STRATFORD & NGAIRE.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume X, Issue 1882, 17 March 1888, Page 3

STRATFORD & NGAIRE.

ITOGM O\JU OWN COB,B.HBPOT3DENT.^

Harvesting is nil over now, except that the potato crop remains to bo lifted and stored ; the time for that has not, however, yet come. To judge from the waggonloads of seeds that have been almoßt daily forwarded by rail, the cocksfoot crop in district must have been unusually large. It is true that the price has been low this season, 8d having been the top figure given, so far as I have heard, but still it is a blessing to be able to produce something that will sell for cash, even at a low quotation; and those who claim to be prophets say that next Beason tbe area of Rtass shut up (or seed will be slill larger than this year. But I never pay much attention to these predictions, for they come out wrong too often, as for instance the recent case of the predicted high price for this same cocksfoot seed, which so many people were expecting, the very reverse having occurred. But still it is a fact (bat there is scarcely any money to be made at cattle grazing, and that the inducement is therefore very great to rush any other opening that offers. Those who have tried sheep farming in this Mountain road district say that sheep thrive very well and pay very well provided tbat they are not too young when put on to the land. The percentage of lambs is said to be usually good, but it is not recommended to breed a flock on the land, tha preferable plan being to Bell the lambs when fit. Snch appears to be the general ooncensus of opinion, and the plan would certainly appear to possess the recommendation of safety. Stratford now boasts of two medicos, Dr. Gockerton, a reoent arrival in the country* having decided to locate himself here.

Nothing definite appears to be known about the rumored stationing of a police constable here. It is said, however, that Oonstable Mclvor, on whom falls the greater part of the police work done in this district, is to be moved here from Normanby, and that a residence is to be erected for him nearly opposite Mr. Watkins' store. How muoh truth there may be in all this nobody seems to know, but, if one may express an opinion on aucb a very delicate subject as tbat of tbe removal of a policeman from one township to another, Stratford would seem to bo a far more suitable and central place to station a man at tban Normanby, which has both Hawera and Manaia mounted police within a few minutes' bail.

Excursions to Dawson's Falls have been quite the fashion here lately, but season has been a very unsuitable one for that sort of thing, so far. Perhaps the new moon may bring better weather, and afford opportunity for some successful ascent of Mount Egmont— that is, if there is any part of the old mountain left, which owns such an old-fashioned and commonplace muib. lam a little doubtful on this point myself, so write under correction.

It is said that there is a probability of a dairy factory being started somewhere on Opnoake road. The factory system would certainly seem to have great charms when you consider that settlers living only a short distance south of Stratford drive their milk down every morning to th 6 Eltham factory. Any of your readers who happen to find themselves in tbe neighbourhood of that thriving little townflbip should not miss the chance of having a look in at Mr. Cbew Chop's factory. Evetythiuß ia capitally arranged, and is, of course, scrupulously clean. The separators wbioh are such a mystery until dod has seen them, are simplicity itself, being nothing but open metal basins revolving at a tremendous speed, revolving so fast indeed that the tendency of the metal to fly apnrfc is greater than is tbe strain put by steam pressure on any locottiotire boiler on the line. There is little doubt that the factory system is tha coming plan, on which subject the Ontario Professor of Dairying takes a quiet little bit of fun in his last report. He says " I have little to say about the character and reputation of the average Canadian dairy butter. As many farmers' wives ayer — and of course, the fanners peacefully agree — it may be jnst as good, or better, tban creamery butter when it leaves the churn; but tbe awkward and unfortunate fact still remain, that wbereaß the average price of creamery butter in Ontario daring 1885 would be about 20 cents per pound, tbe average price for dairy butter during the same months was only 13 cents per pound/ Just so I

A sports meeting is projected at Eltbam verjr shortly. A big success majr be anticipated. The Btratford Lodge of Foresters have deoided to bold a Foresters' ball on Queen's birthday night. Another big success may fairly be anticipated for

tbat. It is some way off yet, though. The lodges, I hear, by the way, is steadily growing in numbers, which is small wonder, considering the immense benefit received by everyone joining such n society, in" knowing that, for a small monthly payment, unfailing provision haa been made against the day of sickness or accident, and that even a liberal sum for funeral expenses is assured. Such are tbe fruits of o-operation.

Mr. Boss is i_Bury eying for a railway route a short distance inland from Ngaire. The department are in possession of all necessary information, I believe, as to gradients, &c, for a considerable distance inland of Stratford, but wish to see how the lower-level line in from Eltham or Ngaire would compare in the matter of distance and cost,

Feed is very abundant, fresh, and green, and affords an agreeable contrast to the burnt-up pastures ot elsewhere. The bush farmer does not get all the debit side of the ledger. March 15.