MOTUEKA.

Colonist, Volume XLVI, Issue 10663, 11 March 1903, Page 2

MOTUEKA.

(PBOM OUB OWN COBBESPONDENT.) The hops have matured very rapidly the last few days, and, with a continuance of the present fine weather, shonld harvest well. As a rule, we have a short interval between the gathering in of this crop and' that of raspberries, but this year hop-pick-ing has fairly started before all the raspberry gardens have cleaned up. _ Our Fruit Company has been well to the fore this last fortnight, having held two shareholders meetings in as many weeks, present business requiring careful consideration. Another meeting is to be held in the course of a week or so, when the directors purpose presenting a report of the present season's work. A satisfactory balance sheet is confidently expected, as the products of the' Company have been in great demand, and shareholders are looking forward to fat! dividends and a good time generally. On Wednesday last our local Volunteers were inspected by MajorGeneral Babington, some 50 turning out for the occasion, together with about 30 from the Takaka corps. The General seemed pleased with the company's work, and his instructive remarks were most attentively attended to by both officers and men. His manner is most unlike that of others in his position, and it is very evident that hefhas taken the trouble to obtain an insight into the character of our colonial "Tommies," and means to make right good soldiers of them. , ,x _• i On Easter Monday the Horticultural Society intend holding their autumnal show, and, giving their tent the "go-bye," are going to use the Institute. Their large tent, whilst being a splendid contrivance in many ways for the purpose, has its draw backs, and the last two shows have proved of no financial benefit to the society, the repairs to the flimsy structure having eased them of all profits. We wculd call the attention of growers to the fixture, and ask them to give the society hearty support, evincing their good wishes in a practical manner by sending plenty of exhibits. Motueka, March 7, 1903.