Tiakitahuna

Manawatu Times, Volume 59, Issue 262, 9 November 1934, Page 10

Tiakitahuna

From Our Own Correspondent. Great excitement prevailed at the school grounds on Monday evening when the children, parents and friends of the district gathered to celebrate Guy Fawkes day. Several big dray loads of niacrocarpa branches had been piled in readiness and when no fewer than three poor old Guys burned at the stake, the flames were wild enough to suggest to those miles distant that a building might be ablaze. Tho children, under the supervision of the teacher, Mr. Amadio, were well supplied with fireworks, which gave them plenty of amusement, especially when they managed to throw a “jumping jack” so that it performed under the forms on which the older folk were seated, enjoying the warmth of the fire. A good supply of skyrockets added to the beauty of the scene and the calm starlight night made it a pleasm-e to be out. From every aspect the evening couid be termed a great success. As the years go by every farmer likes to feel that he is making progress and the majority realise that such is not made without effort. Potato growers in the district are among those who are striving to keep abreast of the times and this year more mother seed has been planted than ever before. A visit to two or three fields in the neighbourhood where mother seed is planted beside good commercial seed, would convince the most biased mind that wo should aim at growing from as much mother seed as .possible. Planted on the same day in the same soil a month to six weeks ago, plants from the last mentioned tubers are large with a healthy dark green colour and six" to eight inches high, whilst those from the commercial seed are three to four inches in height and arc not so healthy in appearance.

Tho records of the weather for the month of October - , as supplied by the school, make interesting reading. On the 15th at 2 p.m. the highest temperature was recorded for the month, being 73 degrees in tho shade. On the second and third at 9 a.m. the lowest temperature was recorded at 48 degrees in the shade. The rainfall for the,, month was 4.42 inches. Westerly winds of moderate strength prevailed. The lowest barometer reading was 29.4 inches, this being very low, and tho highest was 30.4 inches. The average reading was about 30 inches. This district has been more fortunate than others in that, so far, no lato frosts have been recorded. Last year late frosts caused considerable damage in orchards and early crops of potatoes. Mrs. Holder and Miss Margaret Holder, of Wanganui, aro tho guests of Mrs. David Rowland. Master Maurice Wilton, who has been in the district for a number of years, has now returned to his homo at Mangawhata.