COUNTRY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8680, 24 September 1891, Page 6

COUNTRY NEWS.

\ * ' ' ' • S ' [from OUR own CORRESPONDENTS. Ngaruawahia, Wednesday. Owing to the enforced absence of one of the contestants at the horse fair at Cambridge on Friday last, the match between the two-oared boats on the YVaipa here—the one maimed by Messrs. ' Simpson and " Cavanagh, _ the -other by Messrs. Davies and Joshua Smithhad to be. postponed till Friday next. The excitement over the match is great, and the rival' crews have gone, in for regular daily practice on the river. - The local butter factory here opened on Monday with a supply of 100 gallons of milk." that at Whatawnata with 170 gallons, and that at Hamilton with 240 gallons. The rapid growth of feed throughout the district will, as the cows come in, soon swell up the supply to a high figure. .< ' , Huntly, Wednesday. A snagsman, a first offender, arrested by Constable White on Sunday for being drunk, was brought up before Mr. Wm. Tattley. J.P., on Monday morning. The accused had a conviction entered against him, and on being severely cautioned, was discharged. Heavy rain fell here yesterday, which is greatly appreciated by the farmers in the district. * . A first class entertainment was given in Ralph's Hall on Monday night, in aid of the church funds. Mr. Wm. Tattley, mine manager, occupied the chair. An excellent programme was provided, which drew a good audience. The overture, " Silver Trumpets," by Mrs. Tattley and Miss E. Tattley (pianoforte), and the Misses Tattley (3) (violins) secured hearty approbation. Miss Clayton gave the song " Life's Journey" in a pleasing manner. Mr. Brownell, who was in excellent voice, rendered the " Death of Nelson" very effectively, and secured an encore, for I which he contributed the " Dear Little Shamrock." The "Arab's Farewell to his Steed" was admirably rendered by Miss Tattley, and was duly applauded. Mr. Alfred Turner gave " The Ship That Carries Me Home" fairly well. This gentle-] man is decidedly heard to greater advantage in comic songs. " Lady Clare " (recitation) was given in an impressive manner by Mrs. Tattley, and was suitably acknowledged. Mr. R. Skellern contributed "The Anchor's Weighed " in his usual style. A vocal duet, " The Gypsy Countess " (in appropriate costume), was exceedingly well rendered by Miss M. Tattley and Mr. Rrownell, and in response to an encore the latter portion was repeated. "I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen" (song) in the hands of Miss Robson, was a marked success, an encore being demanded. A serio-comic song (in costume), " Oh, You Men," contributed by Miss G. Tattley, was tumultuouely applauded, and on being recalled the last verse was repeated. A stump speech, "Politics Extraordinary," was given by Mr. J. Lockhart in first-class style, and created much amusement, the get-up being highly ludicrous. After ten minutes interval, an overture (pianoforte) was expressively rendered by the Misses Tattley, and received loud applause. The song "Old Madrid," given by Mr. W. Ralph, was greatly appreciated. Mrs. Tattley sang "Golden Love" very sweetly, receiving applause. Mr. Brownell again came to the fore iu his rendering of the song "Plymouth Sound this item was warmly received. " Robin Adair," as rendered by Miss M. Tattley, was au artistic success, ner efforts being suitably acknowledged. The comic seng, " John the Masher," was capitally rendered by Mr. A. Turner, the audience demanding his return. Great praise is due to Mr. E. Ralph for the able manner in which he filled the position of accompanist. The amusing farce, "The Lawyer's Clerk," was next put on the boards. The following was the cast Mr. Copham (a lawyer], Mr. J. Lisle ; Tommy (a clerk), Mr. W. Tattley jun.; Mrs. ClapUam (Tommy's mother), Mr. Walter Bibby; Lady Lighthead (a lively widow), Mr. Livesey. The several parts were well taken, Tommy's antics particularly creating much laughter. The National Anthem brought to a close a most enjoyable and successful entertainment, the net proceeds amounting to something over £10. The church funds have so far been increased by means of these periodical entertainments by £75. A dance was held after the entertainment, and was kept up with much vigour until the small hours, all thoroughly enjoying themselves.

MANGAWAI. Ploughing and planting are going on in tho district in a small way. Nothing is attempted in the way of five acres of one thing and ten acres of another. All appear to think most of laying down all the land they can in grass for sheep and cattle. Mr. Robinson passed through here via the tidal river on Saturday hist with 143 head of cattle, mostly youug things, all in fair condition. I hear that Mr. -Webster is coming wil. another mob. Mr. Robert Ross lias gone on by Kaiwaka with a large mob a fortnight ago. He should be close to Auckland now, or probably there. Many more can be found should the price be good enough. They brought but small profit to the settler last year. Plums of early kinds and peaches are in full bloom. Pears are bursting the buds for bloom. These will be the late kinds. Early potatoes are comiug on very well. The Early Rose seems to be first, and the Magnum Bonum (a better potato) taking _ a little longer to show. Grass is looking fairly well, and lambs and sheep improving. Several complain of both sheep and lambs dying in greater numbers than usual, some sheep , having died from 110 especial cause while in really good condition. The weaning of foals goes on, of a light description. Heavy cart are much smaller in number.

The ploughing is of no great extent on any farms here. As timber and gum decreases, more will be done doubtless. Land is offering •at very low figures. The income tax may be a cause. A degree of uncertainty as regards agricultural pursuits is especially noticeable. A from hand-to-mouth style is painfully apparent. Low prices and uncertain markets, of course, nave this effect. Few engaged in business are more cautious than settlers. A few more houses are _ going up, and a little more matrimonial stir is on; still the increase of population is slow. • One couple marries to settle, another marries to go ; so, as the soldier Would say, it's " as you were" for all that. Some have wives in Auckland and elsewhere, waiting for the homes to be made habitable. It's difficult to guess what the increase may be- at the end of the next vear —something considerable let us hope.— [Own Correspondent.]