DISTRICT NEWS.

Northern Advocate, 10 January 1920, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

(Own correspondent.)

MAUNGATAPERK

FARMING NOTES. A few fanners have already started ploughing for autumn sowing. The object in starting early is to be able to have geen feed to spread over the winter months. Cattle feed has slighUy improved as a result of the rains which recently fell. A few more similar showers will help us weather the summer, which up to the present has not presented a very hopeful appearance. A rough estimate of the number of | stock being carried on the average farm of this district would probably indicate that about 20 to 30 per cent. less stock is being grazed this year than last. Granted similar conditions to last year, this will mean a much lessened* mortality. Northern farmers seem hard to persuade that it does not pay to overstock, but they are gradually being taught the lesson. The bush fire recently started in the vicinity of Mr Stewart's place on Whatitiri, is making rapid strides. It has already passed over several properties, and seems likely to do further damage unless prompt steps are taken to stop it. MISCELLANEOUS NOTES. Those who were in the district during Mr Tom Eyre's residence here, will be interested to know that during the last week him and his family passed through Maungatapere on a motor tour of the North. What might very easily have been a serious accident befel the Wallace family while in their way from Whangarei some days ago. A number of Maoris were travelling at a furious rate in a double horse buggy, in the direction of Whangarei. They drove too close to th e approaching vehicle, causing the wheels to collide. The result was that Mrs Wallace and her little baby were thrown heavily on to the metal road. Fearing that the consequences might be serious, the assistance of Mr C. Dawson's car was sought, and the sufferers were removed to the hospital in a very shaken condition. Mr Ellis, who has been unfortunate enough to cause injury to the sciatic nerve, has found it necessary to go to the hospital, where he is getting on nicely. His case is a very panful

one,