WHAKAMARAMA NOTES

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXV, Issue 12255, 19 February 1937, Page 2

WHAKAMARAMA NOTES

(From our Correspondent). Cold boisterous and quite unseasonable weather prevailed over the week-end. High winds continue, and will probably result in a sharp drop in cream from most dairy herds which are already well on the fall. The spell of fine weather earlier in the month allowed farmers to clean up late hay cuts and very little now remains with the possible exception of a second cut or two. Considerable quantities of hay have been harvested, the earlier cuts going into the stacks in good order. Some of the later cuts, however, have not been so good, though on the whole this season has been better than last. Owing to the rapid increase of ragwort (unchecked in some places) settlers are turning to sheep, and quite a number are now in the district. One settler has gone out of dairying altogether, and several others are seriously considering following Iris example. Jf sheep fail there seems to he nothing left hut to walk off —and there are people who laugh when the ragwort menace is mentioned. The first magpie seen in the district arrived a week or so ago, and seems to have quite settled down. It is of considerable interest to the younger generation. On the whole, bird life seems to he holding its own. Stoats are fairly numerous and one lad collected eight shillings for tails quite recently. These pests and cals take a heay toll of small bird life, while tern lires, in the season, must account for many young pheasants and quail. The local cricket team report various wins this season, including three game- played in Tauranga, and are to be congratulated as the members take the game Very seriously, and are fortunate in possessing one or two players of out;landing ability. The local school picnic which was postponed from -December last, is to he held on the last Saturday in this month and weather permitting should prove a memorable day with the little one-. Hot water, tea, sugar and milk will be provided and all friends are cordially invited.