PUKERAU.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 6392, 8 August 1882, Page 3

PUKERAU.

Pukerau, a s an agricultural district, haa sprung into existence within the last sis years, and during the last four years its development lias been remarkably rapid. It was even then marked as a station at which trains stopped if required, in the time-table in Bradshaw'a list, and four years since trains very seldom did »top at the platform on the site of the present station. Now, however, it is one of the regular stopping-places on the line; there are a neat little station, im active and obliging stationmaster, and a township that is growing daily ; while the surrounding district is being covered with well - cultivated farm* and comfortable homesteads. In the village there is a comfortable and commodious Iffltel, two" blacksmiths' shops, three stores, three carpenters' shops, a saddler's, a shoemaker's, and a capital schoolhouse. Seven years ago there was not a blade of English grass in the place ; but now there_ are plenty of extensive j fields, and all the ordinary farm products are raised in considerable quantities. As an example of the progress made in the district, we may mention the property recently sold by Professor Black to Mr William Jenkins, who has just gone to live upon it. The estate comprised 2513 acreg, and was bought by Mr Jenkins for the sum of £15,G85», Of thi3 land there are 1400 aeraa cultivated or ploughed ready for seed. Mi- Jenkins intends to carry on mixed farming, for which ho considers the country admirably adapted. He has also obtained 3000 young trees and shrubs, which are to be planted at once, The want of the. district will be supplied when this trees grow, and then it will doubtless bo as picturesque and charming as it is prosperous. Wa believe that the system of tree-planting is pretty general, and that within a week £100 worth of young trees was received at Pukerau station from Invcrcargill and Clutha. Mr Jenkins has alraady 100 head of cattle on his farm, and other farmers are also paying attention to this branch of the farming industry. It in estimated that tlw year the yield of oats and wheat for tlje district will be double what it was last year, and ,on all sides evidence is given of enterprise, energy, and progress in the district of Pukerau awl the districts immediately adjacent.