COUNTRY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 9293, 31 August 1893, Page 3

COUNTRY NEWS.

PUKEHOHE WEST.

While writing, we are getting beautiful weather, glorious sunshine, and the sky without a cloud. The nights are a little chily, but hardly cold enough for frost, unless in low-lying places. The farmers will now be enabled to get to work with a will, and the spring crops will soon be in the ground. Our milk factories make a start on Friday morning, and all those who have milk enough to send will be expected to do so, unless good reasons can be given for not doing so. All those who are in a position to supply and do not, will be docked the &d per gallon. The new creamery at Buckland Bridge was commenced a day or two since, and is expected to be in readiness to receive milk in about a fortnight. The milk of 200 cows is promised to this creamery, but I may venture to predict almost double the number another season, as our milk suppliers will find 3d per gallon for milk will pay better than anything else on the farm, and so another season will add to the number of cows ; and others who are not in a position to supply this season, will be inclined to do so next. Mr. Alfred Buckland jun. held his monthly sale at their .new yards at this place, on Monday last, August 28. There was a splendid muster of cattle, numbering about 300 head. A good number of - the public were present, and bidding was brisk throughout the sale, and prices hi?]). Dairy cows brought from £4 10s to £8 odd; dry cows were in demand at £3 to £3 las and £4; yearlings, from £2 2s Gd to £2 53; calves, from £1 to £1 7s Gd ; beef cattle fetched good prices, and all were sold. _ A few horses were offered, and one sold Pigs were scarce, and high in price. Very few were offered.—[Own Correspondent.] WAIUKU. At the sale of the plant of the creamery at Waipipi on Monday, in the estate of Lang Brothers, Mr. Buckland, sen., was the auctioneer. Nearly all the plant was purchased by Mr. W.Spragg, and I am informed that the creamery at Waipipi, in conjunction with the one at Waiuku, will start on Wednesday, the 6th September. I believe there is now a guarantee between the two creameries of over 700 cows, and many more are expected. During the last three or four days there has been a decided improvement in tlfe weather.

The lambing, as far as I can learn, has been very successful, notwithstanding the inclement weather, very great care having been taken by the sheep breeders. TheWaiuku Cavalry Band concert took place in the Temperance and Public Hall on the eveniug of Thursday, August 34. At the time of starting there were about 150 present. Captain Manning occupied the chair, and > after a few appropriate remarks the following programme was carried out satisfactorily -.—Part I. : Selection, " Eurydice," by the band ; song in character, " Mulligan Guards," Mr. Harris; song, "To the Woods," Mrs. Bird; violin solo, "The German," BandmasterHulse; song in character, "Tim Flaherty," Mr. Greenhead; song, "The Old Sexton," Mrs. A. M. Barnball; song, "The Old Rustic Bridge," Mr. A. M. Barriball; song, " Barney Take Me Home," Miss Deed; song, "Tar's farewell," Rev. Mr. Maynard. Part 11. : Instrumental quartette, Messrs. Smith (2), Bright, and Beswick; song and dance, in character, Mr. Journing song, " I Can't Keep Still," Mr. Harris song, humorous, "My Old Zuzau," Bandmaster Hulse; song, "The Song That Reached My Heart," Miss Deed ; farce, by Journing and Walter Smith; song, " Engaging Rabbits," Mr. Greenhead; Hulse's farewell overture, composed expressly for the occasion, by the band. This brought the programme to a close. The usual votes of thanks being passed, "God Save the Queen" was played, after which the hall was quickly cleared and dancing was commenced, which was kept up with spirit for several hours. Mr. J. Robertson made a very efficient M.C. The party broke up about a quarter to three a.m., all well pleased, [Own Correspondent, August 28.] ' TUAKAU. The fortnightly meeting of the Tuakau Literary and Debating Society was held in the hall on the evening of the 24th August. Mr. Short, vice-president, occupied the chair. The evening's entertainment consisted of two essays, the first " Unscientific Theory of Levels Opposed to Practice," by Mr. Revell; "Creeds, Christianity, and Modern Thought," by Mr. G. Brown. The former gave a long and interesting essay bearing chiefly upon water levels, the impossibility of still water taking any other position on the face of the world than a true level. Many were under the impression that Mr. Revell would deal with the Hat earth theory, but he did not, for that gentleman kept to his subject throughout. Mr. G. Brown's essay was intended to show the influence of modern thought upon creeds and Christianity. He maintained that modern thought, instead of having an evil effect upon religion, as some people of the present day were trying to make out, is in reality purifying it, taking the wheat from the chaff, gradually doing away with the prejudices, bigotries, and ignorances of creeds, and bringing the different churches closer together in the great and good work of Christianity. The usual votes of thanks concluded a pleasant evening's entertainment. In spite of very muddy roads a goodly number of persons assembled in the Hall on Saturday evening to see Robson's panorama. The show of the Royal Navy from Nelson's three-decker the Victory, to the men-o'-war of the present day, was very successfully carried out. The audience were delighted, particularly the younger portion, many of whom have never before had an opportunity of seeing anything so interesting and instructive.—[Own Correspondent.] The monthly meeting of the Baud of Hope was held in the Hall on Monday last. Mr. W. Jones presided. The meeting opened by singing "Dare to be a Daniel." The chairman tlieu led in prayer. The programme was as follows ;—Choir, " Send the Light;" recitation, " Found Dead," Miss Amy Copelaud; song, " When the Wheel of my Mill Goes Round," Mr. W. Cole ; recitation, Miss M. Madill ; recitation, The African Chief," Mr. .las. Whiteside; choir, "Vote it Out." Mr. Routley addressed the meeting to enlist their practical sympathy on behalf of the proposed industrial and art exhibition, to be held in connection with the Pukekohe West Band of Hope in November, also setting forth the advantages to be gained by competing. Song, " Silver Moonlight," Mrs. Braithwaite; recitation, "Curfew Must Not Ring To - night," Mr. E. Hyde ; choir, " Let us Hear you Tell It;" recitation, "How my Boy Went Down," Miss Ruth Walker; song, " Silver Threads Among the Gold," Mr. J. T. Gilmour ; recitation, Mr. D. Whiteside. Mr. Jones then addressed a few words to the young people, especially the young ladies., counselling tliem " not to marry a man if he drinks." Dialogue, " Lord Tompkins," Misses Francis, A. and E. Gill, and Messrs. J. and S. Walker, F. Shortt, and J. and \V. Gilmour. Hymn, "The Crowning Day is Coming," followed by the Benediction, closed the meeting. The visit of the Rev. L. M. Isitt has done much towards deepening and strengthening the Temperance sentiment in this district. —[A Correspondent.]

MATAKOHE. Football, is quite the thing up here. A match was played on Saturday afternoon in Mr. 1). Smith's paddock, Batley v. Matakohe, the visitors being beaten. No doubt a return match will see accounts squared. Dinner was served in the hall, after which a very enjoyable evening was spent. A meeting took place in the hall on August 26, for the purpose of receiving the report from our county chairman, who has returned from Wellington, whither he had gone to urge the claims of the inhabitants of Otamatea, who had petitioned for a grant of £500 to open up the main Matakohe-Toka-toka Road. Mr. lsbister explained that he had succeeded in getting the vote placed upon the estimates, and on reference to your last week's issue, I notice that the Petitions Committee has referred the petition to the Government for consideration. I trust the the item will be favourably cousiclered. Some time ago the County Council resolved to put iron rails on our wharf, provided a majority of ratepayers agreed. The rails have been purchased by the Council, and we are now asked to assent to a scale of charges, submitted by the Council, for using the wharf. The question was discussed at the conclusion of the above meeting, when it was decided to accept the Council's proposals. I have to record the death, at Otahuhu, of the little daughter of Mr. David Smith, of Matakohe. Mrs. Smith, with her two children, had gone to Otahuhu on a visit to her father and mother. The children contracted measles, and had almost recovered when the elder girl (Kathleen) took a bad turn and expired. Ifc is intended to have her remains interred in the Matakohe churchyard. The iiorrowiug parents have the sympathy of the people of Matakohe and surrounding districts.— Correspondent.]

has received the munificent sum of 5s to keep the building in repair. Mr. Henry Hunter wat appointed chairman on the motion of Mr. J. Johnstone, seconded by Mr. C. M. Boord. Resolved, "That the secretary, Mr. Henry Hunter, write to the Board of Education to ask; the sum of £10 per annum for the use ol the hall for school purposes." The committee appointed were : — Messrs. Henry Hunter (secretary) W. A. Russell (chairman), J. Johnstone, R. A. Bonner, and C. M. Boord. Resolved on the motion of Mr. Johnstone, seconded by Mr. U. M. Boord, " That 7s 6d be charged for entertainments, and any other meeting, such as public worship, cricket club, or any other business meetings of the inhabi tants, free. Mr. Heury Hunter has chosen Messrs. A. W. Russell and John Johnston to be co-trustees, and they have resolved » there are many new inhabitants in the din trict, that they may become subscribers bj the payment of 10s to the funds, for repairs etc.—[A Correspondent.]

MULLET POINT. The monthly meeting of the Mullet Point Band of Hope was held in the schoolroom on the 23rd instant. The meeting was opened by singing the 276 th Hymn (Sankey and Moody). The following good programme was gone through exceedingly well:—Recitation, Miss D. Dawson, fairly given, receiving applause ; recitation, Miss M. Aljtfe ; recitation, Miss Dawson; recitation, Mr. T. Scandrett; reading, Mr. S. Algie; song, Mr. W. Moore; reading, Mr. H. Scandrett; song, Mrs. S. Algie: recitation, Mr. C. Greenwood; song, Mrs. Scandrett, which was received with hearty applause; reading, Miss Scandrett; recitation, M Williams; and recitation, Mr. L. Coldsworthy. A very pleasant evening 'was spent by all present. The meeting closed by singing the lGth Hymn.—[Own Correspondent.]

MAYFIELD. The meeting of the settlers in the Mayfield school, which was reported last week, and adjourned until August 28, was continued on that date. Mr. Dawson was asked to give the information promised at the previous meeting, but ho expressed a hope that Mr. Wilson, our present member of the Waitemata County Council, would first tell us what had been done in the past. M>. Wilson did this. The meeting was then addressed by Mr. Dawson, and also by Mr. Blythe, of Albany. Eventually a proposal to the following effect was carried : " That this meeting expesaes its confidence in Mr. Wilson, believing that he has done the best he could under the circumstances in which he is placed.—[A Correspondent.]

m , RAGLAN. The football match between Whaingaroa and Tauterei, which took place on Saturday the 26th, was looked forward to with considerable interest, and there was a good attendance of spectators to watch the game. It was rather disappointing to find' that both team were short of their full complement, and had to fill up the vacancies as best they could from the field. Despite this however, an interesting came ensued, which resulted in a win for Tauterei by two points to nil. This team was undoubtedly the stronger of the two, and had' they played up to the form shown in their previous match, would have run up a larger score. Whaingaroa, although greatly weakened, showed much better form than their last performance in Raglan, and played a losing game with great spirit and determination. The heavy rush of the Tauterei forwards, however, proved too much for them, and despite their utmost efforts to force the ball through, it was continually driven back, and before the half-time call, Tauterei managed to score a try, but failed to convert the same. No further scores were made, up to the time the whistle blew. At seven o'clock, , an adjournment was made to Langley's Hotel, where about fifty sat down to an excellent dinner, served up in Mrs. Swann's best style. Many speeches and toasts were given and responded to with enthusiasm. The remainder of the evening was devoted to a smoke concert, which proved most enjoyable.

I understand that Langley's Hotel has changed hands, Mr. George Howard, of Auckland, having made arrangements, is expected by next steamer when he will enter into possession. The epidemic of measles, which swept over the whole district, has at last run its course. —[Own Correspondent.]