TUAPEKA MOUTH.

Otago Witness, Issue 2923, 23 March 1910, Page 39

TUAPEKA MOUTH.

March 21. Since last writing we have experienced" weathe. conditions varying from scorching hot to extreme cold. Taken on the whole, however, the heavy rains experienced recently have had a very beneficial effect on the growth of grass and turnips, changing the appearance of the district from that of an arid waste to one of green pastures. Crops.—Most of the grain crops were safely stacked before the rain came. No material damage was done to the small portion unstacked. Since then the remainder has been got into stack. In the majority of cases the grain is in good condition. Thery is a little "rust" amongst some of the later crops of wheat, but nothing" of any importance. Taken all round, the average yield for the district is lower than usual. This is no doubt due to the continuous dry weather experienced during'the early part of the season, which withered or shrivelled the grain up. thereby not allowing i A sufficient time to matuve. The turnip crop has considerably improved, and contrary to anticipations there is now evidence of an amount sufficient for farmers' own requirements. Sheep Sale.—A large sale of sheep too* place ar the Tuapeka Mouth Saleyards on. the 16th inst., when Mr H. Thompson, on account of various vendors, offered 3000 sheep in different lots and classes. The whole va.rding was disposed of at prices in advance of those 'uling lately. It is a pity that the directors do not endeavour to have sales every two months. There is plentv of stock/in the district to have bimonthly sales. If matter were arranged properly I see no reason why we should not have as good yardings, and.-as oiten as at Clinton. , _ ■■■="' River Board.—The Clutha River Board, at its last meeting, recosnismg that the construction of a line up the Clutha Valle-/ is not likelv to become an accomplished faofc for 9 number of years to come, has oeterminod to make a" move in respect to getting a second steamer. The board also intends constructing a " slip." which is an essential, in order to examine and repair the steamer. The amount involved in the construction of a slir> will be about £3OO, and in a new boat about £4OOO. .' Rabbits.-The rabbit carts have commenced running again. The loads which the collecti.no- carts are getting are fairly, large, and. judging from indications, rabbitera should do very well this year. . Factory.-The cheese factory closes down, in another month. So far the season, has been an exceptionally good one, and there. is every prospect of the next year eclipsing the present. . , Threshing—Messrs Heerian and Hardva mills are at present busy threshing, wnicn is now the order of the clay.