Waimate North.

Northland Age, Volume 2, Issue 15, 28 November 1905, Page 1

Waimate North.

(From a Correspondent.) The potato blight is spreading all over the district-, and no part seems to be free from its ravages. I hear that it is aifcctiug the kumaras up North. This truly will be disastrous to the Maoris, who depend so largely on these articles of food, and they in anticipation of losing their potatoes were going in largely for them. The show is past again, and as a report will have been published before this, I will not comment further: than that financially it was a success, and apart from the interest displayed with regard to different exhibits and contests, everyone passed a very sociable and pleasant day. In the evening a basket social was held in the show hall on behalf of Master 11. Boyer, who was hurt while playing football in Kaco a short time ago, and being the chief support of his mother, much sympathy was felt on their behalf. Eighteen pounds odd was raised anjJ forwarded after all expenses were paid.

There was also a dinner held at Ohaewai Hotel as usual, to give people a chance of meeting the different judges, which, as an old and constant attendant remarked, met with its usual patronage and success; while Mr. Johnson (candidate for Parliament) pronounced it a ghostly proceeding and suggested instead a conversazione, so that the ladies might take part. “Why,” said he, “should the ladies be exempt ? They au* as much interested ill the judging as the men. One would think himself in Turkey and the ladies were not allowed to interest themselves outside their harem.”

The Farmers’ Union are now submitting their questions to the various candidates. The first question all will agree to, except perhaps Mr. Houston. The second I have not heard Mr. Johnson express an opinion on. I suppose out of courtesy they will submit them to Mr. Johnson, although he voted against their nomination and the supporter of their platform last election and for a candidate who positively refused to accept it.