KAKEPUKU.

Waipa Post, Volume VII, Issue 331, 17 July 1914, Page 5

KAKEPUKU.

(Own Correspondent)

Thi\year Arbor Day was kept in the true spirit of the movement. Both school committee and teacher for some time had kept a scheme in view, and made plans accordingly. Mr Johns went to, some trouble in gettingabout tw6 dozen puriri and totara these, with the other nativo/trees and sheltering pines, years to come make an attracme school ground. Messrs Lr Oliver, E. McVerry, K. Wooster and A. Clements, members of the school committee, a substantial wire feHecjSome six yards from the boundary fence, whil* scholars planted two rowsyof trees, the back one of shattering pines and the other of ornamental trees and shrubs. It *was late in the afternoon before the work was completed^ut the improvement to the grounds was well-nigh magical. The planting is by no means completed, though over fifty trees have already been planted. The tender Puriri trees have to be sheltered from cold winds and frost. One corner of the ground is the edge of the swamp, and it is intended to plant this in willows, cabbage palms, nikaus and trees requiring swampy soil. A start has been made to plant the front boundary in ornamental shrubs. Within the next few weeks every child will have personally planted at least one tree or shrub in the grounds. Next week the school will be closed for the mid-winter holiday The committee kindly agreed to

delay the holidays to allow the teacher to journey to] Auckland with the Waipa Hockey Representatives.

Mr Hastings, who recently disposed of his farm, will not leave us after all, as he has purchased another section of 200 acres from Mr Ramsay, and has commenced build>ing operations. I understand that circumstances prevent Mr Fear from residing on his property immediately as intended, but he hopes to be with us in the spring. After considerable negotiations Mr F. Potts has finally acquired possession of 690 acres close to the Puniu bridge. He has already made a start with the the laying down of 100 acres in turnips. With this block of land, formerly an eyesore, under cultivation on the right side of the road, the left being nearly all taken up, another big step in the advancement of the district is marked. There is no doubt that in a few years there will not be an unoccupied acre in the district.

The Government rabbiters have been with us again but it is a question whether the results justify the Government in the expenditure necessary to carry on the operations. My opinion, based on observation, is that the rabbits do not even seem to touch the poison, and if they did, and a few hundreds were killed, what is that in 'a large area simply alive with them ? • This last week of rain has brought with it the true winter roads, though until then the winter has been an exceptionally good one.