NORTH OTAGO FARMERS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22823, 6 March 1936, Page 11

NORTH OTAGO FARMERS

MANIOTOTO DISTRICT VISITED EXPANSE OF COUNTRY COVERED Beautifully fine weather prevailed for the second day of the tour of the Central Otago district by- the North Otago farmers and their wives. The party left Middlemarch at an early hour on Wednesday morning, and entered Kokonga, which is on the border of the Maniototo district. Mr E. T. Shand's beautiful homestead, "Maratanga," was the first place of call, and there a delightful time was spent amid picturesque surroundings. Mr and Mrs Shand had arranged morning tea for the whole party, and the many good things were thoroughly appreciated by all. Indeed, the hospitality meted out to the visitors so far has been beyond all expectations, and the Central Otago people appear as if they cannot do enough for; their guests. The spirit of friendliness has been strongly in evidence at every stopping place, where the local people have gone to a good deal of trouble in ensuring a pleasurable time for their visitors.

"Maratanga" was indeed a place to be admired, and there was much to interest the visitors in viewing the spacious lawns and gardens, which were looking at their very best. The beautiful trees and shrubs presented a delightful picture in themselves, while much interest was displayed in the bathing pool. Mr M'Gimpsey (Ngapara) returned thanks to the host and hostess for their hospitality. Mr Shand, who is a big sheepowner and also president of the Sheepowners' Association, in reply, referred to the close associations existing between the Farmers' Union and the Sheepowners' Association. He spoke of the good work the Farmers' Unjon was doing, and wished the visitors a pleasant journey for thu remainder of their tour. The party was met by Mr M'Gill (president of the Maniototo branch or the Farmers' Union, who, with other residents of this district, conducted the visitors to many' places of interest, and imparted information on the way. A stop was made at the Waipiata Sanatorium, and, with Dr Kidd as gui.de, the party was taken through this interesting institution, and was much impressed with the facilities and tine structural buildings that have been acquired in order that the patients might receive the very best of treatment. Dr Kidd was thanked tor conducting the party through the institution. LUNCHEON AT STYX After leaving the Waipiata Sanatorium the tourists entered exceptionally barren country, the like of which had not, previously been' seen by the majority of the North. Otago party. After travelling over hills and dales through what appeared an endless valley, the excursionists 'eventually arrived at Styx, which nestles in a rather pleasant little spot and proved a marked contrast after the country that had been encountered prior to the arrival. Here the Hyde, Waipiata, Patearoa, and Styx branches of the Women's Division' had prepared an appetising picnic luncheon, to which full justice was done. Many new friendships were formed, and there was a general interchange of views on various Before leaving Mr A. C. Cameron, who has been a live and energetic member of the party, intioduced Mr •M'Gill, who extended a hearty welcome to the visitors to Maniototo. -Mr J t Donald, representing the residents at Styx, also accorded the party, a welcome to that part, and gave some interesting information as to the early days of that particular district. Mr Donald said they were really standing on a very historic spot. They were able to see the old stone -gaol, which was in a good State of preservation. Mr Donald also added that the ]abour in constructing the old track over the hills farther on from Styx had, been provided. by prison labour in the very early days. He considered the people of Styx, should value the conditions .prevailing to-day, especially so when they considered the hardships which had been encountered by the early pioneers. The facilities at their disposal to-day had only been- made possible by the foresight and energy of their forefathers. Mr Donald also referred to the proposal to construct a huge reservoir at Styx for irrigation purposes throughout the whole of the Maniototo district. He added that the past Government had considered the matter, but it was held in-abeyance, and it was difficult to predict what would actually become of the scheme. If the proposed reservoir were constructed it would occupy 300,000 acre feet, and would, therefore, be double the size of any other reservoir in the Dominion. There appears to be little doubt that the carrying out of such a scheme of irrigation would fill a long-felt want in the Maniototo district, as there are thousands of acres of land which, if properly ■ irrigated,' would be greatly enriched and would carry a much greater percentage of stock than at present. Mrs Adams (Otekaike) and Mr R. B. behalf of the visitors, returned thanks to the ladies who had provided luncheon and to others who assisted in organising the visit. NOTED MERINO FLOCK Barren, rocky and hilly country was not to be left behind after departing from Styx, and this type of land was' encountered for: many more miles round the valley. On arriving at the "Puketoi" Station, of which Mr J. P. Little is manager, there was, however, a freshness in the growth of some of the pastures which was a revelation to all after the long and seemingly endless country so void of practically any growth. " Puketoi" Station is, owned by Mrs Watson Shcnnan (Dunedin), and the manager (Mr Little) was able to demonstrate to the visitors some types in the merino flock, of which " Puketoi" Station is so well known. Indeed, this merino flock ranks, as one of the best in the Dominion to-day. Six fine, sturdy rams with all the characteristics of the merino were first of all inspected. These were recently imported from Tasmania, having been bred by Mr Taylor. In another lot there were four more rams which had also come from Tasmania, having been bred by Gibson's Trustees, Ltd. Mr Little stated that with its finer wool the merino was coming into its own and was in good demand. As a matter of fact, many sheep had already been booked to be sold next year. Although the station has been cut down from its original size, it still carrier, some 4500* sheep, as compared with 32,000 in the early days. The last occasion that the station was reduced was when the land was. cut up for soldiers' settlement, and it is considered one of the best soldiers' settlements, in New Zealand today. The " Puketoi" wool topped the market at the second sale held at Dunedin this season, realising 20d per lb. The " Puketoi" Station was first acquired by Messrs Murison Bros, in 1858, and the late Mr Watson Shennan became the owner 10 years later. Mr Little stated that one of Mrs Shennan's main objects was to introduce fresh blood into her stock. The homestead is typical of the very old buildings on ouch places, and it was much admired. The party was entertained at afternoon tea by Mr and Mrs Little, the neighbouring settlers, and the Gimmerburn branch of the Women's Division of the Farmers' Union, after which Mr Borrie, of Papakaio, proposed a, hearty vote of thanks.

MR JOHN M'LEOD'S MIXED FARM Some miles farther on the party came to Mr John M'Leod and Sons' farm, where Shorthorn cattle, Corriedale sheep, and horses were inspected. Mr M'Leod has some very good grazing ground, lind his stock is looking in the best of condition. Mr M'Leod has achieved a good deal of success at various shows, and he had on view in his home some very handsome cups which he had annexed. Mr Simpson returned thanks on behalf of the party. This was the last stage of the trip, and the party proceeded Jo Ranfurly to spend the night. At night the visitors were entertained at a social and dance in the Ranfurly Hall by the Maniototo branches of the Farmers' Union and Women's Division, when a most enjoyable time was spent. Mr A. C. Cameron introduced the speakers for the evening, and the usual complimentary remarks were exchanged. The first speaker was Mr R. L. E. Smith (Otago provincial president). Mrs Hore (president of the Ranfurly branch of the Women's Division) extended a hearty welcome to the visitors.