RAGLAN.

Flax-cutting Contest.—A contest to decide the superiority of using a knifo or hook in the cutting of flax took place at Waitetuna on June 23th, between Mr jus Ln Trobe, using the knife, and Mr Jas. Donaldson with the hook. The wager was £8 a-side, and a large number of those interested in the flax trade were present. The time occupied in the contest was six and a-half hours. Both the competitors worked with a determination to win. The quantity cut was : La Trobe, 3 tons, 8 cwt., oqrs.,27lbs; Donaldson, 2 tons, 15 cwt., 2 qrs., 131b ; the former thus being declared the winner. The flax was also tied. Local Inwustuibs.—ln these days of depression, it is pleasing to note, the various industries that are in operation along the Raglan and Waipa Road. Starting from the former place, and five miles from Raglan, we come to the flax-mill of Messrs Wallis, which has been in operation for many years. It ia situated just above the beautiful Okete Falls, having abundance of water for the mill, find is kept running all the year round. The next mill is that of Mr Wilsou, now leased to Messrs Ormiston, which is also in fall work. A few miles along the road brings us to the flax mill of Mr La Trobe, which has also been long used, and continues to grind away still. This mill is situated at the junction of the Waipa and Kunrou roads. The next mill is that of Mr Moon, which ia not in work just now, but is expected soon to be. On the Hot Springs Road, a short distance from its junction with the Waif a Road, is the flax mill of Mr Cogswell, from which a considerable quantity has been turned out- A tew inilos further on, and at the top of the dividing range, are situated the lime kilns of Mr William Cannell, of Hamilton. A corrugated iron building has been put up, and the quarry opened out. The quarry is an excellent one, large blocks of stone are seen at its face, and of an almost unlimited supply, stretching across to the other side of the hill for threequarters of a milo, and evideutly of a great depth too. Mr Cannell is sparing no expense to make this industry a great success. Already he has supplied large quantities of lime to various settlers along the road to, and about Hamilton, the price being very reasonable. The quality cannot be surpassed, as upon analysis it is found to contain 90% of lime, and is suitable for all purposes.