MATAMATA.

Waikato Times, Volume 102, Issue 17242, 29 October 1927, Page 5

MATAMATA.

Severe Frost. A good deal of damage occurred in local gardens from the severe frost on Monday night. Over S degrees were registered, and Mr llailigan, who lias recorded the weather in this district for some years, states that so far ibis frost is the severest on record for any October. The days still remain fine, but an enormous benefit to tire farmers would result with a few days’ warm rain.

On the other side of the ranges, from Tuuranga to Whakatane, the country is looking exceptionally well. More rain has fallen nearer the coast, and production must increase in that district.

Some local farmers are complaining of shortness of feed, but they admit that they have been heavily slocked during the winter. The opinion lias been expressed that the manure in use at present does not appear to be up to the standard of former years. There is room for extensive research in this direction, as it might be possible that after a few years of top-dressing with, say, simetu _a chanse might Jia imue-

ficial. Another opinion is that the heavy rains in the winter months saturated the land so much that the fertiliser was dissolved and washed away before getting io work on the pastures. Every year new ideas are .brought forward, and it is quite evident that the limit of knowledge in regard to top-dressing pasture land has not yet been reached. rVJo-rc BuildinQj One of the oldest wooden buildings in Arawa Street is being demolished, with a view to erecting two concrete shops and business offices. It is stated Unit the building lias been erected over 25 years. This is the second structure within the last few weeks which lias been pulled down, and the appearance of the street will he considerably improved by the change. It is a healthy sign that all the buildings put up during the last five years have been substantial and built to last. There is a much more optimistic note at present, bolh in town and country, and business people are looking forward to one of the best years for some time.

In a short time the road improvement. scheme will be commenced, and when finished the major requirements of the town will be provided for. To make a town attractive is to. encourage people to live there, with a consequent increase in llic population and a reduction in the individual rales.

The question of rating on unimproved values is still in abeyance, it is iioped that an expert in the matter will deliver an address at Matainata under tlie auspices of the Chamber of Commence, after which it is highly probable tint some definite action will be taken. ,

Anglican Ladies’ Guild. Tiie garden party organised by Mesdanies Simpson and Mason was held at Mr and Mrs Simpson’s residence, Burwood, Hoad, in fine weather, after having been postponed from the previous Saturday. The function was in aid of the stall funds for the annual bazaar to be held shortly. There was a good attendance, and an enjoyable afternoon was spent in tennis, bowling, and other competitions. Among the winners were: Tennis, Miss Duxfleld and Mr J. Simpson; cardriving, Miss A. Drowse and Mr B. Simpson; guessing competition, Miss W. Duxfleld; stepping' the chain—men. Mr B. Simpson, ladies, Mrs T. W. Simpsbu; peg-throwing, Mr 11. Buckley. Good business was done at the sweets stall, in charge of Misses F. Duxliekl and V. Simpson, and the afternoon tea booth, managed by the hostess, was well patronised. The affair was a financial success, and considerable benefit to the funds will result. Early in November a sports afternoon will be held at Mr and Mrs J. F. Wells’ residence, when the proceeds will also be devoted to Hie bazaar fund. Catholic Social and Dance.

There was a fair attendance at the dance held at the Town Hall on Thursday. Mr G. Fitzgerald carried out the duties of M.G., and excellent music was provided by on orchestra composed of Miss Mailigan (piano), Mr Holland (violin.;, and Mr Bates (saxophone and cornet). Extras \yerc contributed by Mrs Mailigan and Misses

Kirk and Darragh. The floor was in ! good order, and a nice supper was served by the ladies. The profits will be devoted to ! church funds.