LOWER WAIKATO NOTES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 14971, 19 April 1912, Page 10

LOWER WAIKATO NOTES.

[FROM 018 OWN OOKRESFONDKNT.] Each succeeding autumn sees large numbers of fanners from almost every part of tho Dominion travelling throughout the Waikato districts. That this period of the year should be selected by agriculturists for paying a visit to tho most fertile part of the province is accounted for by the fact that tho autumn months represent tho off season in most parts, and it is at that time, when the milking season is at, or approaching, its lowest ebb, and when tho rush of harvesting time is past, that the visitors find it most convenient to spend a few weeks in which to view the now famous farming region. Some, attracted by alluring reports which have been given by previous visitors, come to gather facts for themselves of tho- conditions pertaining, while others, who have previously spied out Die land, and in the interval have disposed of their properties in other parts of tho Dominion, return and lose no time in becoming occupiers of a portion of the coveted ground. More particularly do fanners from the great grain-growing disticts of tho South Island mark tho possibilities with which the countryside is bristling. Evidence of what is already boing accomplished is apparent in the sight presented by the dairy herds, tho flocks, and cattle generally, which bear unmistakeablo proof that shortage of feed is an unknown quantity. The areas of splendid root crops, the abnormal growth of pasture, and tho great quantities of hay and other fodder saved for the stock in all localities are all striking evidences of the fertility of tho ground and its suitability for purposes of cereal-growing and mixed farming generally, and is regarded by tho visitor as being a factor of paramount importance. One great feature which is pleasing a large number of southerners who have settled hero of late years is the splendid climatic conditions which prevail. From the large number which liavo been about during tho past four weeks it would appear that visitors and land seekers will bo in evidence for some months to come in accentuated numbers to that hitherto seen, and by spring time further changes in every directum are likely to bo the order. As a rule, large quantities of onions are grown in these parts, and almost invariably . enormous yiolds are obtained, and unless tho markets aro glutted with lines from outside the prices can generally bo relied on to furnish growers with a good return. Heavy crops locally, outside supplies, and consequently low prices last year, led many to this year discard the crop altogether. But again the unexpected has happened. Tho crops generally in most districts have turned out only medium in yield, while the demand has been strong for the product for months past, and in j place of £4 to £4 10s—which was tho rul- | ing figure last —£9 to £10 per ton. has been obtained this season. The demand has been such that growers have not had occasion to seek out buyers, the latter having been busy on the spot effecting purchases, and there will be few growers indeed who will this year go to the trouble of traying their crops, as was done last year by many. At Pukekohe somo fair yields are reported to have been recently harvested, and at late prices such' crops will give growers a good margin of profit. Next season will probably see increased areas devoted to the cultivation of the crop again, numbers of those who grew none this year stating their intention of sowing plots of from one to thro© acres. * »