RAETIHI.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19444, 2 November 1925, Page 3

RAETIHI.

FISHING SEASON (From the “Chronicle’s” Special Corre pondent). The fishing season in the Waimarino Acclimatisation District opened at the beginning of tho month and so far some good fishing has been obtained. The brown trout unfortunately predominate, but anglers report that they are getting a fair number of rainbow. All the streams appear to be well stocked and tho fish are in good condition and giving plenty of fight. The Alakotuku and Alangnwhero are affording plenty of sport and one angler obtained eleven nice fish in the former stream the other day in a short time. Hatchery The secretary of the Waimarino Acclimatisation Society reported that the timber for the hatchery at Karioi is now on the ground and the building will be commenced in about three weeks’ time. The hatchery will be pushed ahead with all speed and the necessary work wili bo done ready for the commencement of hatching ' next season. If, as it is anticipated, tho work goes on well, the Waimarino Society should be able to fully stock all the streams in the district in a few years, and sport will be afforded for residents and visiting anglers from Wanganui and down country.

RAETIHI BRANCH. FARMERS’ UNION The monthly meeting of the branch Was held at Raetihi on Friday. There was a fair attendance of members present, and Mr J. R. Hunter (president), presided. A letter was received from the provincial secretary, setting forth the position of new members enrolled bv Mr AlcAlpine. After discussion it was resolved on the motion of Air T. E. AfcLean, seconded by Air Houghton, that as the members were enrolled under the old levy the meeting was of opinion that the distribution of subscriptions should be on the old basis. The secretary ofcthe Ohakune branch of the Farmers’ Union wrote asking that three members bo transferred to their branch and that a statement of their position be forwarded. Tho secretary was instructed to supply tho information required. The provincial secretary wrote stating that he had not received any further details regarding the proposed correspondence school. When any information was to hand he would forward same for the information of the branch.

Shipping Hold-Up The provincial secretary wrote regarding the shipping hold-up and outlined the arrangemens which were being made. As the situation had now been overcome it was not considered necessary that Uny further action be taken. Soft Fern The chairman stated that Air Glasgow had information from Australia of the manner in which they were combating the prickly pear, and it was thought that the same treatment might eradicate the soft fern. It was resolved that Air Glasgow bp interviewed with a view to his addressing farmers on the subject. Rabbit Nuisance Mr T. E. AlcLean said he could see that the rabbits were increasing in the district and he asked if the union would take the matter up. Some members said that on their particular farms there was no increase for years. Air Searrow said that at one time they were afraid of the nuisance an I they sought advice from the rabbit inspector. However, tho big fire came along and they seemed to disappear. Air AfcLean said that ihe stock inspector should be interviewed with a view to obtaining some information as to whether a rabbit bon rd should be set up -or what precautions should be taken to combat the pest. The Deer Air Harris stud it was imperative that tho deer should be destroyed. They were already coining off the mountain and causing great destruction. He. further stated the Acclimatisation Societies should bo prohibited from importing these exotic pests. He said for one pound of sport they afforded Vkcy caused ten pounds of destruction.

Backblock Mails Mr Madden said that the penny postage was now general but the "townspeople had their letters delivered for Id. while the backblock settlers also paid Id for postage, and also had to contribute 10s per year for the carriage of the mails. "He did not think it fair to the backblocker and considered tho Minister should be approached on the matter. Discussion ensued and its was resolved that the whole matter be placed before the provincial executive, asking that the rural delivery be reduced, more especially to those who have to rids long distances to collect their mails. STOCK SALE. SMALL YARDINGS. Messrs Freeman R. Jackson and Co., Ltd., held their usual fortnightly sale at Raetihi cn Friday. The weather being fine there was a large attendance, but on account of the time of year there was only a small yarding of both sheep and cattle. Quotations: — Sheep.—Medium mixed hoggets, 32s Id; small hoggets, 24s Id. Cattle.—Steers, 2 J years, £6 9s; yearling steers, £4 4s; small ditto, ’3; good 2-year steers, £6 12s 6d; yearling heifers, 39s to £3; 18-iuonth "ditto, £3 6s;' empty cows, £4 2s to £5 10s; aged cows, £2 15s to £3; cows and calves, £3; Jersey bulls, 3i guineas to £5 Ss.

CLEARING SALE. Messrs Freeman R. Jackson and Co., Ltd., held a clearing sale of farm implements and dairy cows at Mr M. Tansey's farm, Mangarewa, near Raetihi, on Friday. There was a large attendance of buyers present, but the cattle, not being in good condition, did not elicit keen competition. Farm horses and implements sold well. Quotations: Best dairy cows, £5 15s to £6 ss; good ditto, £5 10s to £5 12s 6d; medium, £1 10s to £5; aged from £3 7s 6d; poor and backward, £3 to £3 10s; culls, £2 to £3; Jersey bull, £7; small yearling Jersey heifers, £2 Ils; empty 2-year heifers, £3 Is; empty cows, £2 10s to £5 10s.