STRATFORD AND NGAIRE.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8001, 20 October 1887, Page 2

STRATFORD AND NGAIRE.

[from oor own correspondent.] OoroBKR 18.— Mr. Newton King's cattle sale at Stratford to-day was by far the best that has yet been held in this district. Tho largb new yards wore crowded with stock, and buyers were in attendance from all parts between New Plymouth and Hawera. There is every sign of Seratford, ere long, becoming an important township, and should the present agitation in regard to a branch line of railway to connect us with the centre line prove successful, its progress and prosperity and that of the district is assured. I am sorry to see the narrow-minded view some of the Hawera settlers take ia regard to the proposed erection o£ tinning works. As long aa they aro guaranteed tho ruling market rateß for their surplus fat stock, it should be of little moment to them whether the works are erected at Patea, Hawera, Stratford, or any intermediate place, as any site selected would be within two days' easy driving at the outside, and when a man is willing to risk his capua ia an enterpriae, the success of which njHsl either make or mar him, ho should be at perfect liberty to select any apot he rcay deem moßt suitable. It is to aiucerolv hoped that any petty jealousy of this kind will not have the effect of causing tho negotiations to fall through, as the want of an outlet for our surplus stock ia aheady being severely felt, and will be oven more so, aa larger areaß of land aro brought under cultivation. I have often heard about the tree grub or caterpillar that is found whilst digging bush clearings, but only the other day had an opportunity of inspecting: ono. It is certainly a curiosity. The one I saw was about 3 iuches lon'- jut they are often found quite 6 :i: i- 8i . -Yos in length. The peculiarity ;l at • 1 -\-n ia that they all have what •a i -i he a young tree growing out from tho loft oye, which is often a s^oo' 1 'ongth, with soreral branches projcctla r from the main stern. The caterpillar appoat-8 to be in a sort of fossilised atato, but evury part is perfect. The common idea seems to be, that the caterpillar eats tho seed of a tree (supposed to bo the r;ita), which germinates and sprouts out through the head, thus causing the death of the worm. One settler found one, with the tree, or whatever it mi_jhtbe, ulive and giowinj, and throwing out, several sprouts or braoches. I should be 'lad if any of your readers can throw any light on this subject, aa I have only so far heard the above theory, which I cannot think, however, gives the cjnect solution of .he mystery. The eatertainuieut ia &i 1 o£ the Ngaird school prize s'und has been fixed for Fiid.iy, the 231h. A capital concert has >een urrauged, aud the best taleut protjure.j. Tho drama, " Harold Hawk, or tho ooaviot's vengeance," promises to bo a jreut siuoochii, us a übounls with exciting tud lluillia" r.ioltlentb, lus, t, mic upleadid low LOiuuty paits, ;uni in hi-Jily sonsaliou.'l. Tiic ac.uoiy viii ail l>o now, and evuiy ilcli.il :.iti>"ully lanied out. Ab ibe obj.'cl is ob,^ tint ojinnieudß itaeH to uvciy dulUer, Ujcio Is .-uro to bo a full iiuuse, and aa it ia positively the last pert'ormanco of tho present club, aud highly imuiubable that such v high class pieco A-ill ever bo attempted" by any future uiauagiment, 1 Bljouldaduseeve^ouo not (o urisß tlio pn-b-enc opportunity, us one shilling id the aulo charge for the wholo enttrtaiiiiuoni, with children under 12 ytais at Lull-prico. Thero will also be a dauco to. fulJjw tho cntortaiumunt, at wiutb Indies will Io Emitted free, ;cuikmcu being ch;ir:;cd Is 6d.