OKAIAWA.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XXXIII, Issue 3425, 16 December 1896, Page 2

OKAIAWA.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) The Hawera Presbyterian choir gave (as advertised in the Star) the cantata, 11 David, the Shepherd Boy." The hall was fairly full, but people are very busy here at this time of the year, and this affected the attendance considerably. I don't think we heard the piece to the best advantage as the acoustic properties of the hall are not of the best. However, we do not often get concerted music, and so we appreciate fully that we do get, especially when well rehearsed, as was this. We, as well as other parts of the district, are feeling the effects of the exceptionally dry spell, garden produce especially, the later sown being most noticeable, and the more forward are ripening prematurely. The plots of potatoes that I have seen are not looking well on account of the many misses. But I saw a plot on the Hastings road on the property of Mr Allen, which are very regular, and in a most thriving condition. Mangolds are not doing well, and carrots have in a great many instances failed, whilst sweedes sown Bince the rain have not struck. Haymaking is in full swing, the weather suiting this industry. The flow of milk will begin to slacken much earlier than other seasons, although I understand the butterfat percentage is proportionately higher. A nice dwelling house has been built to the order of Mr E. O. Hendy, and adds materially to the look of the township. I notice that Mr A. Scott is building a cottage in the same vicinity. The fine house built to the order of the late Mr Plummer is now occupied by Mr W. T. Jones, who has already improved the surroundings, and when trees are planted, will add to the picturesque appearance of the place.