THE NORTH ISLAND.

Otago Witness, Issue 3277, 3 January 1917, Page 10

THE NORTH ISLAND.

(Fbom Oub Own Correspondent.)

Just as last week's letter was mailed very heavy ram commenced to fall along the eatt coast, and lor the last halt 01 tho week there was a steady downpour, as a result ol which l'overty isay received quite a soaking. In the Auckland province there was aiso very heavy ram, so much so that there was a tremendously heavy landslip en the railway hue near Kunciman, causing a ser.ous dislocation of railway traffic lor a couple ot days, whilst at Devonport another landslip occurred, winch affected two properties. While beneficial rains have fallen in the northern part ot the island, tiie southern portion has escaped; and, acting on tho old maxim, " Make hay while the sun shines," farmers everywhere have pressed all the available labour possible into the work of harvesting. An unprecedented quantity of hay lias been made, and almost every district, it would seem, has sufficient for requirements. Haystacks aro being built up everywhere, and farmers, who in tno past have not troubled about haymaking to any great extent, now have their big stacks, 'ihere is, however, a vast amount of work to do yet, and very great difficulty is experienced in securing adequate labour. In Wanganui and Feilding districts quite a number of school teachers and those in offices have undertaken farm work during tho Christmas and Mew Year vacation, and in this way valaublo assistance is being rendered in maintaining a fair standard of production during these troublous tunes. In Taranaki civilians arc also nobly helping in tho field, and this year some really good work is being done by High School boys, who are affording demonstration ot the splendid training they are receiving in farm management. In the Wairarapa the weather during the past three or four weeks has boon very dry, and the phenomenal growth of grass as a result of tho continuous rains in the spring, it was found impossible to keep down. Now there are to be seen huge fields of ever-waving green and brown sft and 4ft high, and farmers generally aro afraid to contemplate the possibilities of a carelessly-dropped match. Disastrous fires are very much feared, and a very careful watch is being kept everywhere. In order to reduce tho risk of a fire from stray engine sparks, the Railway Department has fired the grass on either side of the lines, and in that way every, precaution has been taken to prevent danger arising from that source. In the Manawatu, Feildmg, and Wanganui districts thero has been a slight rain—just sufficient to benefit the turnip crops, though it has clouded up, with every appearance of heavy rain. Those who aro stack-building or have their oats in stock are not anxious just yet to see a three days' good solid rain, so much needed by a well-baked country. Potato-growers in tho Pukekoho district appear to bo doing well, and they are receiving at the rate of £ll per ton, more "than was obtained last year. The advance in price is naturally considered very satisfactory, particularly as the southern potato crops are on the market earlier this season, and Pukekohe is therefor e not called upon to supply centres in the south. Local growers arc well satisfied with their returns, as tho crops are yielding averages equal to past seasons, but owing to the shortage of labour smaller areas have been sown. „,*.,,,, SCARCITY OF LABOTjR.

In all departments of farm work there is just now the continual cry, "We want more hands." The number of men being called up for service is making the position very acute; but it is pleasing to note that the Minister of Agriculture is desirous of having ploughmen exempted from active service abroad, because, as he there arc no munitions of war 60 necessary as foodstuffs. In the meantime, however, the shortage of labour is very real, and during the examination of an appellant in the Waikato against miltary service, Major Conlan, military representative, mentioned that it was possible that the Government might conscript labour by compelling men unfit for active service to work at necessary industries, for he did not suppose the Government would allow the land to remain unproductive in the absence of farmers at the war, and would probably formulate a scheme for managing the farms of men at the front. Sittings, of the Military Service Boards have certainly had sufficient evidence adduced to show that the alleged shortage of labour is by no means imaginary, dairy farm labour being particularly scarce. Why not then organise female labour? Surely the girls of the Dominion are as strong, robust, active, and as intelligent as the girls of Franco and England. They undoubtedly are, and if properly and systematically organiser! I am sure they could lessen the cry for male labour, and substantially assist in maintaining the exports of the primary products of the Dominion. The grouping of neighbours for mutual aid could also be operated successfully, and when the Government goes carefully into the matter it -will no doubt adopt certain measures to provide the relief so apparent just now. A NOTE FROM CANADA.

Mr A. C. Perry, a former chairman of the. Rongotca Dairy Co., and now farming in Alberta, Canada, lias written a rather interesting letter bearing upon agricultural conditions in the "land of the iraplo leaf." Writing early in October, he mentions that, already 1 wo heavy falls of snow had occurred within a fortnight—one lOin and the other 26in.—with the thermometer lOdeg below zero. On August 10 last farmers suffered severely from a summer frost that cut the wheat badly. Thousands of acres had been left standing, and a great deal of what had been cut would not pay for thrashing. The price for No. 1 wheat was from 1.38d01 to 1.60d0l a bushel, and seed wheat reached 2dol. In Mr Perry's opinion cropping .in Canada was one huge gamble. A farmer might get hailed out or frozen out in midsummer, or get no crop owing to

drought. Very little dairying is done in Mr Percy's district, the cream being sent a distance of 180 miles to the nearest factory. THE WOOL CLIP. With the season's wool clip disposed of to tlio Government, the grower lias practically a gilt-edged security, for he knows what it is worth in hard cash, and how much money is coining to him without negotiation. It is therefore no wonder tha.t rioelc-masters are in a very happy frame of mind, even though the offer is below the ruling market prices. Yet even now they aro above thoso obtaining in 1914, and the wool-grower of every grade up and down the scale of importance is finduig the war a wonderful help. Two and a-half years ago ho was sure of nothing. Everything seemed to bo going to pieces, and the outlook was gloomy. Now he is quite certain of a price that would have made his mouth water before the war begun. Our producers aro unquestionably doing well. Our meat and our wool have been commandeered. There is some prospect, it is now stated, of the cheese being also secured, and it is matter of great importance to the Dominion that it should keep up, and increase, if possible, its substantial help to Great Britain, apart from tlie contribution of man powei-. The commodities in question cannot be produced except by our workers standing fairly to their jobs, and placing mere personal considerations first instead of second, particularly at this time, when the Empire is fighting for ita life.

The Government valuers arc busy upon their new work, and it would seem that they are giving general satisfaction, the valuations arrived at being considered very fair. One prominent wool-grower in the Gisborno district said he considered that tho valuer's prices on his lot were about Ad per lb better than his last side's advice from 'London (allowing 4d for freight and other charges). Farmers will receive their wool the valuation. This, of course, will be net, with no deduction apart from the usual cost of transit from the station to the store. Instead of having to wait for the clip to be sold at Home, farmers are being paid promptly in cash; or, if they were in the habit of drawing on their wool, they are saved the interest on this accommodation. SOLDIERS' SETTLEMENTS. Mr F. Terry, late of the Tasmanian Agricultural Department, has been conferring with the General Committee of the Auckland Farmers' Union Executive on the question of settlements for returned soldiers. It is readily recognised that some systematic scheme, on an adequate scale, will have to be gone into in the near future not only for the benefit of tho returned soldiers, but also for the formation of that closer settlement and more intensive cultivation which will be necessary to enable New Zealand to increase her production and pay for her share of tho present war. One difficulty so far has been to find anyono with tho necessary practical scientific) knowledge of farming who had personal experience of the actual working of such closer settlements as suggested. Mr Terry had these qualifications, and his knowledge should bo of great value in framing tho scheme. Tho chief dangers to be guarded against are: Selecting unsuitable men, putting men on their own responsibility with insufficient knowledge, and planting settlements without making arrangements for supervision or without an eye to future mutual help and co-operation. The scheme in view proposes to avoid these dangers by planting settlements of a handy size, Bay 30 farms, with arrangements in each settlement for instruction, and weeding out where necessary for final allotment. In such a settlement there would also be arrangements for co-operation in the matter of up-to-date implements and highgrade stock, and in the grading and marketing of produce where necessary. The social side could also be adequately provided for, any many of the drawbacks of country life eliminated to a great extent. . It is intended to formulate and publish the scheme at an early date, so that it may have the benefit of public criticism and suggestions before it is finally approved by the provincial executive and forwarded to the proper authorities. FARMING IN NORTH AUCKLAND. Owing to the Government not having been able to drain a section of the Tokatoka Swamp, on the bank of the Northern Wairoa River, to enable some 30 settlers to occupy their land, application was made to have tho payment of rent postponed. On the 28th of November Mr J. S. Dickson, M.P., representing Captain Coates, presented a petition to the Minister of Lands from the settlers. A reply has been received from Sir Francis H. D. Bell, Minister of Lands, stating that on tho recommendation of the Auckland Lands Board tho payment of the rent had been postponed. This affects 30 settlers, whose rents total £lll3 Bs. On the opposite bank of the Wairoa River is the rich tillable land of Aratapu. and the fact that it is surrounded by 16.000 acres of alluvial flats points to a prosperous future. Not many years ago Aratapu was known only for its timber milling, but of late years "the land has been worked with

On the opposite bank of the Wairoa River is the rich tillable land of Aratapu. and the fact that it is surrounded by 16.000 acres of alluvial flats points to a prosperous future. Not many years ago Aratapu was known only for its timber milling, but of late years the land has been worked with remarkable success. Land in the locality of Aoroa, which formerly sold at £9 an aero, is now changing hands at £4O, and that in by no means a highly-improved condition. " On the coastal portion of tho Aoroa Estate. 200 acres have this season been ploughed for turnips. Tho seed already sown has taken well, and the full area will be completed this month. In the same locality grazing experiments arc being made. Cow grass is principally being dealt with. Danthonia, however, is the basis on all tho swards—lewt of Danthonia Pilosa and lewt of Semi-Annularis forming the bulk of mixtures, which contain Paspalum, redtop, browntop, Chcwing's fescue, Lotus angustissimus, rib grass, and white clover. These river settlements are growing very steadily, tho prosperity of which is reflected in Dargaville, the main river commercial centre.

INDUSTRIOUS MAORI FARMERS. In the Feilding district there are a number of Maoris working' the _ Rew Row block, who havo formed a union of their own, and are doing splendid work. Though some may saj that, a 3 a rule, the Maoris are fond of the " dolco far niente" —"sweet pleasure of doing nothing," —yet to all rules there are exceptions, and the members of the Rew Row Union are an exception. A visit to the settlement reveals the fact that there are fine cultivations of lucerne, thousand-headed kale, and Indian maize, and milk-producing vegetation. The grass in consequence of plentiful rain in spring is growing luxuriantly. The bljr herds of milking cows are in good condition, with udders distended by the lacteal fluid, and seem to thoroughly enjoy the bounti-

ful supply of food produced by their industrious owners. This Maori settlement is unquestionably in a prosperous condition, and is a striking contrast to many" other hapus Where laziness arid unproductiveness go hand in hand. The Row Row block is well adapted to the good purpose for which it is being used. The Rangitikei River, when in flood deposits a lot of silt, which is favourable for producing vegetation suitable for milk-producing purposes. Furthermore, this river-made soil in the valo of the Rangitikei River does not got parched up in the heat, of summer as soon as that of the uplands; consequently the owners can keep up a supply of milk to the factory longer than those dairymen operating in tho higher levels, 10 that, on the whole, these Maoris who ure working so well, arc getting the advantage of their industry. CATTLE FAIR IN THE WAIRARAPA. In connection -with tho supplementary cattle fair held at Pahiatua on December 21, 1650 head of cattle were yarded, of which 1315 were sold. The quality of the cattle taken on the whole was a long way above the average sien at cattle fairs in the North Island. Tho four-year-old bullocks and female cattle showed excellent quality, and were very favourably commented on by outside buyers, who were present from the Wanganui, Hawke's Bay, Wairarapa, and Manawatu districts. Practically all the wellbred female cattle were eagerly snapped up by local graziers. The grown bullocks went to tho Manawatu and Wairarapa, with tho exception of ono line of 40 good-condi-tioned four-year-old steers, which were bought to fatten by a well-known local farmer. With the reports going about of the shortage of water in the Wairarapa, and the continuous dry weather, the prospects for a good sale were not very bright at tho outset; but vendors were there to do business, and though the first pen or two met with rather a dragging sale, buyers soon warmed up to their work, and prices, though not quite so good as at tho initial fair in November, must be considered satisfactory. The prices realised wero as follows :—Eight foui'-year-old steers, £l9; 2 do, £18; 59 do, £l7 14s; 40 dof £l7 9s 6d; 50 do, £l7; 20 do, £l7; 16 do, £l7; 81 do, £l6; 15 do, £l6; 34 do, £l6; 18 do, £ls 10s; 13 do, £ls 10s; 7 do, £ls ss; 21 three-year-old steers, £ls; 38 do, £ls ss; 39 do, £ls 10s; 12 do, £l4 2s 6d; 12 do, £l4 7s 6d; 38 do, £l3 10s; 45 do, £l3 16s; 11 do, £l2 8s; 33 do, £l2 15s; 35 do, £ll 17s 6d; 16 do, £l2 10s; 17 do, £l2 10s; 9 do, £l2 13s; 12 do, £ll 17s 6d; 30 two-year-old steers £lO ss; 34 three-year-old P.A. heifers (good), £ls 12s 6d; 35 do, £l3 15s; 44 two-year-old Shorthorn heifers, £l4; 40 do, £l4 2s 6d; 50 P.A. 15-month heifers, £lO ss; 23 do, £9 15s; 28 two-year-old heifers, £lO 10s; 27 do, £8 7s 6d; 38 store cows, £11; 30 yearling hiefcrs (poor), £6 10s; 12 two-year-old steers, £lO 13s; 16 do, £9; 16 yearling heifers, £8 7s 6d; 7 do, £lO 10s; 16 cows and calves, £l3 10s; 9 cows and calves, £l3 2s 6d; 9 cows, £9 8s; 5 heifers, £6 12s 6d; 8 steers and heifers, £9 2s 6d; 16 cows and calves, £ll Is; 7 fat cows, £l2 10s; 11 fat heifers, £l2 17s 6d. STOCK SALE AT GISBORNE.

Prices in the Gisborno district keep up well, as evidenced at the Matawhero stock sales, held on December 20. About 600 sheep and 1000 head of cattle -were yarded. There was a good demand for fat sheep. Ewes brought from 26s 8d to 32s 9d. Lambs realised 20b to 23s 3d. Fat bullocks brought from £l6 6s to £l9 10s. fat cows from £l2 to £l7 2s 6d. Three heifers brought £l3 2s 6d, one steer £l3 15s, and one stag £lO ss. Store sheep were in good demand, and nearly all the lines were sold under the hammer. Ewes brought 20s 6d to 25s 9d, wool ewes - and lambs 37s 2d to 38s 6d. A line of 177 lambs brought 16s 9d, wethers 27s 6d to 325, two-tooth wethers 25s Id to 26s 3d; one lino of 361 wethers brought 325, 140 four and six-tooth ewes sold at 27s 2d, one extra good line of 13 ewes and 15 lambs brought 545. 34 woolly _ ewes 35s 3d. Store cattle were only in fair demand, and a large number of lines were passed in. Heavy bullocks brought from £l2 10s to £l4 lOs, steers (well grown) £8 5s to £l2 15s, empty cows £7 to £ll 120 6d, heifers £5 to £8 10s. IMPORTATION OF KING'S PEDIGREE STOCK. By the Tainui, which arrived at Auckland from London this week, was one pedigree bull (Windsor Gold) and two heifers. The animals will IJo delivered at Lyttelton, where they are to join the herd of Mr J. O. N. Grigg, of Longbeach, Ashburton. They are from the Royal farm at Windsor. Three heifers are also aboard. They are for the Hon. R. M'Nab, of Southland. The beasts were severely shaken during the heavy weather of the early days of the voyage, but the pleasant conditions prevalent towards close of the tn'o made up for this, and they arrived in Dominion waters in good condition.