COUNTRY NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15751, 28 October 1914, Page II

COUNTRY NEWS.

[feosi oto own coeeesfosdext.] WARKWORTH. HELP FOE THE BELGIANS. The Warkworth Debating Society wound up a very successful session on Monday night by a public meeting in the Town Hall. A small charge was made for admission and all the profits were devoted to the Belgian Relief Fund. Lady members also sold button-holes and sweets for the same good object, over £2 being realised from the sales. The fund will benefit to the extent of between £5 and £6 altogether. PUKEKOHE. f RAIN BADLY NEEDED. The continued spell of dry weather is beginning to assume a somewhat serious aspect in this and the adjacent districts. The absence of moisture is militating greatly against the crops, while the conditions are also having a marked effect upon the gestures. Winter-planted cereals, in lieu of making a good growth of straw, are in some instances already coming into eat, while spring-sown grain crops are practically _at a standstill. Late transplanted onions and other small crops are parched and are browning off. Pastures, although green, are not making usual spring growth, and, in consequence, dairy farmers' milk /supplies while not showing any shrinkage on last month's yield, are still not showing the increase which is usually looked for in October over and above the September supply. Good rains are also badly needed for the hay crop. Fields closed off a few weeks back have little bottom growth, and unless rain soon falls the herbage will run up to seed, in which case very light crops will be harvested. The potato crops generally are looking well, however, and are remaining quite free from blight. The absence of the blight is due in a large measure to the warm, weather, which has also been a factor in ripening off the early crops. The digging of the latter has been proceeding steadily for the past five weeks, and during this time regular despatches have been forwarded to Wellington and other _ markets. The first consignments sold in Wellington realised 3id per lb, or £30 6s 8d per ton, while following 'ots hjve brought up to 3d per lb, or £28 pet ton. CAMBRIDGE. PRESENTATION CEREMONY. A presentation of a silver tea and coffee urn and a gold double sovereign-case was made to Mr. and Mrs. J. Taylor on Monday evening, by Lieutenant-Colonel Curaming, on behalf of the officers and men of the Auckland divisional camp. The presentation was made in recognition of Mr. Taylor having placed his fine property at Hautapu at the disposal of the military authorities for camp purposes. HELENSVILLE. LABOUR DAY CELEBRATIONS. Although the weather was anything but pleasant, a good many visitors arrived by train on Labour Day to visit "the Helensville Hot Springs and to play tennis and bowls. The Helensville Tennis Club opened its 1914-1915 season. Tie president, Mr. Wilson, congratulated the club upon its improved financial condition, and also upon the fact that in a short time a fourth court would be added to those at present in use. Mr. Thjirlow Field, chairman of the Helensville Town Board, welcomed the visitors, who came from all parts of the district as far as Henderson. Refreshments were provided by the lady members of the club.