MATAMATA.

Waikato Times, Volume 104, Issue 17502, 8 September 1928, Page 5

MATAMATA.

Road Improvements. / The unmetalled gaps in the various ridings are gradually being hard-sur-faced. A section recently completed is that at the end of the Peria road, towards the hills. A good portion ot the back Peria road has also been laid down with a locally-discovered gravel, and when the Puketutu road is com-

pleted there will be little cause for complaint in the district. On the other side of the township, near Okauia, there are some very bad places, and it is hoped that they will be put in order before next winter. It is stated that the sanded portion of the Richmond Downs road will be metalled soon, as this route has been declared a subsidiary highway. This road has taken a great deal of traffic during the past winter, as after a few days’ rain the road through the Wairere settlement was almost impassible. The Piako County Council is in charge of this highway and it is to be hoped that the report that the remaining gaps will be metalled bears the semblance of truth. The heavy traffic is increasing and it is an absolutely necessary work to keep the main roads at least in a passable condition. Peace Pact. The signing of the World Peace Pact did not remain unnoticed in Matamata- At ihe churches special sermons were preached, the ministers being as follows: Anglican, Rev. C. W. Turner; Catholic, Rev. Father Silk; Presbyterian. Rev. A. C. Hampton; Wesleyan, Rev. Gardner Brown. The speakers stressed the great part which religion should take in the daily life and the importance to Christianity of such a great occasion. Euchre Party and Dance. The socials in aid of the funds of the Catholic Church were continued this week. The prizes in ihe euchre tournament were won by Miss Scanlon and Mr P. Delaney. . At the dance music was contributed by Mrs Cotter and .Messrs Pennell and Collins, extras being .played by Misses Ansford, P. Whitworth and Darragh. The tournament is creating a good deal of interest, and a financial success is anticipated. Country Notes. The month has opened wet and stormy and conditions are not at all pleasant on the farms. There has been no really cold spell and there is a decided movement in the grass, but a large quantity of surface water is not beneficial either to the pasture or the stock.

Cattle and sheep maintain their values, and good dairy stock is meeting with a ready sale. The few pens of yearling heifers offered are keenly sought after, and it looks as if this class of animal will be very dear later on. Already enquiries are being made by annual buyers, but the greatest demand will come later on. Though losses in dairy cattle have been severe in some instances it is pleasing to relate that a few farmers are in the happy position of having a surplus of their own breeding. On most farms all home-reared heifers are required to fill vacancies in Hie parent herd, with possibly the addition of a few head purchased, and it is quite a change to have a few to dispose of. One farmer stated that this season was the first one that he found himself in this happy position. The whole of the countryside looks remarkably well, and indications point a good season for producers.