HINDON.

Otago Witness, Issue 2664, 5 April 1905, Page 35

HINDON.

April 3 —The crops are rapidly ripening in. this district under the fine warm weather we have experienced for some weeks past, combined with drying warm winds that have prevailed. Harvest operations have already begun in several fields, but will not be general for about a fortnight from date-. It is gratifying to report that some heavy crops of grain have been grown this season in this district, and, given 8 continuance of fine weather for a fe^ weeks longer: an average good yield will be reaped and stacked by the small farmers here for winter requirements. Turnip crop, I lMtice. is not a very extensive cvne, or of large acreage, but several small plots of good growing crops are to be seen m various parts of the district.

Stock Report. — Several small mobs of sheep have left this district during the past few wesks for down country, and it is worthy of note the travelling stock have been in splendid condition, and should realise good prices at the sales. It is universally admitted on all sides that the current season has proved one of the best for grazing purposes the owners of stock have experienced for several years past. At the time of writing, abundance of feed is perceptible in all parts of the district. The genial rainfalls have stimulated the nctdvo •oastures to a luxuriant growth. On the other band, I have never seen such a profusion oi growth of native burr, known as the bid-a-bid', for a number of seasons past. The shorn sheep are decorated with it in every fantastic shane. 'Tr&quair Station beats the record for growing this native burr.

The Stock Department. — The grenerally-px-pressed opinion is to the effect that since the Stock Department was established some years ago by the Government a great improvement has been effected in the breeding of good stock throughout the colony, andi that disease among the flocks has been reduced to a minimum through the supprvision of the inspectors. It may be truly said that the Stock Department of the Government has proved itself a valuable institution in protecting the public from purchasing diseasecjf meat. I well remember at the tinio the St-oek Department wns inaugurated, some years ago, what an outcry was raised by the public at the expense it would take to maintain this department annually. It goes without saying that it has proved itself a valuable institution im stamping out disease, thereby safeguarding the public through the supervision of the stock inspectors.