WAI-ITI.

Colonist, Volume LI, Issue 12471, 23 February 1909, Page 2

WAI-ITI.

The ' high northerly gale which raged all day on Saturday, has done considerable damage, in the hop gardens, knocking down hundreds of : poles, and mixing things up generally.. It was also responsible for spreading; fires that had been lighted for thapurpose of.' destroying black berries, and other noxious weeds. ; The fires: in some instances ;were spread considerable distances, doing damage to> fences, and destroying grass andi causing danger to stock. The country'has quite a parched ,- appearance, and rain is badly needed. Hop picking is now commencing, and. in a fewdays will be general::. Hop pickers ■are 'not= too plentiful tl»s year. Tho crops on the' whole are up to the average, perhaps a little better' than last year, but what they lack in quantity they will make up in' quality. Tho hops are well grown and in good condition. >.-'"■ . \ __