MAUNU.

Northern Advocate, 6 December 1918, Page 3

MAUNU.

The steady warm rainfall of last week-end came very acceptably as grass pastures and all cereal growth was at a standstill owing to the prolonged high winds. Hay crops, on the whole, are very promising. A few forward crops have already been cut and safely stacked; others are in progress, but the majority are still growing and gaining materially by the present moist weather. Dairy herds are 'now milking in full numbers, and giving a fair yield. Owing to the unaovidable disorganisation of the Whangarei dairy factory (through the distressing effects of the great epidemic) the local cream has been conveyed to the Maungatapere factory throughout the past month. Dairy farmers throughout the entire Whangarei circuit have reason always to remember with whole-hearted gratitude and appreciation the splendid manner in which they have been helped over what might have been a total collapse of the season's income.

Private Keith Muldrock has returned home from camp in good health and spirits. The many friends of Miss Ettie Cleary will be pleased to hear she is much better and it is hoped will soon be fit to leave the Auckland hospital, where she has been laid up suffering from influenza, having contracted it whilst engaged in caring for the sick in the city. It is pleasing to note our well and widely-known friend Mr H. B. Sloane (also his son Neville) are again able to be about after severe illnesses.

The county stone-crusher is at present stationed on Mr R. Cleary's property, crushing stones which are being used for metalling the road from the cemetery on past Mr C. W. Hawken's gate. The road leading from the main road down to the cemetery is also to receive muchneeded improvement.

The contemplated felling and disposal for milling purposes, of the beautiful clump of native shelterbush on the back part of the cemetery land, is looked upon with general regret and disfavour by many who are deeply interested and intensely value the sheltered seclusion of that hallowed spot.

The wide circle of friends of the Rev. C. E. Nicholas are pleased to learn that he has made a good recovery from his recent illness with the prevailing complaint, and that he will probably soon return to the district and again resume his good ministrations amongst us.