OH THE FOXTON LINE.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 2715, 7 August 1923, Page 2

OH THE FOXTON LINE.

(From Our Own Correspondent). Contractors are sinking an artesian 'veil alongside the Mangawhata factory . Already the pipe is over 250 feer down. Additions to the building are also being made. Quito an interesting aerial contest was witnessed in the Rangitane district the other day. The combatants were a hawk and what appeared to be two magpes. Whatever had been the issue at stake, the contest was certainly worthy of it, for it was a strenuous one to the participants. Time after time the hawk would swoop on to one of the magpies, "and almost immediately the other magpie would dive in. Feathers fluffed away almost at every renewed attack. The contest was carried on until the trio went out of sight over some trees. Until then, honours or points seemed to be about even in the im-rcferecd contest. The diving and soaring of the birds brought back vivid recollections of aerial fighting seen in Flanders. The schoolmaster at Tiakiatahuna is evidently enthusing energy into the school committee and residents. Members of the committee have laid down concrete paths and trimmed up the trees in the vicinity of the school. The other day the school children, under the supervision of their teacher, were busy clearing and preparing the ground for school gardens. Such effort is well worth encouraging. Other schools might take an example. In talking to a. mbbiter the other day the information was gleaned that the present abnormal season has had the beneficial effect of helping to keep clown "bunny”. In comparing this year with former years, rabbits are not nearly so plentiful in many parts. Perhaps bunny may have sought a drier cfnd warmer climate.