SOUTHLAND TOPICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3756, 9 March 1926, Page 59

SOUTHLAND TOPICS.

(From Oijr Coß.n»iei*OKi>KNT.J Invercargill, March 6. Although the weather now is all that could bo desired, the long wet spell just **:- perionced has been causing serious alarm to farmers on account of the havoc it has played with tho grass crops, particularly in- arts of tho Eastern District. In the Wyndham and Glenham districts much of the grass is growing in the stook. With the grain crops the case is not quite so bad, as there is always a chance of getting them dried. It is to 1- toned that the nresent dry spoil continues long enough to enable the greater part of the harvesting to be completed, for there can bo no doubt that apart from the wet the crops are turning out unusually well. From all quarters one hears reassuring reports regarding oat

prospects, the ears being full-aized, well- • ed. and of good quality.

While those who have crops to get in have been bemoaning the wet, dairy farmers are feeling particularly pleased with things. The dairy season in Southland is proving to be one of the best experienced for a long time. It opened somewhat dry, and dairy farmers were apprehensive of a poor milk yield, hut the continued rains have made all the difference imaginable. At the present time, for instance, the Edendale factory is receiving 6000 gallons of milk a dav, this being 2000 gallons better than at the corresponding period last year. Not only is the milk yield higher, but the quality is much better, too. as the higher production of cheese to milk will show.

Practically al llhe rivers in the province were in flood on Monday, owing to heavy rains in the back country. The Orcti, near Invercargill, rose several feet, and blocked the road to Riverton for a few hours. Near hive Rivers the railway line was covered for a short distance, not. however, preventing trains from getting through, while the creeks near Hedgehope were over the road, and prevented motor traffic from geting through. Most of the flood waters subsided on the day following, and little damage was caused.

Four rabbiters in a boat near Wyndham had an unusual experience w hen the Mataura rose. I hey captured 750 rabbits marooned by the flood in an hour and a half getting 17 out of one clump of gorse. There was a large attendance of farmer* from all parts of the province at the Winton Experimental Area on Monday, when Mr R. M'Gillivray, Government Field Instructor. conducted another very successful field day. Great interest was iaken in the pasture experiments, and the top dressing results were very interesting. At the conclusion of the day ari interesting speech was delivered by Mr David Marshall, Southland member of the Board of Agriculture, who said that the Government had very little to show' for the large amounts expended on some of the experimental areas in the North Island. The Winton area had produced some splendid results, and he thought it was up to the Department of Agriculture to give it greater support than it had in the past Tho Minister of Agriculture, the Hon O J. Hawken. is at present in Southland, and it is understood that during his visit he will receive a deputation in connection with this matter.

Horticultural shows are having a great run of popularity in Southland this season. Following on the two very successful shows held at Mataura and Wyndham. the Riverton and Winton Societies held their animal gatherings on Wednesday, receiving record entries. Last year functions of this sorthad to be postponed on account, of the epidemic of infantile paralysis. The Riverton show was particularly successful, running for two days, and receiving liberal support from the outside public. Incidentally it mav be mentioned that hortieulturalists in many districts arc complaining of the ravage* of the earwig, which pest it worse than it has been for many years past. Many gardens in the Western District are practicallv ruined, while fruitgrowers report that crops may be seriously affected.

The Southland Power Board seems to he making good progress with its reticulation. Orepuki residents now have electric light, the wiring having been completed. Another example of the menace of live wires occurred in this locality on Wedr.€> lay evening. One of the wires broke and came down near Mr H. Peak’ place Mrs Peak had a narrow' escape, as she ha 1 passed under the wire only about two seconds before it broke,* but three of Mr Peak’s best cows were less fortunate, as they received the full force of the charge and w r ere electrocuted instantly. Repairs yvere quickly effected by a Power Board gang.

The main topic of discussion in Invercargill at present is roads. Considerable dissatisfaction is being expressed at the way in which the bitumen surface is being laid down on the North road, and a few weeks ago a committee was set up by the Town Council to investigate the matter. I~ is stated that the had weather has: been in a large measure responsible for the delays which have occurred, but the opinion is also held that the plant being used is inadequate. The dissatisfaction with the way in which things were proceeding came to a head at Tuesday’s meeting of the council, when it yvas decided to suspend operations entirely until the commit had obtained the advice of an expert on the matter. This means that practically no more bitumen work will be able to be carried out this year, as work in the winter months is impossible. _ In the meantime the portion of the North road within the borough is in a shocking condition and what it will be like in the winter one hardly likes to contemplate. The Southland County has been making good progress with its portion of the road, although, of course, its work is of a far less elaborate nature than the Town Council’s.

The return of the Norwegian Ross Sea vdialing fleet to Stewart Island • has created widespread jn teres i> more especially as there were about a dozen Southlenders with the expedition this trip. During its third season’s operations the fleet has captured 531 whales, which will give a return of approximately - 38,000 barrels of oil, aid should result in a handsome return despite the heavy capital expenditure. The crew of 200 officers and men have had many thrilling experiences. The fleet was held up in pack ice for 38 days, and many of the ships were in danger of being crushed beyond repair. I + . is a tribute to the pliuk and seamanship of these hardy Norsemen that the voyage yvas marked by no accidents of any sort. Many of the vessels, however, are badly strained, and will have to go to Port Chalmers for repairs.