EDENDALE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2556, 11 March 1903, Page 31

EDENDALE.

March 7.— The chief topic of conversation here at present is the probable acouisition of the Edendale Estate by the Government. The Government officials have already paid a visit of inspection to the property, and i.\vo wellknown district land-holders are nsw engaged in the work ai valuation on behalf of the Land Company. In the minds of soio people the resumption of land by the Crown i 3 tke panacea for all ills connected with land settlement. But the purchase money is the essential point, and land which is bought at too dear a price cannot be successfully farmed, no matter win) is landlord. However, with regard to the property in question, the land is conveniently situated, is easily wrought, is responsive to gocd treatment, and, if placed on the market at * reasonable figure, should in time become the basis of a prosperous settlement.

Weather and Crops. — Owing to the backward season, harvest is very late. The reaper: have now entered the field, however, and by a. fortnight cutting should be general. Crops vaiy considerably, but the bulk of tic oats seems to be fairly good. That ever-live pest, the small bird, is working for all he is- worth, and despite the deliberations of county councils and farmers' .-labs, he still remains master of the situation. The turnip crop is also very late, but the plants have made good progress ' during the last month. Still, the next thre* . months ' will require to be fairly favourable la growth in order to ensure a sufficient supply tf • winter feed. The cold weather of spring and early summer interfered considerably with dairying prospects, but what may have bees.. lost in thnt direction bids fair to be recouped by record prices for the season's make A cheese.