DARFIELD.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14563, 14 January 1913, Page 3

DARFIELD.

From tho farmers' point of view tlio weather conditions continue unsatisfactory in the greater part of the Malvern district. The rain which set in yesterday week averaged about ono inch throughout tho district, and this was supplemented by a further fall on Friday afternoon, when a heavy thunderstorm passed over the district, tho rainfall on that occasion, however, being irregular, from .24in at IXirfield, to upwards of one inch at Hororata and Coalgate, and slightly less at Sheffield and Springfield. Tho rainfall was most beneficial, but being followed by hot days and scorching nor'-westers, its effect will bo considei • ably nullified. Tho oats and wheat crops, which are still on the green side, especially near tho hills, will benefit most, but on tho lower country, where tho crops aro ripening fast, tho rainfall .will.not bo of .such great value. Tho pastures have everywhere been greatly revived, and rape and turnip crops stimulated, aud aro now showing signs of rapid growth. In the Waddington and Sheffield districts, along tho bank of tho Waimakarit'i, aro to bo seen, some splendid paddocks of wheat, which should yield easily from 45 to (30 bushels per acre, and oats from 70 to 80 bushels. Of the crops showing up prominently in this district may bo mentioned those of Mi l>. Mcßeatli, Mrs Cogan, Mr W. Baxter, Messrs. A. and W. Gillanders. «J. Gillanderd. W. J. Jenkins, A. Jenkins, Geo Gudd arid .Gamble.

"■>ln'rth>. Horonita and Glenroy districts, which are soino distance from tho railway, very Httlo cropping is done, attention being directed more to dairying, cheesemaking • and sheepraising. Judging by tho output from these districts, the season is proving very profitable. Tho cream business, which was started by Mr John I>eans, of Coalgate, is spreading rapidly, and in another season or two this district should becomo an important factor in tho dairying industry- The residents are realising the importance of this ■branch, of iarnung, and provided the labour problem can be . successfully grappled with, the district, or the greater part of it, will soon bo given up to dairying. Probably on tho completion of tho Lake Coleridge scheme, when electrical power should bo available at a cheap rate, tho industry will bo tackled in earnest, and when ono sees tho magnificent feed, especially along the foot of the hills in the direction of Lako Coleridge, the question arises as. to why this industry was not started years ago.