The Hakateramea Valley.

Otago Witness, Issue 1501, 21 August 1880, Page 22

The Hakateramea Valley.

A representative of this journal (says the North Otago Times) lately paid a visit to the Hakatcramea Valley. Concerning that fine district he writes as follows:— "After leaving Ross' Ferry Hotel on the Waitaki River, I started on a journey up the ranges, as I imagined. On reaching the top of the range which separates the valley from the Waitaki Plains, ifc was with surprise that I saw before mo a splendid tract of country different altogether from what I had thought it to be. The length of the valley is about 35 miles, as I was informed, and is enclosed by ranges runnin"- parallel with and across it, making it one of the best-sheltered spots to be f ouud anywhere throughout New Zealand, or any other known place, perhaps, in the world. The major portion of the valley is well adapted for agricultural purposes, those parts of it already brought under cultivation having produced the finest samples o! wheat, barley, &c. Some barley crown last season on Mr N. Lane's farm is said by competent judges to be the finest grown in New Zealand. As regards the quantity of this crop, the stubble on the field was ample proof : a visitor could scarcely help remarking its closeness. Indeed, I was credibly informed that the crop was so heavy that several of the men who were engaged binding it were obliged to leave it, as it was too much for them. Nothing need be said of the quality of the wheat grown at Hakateramea, as several samples were exhibited at the last annual show in Oainaru. The principal selections are those of Messrs N. Lane, who has about ISOO acres, freehold and leasehold; Godsell and Traynor, who have about 1100 acres; and Judge Ward, with about 1000 acres. Unquestionably the finest farm is in the possession of Mr Norman Lane, of this town. It has a gentle slope from tho Hakateiainea range down to the river bearing the same name, and the quality of the land cannot well be

beaten. It is about threo years ago since the first selection was made in the district, and when it became known that such a locality was in existence, the place was besieged by speculators and others anxious to secure some of the country."