GREEN PASTURES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22318, 16 January 1936, Page 10

GREEN PASTURES

lIEAVIY SUMMER GROWTH EFFECT OF WARM RAINS EXCELLENT GROWING SEASON Tho effect of the recent warm rains on the pastures throughout the Auckland Province has been to produce one of tho best growing seasons that has been experienced by farmers for many years. At this time of tho year as a rule drying pastures and tho smolto from tho burning-off of danthonia on the large areas oi sheep country in the province are common sights. This season the pastures are green. Burning-off has been impossible, owing to the rain bringing on a green undergrowth. There is an abundance of grass everywhere for feeding purposes. In fact, many farmers have found it necessary to use the mower on their paddocks to prevent the pastures growing rank. In the North, particularly on the gumlands, where the deep-rooting paspalum is usually the chief pasture at this stage of the season, the recent warm rains have kept up tho growth of tho English grasses. In the Waikato and Bay of Plenty districts similar conditions prevail. In tho North most of tho haymaking was done before the wet weather began, but in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty many farmers have suffered severe losses. In tho Whakatane district many oat crops will probably be lost, while at Tauranga blight is reported to be spreading rapidly through tho potato and tomato crops. Benefit to Dairying

Dairy production throughout tho province "will benefit as a result of tho rain. Already during tho later part of the spring and /the summer it has been considerably higher than in the corresponding period a year a go.

The weather has even brought mushrooms to the surface of the ground. At Ostend, Waiheko Island, holidaymakers have gathered small quantities lately. The growth of grass on tho island this year has been exceptional.

The rain will benefit some fruit crops and seriously affect others. All the pip fruits, such as apples, pears, lemons, oranges and quinces, stated one of the principals of a leading firm of fruit auctioneers yesterday, would benefit because they were at tho stage at which rain was desirable. Of the stone fruits all plums and early peaches, such as Carmen and Wiggins, 'would be affected in so far as excessive moisture would increase the prevalence of brown rot. Later peaches and all nectarines, which were yet susceptible to brown rot, would be hastened forward. Strawberries Nearly Finished

"Strawberries may be regarded as finished, with the exception of a few of the Captain Cook variety, which should be obtainable for a week to 10 days," the fruit merchant continued. "At this stage of the season there are many tomato fruits ready for picking, but tho constant and excessive rain has caused cracking and serious loss will be experienced." The high degree of humidity had created a mild epidemic of potato blight, which had also attacked the tomato plant, he said. This was very pronounced in low-lying areas, such as the Avondale fiats. All garden and small farm crops, it was considered, would benefit and farmers would be assured of a steady supply of green crops and salads. WELCOME SUNSHINE MOTOR CAMPERS' REWARD BEACHES AGAIN PATRONISED The sunshine of yesterday, after the few days of steady rain and tiring humidity, brought a pleasing change. It was welcomed everywhere, but more particularly about the motor camps, where tent flaps were back and sheets, blankets and the varied articles which go toward a camper's wardrobe swayed in a warm, drying breeze. So many phases of summer life in Auckland depend on the weather, and the return of activity to the motor camps, the beaches and other holiday resorts yesterday morning provided a happy transformation. Sun-bathers were on the beaches and vendors of ice cream and confectionery flung open the shutters for another busy summer's day.

In spite of the unfavourable camping weather earlier in the week, few of those who were under canvas at Auckland's municipal motor camp at Western Springs deserted their temporary homes. Those who did. however, wero soon replaced by new arrivals, and yesterday morning there wero over 50 parties in camp. Even during the rain the campers had made the best of the bad weather. Tho swimming pool was well patronised under all conditions and the postman and the butcher and other tradespeople never missed their call.