FLAXBOURNE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3313, 12 September 1917, Page 23

FLAXBOURNE.

September 1. —Winter has now left us; not that we have really had any winter at all. for feed has never ceased growing, and all stock are in the very best of condition. Of rain we have had more than our average allowance, which is, however, very welcome, as the subsoil was absolutely dry from the preceding three years' drought. The constant wet has been detrimental in only one way—that is, the putting in of crops, which here, owing to the dry summers, require to bo sown in the autumn and early winter. This year the ground in mast parts of Marlborough has been too wet to work for the last four months. In consequence, the amount of wheat crop will be much reduced in quantity. It is likely, however, that more peas will be grown, as they can be grown later, and as a wet season suits them, the .prospects for good crops should be favourFable.

Stock.—Fat stock for killing is very .scarce here just now, and butchers are paying big money for anything at all fit for their trade. Last week at the Seddon Bale, fat wethers made up to 51s, and sales

of fat owes have been made as high as 455. The lambing is proceeding satisfactorily, and wo have so far had only one cold snap that did any harm and killed a fow lambs. A few men have tailed already, and the percentages appear to bo going to bo good, as twins seem to bo numerous. Tho dairymen are looking forward to a good season, judging from the price of dairy stock. Good cows coming to the calving are bringing about £l4 to £ls, and heifers as high as £lO or £ll. Young cattle are correspondingly dear, and almost impassible to get. Railway.—The railway works have now stopped altogether, and even interest in them seems to have evaporated. Perhaps the ears are taking up the coach traffic and doing the distance in less than half the old time has something to do with this. In spite of the exceptionally wet winter, tho mail car between here and Kaikoura has been prevented from running on only a fow occasions, and that was because some of the creeks were impassable. When these are bridged the road will be fit for running on continuously.