RUAKAKA

Northern Advocate, 9 February 1928, Page 7

RUAKAKA

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

The lengthy drought continues, and farmers have given up all hope of getting- * any returns for their laborious preparations during the spring and early summer. Those who put in little have not much to lose, but the energetic who put a substantial outlay in potatoes, maize, etc., are heavy losers. Although a nice shower of rain fell on Sunday in Whangarei and neighbourhood, practically nothing was felt here, and the pastures are just as dry and dusty as ever. Many dairymen have been compelled to put their stock out to graze, and to crown their misfortunes, the price of butter-fat has been reduced considerably. It is particularly disappointing, because the season promised so well- Old residents consider that the creeks are lower than they have been for ten years, and several losses of stock Have been reported through the difficulty of access to the drinking water. The beaches are still crowded with visitors on Sundays and holidays, and the rival refreshment booths do a large amount of trade in ice creams, soft drinks and boiling water.

There was a' great demand for cottages in the vicinity of Rnakaka beach 'during the holidays, every available building being booked up beforehand. The roads, of course, are at their best; consequently much speeding is evidenced, and several accidents have recently occurred. On Sunday last the driver of a motor cycle had his leg broken coming from, the Cove beach, and the ambulance had to be sent for to take him to .Whangarei Hospital, An accident happened on the Mata road recently, when Mr H. Carter’s lorry, taking a load of pigs from Rnakaka, toppled over the bank while meeting another vehicle at a sharp corner of the road. What happened to the porkers, and if they all answered to the roll call, has not been reported. Rumtour reports the reomval of the old Public Hall to a more thickly populated part of the district. Although it cannot legally be sold without the consent of the shareholders, and a notice in the paper from the mortgagee, it is of no use at all where it now is, and may be a means of social enjoyment if removed.

Among present visitors to the district is Mrs McLeod, who is staying with her daughter, Mrs J, Antunovich, and meeting many old friends. Mrs Lyons is in the district and overlooking her datry farm while enjoying her holiday. Mrs Taylor and family have returned to Whangarei, also Mr Stringer and family.

Mesdames Thompson and Weir have gone home to Tauraroa. Mr and Mrs Meiklejohh and family have returned to their duties at Pakotai.

Mrs Freeman has gone to Auckland on business. /