RUATANGATA.

Northern Advocate, 23 July 1919, Page 1

RUATANGATA.

PEACE DAY,

Throughout the whole of the 19th inst. the weather could not have been more fitting for th e memoz-able day, there being hardly a breath of wind to mar the peacefulness of a perfect day. Locally nothing was promoted to celebrate the occasion, all agreeing that Whangarei centre was sufficiently convenient to. pationize by all wishing to be among the enthusiasts. On Monday, the 21st, the school children, under the direction of the Board of Education, assembled in the school grounds to hear the Proclamation read, to sing the National Anthem, and to plant memorial trees in the grounds. FARM NOTES. From the farmer's viewpoint the month of July has proved exceptionally good. A distinct growth in the pastures has commenced, more especially in favoured spots, and where the land has been decently farmed. Presumably the past season of drought, and its after effects, will be a beneiioial lesson to the man on th e land. For many years past they have been trusting more and more to Nature and climate to provide feed for their stock during the winter months, untill—to be truthful—the term "farmer," has become simply a misnomer. Just the very essential cropping was undertaken, and in many instances not that. There is a good and profitable market available for most of the crops usully grown, and there is room for us all to set and farm the land, and make the North known for prosperity, as our rival, the Waikato district, is doing. We hav e the climate and the land in our favour; progressiveness is the only wanting factor. Paddocks of young grass are now showing up nicely, and will be very serviceable fo r the early milch cow. Next month will commence the milking season for many; a few have new ealvers already.

Mr Rye is putting his post office farm into shape, and it looks much better fo r it. Mr W. D. Hamilton has let a contract of 102 acres of bush-felling to Messrs Thorburn Bros.

Indications of spring coming appear in the hai-dening prices of stock. A good inquiry is setting up for hoggets, and fats of all descriptions are being inquired for. Prices promise to rule high in th e near future, the recent autumn drought tending to make fats a scarce commodity.