MISCELLANEOUS.

Inangahua Times, Volume X, Issue 1618, 26 October 1885, Page 3

MISCELLANEOUS.

In the course of his report on orchard fruits shown in the Exhibition, Professor Kirk says :— Whether considered with regard to their adaptability for keeping, excellence of quality, or attractive appearance, growers in New Zealand have a large choice of varieties capable of profitable cultivation, not only for home use, but for export. Apples are imported into New Zealand from Tasmania, but the superiority of local fruit is yearly rendering the importation less profitable to those engaged in if. They are also imported from California, and when arriving iv the period between the exhaustion of the old crop and the maturation ofthe new, cannot in any way interfere with the interests of local growers, who will be able to reciprocate by exporting to California from March to July. During these months, however, a still more profitable trade may be carried on between the Colony and Great Britain. Apples arriving in England between April and August would fiud a ready sale at remunerative prices, and it is gratifying to learn that planting with a view of supplying these distant markets has already been commenced in Auckland. It would appear (says the Daily Telegraph that Ireland is becoming wonderfully happy and contented. Probably the immediate prospect of dominating and controlling English politics in the reformed House of Commons may have something to do with the apparently altered temper of the Sister Isle. Probably a land law infinitely more to the advantage of the tenant than the hnd law of the rest of the kingdom m;i y have begotten a spirit of unaccustomed cheerfulness among the agricultural poimlution. But whatever the cans •, observant lookers-on cannot fail to remark a present change for the better. Lox\ ; Carnarvon's tour in Connemara aud the West finished at Sligo 0:1 April 22. It is said to have been a great success. The Viceroy is represented us going about unattended, aud as being waited npon and congratulated by all classes, including bishops and priests of what may be called the national faith. Sligo, in the presence of her Mayor and Corporation came forth in civic state to meet and greet the vice regal party and to conduct them to the Town Hall, there to be feted by the notables, without distinction of creed or politics. All this is wonderful, indeed. But a few short mouths ago Lord Spencer would not have ventured into Connemara without an escort, would hardly have passed between the Castle precincts and the Westland Row Rail way station without a troop of dragoons clattering at his heels. Lord Spencer was said to be personally unpopular with the people. Yet it is generally allowed, even by partizans, that the dislike was directed rather against the office than the man. A Southern writer says the Otago M.H.R's are " socially antl mentally inferior to the representatives from any other Province!', Report speaks well of the prospects of the yield from the present Red Queen crushing. The battery will continue in operation until the end of the current month. On Saturday morning Messsrs H. and T.Newman, the well known coach proprietors, left Brigh water in a double sulky and tindeui.aud drove through to Blenheim, via liai Valley, doing the distance, (over 100 miles; in twelve hours. This is a feat worth recording when we take into consideration that the road between Happy Valley aud the Pelorus bridge is only newly formed, to say nothing of its being in the most part through a mountainous country. Evidently Messrs Newman own some good cattle.