COUNTRY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 8064, 27 September 1887, Page 6

COUNTRY NEWS.

[TfiOM our own correspondents.]

Hamilton, Monday.

'■&£ the special meeting of the Walkato County Council, held on Saturday, there were present Messrs. Primrose " (chairman), Barugh, Johnson, and Seddon. Mr. Seddo moved that the by-law be now made, namely, "That on and after the 15th November next no person shall be allowed to ride or drive over any publio bridge in the Waikato County at other than a walking pace (this also includes the bridge over the Waikato at the Narrows), subject to a penalty of not more than £5 for any such offence." The motion was seconded by Mr; Johnson, and carried unanimously. The by-law will bo confirmed at the next monthly meeting in October. The general election was postponed until the 16th November, the 9th falling on the Prince of Wales' birthday. The treasurer reported that he had made a demand on the Cambridge Borough Council for the award made by the Auditor-General in settlement of accounts between the two bodies, but that it had not yet been paid. He also stated that there was a further oharge of £78 18s 53 due by the borough to the county. Mr. John Jeffrey wrote asking that the road between his place and Wairangi, which was in a dangerous state, should be repaired. The engineer was instructed to report. A special meeting of the Hamilton Domain Board will be held to-morrow night, to consider the desirability of draining the domain lands adjoining the railway by way of Crocodile Creek, instead of through Mr. Jolly's property, Tamahere, Monday. On Saturday one of the severest hailstorms ever experienced here occurred about ten o'olock in the morning, although before and after the weather was genial. The pieces of hail were many of them as large as hazelnuts.

Te Awamdtu, Monday. Spring has now fairly set in, and throughout the district the grass is springing fast. It is badly needed by the stock, which have had a hard, winter, as their condition shows. Wheat-sowing is, with very few exceptions, where the winter hindered operations, completed, and fully double the acreage has been sown in wheat this year as oompared with last season. The rough winds came too early to injure the fruit trees. Peaches and plums are in full bloom; and, to judge by the blossom, last year's dry summer having tendod to produoe fruit buds rather than leaf buds, there should be a grand show of fruits of all kinds.

WAIPU. The monotony of last week was relieved by the arrival of the " Twa 'Oors Wi Scotland's Chiols," which gave two nights' entertainment in the Library Hall on the evenings of the sth and 6th instant to crowded houses, under the auspices of the Caledonian Society. The performance commenced with a duet, played by Messrs. Monro and McKay on the bagpipes, "The Gathering of the Clans," whioh was beautifully rendered. The players were dressed in their clan tartan kilts. Mr. R. M. Munro danoed the sailor's hornpipe, Highland fling, etc,, which showed him a no mean performer in the art of dancing. The bagpipe music was relieved at intervals with the more harmonious pianoforte and violin, presided over by Messrs. Gordon Leslie and McKay, which showed them to be experts with these instruments. The last evening's entertainment was concluded with a dance. Mr. D, Molnnis was the right man in the right place as M.C. The Caledonian Society entertained their Highland friends to a supper in the president's house on the evening of the 6th instant. The present spring has proved a most severe one on cattle. There has been a great mortality among stock, and no signs of improvement. The weather continues boisterous and cold, and feed for cattle is scarce, as nothing is growing. The wet weather retards farming operations, and the farmer cannot get in his crops. The barge Totarais in the river this week with another fall freight of goods for the settlers.Own Correspondent. ] DAIRY FLAT. A typographical error crept Into my report in your issue of the 17 th instant— Mr. W. Morton has returned to this district, etc., was made to read, "Mr. Wellorton has returned," etc A magic lantern exhibition was given in the ichoolhouse ou Wednesday evening, the 15th instant. There was a fair attendance, considering the short notice given. The number of gumdiggers, both Maoris and Europeans, seem to be on the increase here, notwithstanding the recent fall in the price of gum. The present large supply from this district cannot last long, as the fields are fast becoming worked out. Since I drew attention to the use of a blotch stamp by our post mistress, I observe she has been supplied with the proper stamp, on which is the name of the district and the date. This is a great improvement.—[Lucas Creek Correspondent, {September 20. ]