TE PUKE NOTES.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 3833, 12 April 1899, Page 2

TE PUKE NOTES.

(Own correspondent.) Since writing you last we have had abundance of rain, so much bo that the settlers began to cry out for a change. Had we been fortunate enough to have had a week or two like the past few weeks in January and February possibly those engaged in dairying would now have plenty of milk to supply our local factory, but unfortunately the rain has come too lat.9 and the supply is now going dovpn so/ fast that possibly in a week or so, after a very successful season, operations, for a few months, will cease. Credit of no mean order is due to the promoters of the Te Puke Dairy Company. For years past the said factory has been af ailure ; pecuniary difficult ies after a season's working was the result. This season, though the supply was small, a fair price, after deducting expenses and depreciation, will be paid for butterfat. At the present, though j nothing defintie, is yot stated, estimates for enlarging the factory to double the present size to make room, it is to be hoped, for at least 1,500 gallons of milk next season.

I learn, from very good authority, that the long looked for developement of the Te Puke Gold Reefs Company's mine will, at last, take a turn in the right direction. A gentleman interested in an English syndicate is now on his way heme to make arrangements for its future development. On Sunday afternoon Mr Stanway conducted service v in the Mission Hall. In the evening Mr Porter was the celebrant and was listened to by a large congregation. He took as a subject • Thoughts on Prayer' from the penitent's petition and Christ's answer. It is rather annoying to Mr Porter and the congregation that young fellows, who certainly should know better, came to the Hall evidently nottolistento the preacher but talk during the service. These young fellows have got beyond talking to and any future offence in this [direction will be given into the hands of the local police constable. A party beat on duck shooting jo j•n>j c 1 to Matata on Thursday last, returning on, -Saturday. They report that game there this season is very searca. Their bag was 96 ducks and 9 swans between four guns for four days sporfc.