FOXTON

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6808, 11 January 1929, Page 9

FOXTON

THU FLAX INDUSTRY. From Our Own Correspondent. The grading returns in connection with Foxton’s chief industry for the month of December have been issued by the Department of Agriculture as follow:—Hemp:

Fifteen bales at Picton were graded fine, 44 bales at Auckland. The number of bales in each grade was as follows, the number for the corresponding period of last year being given in parenthesis:—Fine, 15 (31D, good fair 434 (7251, high fair 2628 (3523), low fair 1933 "(3892), common 637 (934), rejected 436 (287), condemned nil (9), a total of 6083 bales, as against 9403 bales graded the same period last year, a decrease of 3320 bales. The number of bales graded at each port was:—Auckland 1670, Wellington 2653, Foxton 570, Picton 57, Blenheim 42, Port Chalmers 80, Bluff 1002, Lyttelton 9. The following shows the detailed particulars of the tow graded:—•

Thirty-two bales at Auckland, 57 at Wellington, nine at Foxton and two at the Bluff were condemned. The number of bales in each grade, tho number for the corresponding period of last year being given in parenthesis:—First grade 167 (373), second grade 1233 (1653), third grade 391 (795), condemned 100 (82), a total of 1891 bales, as against 2703 bales graded tho same period last year, a decrease of 1012. The number of bales graded at each port was:—Auckland 544, Wellington 613, Foxton 103, Picton 29, Bluff 456, Lyttelton 2, Waikuku 144. Stripper tow: —One hundred and eight bales at Wellington were graded first grade, 18 bales at Wellington and 108 at Waikuku wero graded second grade. Thirty-six bales at Waikuku were graded third grade; a total number of 270 bales, as against 120, graded the same ncriod last year showing an increase of 144 bales. Stripper slips:—Five bales at Auckland and 147 at the Bluff were third 10 at the Bluff were condemned. Tho total number of bales graded was 167, as againyst 372 for the same period last year, a decrease of 205.

An Old Curio. An interesting Telic is in possession of Mr. Hans Andersen of Union street, in the form of a ribbon fish, This particular specimen was picked up on tho Foxton beach some 27 years ago by one of Mr. Andersen’s sons. Tho fish was sent to a taxidermist, who stuffed it and placed it in a glass case. It was sent to Christchurch and displayed at the exhibition held there when the present King and Queen visited New Zealand as the Duke and Duchess of York. It was later exhibited in Wellington, afterwards- being returned to its owner, where it lias remained undisturbed for many years. The fish, a particularly large specimen, is about 16 feet iu length, four inches in thickness at the widest part and about 16 inches deep. It is light grey in colour but unfortunately tho head is not very well preserved and the outlines of the features cannot easily be discerned. A dorsal fin extends almost the full length of the fish, the body of which tapers sharply at the tail. When interviewed, Mr. Andersen explaining why ribbon fish and frost fish were usually only found on beaches, stated that in his opinion the peculiar taper of the tail did not permit them to steer themselves when in shallow or broken water, and their ultimate arrival on the beach is inevitable if they venture too dose to the shore. Foxton Lunch ClubThe usual monthly meeting of the Foxton Lunch club was held on Thurs-

day, over which Mr. M. E. Pcrreau presided. There, were also present Messrs Garbett, Tongs, A. Scott, A. Osborne, TV. Trueman, C. Hewett, TV. Heycs, Murray, G. Fraser, Giblett, Bullard, B. Hornblow, L. Stevens, TV’. Ogilvy, J. Newton, F. Mason, D. Christie, and Be vs. Walton and Edmondson. The chairman extended a welcome to the speaker, Mr. W. A. Waters, A.M.1.E.E., of Palmerston North and also welcomed Mr J. Aitehison, a visitor to the club. Mr. Waters gave a very interesting talk on "A Trip Across America,” in which he dealt with many interesting phases of the States. He described his arrival at ’Frisco and the trip down to Los Angeles, giving an interesting description of the country passed on route, touching on the oil fields and fruit growing districts. Ho referred to the , tremendous irrigation schemes in vogue to supplement the scanty rainfall of ten inches per annum and said that over 180,000 horse power was used to raise water from the various rivers to irrigate the surrounding countryside. The groves of trees extended for miles on all sides. Mr. Waters’ description of a visit to filmdom was of particular interest. Passing across the States Mr. Waters referred to the severity of the blizzards which were encountered during his visit. His reference to visits to Ford end Essex-Hudson motor -works was full of interest and in conclusion Mr. Waters paid a tribute to the hospitality of the true American, who, lie said, should not be confused with the boastful type which one often mot travelling abroad. Mr. Waters was accorded a hearty vote of thanks by Mr. F. A. Mason and a similar compliment was paid to the chair.

Ports G.F. ELF. L.F. C. Auckland .». 192 590 540 304 Wellington .. .. 304 1220 723 266 Foxton .. .. — 344 176 — Picton .. .. . 14 28 — — Blenheim .. 30 12 — — Port Chalmers SO — — — Bluff 14 425 488 67 Lyttelton .. .. — 3 6 —

Ports 1st 2nd 3rd Auckland .. .. .. 87 344 91 Wellington .. .. 432 75 Foxton ,. .. .. 92 2 Picton .. .. .. .. 29 — — Bluff . . 2G7 1S7 Lyttelton .. ?.. .. 2 • ■ Waikuku .. .. , 108 36