HINDON.

Otago Witness, Issue 2722, 16 May 1906, Page 35

HINDON.

May 14. — T regret to report that farming work during the past week hns been entirely suspended owing to the heavy rainfalls and raging ga'&3 of wind that have visited the district with terrific fury. Fears are entertained by a large number of the small settlers here that a large quantity of the current season's grain crop will be lost to them .unless a, spell of fine weather .supervenes, to enable them to save it before it rots in the fields ficm -excessive moisture. The hurricane gales of wind have done an immense amount of damage to the outstanding crops, and in many instances the reaper and binder will have a very difficult job to cut it. It may be tru'y said that the farmers here are experiencing a very rough time of it with their crops

Stock Report. — It is gratifying to report that, despite the wet and stormy season, the stock depastured in the tussock country are locking well, and may be said to have improved their condition ,in the face of adverse weather, combined with the late period at which they were shorn during the- current season. 1 note that the high rates that have been ruling for all classes of sheep for some time past show signs of giving way, in consequence of winter feed for fattening purposes being none too promising. The turnip ciop in many instances is an entire failure, and the outlook for other fodder for winter requirements is very gloomy indeed. It is much to be regretted that owing to the excessive wet weather, combined with the late period of the season, the farmers cannot secure their crops.

The Rabbit Trade. — The excessive wet weather has great 'y interfered with the prosecution of trapping operations against bunny for some time past. The elements have stepped in apparently with a deluge of lain to put a stop to trapping operations, thereby granting a brief respite to bunny from his inevitable doom. The outlook for the trappers at present is ra-ther g'.oomy in the matter of big cheques being made during the current season, as the ground over an immense acreage is thoroughly saturated with the continuous rainfalls. On the other hand, the 1 rappers report that hundreds of young rabbits have been drowned in their burrows during the pa«t two months. There is plenty of time, however, for the trappers to make a good haul of rabbits yet.

Stock Transaction. — Our newly - arrived settler, Mr Donald Cattanach, has just stocked his small grazing run with a splendid draft of ewes for breeding purposes from Middlemarch way. It is manifest that Mr Cettanach has come to stay or establish his future home here, as he has expended a considerable sum of money in the purchase of stock, homestead buildings, and wire fencing to safeguard his flock. We all wish Mr Cattanach every success in his spirited enterprise, and! trust that he will be reimbursed for his heavy outlay in the near future.