RATANUI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2106, 5 July 1894, Page 23

RATANUI.

June 26.— Very little is known of the capabilities of the soil in the Catlins district for producing root crops, therefore the following is wot thy of notice : —Mr W. (Jarlton, who has lately taken up land in this district, had a plot of three acres stumped and ploughed, and put in three sorts of turnips ; and as this crop was generally admired Mr Carlton asked a neighbouring farmer (Mr David Moir) if he would be kind enough to weigh an average drill, so as to ascertain the weight per acre. The "Carter's elephant" swedes were taken first, and it was found that one drill, one chain in length, after being " topped and tailed," weighed 4121b. This was then multiplied by 28 (that being the number of drills in a chain) and then by 10, giviDg a gross weight per acre of 51J tons. The "Aberdeen purple top 3" were next treated in a similar manner, showing a yield of 55J tons, and the " green tops " 54£ tons per acre. This land was well worked and treated to 2Jcwt of bone dust to the acre, and the seed sown the second week in December last.

July 2.— A well - attended meeting of the guarantors and milk suppliers waa held at tha schoolhouse on Saturday night last. Mr W. Carlton occupied the chair and reported to the meeting the progress that had been made up to the present, "and as everything seemed favourable, the following resolution was carried unanimously : ' ' I'hatlthe guarantors form themselves into a society which shall be known as the ' Ratanui Co-opera-tive Dairy Association.' " The rules and by-laws which were recommended by the committee were then submitted and adopted, and the following persons were elected a permanent committee— viz. : Messrs W. Carlton (chairman), David Moir (treasurer), R.B. Stansfield (secretary), D. D. M'Farlane, and Joseph Shaw. It was further resolved— " That settlers who wish to become guarantors may be enrolled members of the association." With regard to the site for the building, it was resolved — " That it be a recommendation to the committee to accept the offer of Mr A Moncur of a site for a cheese factory in the event of Mr Sawers not visiting the district within a reasonable time." It was reported that the settlers had guaranteed .£560 to secure payment for building and plant. Those present were very enthusiastic, and everything went off satisfactorily; so that in all probability by next October the settlers will have a market brought to their doors, and all that is needed is to get as many cows as possible, so that the factory may be opened with a good supply of milk.