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Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23209, 21 December 1940, Page 10

Dairy farmers and factory managers throughout the Waikato already expect a record season for dairy production. Output up to the middle of December was about 20 per cent, higher than in the previous season, and there is every prospect of the record figures of 1937-38 being eclipsed. One of the most remarkable features of the season has been the fact that the peak of production is lasting much longer than usual. One Waikato factory reached its peak on November 11, when 516 boxes of butter were produced. Even now, about five weeks later, 490 boxes a day are being manufactured. The production season continues to be particularly favourable, in marked contrast with the dry spell at this time last season. Rains have fallen just when they were needed. Pastures have responded remarkably well, and with an abundance of feed guaranteed, there should be little concern over the summer months. The hazard of unfavourable weather is still to be faced in the autumn, but given reasonable conditions, record figures are expected.

The declaration of the Whangarei harbour as a sanctuary is welcomed by bird lovers. Some fine specimens of the blue penguin, diving and mottled petrel, red-billed gull, kingfisher, and the blue heron abound in the harbour and on its islands. A number of these birds have suffered from time to time from gunfire and pests. The official action taken for the making of the waters of the harbour a sanctuary is the outcome of a recent visit to Whangarei by the Minister for Internal Affairs (the Hon. W. E. Parry), and a conference among the Minister, the local harbour board, and the acclimatisation society. “All are agreed that the official steps taken,” JMr Parry said, “will result in the protection of the birds which form an added attraction to the bird lover visiting the picturesque Whangarei harbour and its islands.”