RURAL TOPICS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXI, Issue 15210, 22 January 1910, Page 10

RURAL TOPICS.

AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL. Potato-growers at Willowbridge and in other parts of the Waimate district report that their crops are looking unusually well. The damage done by the recent hailstorm at Waikakahi proves to have been even more serious than was at first thought. One settler, Mr Coskerie, estimates his loss at £7OO. Mr J. Dowthwaite, of Waimate, a well-known breeder of sheep, is transferring some of his best sheep to his farm at Wanganui. On Tuesday afternoon seventy-two of his stud Border Leicesters were slapped from Timaru. Mr. Dowthwaite has no intention of leaving South Canterbury. Mr H. E. M’Gowan, of Willowbridge, a very successful potato-grower, has had twenty-four varieties of potatoes sent to him by the Agricultural Department of the United States for experimental growing. He lias found that American seed generally flourishes in Willowbridge soil. The Winter Show Committee of the Northern Agricultural and Pastoral Association has decided to recommend the Association to extend the catalogue for the winter show considerably, and to hold the show in the beginning of; May. The matter will be considered at the next meeting of 4:ho General Committee. Although the 6ky was overcast yesterday, no rain fell at Ashburton, and the temperature was high. It is expected that farmers will be able to resume reaping to-day. The rain lias' done inestimable good to turnip and rape crops, and there has already been a perceptible growth of grass and clover. An .exceptionally severe thunderstorm passed over Methven shortly after four o'clock on Thursday afternoon. Rain fell in torrents, the amount registered in four hours being 2.12 in. Farmers in the distinct are becoming alarmed regarding the effect of the weather on the grain, much of which is ready for reaping. Except on. the heavy land near the sea, writes the AVaimato correspondent of "the “ Lyttelton Times,” the hay crops were mostly saved before the rain set in. Damage will be done to the grass seed crops, as they can scarcely be expected to recover from the soaking they have had. In some instances damage will result to cereal crops, but the majority of the farmers are thankful for the soaking rain. It will do good to the general grain crop, while rape, turnips and winter grass will derive much benefit.