AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL NEWS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2667, 26 April 1905, Page 21

AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL NEWS.

The occupancy of the Greenfield settlers iJates from the ballot, and the Free Press (Balclutha) understands that many intend to take immediate possession of their sections. Some will commence building houses straight away, while others intend to content themselves with sledge huts. The feed is said to be very good on the estate at present, hence the desire of the settlers to lose no time in getting stock on, although by the conditions they are allowed six months in which to take possession. Some threshing returns already to hand from Edendale : — Mr S. Symons, over 90 bushels to the acre; Mr Alex. Cranstoun, 85 bushels ; Mr James Sutherland, over 80 fcustels. 2VIr Cranstoun 's yield was from a 30-acre field, part of which was the scene ■of last year's district ploughing match.

Advice has been received that Mr John Grant, of Wallacetown, - secured one first and four second prizes in the cattle sections at the Sydney show. He also gained a second prize with an entire horse.

For failing to supply a return of stock slaughtered by him during the quarter ending December 31, 18Q4-. William Tielle, butcher, was, at tlre^Orepuki Court on Tuesday last, fined £'3. and costs, and ordered to make the required return within seven days.

The Bruce Herald states that a considerable quantity of grain has been threshed in the Milton district, the returns ctf both wheat and oats being quite up to expectations. A paddock of about 15 acres of oats belonging to Mr Thomas Thornton, sen., yielded 80 bushels per acre. An unusual sight was seen in Hamilton (says the Times), when a well-dressed youne: ■woman on horseback was driving a mob of cattle through the main street, and wielding a stockwhip in the most approved manner. The crops- in the Glenham district (reports the Wyndham Farmer) are practically all cut new, only a few acres remaining 1 standing. There is &till some to lead in. All the now settlers had oat crops, mostly a- few acres, which turned out well. Messrs Thompson and Crosbie. in particular, have very good yields. The turnips in the district are very good throughout.

Writing on Wednesday last th^ Waikawa Valley correspondent ot the ~yndham Herald reports: — TOiose whose harvest was late have experienced considerable difficutly in securing their crops. ar© a few patches yet in stook, and it is to be hoped that the changeable weather will change for the better, and permit of the harvest being finished before the winter sets in. Flaxmillers are now findinp- he season rather far advanced for the drying of their fibre, and the tracks and premises are cutting up. consequent upon the necessary heavy traffic. Some cf them are contemplating closing down for the winter at an early date.

The Mataura Ensign writes as follows: — Mi* R. Irving, while at Home last year, was instrumental in inducing a number of farm Labourers in Scotland to oome out to Xew Zealand. He interviewed these men reoently, and found them more than contented with their lot. What impressed them most of all "was the liberality of "bhe •bill of fai'e" on New Zealand farms. They were perfectly amazed to discover that meat was available thres times a day, whereas formerly they were accustomed to partake of it at the most, three times a weak. The ihigih rate of wages, also, was much to their 1 liking. Mr Irving has gone Home again for the purpose of bringin- his wife back, and has signified his intention of persuading .another batch of emigrants of the same stamp as that referred to to try their fortunes in the colony.

A correspondent sends us a few particulars of the Thornbury Dairy Company's factory. The ccolina- vat is capable of holding 108 cans of milk, and is unlike any other of its kind, as the water with which it is fed comes from an underground spring. This spring makes from 800 to 1000 gallons of water per hour all the year round, -wet or dry. The water is very cold and clear, and besides cooling 1 purposes it is used for the boiler and for factory cleaning, and! in dry weather it is a great boon to the residents of Tliombury. The pump ia capable of lifting 1000 gallons of water an (hour. The well is decked and covered over with cans. It is only 4-ft deep.

Attention is directed to the advertisement in connection with the Gore sheep dog trials which appears elsewhere in this issue.