DARGAVILLE ITEMS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 233, 30 September 1907, Page 3

DARGAVILLE ITEMS.

(From Our Own Correspondent)

DARGAVILLE, Saturday. The contractors for the extension of the tou-n wharf are making good headway, and the miserable jetty which has hitherto done duty as a town -wharf will shortly be unrecognisable. Shipmasters have for long had a just cause for complaint owing to the miserable berthage accommodation provided. To ease the difficulty the County Council have had the Kaihu Creek Jetty repaired, and thrown open for traffic, thereby easing the cousestion. Weasels are reported to be unduly plentiful, and farmers are experiencing their disastrous presence. Young lambs are being attached by the undesirable immigrant, and a movement is on foot to get the Hobson Acclimatisation Society to institute some project iv which, all settlers could combine to combat the „eadful little pest. It is rumoured that another sawmill is likely to be erected on a site opposite Dargaville, for working white pine exclusively. The edifice will be placed in the centre of an area containing some fifteen million feet of standing kahikatea, and the logs will be directly conveyed by machinery from the stump to the mill, thus saving all loss and cost of raftage. •- Tangowahione, which is situated nine miles above Dargaville, is fast asserting its importance as a back centre, and the' Auckland Farmers' Union, Ltd., lias decided in future to hold monthly stock" sales there. This township Is -the landing stage for the I immense Avoca. Wangaru, Tangowahine Valley, and Karaka lands, and is fast assuming the appearance of solid prosperity. An unusual incident occurred on the Kaihu line yesterday, whereby the train was brought to a decided stop. "Wheu nearing Maropiri, the engine driver discerned a dog standing between the rails, barking furiously, but making no attempt to leave its dangerous positions The train was slowed down till it approached to within a few feet of the noisy canine. A swift inspection revealed that the animal was evidently one which had escaped from its home, as a chain was attached to the collar, and- was hopelessly caught In a portion' of the rails. A moment's work released the prisoner, and with a pat and a. word of cheer from the kindly guard, doggie bounded joyfully homewards, and the iron horse resumed its way. Strong demand for land still exists, and attention is now being directed to the gum lands, lying between the Wairoa and the West Coast. It has been found that many portions are admirably adapted for sheep grazing, and are likely to prove good winter pasturages for dairy herds on the "off' season. Considerable attention is now beinj; given to these hitherto considered poor lands, and agriculturists confidently assert that when the mode of their proper tillage Is discovered, that they will rank in value with the best of the high lands. Scarrott's block, which is situated a few miles below Toka Toka, on the western bank of the Wairoa, is being disposed of. Some months ago this property was viewed by the Commissioner of Crown Lands and the Land Purchase Agent, with a view to its acquirement by the Government, but negotiations fell through. Recently the block was cut 2 into sections, and being placed on the market at a reasonable figure, was readily seized by settlers. The finest alluvial portion of some 200 acres has been acquired by Mr il. O'Connor, of Aratapu, who i:i tends to carry on a model dairy farm. Other sections, totalling 770 acres, were secured by Mr T. Bassett, chairman of directors of the local dairy factory, and he intends using them for sheep pasturage. The property is excellently supplied with water from several small lakes, and with a mild expenditure can be immensely increased in value. The most northly portion of the block has been purchased by Mr G. Leudram, and as it contains' good rongh feed, has been much sought after. Other portions are now under offer, and it is anticipated that the whole of the large original estate win in the course of a few weeks pass Into aaw a_ eaterjrfeung basds.