WAIWERA.

Otago Witness, Issue 3403, 4 June 1919, Page 27

WAIWERA.

June 2. —Winter is on us again with a vengeance. We have ■ lately had l a small snowstorm, plenty of rain, and pretty sharp frost; consequently the land, especially the low-lying parts, is not by any. means in a fit state for ploughing. Thrashing and chaffcutting is being delayed, and the wet state of the roads and paddocks adds very much to the inconvenience for these operations. Stock.—The general condition of stock is pretty much as might be expected, seeing turnips are so scarce. The paddocks are green and fresh looking—a fact I lately drew a friend's atention to. He remarked that the colour waa about all, meaning, I presume, that the feed value was not much. I find, too, on chatting with. different farmers about th*> wisdom, of feeding our flocks with chaff through the roughest part of the winter, that many different views are held on the matter as to whether or not. it would pay. To my mind there should' be -no doubt about it—at least as far as the weaker ones of.the flock are concerned. This reminds me of a visit I paid to a well-managed place, where all the weak or crippled sheep were picked out from the flock, and put into a paddock by themselves, where they were fed as required, thus saving many valuable sheep that otherwise would have died'. The strong smother the weak at the feed-boxes. The above method might be worth trying now that feed is eo scarce.

Coal Shortage.—The coal famine is being severely felt here, as in other places,, more so as so much is required for the thrashing, etc. Changes.—Some farms are again changing hands. The Messrs Copeland Bros, have purchased the Kuriwao Estate, and Mr Jos. Sim Mr Telford's farm "(lately occupied by Mr Bowers). While we are always sorry to lose old friends and neighbours, we are quite pleased to«welcome the new-comers, and wish them every success and happiness among us. General. —Happily, still more of our brave boys continue to arrive home, and they are gradually settling down as circumstances will allow. —It is sad to record several deaths lately of most respected friends and citizens, who will be very much missed among us. Much sympathy is felt for the bereaved.