RUATANGATA NEWS.

Northern Advocate, 27 January 1922, Page 5

RUATANGATA NEWS.

WELCOME RAIN

The wet interlude is generally appreciated by the settlers, as moisture was expressly needed after the protracted ary 'spell. At the time of writing Ihe rainfall tots up to 178 points. Growing crops and pastures will have a new lease of life, and the tendency will be to prolong the dairying season. Milieu crops will respond most noticeably as under favourable circumstances it makes rapit} growth. Rape and turnip crops have been sown in fairly large areas and were in need of a rain to assure successful returns." HAY-MAKING On. the whole splendid harvesting weather has prevailed. Oaten hay has been well saved and some splendid chaff should be available this year in :he district. Mr Ellison and Mr MiV.er have been the largest, growers, the former having an extensive area, whii-h recant very busy times during the harvesting. RURAL MAILS The residents throughout the districts affected are truly pleased with the up-to-date new Royal Mail motor coach put on this run last Tuesday by the Northern Bus Company to meet the requirements of the mail service and transit in general. They are to be congratulated upon the progressive steps taken, and it undoubtedly will prove a successful venture, as the district for year's past was much in need of something similar to this to cater for .the requirements of the residents. DRAINAGE WORK t

The preliminaries of the draining of the Hikurangi Swamp are well in hand. Some 30 men are now engaged, and now that the holidays are over the steam novvies ?re beginning in earnest and there is no doubt that they can be made to throw the soil about with ease and quickness. We are all expectant of thp promised opening day. PERSONAL I am pleased to report that Mr and Mrs I. Ellison's daughter is making a successful recovery after undergoing a r i operation for appendicitis. Mr Lilley, senr., has just returned from a pleasant holiday. Miss M. Day is at present spending a holiday at Titoki.