MAUNU NEWS

Northern Advocate, 6 February 1928, Page 3

MAUNU NEWS

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

RAIN REQUIRED.

The long continuation of the dry weather is having a very marked effect lon the general appearance of the disj trict, and the whole community is j keenly anxious for a speedy and bounjtiful supply of rain to refresh the pastures and promote a supply of feed for all animals. The pastures have I assumed a very brown and dry appearance, with the exception of the lowlying swamp lands on which paspalnm is prolific, which still retains a refreshing green sward, and proves its worth in extreme dry seasons such as the present one. • The falling-off in the supply of milk has been very great and will not allow any hopes for a good and profitabe a season for the hardworked dairy farmers, who have also had to contend with the inconvenience and longer hours of the Bill called “Abomination" Sidey’s Daylight Raving. Such is the general feeling with all real tillers of the land, who will alwavs follow the rising and setting of the sun, whose course, fortunately, cannot be altered to suit the vagaries of mere man, much as they love sport and leisure.

The dry weather has made many anxious with the falling off in the water supply, dairy cattle, especially, requiring so much. It is almost the chief essential for their well being and in many cases'wells, springs and running streams have become so low that it has been expedient to provide addiiional storage cisterns and connect them with larger streams which can be worked with pumps and the water brought through pipes for storage for future use. The country is so dry that all wise people refrain from the risk of making fires, which would so quickly spread and do untold damage. ELECTRIC LIGHT. The work of installation of the electric lighting and power, throughout that part of the district most adjacent to the town, is now nearing completion, and will soon be in operation. GENERAL The motor traffic on the main roads still increases and clouds of dust, combined with the loose stones, make travelling far from pleasant, more especially for pedestrians.

The Christmas holidays have passed very happily for all seeking outdoor recreation. Camping life and refreshing sea breezes and bathing have been well patronised and, enjoyed. Social evenings and family gatherings have •been many and greatly enjoyed. One on the most recent and delightful gatherings was held at “Linton,” the residence of Mr and 'Mrs Hubert Armstrong, who, in honour of their little sou, Linton’s, second birthday, invited many of the wee folk and their relatives to a very delightful afternoon tea party. A very merry time was spent in music and games, the children making a very charming picture as they sat around a bountiful and dainty tea table. They were arrayed in very becoming and attractively coloured paper caps, kindly presented by their kind host and hostess. Every one had a most happy time.

By the death of the Rev. C. E. Nicholas, whose long and helpful residence in our midst was ever for the best welfare of the district, we lose a very true and faithful frilend. His untiring zeal in connection with the Church from its very earliest days will ever be remembered by all who had the happy privilege of knowing him.