Some Areas Holding Well

Northern Advocate, 3 April 1947, Page 3

Some Areas Holding Well

The Hikurangi Company’s manager stated that production had fallen very slightly since the heavy rain of 10 days ago. Cream was being collected four days a week and thrice-weekly collections were not yet in sight. On the Hikurangi Swamp and in the hill country, production was holding well but in the northern area around Opahi, Motatau and Maromaku cows were drying off. The company’s output for this season would be below normal. A comparison with 1945 figures showed that March production was 20.7 per cent less, while for the season to date a decline of 5.2 per cent was registered. Increases of 170 and 15.7 per cent were shown when this season's figures were compared with those of the drought year.

From Maungatapere an improvement of 187 per cent for March production was shown as against hast. March’s total, while the season’s make of 1978 tons was 10 per cent better. It was anticipated, however, that 1946-47 production would be well below that of a normal year. Taking the 1945 output of about 1400 tons, it appeared that this season’s butter make would fall short by 250 tons, or approximately 20 per cent.

Pastures on the volcanic areas were green, following the beneficial rain but production was falling rapidly. Feed was. generally plentiful in most of the company’s district far north FIGURES

In the Far North, the Kaitaia company which showed an 81 per cent improvement for March, was not greatly affected by the 1.31 in. of rain which fell towards the end of the month. The production slide was arrested to a small extent and the tally for the season will probably be well below normal.

At Hokianga, where 118 tons were made as compared with only 50 for the same month last year, feed is plentiful but water is short. Supplies for the factory are satisfactory, but the butter output is not expected to reach normal figures. ,

In the Middle North the Kaikohe company showed a big improvement in the output for March. 194 G, and for the season to date. The seasonal production decline is well under way. but plenty of paspalum growth is reoorted.

On the volcanic and alluvial country feed is generally patchy but good supplies of hay have been saved and prospects for the winter are bright. Similar conditions have been reported from other factories and in most districts it appeared that the cattle will be in good condition for the approaching winter. Fodder supplies are plentiful and if normal weather conditions are experienced farmers will be able to commence the next production season well.

Monthly returns available today were: March V Season 1

1940 1947 Up 1940 1947 Lin Whangiirei . 8ti 237 175.5 2247 2041 17.3 M'turoto .. 98 128 230.9 1398 1038 17.9 Hckianga . 50 113 130 1070 1317 22.4 Kaikohe 9 31 244 373 439 17.7 Hikurangi . 07 181 170 1032 1889 15.7 M'lapere .. 32 92 137 970 1078 10.2 Kaitaia .... 98 177 3! 1810 2202 21.7 Bay of I’s . 29 70 101 808 1035 19