HALCOMBE

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 3479, 15 October 1926, Page 2

HALCOMBE

(From Our Own Correspondent.) Owing to the unseasonable weather, farmers throughout the district have experienced rather a set-back. The dairy farmer notices it in bis daily output of cream, which usually diminishes in quantity with a cold snap. The warm humid conditions prevailing previously had encouraged the rapid growth of grass'and clovers, but the heavy and severe if rost on Wednesday morning had the effect of cutting the white clover to the ground. Early potatoes and tomato plants suffered in like manner, and in most gardens, early potatoes for Christmas will not be forthcoming, as. the drastic mowing down will, in most cases, necessitate replanting. It is feared that all stone fruit crops will be affected by the frost, which were showing signs of a bountiful harvest. Magpies.

The magpies are nesting, and .at least one resident will be thankful when this interesting event is over, as while “Maggie” is serenely covering the eggs in an adjoining tree, Maggie’s mate is evidently finding the waiting monotonous, For diversion he is finding his way into any rooms where ho can gain access, especially favouring bedrooms which contain mirrors, where he may bo seen strutting backwards and forwards preening his feathers, with his head first at one angle and then another. Seeing the fellow in the mirror following his example Maggie’s mate waxes wrath, and • make ferocious, but futile attacks on the glass. Throughout the night the bird evidently puzzled over the problem, as the next day's programme was a little varied, as after displaying his charms to the best -advantage Maggie’s mate swiftly attacked and as swiftly made a dive to look behind the mirror. This programme he continued daily at intervals, the long suffering •housewife' finding it necessary to close doors and windows for the greater part of the day, until such time as Maggie is once again free, to keep her mate in order. . : ' Wireless. Mongoane road has installedjits first wireless plant. Mr. R. Redmaync, eldest son of Mr. H. Redmaync, of “Bushlands," having a five-valve plant which has been working satisfactorily for some weeks. Mr. and Mrs. H. Rcdmayne, whose return from the Old Country has been delayed owing to the ill-health of Mr. Rcdmayne, are leaving for Now Zealand on October 22,. arriving some time in December. ! “ •f -