Opiki

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 239, 9 October 1936, Page 5

Opiki

From Our Own Correspondent Hiss Kathleen Redmond was a recent Mangatainoka visitor to the district, being the guest of her brother, Hr. AV. Redmond. Hr. 11. Wilson, yho has been holidaying in Ohau, returned homo on Monday. He has not been in the best of health of late and his friends will wish him a complete recovery. Mr. 13. Norman presided over the monthly meeting of the Opiki School Committee held on October 5. An apology for absence was received from Mr. .1. Mabey, who was indisposed. An intimation was given that the Opiki School nan been awarded the Niehol Shield for 1936. This attractive trophy is awarded annually for the best kept school gardens from I’aekakariki north to the Manawatu river, in the Wellington education Hoard District. A working bee Is to do formed shortly for the purpose of doing work necessary on the grounds. The monthly report was presented by the headmistress, Miss E. Matthews. District and General. The Opiki branch of the Farmers’ Union wishes to intimate that Mr. C. Hunter, M.P. for Manawatu, will address a meeting locally on October 1!), and that this will be open to all residents of the district.

Hearty congratulations to the Opiki School on the honour of having won the Niehol Shield for 1936. Residents of this growing district and proud that the name of Opiki has been so effectively put on tho map. Thanks arc due to a number oi public spirited men and women, the teachers and children who have helped in every possible way to make the garden, a source of pleasure and inspiration to a ; i who see them.

Influenza is still claiming its victims and many lamilies have been affected during the past two months.

Potato growers are working at Up speed to get crops planted in suitable weather. Most are employing labour foi this work, but a number are using potato planters. As far as it can be ascertained growers are still planting certified seed this season and present indications poin: to good crops. October is the perfect month for visitor, to come to Opiki. Everything is fresh an, • green after the winter months and abundant signs of spring are to be observed i; the fields. Farmers from other district, are amazed and a little envious of tli growth on the grasslands, the surplus o which will soon be turned into ensilage o hay. This, of course, applies to the sii lands and not to those with a peaty foun dation where the flush conies much latt Iu the year. Dairy herds aro now doing rerv wel the yields going up by leaps and bounds No further cases of bloat have been re ported, but a number of animals liav, been down with "grass staggers’* an paralysis.

A display in one of our beautiful loca gardens immediately gains the admiratio; of the onlooker. It is just a half-inooi bay of stately tulips in exquisite colourings, shading from the palest of pink to mauve and gold. Eordering these aro rows of freesias thrown into relief In dumps of mauve aubretia, and in 'tin background masses of pink clematistrike just the right note of contrast.