COUNTRY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 9404, 10 January 1894, Page 6

COUNTRY NEWS.

[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENTS.] Hamilton, Tuesday. The vital i statistics of the Hamilton district for the quarter, ended 31st December, 1893, are as followßirths, 25, eleven boys and fourteen girls, being about only twothirds of the ; usual number; deaths, 13, of which three were ■ hospital cases, and six marriages. .' , ~ . ' .-,> , • .-..;- ' "■'■■ One of the prizes given by the Government for volley firing for competition amongst the various corps in ' the Auckland- district, 'has been won by a member of the Hamilton Light Infantry Company. . Tapmrl, Tuesday. The Mannkau cricket ter.m wound up its visit to Waikato, on its homeward journey, with another decided victory over the local team here, beating us by an innings and nine runs. Its bowling was altogether top much for ua, our. best batsmen never getting into two figures. ] The scores were: Taupiri, first innings, 28; second innings, 24: total 52. Manukau, first innings, 61. Tk Aroha, Tuesday. The first meeting of the Te Aroha Domain Board held after the election of the two new members, Messrs. Gavin and Hetherington, took place on Saturday evening. Mr. Gavin was elected cnairman in the place of Mr. Cochrane rosigned. Ihis appointment is a. most popular one, as Mr. Gavin is well known as an honest, straightforward man, who will do what he considers right under all circumstances.

A most serious accident happened on Monday afternoon to Mr. Power, one of the engineers in charge of the new Paeroa railway works. He was thrown from his horse, and sustained a most severe compound fracture of the leg between the knee and ankle joint. Mr. Power was at once conveyed into Te Aroha, when, fortunately, Dr. Cooper was at hand, who, with the assistance of Mr. Bobson, the chemist, set the broken limb. So far everything has been done that is possible for the relief of the sufferer, and he seems to be going on as well as can be expected. It will be aeon by an advertisement in the Auckland ' Weekly News, that Miss Stothard, a lady of large educational experience, has settled down at Te Aroha, and intends to receive a small number of boarders for tuition, and will also prepare candidates for the Civil service and other examinations. This should be a good opportunity for parents to give their children the advantage of the bracing; air of Te Aroha, and the use oi the baths and mineral waters, and to seoure for them at the same tim a comfortable home and the soundest education.

A large number of visitors are now here, and every train brings more. People seem to be eager to take advantage of the finer weather after the very wet early summer through which we have passed.

PAPAKURA VALLEY. The annual picnic in connection with the Anglican Sunday-school took place cm 4th January. The spot chosen for the afifaiir was the Karaka Beach, and thither the children were conveyed, together with a number of their adult friends. Unfortunately, the weather in the morning seemed much inclined to be wet, preventing some from going, and others from making as early a start as was desirable, considering the distance to travel. But those who went were rewarded for their courage, for the afternoon turned out fine. The day was happily spent by the children in racing for lollies, mudlarking, etc, and not a small factor to the enjoyment of the day were the many good eatables provided by Mrs. Muir and other friends. The Road Board are busy, now that fine weather has set in, in getting the roads put in order for next winter, but there is widespread disapproval at so much of the work being done by day-work, instead of calling for tenders. It is no doubt more satisfactory for all concerned that public bodies should, wherever practicable, invite tenders for their works, thus ensuring their being done at the lowest possible price, and giving all an equal chance of getting the work.—[Own Correspondent.]

KAIPARA FLATS. This has been a most trying season for haymaking. The oaten hay crop is good. Grass feed is abundant everywhere, btock is looking well. The percentage of wool was fair, but there were » number of cotted fleeces. Some of the settlers have splendid > crops of grass seed. The most of it is now fully ripe. All the seed will be required if we could have two months of fine weather, . which farmers are anxiously hoping or as there are large areas of fallen bush, some indeed which was unable to be burned last year owing to the extremely wet season.

A change in our post office, Mr. William Taylor having resigned, a circumstance to be regretted, as his house is most central. ' Mr. Morrison has, however, kindly undertaken th<* management of it. I would express the thanks of the settlers to Mr. and Mrs. Taylor for their unfailing kindness and courtesy during the 18 years that they have had the office.— Correspondent.] MAHURANGL On Thursday, the 4th, a meeting of the Mahurangi Fruitgrowers' Association was held in Bowen's store, Warkworth, Mr. Jas. Harrison, president, in the chedr. Mr. Edward Morrison, who, as delegate from the Association, had attended the meeting of the Fruitgrowers' Union in Auckland, gave a report of what had taken place there, and also gave his opinion that it was desirable that this Association should be affiliated with the Union. After discussion, it was unanimously decided to join the Union, and the treasurer was authorised to send the necessary fees. On the motion of Mr. Richards, seconded by Mr. W. J. Wilson, it was also unauimously decided to hold a show of fruit, flowers, and vegetables, and that details of prizes, etc., be left to the discretion of the executive committee.

The benefits to be derived by co-operation are many and varied—a practical example has just been given by Messrs. C. and K. Phillips, who, in conjunction with their neighbours, have just built and now finished a substantial concrete sheep dip, with yards and pens capable of accommodating and drafting from 400 to 500 sheep. The dip is 20 teet long, 8 feet of which is 4 feet 8 inches deep, and the remaining 12 feet gradually rise to the dripping pen, which is 10 feet by 12 inches. The dip is 10 inches wide at bottom, and 21 inches at top. The concrete is of burnt clay and Wilson's hydraulic lime, one of the latter to four of the former, all laid on a foundation of . about four inches of burnt clay. On the completion' of the work Messrs. Phillips determined to have a little ceremony at the opening, which was fixed for Thursday, the 4th, when, after the works had been inspected by various visitors who had been invited, a very pleasant afternoon had been determined on, but alas, the weather spoiled all the good intentions of the fair ladies who, undeterred by the unceasing rain, made their appearance on the ground, and moved an adjournment to a neighbouring shed, where tea and other duintien were liberally distributed. Mr. C. Phillips, who has had the supervision of the work, most kindly supplied the details of the cost of the whole, thinking that others who are about to enter on such works might have information to guide them ;—Lime, 45 bushels, with cartage, £2 17s -6d; pump and piping, and waste water pipe, £3 8s; sawn timber, 17s; hinges and other iron work, and nails, £115s; paint, ss; and labour, £22 17s 6d. This last item is calculated at 5s per day. From these figures it will be seen that a dip of those dimensions can be had for a very small amount of actual disbursement, the heaviest figures being charged for labour, . which many settlers could themselves furnish. The area of the whole is about one chain and a-quarter. In many cases also water may be had without pumping. Most settlers hereabouts keep some sheep, all require to dip them at least least once a-year, and the thanks of the community are due to Messrs, Phillips for setting so good an example, and they are to be congratulated on having such a handy appliance on their own premises. Thanks are also due to Mr. C. Phillips for so kindly furnishing details of cost, etc.--{Own Correspondent.]

POKENO. Tub ordinary meeting of the Road Board was held in the ballon Saturday afternoon, the 6th January. Present : Messrs. Lyons (chairman), Sheffield, Crosbie, Pyne, Clarke, and McPherson (clerk). The following improvements were decided on :—Pipes for road at Wall's Hill; culvert in W. Dean's road; that the slip on the road near Pendergrast's be cleared. A grant of £2 10s was made to Mr. Jackson, for a cutting 3 feet deep in centre of the road, and 20 feet wide at Cunningham's. It was also decided that the usual dog tax, amounting to 2s fid, be imposed for the ensuing year. , The annual ball eventuated in the Pokeno Hall on the night of the 29th ult,, and was a decided success. The committee consisted of the following:—Messrs. J. Urosbie, C. Jackson, J. Leathern, and 0. Jackson, and all worked assiduously towards the suceess of the evening. About 25 couples were present, and dancing was kept up with spirit till daylight, to music supplied by Mr. A. McGill (violin), and under the direction of Mr. P. cPherson. - t >.'' . l During the week several parties, picnics, etc., have taken place, and altogether there seems to be no lack of amusement for our young people. The annual picnic, which is usually held about the beginning of the month, has been postponed till the end on account of the harvest, which is in full swing. —{Own Correspondent.)

WAITAKERHI. M The dubious state of the weather has no doubt considerably detracted from the enjoy-; ment of the holidays. Very few beyond the customary re-gatherings of families at this season of the year have availed themselves'' of our primitive scenery. Certainly a walkthrough the bush in showery days, with, muddy, slippery paths, covered with entanglements, receiving copious mementoes from drenched ferns, etc., is not the pleasantest of experiences, excepting the feeling of thankfulness that comes afterwards, when.' once more in dry clothes, and partaking of welcome refreshments at some hospitable table. U)

The enjoyment of the annual pionic to the school children on January Ist, at S war son, was greatly damped by the almost sudden. death of Mrs. Jno. Taylor, who, taking a chill soon after her confinement on December 31, died on January 1. Mrs. J. Taylor (nee Maggie Murland), had not been married 12 months, and as her parents are resident at Swanson, as also Mr, J. Taylor, and several connections, her death was a serious cause of sorrow to most of the' neighbour* hood, and a sad termination to festivities. Apropos of the school at Swanson, the present teacher. Miss Nicholson, seems to give great satisfaction, and is a favourite with both parents and children. The latter she has endeared to herself by many of. these little acts of kindness which, because unexpected, yet being very acceptable, go so far to win the affections of children. Amongst other kind acts, she made a present to each of the children at the termination of school duties for the usual midsummer holidays. More settlement is going on in the neighbourhood of Swanson, also between Swanson and Henderson new houses are oropping up, and the other day I could not but contrast the scene with what I remembered some years past, when what is now dotted over with cheerful homesteads presented one scene of fern and tea-tree.—[Own Correspondent.]

TAIRUA. On Boxing Day one of the most enjoyable social picnics took place at Faku that it has ever been my lot to participate in. Thanks to the courtesy of Messrs. Adams and Bennett steam was got up on the launch, and about ten a.m., fully loaded, she steamed away from ,the wharf, having a whole flotilla of boats in her wake. Paku was duly reached, tents were quickly pitched, swings erected, and in a short time fun and frolic were at their height. I could not help reflecting what would some of the denizens of our great cities at home have given to view . the wonderful beauties of nature unrolled before t' our gaze. About two p.m. the keen demands of appetite began to be felt, and it was really a marvel where all the good things of this life came from. Rounders, Jolly Miller, Frenoh tig, were indulged in by the young fry, and to wind up, sides were picked, and a tug of war fully tested the. sinews and nerves of our Tairua youths, till even rope could stand it no longer, and had to part. About five p.m. our launch's whistle brought us all back to the shore, and we arrived safely on the wharf, thoroughly delighted with our day's outing. On New Year's Day our annual children's sports came off on the recreation ground, and thanks to the way in which our local friends contributed to the funds, supplemented by the handsome donation of £1 Is each from Messrs. Ehrenfried Bros, and the Northern Steam Shipping Company, who are always to the fore in assisting in promoting pleasure, the day was a decided success. About nine a.m. the little ones, as usual, always early on the scene, began to assemble, and from then till the close about six p.m. they seemed thoroughly to enjoy themselves. The programme of races is too long to publish, but when I state that there were over 16 events, and that nearly every child won a prize, there can be but one conclusion that the officers of the sports faithfully and conscientiously carried out their duties. There wan an unlimited supply of sandwiches, cakes, lollies, fruit, etc.. in which not only the children participated, but the grown-up people too. Mrs. Allen deserves great credit for the manner in which she carried out her share of the catering, everybody admitting that it had never been excelled in Tairua. — [Own Correspondent.]

HUNUA. New Year's Day, the annual day for our sports, was taken up by Clevedon, and in order not to clash with our neighbours, our school sports were held on December 20. Some ten or twelve pounds were collected by the scholars, a considerable sum of which was spent in providing the good cheer suitable to the season. Various games were indulged in. Some 60s worth of knives, kits, ribbons, and several kinds of toys, many of which were competed for by the children in running, though each and every child received a present of some kind. The school committee, one and all— including Mr. Emslie, head teacher—contributed to the success of the gathering. Tea was served from four to five o'clock, after which a move was made for home. In the evening a dance was given by the district, when about 100 people attended. Many were visitors from the surrounding districts. The schoolroom was very crowded. The day and evening formed a very pleasant social gathering. Is it not strange that an event that took place last Friday after 8.30 a.m., we have no means of letting Auckland know until 2.30 p.m. on the following Friday, unless we take a three to tour hours' ride, or violate the postal regulations and make a letter-carrier of some friend or neighbour. The distance is only 18 miles, as the crow flies, from Auckland. This state of things should not be, near the end of the nineteenth century.[Own Correspondent.]

POLLOK. A vert pleasant picnic was held in Awhitu on the 2nd instant, in one of the spacious paddocks belonging to the Messrs. George and E. Garland. There was a large concourse of friends and visitors from all parts of the Seniusulu, also Ouehunga and Auckland. ur fair hostesses, that catered so liberally to our wants, were Mesdames G. and John Garland, James Hamilton, sen., J. and W. Irwin, J as. and WilL Hamilton, Rosser, And Wills, Before the serious business of the day commenced, the picnickers adjourned to a fine little manuka grove near by, where underneath its umbrageous shade were spread snowy white covers, and thereon a repast in royal profusion. We were all a great, happy family for the time being, youth and beauty, adorned with all the fashionable dresses befitting this festive season, were to be seen on all sides. The view from our dining place embraced a wide extent of country of hill and dale, of forest land and clearing, from the Manukau on one side to the great Pacific on the other. This was one of the most successful picnics that has taken place here. The following are the results of the sports:—lsoyds race, for Jouths over 15 years: Robert Tindall, !; James Willis, 2; Thomas Short, 3. 150 yds, from 16 to 20 years; Robert Tindall, 1; James Wills, 2; Win. Wilis, 3. 150 yds Boys' Race, 10 years and under: Charles Bates, 1; ■ George Cunningham, 2; John Torbet, .jun., 3. 100 yds Boys' Race: Frank Garland, 1; John Torbet, jun., 2; Phelix Baker, 3. 100 yds Boys' Race :G. Cunningham, 1; Sil. Garland, 2; James Torbet, 3. Girls' Race: Annie Garland. 1; Maude Brine, 2; Helen Walker, 3. High Jump, with pole, 7 feet three inches : Th«s. Short, 1; R. Tindall, 2. Hop, Step, and Jump:' W. Short, 1; K. Howe, 2; John Grey, 3. Another visit to the grove for tea, and the usual handshaking and well-wishes being indulged in, the party separated for their several homes.—(.Own Correspondent.]

TAUHOA. On New Year's night a social was held in the Hoteo North Schoolroom, and, despite the rain which fell steadily from early eve, a crowded room showed the general desire to keep up the Mew Year festivities. It was intensely hot, but the dance was kept up with unflagging spirit till nearly daylight. The music was supplied by Messrs. R. Belcher, W. Wilson, A. Wilson, Litten, 11. Petersen, etc. The dance was given by the young men and maidens of our district, and a very successful method of giving a dance it was. As usual at this season, there were entertainments of various sorts at all the surrounding districts. Mr. and Mrs. C. V. Green gave a picnic at Greenhurst on Thursday (28th) to the sohool children of Tauhoa School. The youngsters mustered in great force, only one family being absent. On their arrival early in the forenoon, they enjoyed themselves in various ways until dinner, which was laid out on the spacious verandah, and after the good things provided for their delectation had been very fully discussed, games wore again the order of the day, till they were summoned to the bran pie, around which they all danced, and everyone in turn had a dip and fished out a § resent. The surprise plums caused a great eal of fun and merriment. Then musical chairs, followed by tea, also severely attended to by the young fry. Then singing, and off for home, cheering: like wild things, and heartily delighted with their day's amusement. lOwn Correspondent.]

ARATAPU. A meeting! of the Hobson Racing Club was held in the Aratapu Hotel on January 2 to pay prizes and accounts in connection with the previous day's race meeting. There was a good attendance of members. All the accounts were considered and passed for payment as far as correct. As the owner of Blue Ribbon had appealed to the North Auckland Association against the decision of the committee in awarding the Hurdle Race to Otnaki in spite of his protest, the payments in that and the Consolation Races were held over pending the settlement of appeal. Some £80 was paid away it) all. A

1 vote of thanks was passed*) Mr. MY Cobbald for the free use of fab tod * *"*»*. The committee recognise that •the-.MinMjOt the soil is unsurpassed for a course, anatney intend to improve it as much as !»»»». it is to be extended to a mile m lengthy and to be ploughed and turfed m the autumn. ; A hearty.vote of thanks was. also «jK°BWM2 Mr. Seymour, the secretary, for the able and thorough manner in: which, be Carried out IIA young man namedfbouglaV Lee, war |IA young man named Douglas Lee was charged by Constable Scott on Saturday, at ! the Police Court, Aratapu, before Messrs. T. f Webb and' M. Harding J.P.'s.-with the larceny, of. a handkerchief* valued at 4s, the property of Richard Bradley. , The. accused pleaded not guilty. Evidence having been given at considerable , length, the , Recused said the whole thing was a joke, and it Bradley had not kicked up such a row he would have . got it back the same afternoon. The Bench ordered accused to pay a fane 60s and costs 255, or in default one month imprisonment. The handkerchief to be returned to Richard Bradley. , ■-, The sum of £206 was passed through the totalisator at the Hobson Club's race meetThe Kauri Company's mill resumed work on January 3, after a•. spell of eight or nine days for holiday time. The schooner Aratapu was got away last week, left the wharf clear of shipping. The Rio has since arrived, and is to load at Te Kopuru. The barque Kassa arrived on Wednesday, and is now' lying at the County wharf. She comes to take away the timber lying in Rhodes mill yard.— Correspondent.]

TE ARAL ■ The Christmas season has been celebrated here with picnics, cricket, sports, etc. On December 23 and 24 large picnic parties from Wayby, Wellsford and other places, amid rain and other difficulties, were seen wending their way to the Arai Beach and the Mangawai Heads, and undaunted by bad weather, put in a week's boating, fishing, and other amusements. t A marriage took place on the 28th, between Miss Sell wood, of this district, aud Mr. Taylor, of Maungaturoto. On the 28th Te Arai raised an impromptu cricket team, and played a match »with Pakiri and Omaha Cricket Club, which resulted in an easy victory for the latter. On New Year's Day the Arai Sports took place on the cricket ground. In spite of the unfavourable appearance of the weather, a large number of people from ;Te Arai and surrounding districts assembled to watch the. several events which resulted as follow :—Tilting-in-ring.Mr. S. Sarah, .1. 150 yds handicap, Mr. Alic Dale, 15yds. 1; Mr. Fishlock. 14yds, 2. High jump, Mr. H. Ryan, I; Mr. Alio Dale, 2; Ladies' tilting, Miss Fransham, 1 ; Miss Fishlock, 2. 100 yds handicap, Bluff, 1; J. Yates, 2. Horse jump, resulted in a tie between Messrs. Hetnmings and Rice. Ladies' handicap, Miss Shepherd, 1; Miss Dale, 2. Hack race, Mr. G. Gozar's chestnut, 1. The sports over, everyone hastened to the schoolroom, where an excellent tea awaited them, to which each and all did ample justice, and concluded with a dance. The Arai boys meet on Saturday, the 6tb, to form a cricket club, and tor practice. The weather is very unfavourable for haymaking. Several fields are to be Been spoiling with the wet.— Correspondent.}

KAWAKAWA. The new year has now fully set in, the holidays are over, and all work, business, and traffic resumed in full force. The annual picnic of the Good Templars came off on New Year's Day as usual. The day proved the finest that has cheered us during all the holidays, so that at early morn about 150 pleasure • seekers were at the railway carriages in Kawakawa at 8 a.m., each party provided with all the usual requirements for the festive outing on the sward. In spite of there being no programme for sports and games, as usual, no band of music, all determined to make the best of it. : At ten a.m. the little steamer Ida, with a barge in tow, fitted up for the occasion, was reached, and soon got under weigh for the Island of Waupu, the rendezvous for the day. The various parties were very soon scattered over the island, bent on enjoyment. The day passed right merrily. At four p.m. the Ida again got under weigh, and landed all safely at Opua, arriving in Kawakawa before six p.m. Other festive and gay parties were organised to different places, and all enjoyed themselves well. Other matters now disturb our community, and the late sale of coal-bearing land by the Government at Hikurangi is now the allabsorbing topic. All were somewhat surprised at the price, paid for less than 400 acres, and some of the bidders in Kawakawa, who had bid over the £1000, were no less astonished to find it went to £2400. The reason for this price being given is that the Kamo mine is now under offer to the Government. If the railway line were carried to deep water in the Whangarei River, liberal employment would be provided to all the idle miners now out of work, and the mines would be able to deliver coal at deep water in the river at 10s per ton, or Ids in Auckland. This action does not meet the wishes of our community, and the continuation of the line from Hikurangi to the KawakawaOpua line is what is desired by the Kawakawa people. This would utilize the line to Opua, and save the large loss now sustained. The freight on coal will be of some consideration to the Government, as well as the opening up of some fine land fit for immediate settlement.—[Own Correspondent.]

HEREKINO. The children's sports took place on Friday, December 29, but unfortunately the weather was not pleasant, especially during the forenoon. As the sports were held in the school grounds, the committee were enabled to carry out their programme satisfactorily, the schoolroom being utilised for such events as did not absolutely require to be run out of doors. The programme was a very long one, and a large number of prizes were distributed. Every child, no matter of how tender an age, received something at the close of the sports. After the sports were concluded, and the children all safely in bed, a dance was got up in honour of the visitors. A very enjoyable night was spent, and dancing was kept up till daylight, under the direction of Mr. Steed as M.C., while Mr. James Gardner carried out the catering in a prodigal manner. At five in the morning, all went home, well pleased. On New Year's Day the bail proper eventuated, and about 25 couples _ assembled, including about half-a-dozen visitors from Ahipara. Mr. Lawrence was the caterer and M.C. this time, and, as usual in Herekino, a very enjoyable evening was spent. Thanks are due to Messrs. Kelly and Rensford for supplying music gratuitously. The festivities were to have wound up with a fishing trip over the bar, but the weather is such that I fear this will have to be abandoned.

The weather, though rather unpleasant sometimes for pleasuring, is proving all that can be desired otherwise, and grass is both plentiful and green, and cattle, sheep, and horses are all looking well. Our schoolmaster has brought his family in to Herekino, and it is to be hoped the Education Board will see their way shortly to erect a school teacher's residence. am sure, if the inspector had been here last Friday, he would have had no doubt as to there being any number of children of school age.—[Own Correspondent.]

HUKERENUI SOUTH. Christmas passed quietly here with of course the usual consumption of all the good things obtainable, the young folk being in eager anticipation of a promised treat in the shape of a Christmas tree loaded with gifts. This entertainment was got up by the temperance section here for the amusement of all children who chose to attend. It was arranged also that a picnic be held in connection with above on Boxing Day, and that the entertainmeut be held on the evening : of the 27th December. The heavy thunder showers on the 26th sadly disappointed the lovers of out-door sports, and an adjournment was made to the schoolroom, where games of various kinds amused the company till evening. The evening of the 27th was fine, and the novelty 'to many of a Christmas tree proved very attractive, the school building being taxed to its utmost capacity to provide room for 150 persons. The arrangements were carried out principally by Mr. E. W. Davey, assisted by other,members of the committee. The tree was tastefully arranged, appropriate mottoes being conspicuously placed. Mr. Jas. McNaughton took the chair, and' proceedings commenced with chorus from Hoyle 50song, "Be Kind to the Loved Ones at Home/' Mrs. Bayliss; solo and chorus, "Poor Child of the Drunkard," Mrs. Jones; duet and chorus, "Come Drink from the Fountain," recitation, " My Blooming Red Nose," E; ? W. Davey ; recitation, " The Memory of Squire Harvey,". Mr. Jones, jun.; "The Pawnbroker s Shop, in which nine members took part, concluded the first part. The distribution of prizes then followed, and caused considerable amusement. They consisted of 139, most of which were assorted toys, added to which were a lamb,' goose, turkey, and pair of chickens. This entertainment has been by ' far ; the * moat ; successful of any in this district, i j and ; the enjoyment of the children was further enhanced by the presence of r Mr.., James McNaughton, their former teacher here. This gentleman, although, strict in his school duties, was always social and foremost with the children in the playground, and has greatly assisted Mr. Davey in bringing the entertainment to a successful close. Thanks are also due ,to the subscribers who so liberally responded. The contributions amounted to £6 17s 3d; door takings, £3 3s; making a total of £10 Os 3d. There is a balance of over £2, which is intended for some future amusement far the children, —[A Correspondent,) i

'* VICTORIA VALLEY. t We hare been favoured with some nice rain during the past week, which' is very beneficial to the crops. Grass is plentiful in all directions. | a Fruits ■ are looking well, and promise a good harvest. Settlers are fairly satisfied With the price of wool this season. All hands are trying ', their beet sto increase* their flocks. There is one important matter I wish t« lay before the public, that is that the Government '■ has sent a party of surveyors to this district to open a block of 6000 acres for small, selections— that* is, from 200 to 300 acres each. Wow I wish to call • the attention oflnmdiggers to the necessity of securing a home for themselves and their families. The land is within easy distance of the northern gumfields. The land is really good, though rather broken, but the soil is good. ■ The hush is light, Ind thV whole block well watered, all persons in want of a good homestead should have a look at the land. It is just the thing for the gamdiggers, all they have to do is to place thair families on the land, work on the gumfield during the summer. They could easily come home once a month or so, make a bit of Money to enable them to stay at home all the winter, and improve their farm. I know plenty of settlers that have done so, and have succeeded.; I whffi it to be clearly understood that the working-men of the North have not swelled the ranks of the unemployed by a single individual, nor will they ever do so * if they take my advice.[Own Correspondent.] ■

* . HASTINGS. . , ';■ The Christmas and Mew Year's Holidays, with their attendant races, sports, and picnics being past and gone, business lias once more commerced. . Messrs. Howard and Lewis, solicitors, have taken possession of their offices in Beecroft's building. Messrs. Garble and McLean, a Napier firm of barristers and solicitors, have opened a branch office in Kettle and Williams' new building. # A novel way of raiting a row has just been discovered by some of our local larrikins and was put iDto prrctice on the last night of the old year, or, properly speaking, the small hours of the morning. The modus ■ operandi was as follows : An 800-gallon round galvanised tank was procured, and a couple of dozen bricks were placed inside the tank, which we rolled at a furious speed up and down the main street, alarming the residents, who imagined that another Tarawera eruption had occurred. '< ■ - '■'.'■., A committee of several of the principal settlers of Hawke's Bay has been formed to visit the portions of this district that have suffered from the late floods so as aecheme may be devised to prevent further devastation by floods. It has been raining so continuously of late that all hopes of saving any of the hay crop has been abandoned, and I regret to say that the prospects of the grain crops are very gloomy. I learn from a reliable source that some of the old foggies that have for years vegetated as members of the Hastings Borough Council and got roads and footpaths around their sections, will not stand for re-election on the expiration of their term of office. They have had a real good innings, and new blood is wanted. . .. . „ , , A neighbouring settler living at Pukehu on his way home ■ the other night wanted to break the record. The result was that he had a narrow escape from breaking his neck, and killing his horse. The animal shied, and capsized the cart, the lot falling into the deep drain. They were all safely rescued after much difficulty. — [Own. Correspondent] ■ . ____ d ; ■ ____