considerable quantity of timber besides other goods. Landing the timber at the Bridle Greek landing place, to the order of Mr Lascelles, who has recently purchased a fine property in the Kauroa Valley, from Mr Austin, and is intending to erect dwelling house and other buildings thereon. The S.S. Glenelg came into the harbour yesterday, and discharged at the new wharf a large quantity of grass seed, bone dust, wire and general cargo, she afterwards proceeded over to the Te Akau side and discharged cargo there, leaving in the afternoon for Wanganui, etc.

Church Matters.— On Saturday, April 2nd, a meeting of the general committee of the Raglan Church in connection with the pastorate of the Rev. Mr Williams was held in the Wesleyan Church, Raglan, members attending from Ruapuke, Te Mata, and other parts. The principal business was to receive the resignation of the Rev. Mr Williams, which was accepted by the committee ; so that once more the Raglan district is without a local minister. It seems a great pity that the Wesleyans do not send one of their ministers here. They have their church property, two churches, and a minister's house here, with mission and other property. If they had only continued to supply this place a little longer with a minister, they would have found that they could have carried on a successful work in the district, and it is a pity they gave the work up some time ago. Until a resident minister of some denomination is appointed, services will be conducted by local friends, but that is, it is to be hoped, not for long. There is a large population gathering in this disirict, and a resident minister is greatly needed.

Red Clover.—A few days ago Mr T. B. Hill was fortunate enough to see on his land, near Raglan, two humble bees flying about. He first saw them on the plant ajuga reptans, and as there is little doubt but that they have a nest near, they will soon be spread over the district, and will thus secure the fertilisation of the red clover. Weather.—The weather still continues fine, with slight frosts occasionally inland. Consequently, settlers are very busy in preparing the land for grass. Grass seed sowing is being pushed on with, and will be completed shortly.