MAUNGATUA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2010, 1 September 1892, Page 21

MAUNGATUA.

August 30.— Farming operations are now being mnhed vigorously forward. Most of the wheat in the uplands of the district has been sown, but in localities which suftV red frmn the late floods much of the ground remains unploughed owing to the wetness of the soil. . Dairy Industry.— lf we may judge by the high prices given for milking cows or cows in calf at sales of cattle recently, the future prospect of the dairying industry must be hopeful "'deed. A farmer remarked to me some time ago that it was the only thing there was any money in at present, and I have no doubt there is a great amount of truth in what he said.

OTAKOU. August 28.— We have had a lot of rain lately, and the ground is in a very wet state. We shall be able to appreciate the fine days when they come round once more. Aruor Day.— There was no ceremony at the Kaik on the 4th, the general opinion bejng that the ground was much too wet for any tree plant-

ing. It is intended to hold our Arbor Day later on. Taiaroa Head.— The 4th inst. was duly observed as a holiday at tho Heads. The school children, having got a holiday, assembled under their teacher and the members of committee about 10 a.m. ; and as the school ground had been already prepared by the committee, tree planting was begun at once. Each person present planted two of the trees, which comprised^ macrocarpa Pinus insignis, laurel and Scotoh 'fir. The trees were purchased by a subscription raised among the residents. The planting over, the company adjourned to the schoolroom, and the pupils, under the leadership of their teacher, sang " God save tho Queen," and gave three cheers for Arbor Day. The remainder of the day was spent in dancing and playing different games, so that the pupils passed a very jolly day, and they will most likely look forward with pleasure to the next 4th of August. >A Farewell. — A social party was held in the Taiaroa Heads schoolroom on the evening of the 26th inst. to bid farewell to Miss Harland, the teacher, who has been promoted to the K'elso School. Miss Harland has had charge of the Taiaroa Heads school for tho past eight years, and universal regret is felt at her departure. It is some consolation for her fritnds, howover, that she has received promotion in the service. During the evening two presentations were mado to Miss Harland. One (a handsome and costly escritoire and lady's companion, suitably inscribed) was the gift of tho ladies »of the Heads, and the other (consisting of a lady's satchel and . travelling toilet case) was presented by the school committee. Mr Milne, in making the presentations s referred toathe loss the community would sustain by Miss Harland's departure, and in a few kind words he explained how very gratifying it was to that young lady to know that during her residence amongst them, not one single fault was found in her conduct either as a lady or as a teacher. Mr Poison replied on behalf of Miss Harland. Dancing, interspersed with songs, recitations, Ac, was then resumed and kept up till about 6 a.m., when the whole company joined hands l and, after singing "Auld Lang Syne" and "For she's a jolly good fellow, the party came to a close with three cheers for Miss Harland. Songs were contributed during the evening by Miss Harland, Miss Milne, Miss Nellie Milne, Messrs G. Taiaroa, D. Quinn, A. Russell, J. Dick, R. Moore, and C. Milne ; while Miss Sutton and Mr Milne, sen., gave recitations. Miss Milne is the possessor of a superior voice, and her rendering of " Como back to Erin " was a capital effort. Miss Sutton was also successful in her recitation. Miss Lucy Ryan danced the sword dance in good style, and Miss Lucy Burns a Highland fr'ng, which for a little girl was capitally done. Tho dance music was supplied by Mr G. Taiaroa, assisted by several friends. Refreshments were liberally provided by the school committee, who deserve praise for the excellent manner in which they arranged and carried out the whole affair.