PROLONGED DRY SPELL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19221, 9 January 1926, Page 10

PROLONGED DRY SPELL.

THE RANGITAIKI PLAINS.

WELCOMED BY FARMERS.

DISTRICT IN GREAT HEART. STRONG SPIRIT OF OPTIMISM. [Br TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT. ] WHAKATANE. Friday. Although the district has experienced a continued dry spell there is abundance of feed over the vast Eangitaiki Plains. Pastures certainly have been affectod by the hot weather, but nevertheless the feeding qualities remain and the settlers state that although the quantity of milk given by tho herds has diminished somewhat, the quantity of butter-fat is keeping up splendidly. Tho outlook for a continued good season is very bright. Tho Eangitaiki factory continues to manufacture butter in excess of tho quantity dealt with last season, and it is estimated that by the end of the season tho total of 950 tons of butter mado last season will bo greatly exceeded. As ft matter of fact tho settlers assert that tho dry spell has dono no harm worth mentioning. On tho contrary, many of them aro strongly of opinion that tho plains, especially tho low-lying areas, are greatly benefiting as a result of the dryness. "If we had two or threo summers like tho present," remarked ono settlor, "it would bo tho making of tho Eangitaiki Plains und a liugo area would become exceedingly productive. As it is a very largo area this season has sweetened with wonderful rapidity, and is now in fit condition for cultivation." Increased Dairy Herds. Other settlers &poke in a similar 6train and a tour over the plains gives the impression that the settlers' statements are in no way exaggerated. In the last two days a press representative mado a comprehensive tour of tho district and inspected farms at To Teko, Tarawera, Thornton, Otakiri, Awakeri and Edgocumbe. Many miles of road were traversed, for tho district comprises some 100,000 acres. For the most part the settlers who were seen were in good heart and have a cheery outlook as to the - future. Dairy herds have been increased and improved everywhere and the cattle aro ail - in splendid'condition. One settler met with had a herd of 35 cattle doing well on a 40-acre holding, and there, was no shoftago of feed apparent. Indeed tho cows were grazing in luxuriant pasture up to their knees. Many other farms in various parts of the district were doing equally well, demonstrating with good effect the excellent summer grazing that the Eangitaiki Plains afford. Heavy Yield of Hay, The yield of hay -h»3 been exceptionally in the district and most of the har- ' vesting has been done. Huge haystacks aro now dotted over the whole of the landscape. Many acres of itiangela have boen planted and are looking well. Most - of the settlers have thus made provision -for wihter feeding. ' , Several hundred acres 'of maize have been, planted in all parts of the plains, and the crops are very healthy and 1 should yield a prolific harvest. Sheep and lambs are doing well on the flat lands, and judging by the sleek appearance of the animals there is no shortago of nourishing feed. In a word it cat bo assorted safely that the Eangitaiki Plains are peculiarly adapted to stand a dry -spell, and the' outlook for the district is brighter to-day than it has been for some years.past. When,the Govern- . ment last, year wiped out & large proportion of the capital cost of the drainage work on the swamp, Eangitaiki turned the corner, and "practically all the settlers are now Working with a cheerinesa and vigour which was previously lacking. There is . now a quiet confidence among#' the settlers in. place of previous pessimism caused by uncertain drainage rates and financial stringency. With the settlers working in such good heart a new era of prospority / has undoubtedly opened ,up ftjr the.plains, and it is certain that production will go on increasing at a very rapid rate,. " THE HAUBAKI PLAINS. .Peed fairly plentiful. ' % NEED FOR A DAY'S RAIN. [by telegraph.—-own CORRESPONDENT, j THAMES. Frida/.The prevailing dry weather, although felt in some quarters, is. not seriously - affecting dairying on the Hauraki Plains as yet. In the Kopuarahi district, which runs along the coast line, feed is fairly plentiful and cattle, are maintaining the regular output. A shower or two of rain .would, nevertheless, bo welcomed.

The Waitakaruru district, where the land is drier, is not so fortunate. The milk production .is beginning to fall off and rain is wanted to nourish the pastures. Farmers say that a 24 hours' downpour is needed to put matters right. The same Opinion is expressed in other psrts of the plains. The position as yet is not serious, but a day's rain would be appreciated. THE TAURANGA DISTRICT. STOCK LOOKING WELL. VALUE OF LUCERNE-GROWING. t BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT. ] TAUEANGA, Friday. - In spite of tho light rainfall during November and December feed on tho farms in this district has so far kept up well, and tho dairy herds, generally speaking, h.lve maintained good yields. much longer, however, dairymen will have to draw on green fodder from their lucexno stands or utilise green maize, both of which thrive well in this district. All classes of stock aro looking well.

A motorist who travelled for over 1100 miles on both coastal areas of the North Island says tho best grass ho had seen was in the Tauranga County. The lucerne stands have again proved their value, and a third crop is now being cut from many. Most of the hay crops are harvested. Thcs maize planted for grain is looking well, but is not as forward as at the corresponding period of last year. Potatoes have been favoured by the dry weather and are free from blight, with heavy yields and tubers of good quality. I.lie fruit crops in tho main will bo well up to the averago of previous years.