OUR PRIMARY INDUSTRIES.

Northland Age, Volume 24, Issue 49, 2 April 1925, Page 7

OUR PRIMARY INDUSTRIES.

DIVERSITY OF PRODUCTS. , FINE DAIRYING LAND. The Mangonui County, and particularly the Kaitaia District, has established its claim to being the finest dairying and grazing district in the North. It produces to perfection Butter, Wool, Mutton, Beef, Maize, Fruit, Honey, and minor crops. The fertility of the soil is beyond dispute. It is a district which, with the application of more modern methods of fanning, spells prosperity to the Landworker.

It is but natural that local people should make high claims tor their own district. But the M tngonui County is becoming noted throughout the Dominion for its fertility. And it is a line district. Room there is Aw considerable improvement in our fanning methods. We suffer from isolation as regards railway transport facilities, but what will be remedied. But behind all this is the great asset of a big area of country of a rare fertility, blessed hv a congenial climate. Because of-fhat the future of Kaitaia and the County is mainly embraced in the expansion of its agricultural industries. Kauri gum and timber have played a great part in the history of the North, but for the enduring prosperity that makes districts and nations great, the majority look confidently towards the development of onr fertile lands. For that there is full warrant. It is not intended here to enter into a detailed examination of the rural industriesof this district, for limitation of space forbids more than a passing survey calculated to draw attention to their merits, particularly on the part of landseekcrs and others elsewhere. It is for the latter to satisfy themselves by practical personal investigation of the possibilities of the district and there is no reason to fear the outcome of such enquiry.

In all the Far North, the Mangonui County district, which includes Kaitaia, Oruru, Victoria Valley, Fairburn, Takahue, Ahipara, Herekino, Awanui, and other centres takes pride of place by reason of its being so eminently suited for dairying. The full benefits of this industry are not at present being obtained owing largely to the want of good roads and railways. It is recognition of this fact tiiat is creating such a clamorous demand for rail connection from Okaihau and better roads all round. With these improvemennts the district will see wonderful expansion.

As a grazing country this district would be hard to beat, as it possesses a wealth of grasses for summer and winter feed. Tne natural opportunities for fodder conservation are also most generous. With an exceedingly rich soil in the valleys the growth of natural grasses give an enormous supply of fodder tor conservation. Added to that the district is firstclass lucerne growing country. This is a fact of the greatest, importance, and to our mind an attribute that has not been fully utilised by locol landholders. In other parts of the Dominion lucerne cultivation has been de-

veloped to a much greater economic importance than locally. Lucerne, the wodd over, is recognised as the “King of Fodders.” In countries sucli as Argentine, it is the backbone of the great beef industry, and whole countrysides are devoted to its production. For dairying, lamb-raising and beet production nothing surpasses lucerne in the opinion of the leading authorities of the world, and the Kailaia district is eminently suitable for its production.

As sheep country the undulating hills of the district holds first place in the North both for lambraising and woolgrowing. Local wool has a high reputation and lamb-raising is a profitable industry. All breeds of sheep do well, and local sheepowners are fully alive to the value of the best rams obtainable, large importations being made annually from the best studs in the Dominion.

Within the last twenty years dairying has become firmly established as the most important industry of the district and with greater attention to the cultivation of fodder crops and the introduction of a higher standard of farming methods, it is beyond dispute that the district has a great future before it. The Kaitaia, Oruru, and Herekino dairy factories produce bu tter of very high quality and distribute a large sum of moncyin the district annually. Practical dairyfartners from other districts express the highestopinion of the district from a dairying standpoint. They are impressed by the milk producing quality of the grasses and the fact that necessary crops grow so luxuriantly.

Fruit of almost all kinds grows splendidly in the district, the exhibits at the Shows being a wonderful proof of the capacity of the district, for fruit production. Grapes also thrive exceptionally well, many district vineyards producing high class wines. Beekeeping is a growing minor industry and one in which good money can be made. Walton’s Oruru honey is classed as “Choice Northern” and commands top prices.

Minor crops, such as potatoes, kumaras, pumpkins, tomatoes and other vegetables are all grown to perfection, and small local gardeners, practising intensive methods, are enjoying profitable returns from these sources.

In every direction sound proof may be had of the value of district land and the day will come when the County will carry ten or twenty times its present population.