WAIWERA.

Otago Witness, Issue 3399, 7 May 1919, Page 23

WAIWERA.

May s.—The weather and harvesting are our chief concerns just now among farmers. The weather has been past description for a long time, consequently it is quite_ a battle with, the harvest. The wind, which rages with hurricane force sometimes, _ scatters the stooks hither and thither, making it almost constant work to keep them up, and if not duly attended to much grain will be spoilt and, indeed, become useless. The land, too, after so much rain—especially the low-lying—is a complete quagmire, and in order to get the crop together the paddocks are dreadfully cut up and damaged. Those that have none of it_ to do can form no idea what a labour it is under present conditions. Unfortunately there is a lot of crop to bo dealt with yet. This, too, is the time for taxing the skill of the best stackers. None but experienced hands should undertake such an important branch of the work seeing how much depends on it. I may here state that I had an opportunity 01 seeing one of our farmers at the work lately, and, to my mind; he ia a really

good liand—quite an exception to the rule. It struck mo that it would be a good idea if more of our young men could be induced to take up this work, and be encouraged in some way, perhaps by offering prizes to be competed for. Stock. —Generally stock look as though they are weather-beaten, and would /be much benefited by a little more sunshine. I should think pricea for stock are surely at bedrock when lambs are selling at 3s per head. These prices surely take the cake.

Sport.—Our young people lately held en entertainment to raise funds for repairing the tennis ground. The entertainment proved in every way a thorough success, so it is to be hoped, by the time good weather comes, the courts will he in up-to-date trim. I hear a leading sport, Mr L. W. Edwards, has been trying to stir up a little enthusiasm in the cricketing line. It is to be hoped he will succeed in his endeavour. A few years ago the distriot used to be able to boast of a good team, and much pleasure was derived from tho grand old game even in Waiwera. Winter Feed. —On account of the shortage in the turnip crops several of our farmers are talking of feeding their sheep with chaff or oats rather than sacrifice them at the very low prices now being offered. I should think this would be a wise =itep to take. The future is still anxious.