MAHAKIPAWA NOTES

Marlborough Express, Volume LIV, Issue 184, 5 August 1920, Page 2

MAHAKIPAWA NOTES

(From a Correspondent.)

L«st week saw the termination of chaff-cutting and thre&hing operations ior tliis season. The output of oa-ton-irhoai chaff has been considerably moro than that of the prc-viaus season. This was also the case with the pSas tht-eshod, tlio onl^' rcgrettab'lo fact being the amount of rain that fell during harvesting operations. This factor militated, against what would have otherwise been a record yield of both oaits and peas for the valley. As it vraa, however, upwards of 3000 sacks of chaff and. 4ol) sacks of peos were shipped over the Grove wharf to W(ollmgt°n direct/ Other smaller quantities found their way to the local markets. The principal pea-growers wore ■.Messrs O'Dwyer and Mm'phy, both of whom had very good overage yields per acre, considering the stress o1 wemther. Mr O'Dwyer was the highest, with an average yield on one block ov over 40 buahels to the acre. Messrs Bryant Bros, and Pask had an excellent crop of potatoes at the Grove end ot the valley, and the pity Is tlcat jwiees are not more i-emunera-tivo for the amount cf time and labor they put into the preparation of the grctund. T'ho season just cioeed was a highily satisfactorj- one for the local factory; so much so that the directors decided to enlarge the factory and instal a .whey butter plant. The work involved in carrying this project into operation is at present in full swing. The losal returned soldiers axe all anxiously scanning the Express every day for news of the ballot of Mrs Gregg's property, recently acquired for ■returned soldiers; but so tiu- the Land Department's movements are shrouded in mystery. It is sincerely hoped that the ballot will be pushed ahead as speedily as possible so as to enable the successful applicants to got the full benefit of the conung season, which promises well. The weather conditions during the p/i.st month have boon ideal for stock, consequently the stock in the Valley are looking well, and on some ctf the farms lambs are already making their appearance. The social life of the Valley _ has been somewhat quiet this winter., owing mostly to the hall' which is used for dances and socials being filled with produce. In addition to scvoval private parties recently Mrs Mplssi.ia.es gave a" most er^oy^bje party to fh& yor.ng .folks of vie Vailley Lt their homestead, "Nestlands." There were upwards of thirty present) and all enjoyed themselves thoroughly. Dancing was the order of the - evening, the music being played by Mr Meisaac, and Mr *F. Johnson contributing several extras. Misses .Suttrm and Mclsoac, and Messrs Bryant and Opie contributed songs. Towards the close of the evening an exoellent supper was provided, which was appreciated by both old and young. Prior to the guest's dispersing Mr Opie ;thanked Mr and Mrs Mclsaaes for the pleasurable evening a.ll had spent, and trusted it would not bo the last of similar functions. Mrs Mclsaaes suitably acknowledged th" compliment.

Tho. local hockey team lias at last resurrected itself out of its dead ashes, and after few practices met the Have lock team at Havelock recontly. A most interesting and evenly contested game was won by Havelock by 10 to 1. The local tea-n, hoivover,. arc confident of reversing this result when the teams clash together again.

Tlio Linkwater Rifle Club is now going ahead in full swing, .and under tlio secretaryship of Mr T. Sutton 3 groat amount of enthusiasm has been infused into the club. Members are practising regularly, and it is anticipated they will give ji good account of themselves in their firstt outside match. Ac the opening day an interclub match was "fired- for trophies. There was an excellent number of outsiders and others. Afternoon tea was provided by the lady friends of the riflemen.