MAHAKIPAWA NEWS.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 20, Issue 68, 27 August 1909, Page 4

MAHAKIPAWA NEWS.

(From our Correspondent). The constant wet weather since 12th June has retarded. sowing operations here, as only on odd days could the teams go on the land; and now there is on the part of the settlers a disposition to sow rape instead of oats. The worry and cost of harvesting, together with the low price for chaff, are the reasons given. Had chaff maintained £3 per ton no doubt lots of new land would have been broken up. At last year’s prices there was enough stacks a couple of weeks ago to bring in nearly £4OOO, or about /"1000 per running mile. Possibly 60 or 70 tons have been cut since then, but you will easily see this is bound to have a check on the employment of labour in clearing land. No doubt the mildness of the winter is the cause of the slump in chaff. Next year, possibly there will not be a boom such as we have had, but I look forward to better times.

Sheep are looking well, and there is the appearance of a good clip; let us hope the yield will be as good as or better than the promise. Farm implements put on the ground clean, as they should be for intending purchasers to look at, brought good prices at Mr J. Redwood’s clearance sale on Thursday, 19th, but the horses dragged. The first horse, “Boxer” (descended from old Mahakipawa stock), nine years old, brought £3B, and a powerful well-bred mare in foal, eight years old, brought 30 guineas—showing a slump, brought on no doubt through the fall in price of barley, oats, and sheep. Up to a year ago people were eager to buy horses to work the land; now, I hear, some are shortening hands and selling the plough horses as opportunity offers. I see by the papers that the Waterside Workers of the dominion have met in conference at Wellington. You may talk about the curse of drink, but the curse of casual labour is far worse than the curse of drink, “ You may talk about preference as much as you like” (said one man); “ what has preference done here? The Unions have swelled their memberships, swelled their finances, and largely brought about the curse of casual labour.” A motion was carried requesting the Government to institute an enquiry, and that legislation be provided to limit the numbers that shall be employed in the industry to the number that can find a living in it. The sentiment expressed may be right t enough, but I take it the moment the ' Government limit the numbers of the Unions there will be a great outcry when the weeding-out takes place. How many will like to give up their claims to remain members of the Unions? If they are to remain Unionists until through age or other cause the prospect looks blue, Unionism may have to fry in its own fat. I don’t think waterside workers will take kindly to land after being accustomed to the pleasures of life in town.

A huge igallows and try-ppt has been raised on the foreshore within the past few days. Evidently the proprietor has Ida eye on the clerk of the weather. His to be hoped the said official will not disappoint the many “experts ” who have passed their verdict as to the weight of that big log close alongside; if he does it is not good for him should he come along one day about high spring tide. Should the weather remain mild it means do doubt feeding it another seven or eight months.