THE COCKSFOOT CROP.

Otago Witness, Issue 3330, 9 January 1918, Page 11

THE COCKSFOOT CROP.

RAIN DELAYS HARVESTING

Tho continuous -wet weather is delaying the commencement of reaping, and is greatly benefiting the sample of seed to be harvested this year, and tho seed will now havo an opportunity to fill out and; mature (says tho Akaroa Mail). Provided there is not too much wet weather the rain should tend to make tho sample heavy. There- aro two distinct crops which appear to bo separated only by about a fortnight, and tho second crop, whioi started after the first heavy ha« now got the

flower on it. In most paddocks the second growth is much the stronger, and therefore it is tli's seed that will be reaped. This has delayed! the commencement of reaping for a fortnight, though in some localities where the first crop is being reaped, viz., Lo Bon's and Wainui ; a start will bo made to reap the low-lying pad-' docks this week.

The labour problem, though still rather serious, is very much easier, as a good quantity of outside labour is offering, while the military -authorities are granting extended leave to local men in camp until the harvest is in.

There are many inferior crops, and a good crop is an exception. The heavy southerly winds and hail have done considerable damage and in some cases much of the crop is badly bleached. The harvest this year will probably only equal that secured last year, though the sample should bo heavier. The rain has brought up a strong growth of Yorkshiro fog, in the lower seed especially, but the higher paddocks are clearer. The prices offered for seed brought forward have advanced steadily, and the highest is at one shilling a pound exclusive of weight and; colour. This price was given for a good crop on tho higher level, which is looking well.