AN EARLY SPRING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26214, 26 July 1946, Page 4

AN EARLY SPRING

PRESENT INDICATIONS EFFECT OF DRY WEATHER NO COMPLAINTS FROM FARMERS The continued spell of dry weather throughout Otago has been welcomed by the farming community, and inquiries made by a Daily Times reporter yesterday showed that stock are in better condition at present than they have been at this time of the season for many years. The indications are for an early spring, with a beneficial effect on agricultural and pastoral prospects generally for the coming season. The picture in some parts of the province is. however, tinged with more sombre colours. The absence of early falls of snow, and their consolidation by frosts, in parts of Central Otago, have resulted in the high country areas now carrying only a light covering of snow. Unless more falls come before the spring, it is possible that water supplies in some districts will be very meagre during the summer—a possibility that has been causing no little concern. A Mixed Blessing Fi'om the domestic point of view, the continued dry weather has been a mixed blessing to those who are dependent upon tanks for their water supplies. On the Otago Peninsula, the position has reached the stage where water will soon have to be carted, and the residents of other seaside areas find themselves in a similar position. Some are fortunate in having alternative supplies for washing and bathing, but still have to conserve water for. consumption'. Gardeners in the city are enthusiastic abdut the weather. Already there are signs of spring growth, and the conditions have been such that much clearing that has normally had to be deferred in preparation for planting has been carried out.

The season on the Taieri Plains is stated by old residents to be the dryest for 24 years. Water has had to be carted in milk cans for domestic use around Henley area. Stock have wintered well on the plain, and ploughing is now well under way—something normally unheard of at this time of the year. After experiencing six very wet winters, farmers naturally appreciate the opportunity to sow grain under favourable conditions, and to get some of the sourness from the land. If the fine weather continues, farmers expect a good cropping season. Planting does not normally begin until August. The weather has been exceptionally favourably for stock. Usually in the Otago area where turnips have to be grown for winter fattening the wet weather has caused them to be trampled in, and much valuable feed is lost. No feed has been wasted this season, it was stated. - and stock are still eating off the remaining turnips. The season has assisted in improving the quality of stock, as has been evident in all classes reaching the Burnside markets. • Best for Many Years It appeared some time ago (that there was likely to be a scarcity of fat cattle during the closing months of the winter, but owing to the weather farmers have been able to hold back their stock for a longer period. Even in Central Otago,' where feed is affected to some extent by frost, cattle are still being held in the paddocks, and/ the interval between stock, going off turnips and on to grass is likely to be shorter this season. The season is said to have been the best for many years, and rain is at present not needed, although falls next month would be welcomed for cropping. Potato growers on the Otago Peninsula are taking full advantage of the remarkably open winter to get their crops down, and they would rather run the risk of late frosts than being held upthrough a break in ; the weather, when planting would be-de-layed. ’ •> ' ! . From the point of view of the home gardener, the season has been most beneficial. The absence of heavy rains and cold south-westerly windk has allowed gardens to be warmed by the sun, and bud growth has already started on some annuals. A frost or rain at this stage would not have the same effect as during a wet season, according to Mr D. Tannock. as the warmth of the ground would offset the frost. Gardeners have also had an excellent opportunity to do clearing work in their gardens in preparation for early planting.