LOCAL NEWS.

Thames Star, Volume LX, Issue 16958, 3 December 1926, Page 4

LOCAL NEWS.

The indications are for southerly winds, moderate to strong. Weather cloudy to overcast at times, jvith scattered showers, and the night will probably be very cold. Barometer unsteady. Seas rough, tides good. Barometer 29.80. Thermometer 62.

Opportunity was taken last evening by representative business men to make a presentation to Mr. H. J. Baker. The Fire Brigade joined in, and a very nice little function eventuated. A full report will appear tomorrow.

The Mayor requests business people to observe a holiday on Tuesday next up to 1 p.m., in honour of the Governor-General’s visit If any decorating will be done, it is notified that Their Excelenlcies’ colours are dark blue and cerise. Returned soldiers are requested to parade at the High School at 10.30 a.m.

Local fishermen report a scarcity of fish for the time of year. Jelly-fish are numerous, while sharks ha ,T e played havoc with nets this week.

Shearing is now practically finished on the hill country between Coromandel and Thames. The farms in this district ■average about 500 acres, which graze sheep and cattle, the former being of a Romney-Lincoln cross, in which the Romney strain strongly predominates. The rugged nature of the country provides plenty of exercise in the search for feed, and the sheep are noted for big frames and sound constitutions. Tim wool is of good quality this year, and an average weight of 71bs. to 741bs, per fleece is expected. Most of the wool is now being railed or shipped to Auckland from Thames.

An interesting experiment in the conversion of tescue to ensilage is under way in the Plains County at the instigation of Mr. R. Denize, Government Stock Inspector. , The rapid growth of fescue has many times excited the concern of the Hauraki Plains County Council, which endeavoured to have it declared a noxious weed. The experiment was first tried last year, but was not a success owing to the fact that labour could not be secured to cut the plant at the right time. Mr. Denize considers that GO per cent, of moisture is necessary when the fescue is cut to ensure the success of the experiment. There is a fairly strong growth of fescue in the Turua district' and its successful conversion to ensilage would be hailed with much satisfaction by farmers. The next attempt will be made in the near future under more favourable auspices. A concert and dance was organised by Mr. It. McGregor at Matatoki last night in aid of the newly-formed tennis club. There was a large attendance, most of the vocal and instrumental items being supplied by visitors from Thames, who were thanked by Mr. W. J. Hall, President of . the Club, who referred particularly to the excellent dance music voluntarily supplied by Mr. Albert Williams’ orchestra and the Waikiki Amateur Orchestra.