DISTRICT NEWS.

Waikato Times, Volume 98, Issue 16152, 29 November 1924, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

NGAHINEPOURL Dairying. Owing to the recent mild weather the farms In this district have a splendid appearance, there being an abundance of grass everywhere. The hay crops hre exceptionally good, and It will not J»e long before haymaking commences once again, and by present indications there should be no shortage of grass for a good while to come. During the last few weeks farmres have been kept busy working the land and sowing their crops for autumn feeding, and these should all come away fast with the warm days. Prize Winner*. This district has again held its own In the show ring, for at the recent show at Hamilton quite a large number of prizes were won by residents, it speaks well for the district that it can produce the stock that can compete and win against the best in the province. In the sheep classes for Southdowns Mr N. Reid secured champion, 3 firsts, 3 seconds, and 1 third; for Romneys, Mr J. J. Ryburn 1 champion, 2 firsts, 1 second and 1 third; and for English Mr D. B. Livingstone received a second and Mr J. Core a third; fat sheep, Mr J. McWhannel! won a third. In the fat lamb section these exhibitors were again successful, Mr N. Reid being awarded 2 firsts, 3 seconds, and 3 thirds; J. J. Ryburn, 1 first; J. Gore, 1 first; and J. McWhannel, 1 second. In,- the horse section E. Osborne, boy's pony, received 3 thirds, and Miss E. Osborne 1 second. Matthew Bros, were awarded a first for a grade Jersey cow. In the horticultural section, Miss Finlayson won i first in preserves and 2 seconds; Mrs J. MeWhannell, in the flower section, was awarded 1 second and 1 third.

HORSHAM DOWNS. Hay Crops,. This season the hay paddocks 1 seem to have shot away very rapidly. Many are laying down now, and farmers are talking of cutting. The general impression is that early hay is of very good quality, but is very much more liable to heat and burn down if allowed to be put in when the sap is still visible. However, every settler has' his own idea and experience to go by, and advice is not always correct. Sickness. Our district has had a little more than its usual crop of spring sickness, colds, mild 'flu, etc. One or two cases seem to hang on with after-effects, and have been ordered a few weeks’ holiday. Road £!do3. I must compliment some farmers in this district in making an effort to keep their road frontage clear of rubbish. One pound spent on a road front will put £lO more on the land if you want to sell, and it will attract new settlers. ELSTOW. The Land. The recent rains, followed by warm fine days, are making the man on the land smjle. Grass is growing .freely and present-indications are for an early hay-making, some farmers in the district'expecting to have early paddocks cut before Christmas. Most are busy at present getting in root crops and to these the rain has been in the nature of a mixed blessing, having interfered to some extent with the working of the ground. However, cows are milking well and everything points to a record season.

The Hall Society held their final function of the season on Wednesday, 18th Inst. The entertainment took the form of a plain and fancy dress ball and considering the lateness of the season was a great success, about one hundred and twenty people being present. The fancy dress costumes though ■ few in number, were high in quality, the judges having some difficulty in awarding the prizes. The ladies' prize went to Miss Beulah Clark, who was dressed as a sporting girl, but Miss D. Geary, of Waitoa, ran her a close second as an Indian maid, that the committee decided to award a second prize. The men's prize went to Mr R. Johnston, who made a very realistic sundowner. Dancing was carried on to excellent music from Mrs Dalton’s orchestra from 8.30 pun. uiitil about 1.30 a.m. The Society has had a very successful season, as though the building was not completed until about the end of May it is practically paid for, the outstanding debenture money being sufficient to meet the present liability to the bank. However, the committee do not intend to rest on their oars, the more ambitious of them having visions of an extra dressing room and a stage and supper room.