HARVEST PROSPECTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13369, 26 December 1906, Page 8

HARVEST PROSPECTS.

THE OUTLOOK IN THE SOUTH

[BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT, j

Christchcrch, Monday. This is quite the driest and hottest season that lias been experienced hero for years, and the prospects for the harvest hang in balance. The worst that can Ik- said, according to the Times, is that the crops are short and wanting moisture to fill them. The best that can be said is that if there were 12 hours' steady downpour there would be on present appearances over the average return. The area in wheat, oats, and barlev is equal to an ordinary sowing. The whole of the crop is healthy, and though it must poo 11 change colour under the existing sultry conditions, there arc largo areas which present a luxuriant, and green colour, and are of vigorous growth. The crops furthest north have much the best of it, by having caught the passing rain in November, which followed the hills. The Waikari,. llawarden, and Scargiil country, which is fully cropped, is in magnificent order, but the crops are at the critical stage when rain is wanted. The yield on the present outlook is thirty bush-els pei acre in wheat and oats, and a day's rain could make ir forty. In the Kowai and Ashley districts the grain crops are dying off. Oats and barley are being cut for chaffing and the outlook is not favourable. * Pea crops are short, and need rain. Potato crops look well enough, but the yield will be small tubers. The best thing, that could happen to Canterbury would 'be 24 hours' warm soaking rain, without wind, to lay the crops, bu.t at present the prospect of such a boon is remote. The last few days of excessive heat have matured the cocksfoot on the peninsula very quickly, and cutting should ; be started within the next two or three weeks. There does not appear to be much labour available. The season is a record early one. The two freezing works near Timaru have resumed operations, and both are receiving supplies of stock in first-class condition. The season has been all in favour of turning out well fattened sheep and lambs, the feed being more nutritious than it was in last year's moister season. [BY TELEGRAPH. — press ASSOCIATION'.] Blenheim, Monday. Harvest is in full swing all over the district. The indications are that barley will be somewhat lighter in yield, though of excellent quality. Chaffing oats are good, and wheat is scarce, but good.