COUNTRY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XX, Issue 6819, 25 September 1883, Page 6

COUNTRY NEWS.

MAHURANGI. The weather during the past week has been splendid, and farming operations are being rapidly pushed ahead, although the ground on the surface is very hard, and_ parched, owing to the heavy rains and late high winds. Grass is rather backward, as we have had sharp frosts for two or three nights lately. Orchards everywhere look well. Peach, plum, cherry, and in many places pear trees are in full bloom, and if not visited by high winds during next month an abundant fruit season may be expected.

I hear great complaints everywhere of the almost impassable state of our roads, but any attempt to improve them before they get thoroughly dried is only so much money wasted. Our County Surveyor is being kept very busy, laying off roads, and fixing their levels preparatory to their permanent formation.

Mr. H. E. F. McMurdo, held a sale of cattle here to-day (Tuesday). Very few head were brought forward, owing to the very low prices ruliDg in the Auckland markets. One young bull, eight months old, the property of Mr. Jordan, changed hands for the sum of £20; Messrs. Macklow Bros. 7 being the purchasers. No horse stock was brought forward. I hear many of the farmers say they do not intend rearing calves this year, owing to the low prices of stock. They consider it will be more profitable to destroy the calve 3 and go in for rearing of pigs.—[Own Corres: pondent, September 18.]

ABARIMTJ SOUTH. The weather continues fine, and crops are being put in. September is generally a wet month, but so far this one is an exception. The effect of the fine weather upon our roads is plainly visible, where it was muck and' slush is now hard and dry. I see by the News that the Board intends to levy a rate of three-farthings in the pound on the ratable value of property. The total value of the property in the district is, I hear £37,803. This will make an increase of about £40 on the receipts of late years. If the Board intends doing any cutting this season, I would suggest they should take, time by the forelock, and let them as early! as possible, so that they may be done in the fine weather, and be fit to travel on next wiDter without people going up to their saddle girths in muck, as has been the case, during the past winter. On the 18th El. Harding took out for Drury cattle fair, a larger mob of cattle than usual. Mr. Gardner of Epsom, took a tour through; the settlement the same day for the purpose,' I believe, of purchasing cattle. The school will be closed for the Michaelmas Holidays for one week, commencing on : the 24th instant. The weeks vacation will enable our respected teachers, Mr. Bond and Mr. Scott, to visit their homes.—[Own Corresponded September 18.]

ARATAPU. Oca weekly Band of Hope meetings have become so popular that it ha 3 been found necessary to enlarge the old schoolroom, the resort of this old established society. A\ history of the meetings held, and the scenes enacted in this old room, would form a most, interesting and amusing volume. The build-: ing will now seat about double the number! it formerly did. The improvements were, carried out by Mr. Spiers, of Dargaville. The Mutual Improvement Class, on Thursr. day last, had a very spirited debate on the question, "Are the Indian Government justisfied in using the money obtained from ; the opium traffic, for the expenses of the' country?" Mr. Carr opened in the negative,'and Mr. Hall in the affirmative. Mr. Webb,; however, was Mr. Carr's strongest opponent; The vote of the class was recorded in favour of Mr. Carr's views. The attendance was. not large.

The fire-bell rang out on Saturday afternoon, to bring up the new brigade for a practice. In a very short time after the alarm, the hose was fixed and streams of water playing in all our principal streets,. which, however; are few. Bar accidents, Ithink Aratapu will soon be in a good position to cope with the destroying element.

A subscription ball was held in the Hall,; on Friday last, and turned out a moat sue; cessful gathering. Attendance was largej; provisions good and plentiful, and everyone seemed happy.

A prohibitory order was issued a few days ago, on behalf of a well-known resident here; but it proved a very flimsy affair. He obtained drink enough last Sunday week to" intoxicato himself. Summonses are issued against our public caterer, for supplying drink to a prohibited person ; also, for selling drink on a Sunday. By and bye we; shall learn whether the charge is well founded.

The weather has been very fine for several days, but rain is threatening again. Very heavy hail fell to-day, in a part of the trict, but in others very little rain or hail was seen.—[Own Correspondent, September 17. '■;