LIMEHILLS AND CENTRE BUSH.

Otago Witness, Issue 1891, 1 May 1890, Page 16

LIMEHILLS AND CENTRE BUSH.

April 26.— We finished harvest in this district some few weeks ago, and threshing is in many caies also finished, with very gratifying results as to yield and sample. Those who were parly in the market have not so much cause to complain of the price, taking the extra yield into account ; but now that the price is down there is some grumbling to be heard. Still growers send it away, however. I see by the papers that Mr John Shand, of Centre Bush and Benmore, can grow mutton that fetches a price hard to beat. He has just finished threshing a crop of wheat that will take some beating ; also 208 aores gave an average of 54 bushels good wheat per acre. U'he average yield over all this district will be high this season. I heard of several crops of oats that have gone over 70 bushels per acre. The good season, drain plough, and improved cultivation have made that muoh of a difference on the crops on some farms, especially in the back districts, that one party told me that he would have more money per aore if he got Is per bushel for his oats than if he had got 2s Gd last year, his yield was so muoh better. Bm/k Mountain Wheat.— Last year Mr Arthur Genard tried an experiment with what was called Blue Mountain wheat, with very gratifying results. It yielded well and ripened about three weeks earlier than any other sort. He sowed largely this year of the same variety, and reaped what looked a magnificent crop, but has not threshed yet, so I cannot record the result. Several tried some of it, but have been greatly disappointed in it. Mr E. Sevale threshed some of it, but it only gave about half the returns that the white velvet gave almost alone; side of it. Boot Crops.— Potatoes are not lifting v ell. There are plenty in number, but too many small ones. The frost caught them too early. Turnips are good crops. GhraßS is Fresh, and stock are all thriving. Saw Mill. — We have had a new industry started here ; Mr M. M'Leod having shifted his Baw mill to Hillend Bush, and has now made a start. He had a very heavy undertaking in the shape of a ttamway to bring out his sawn timber. Mr M'Leod with his ÜBual energy has overcome all obstaoles, and is now able to put his timber on trucks at Centre Bush. Thk Grxp.— We have la grippe with us at last. It is mostly amongst the children as yet. This will come rather awkward on our teacher, as about one half of his BChool is down, and I believe he expects the inspector every day.