THE SOUTHLAND HARVEST.

Southland Times, Issue 19004, 25 March 1903, Page 2

THE SOUTHLAND HARVEST.

In yesterday's issue a fairly comprehensive report was given of the conditioft of the grain fields or Southland after they had passed through tho drastic weather exponen : ces of last week. It was gratifying to learn that, on the wliQle. the damage done by the fierce rains and tempestuous winds of the equinoctial period was less general and less serious than was anticipated, and not by any means irremediable. At one time the fate of the harvest was causing the gravest anxiety to those who were beat acquainted with the state of the crops, and the weatherglass was consulted daily with-grow-ing apprehension as the days went by and the gales did not abate. Harvesting was either just beginning or just about to begin in most parts or Southland when the torrential rams commenced and put an end to all field operations for the time. Ihe hopes of the farmers had been raised by the rapid growth that had talum plocc in the months of January and February. Crops that promised

little at Christmas time had improved markedly, and the estimates of the yield had gone up accordingly. The harvest that now would have, been reaped had fine weather continued would have been heavier than usual, but now, owing to the week of wind and rain, the ultimate results of the cereal year are uncertain. It appears, however, that in several parts of the district the elTccts of the severe weather were so slight a« to cause no disquietude to the fanners ; while in others the damage, though extensive, may be repaired by a* spell of sunshine. No cases in which absolute destruction lnis ensued hnve been reported. Thu worst that can be said is that some of the heavier crops have been badly raid, and will give trouble to tho , machines, reducitv? the profit on tho 'produco. Damage find loss have no doubt boon sustained, but the sum of the reports that we have been able to gather is that, given a spell of fine , weather. Southland's harvest will this year be both large and profitable. *Tl is reassuring to have this knowledge, as from the forecast of the yield for the colony and of <h« requirements of Australia, there is likely to be a good market for our farm" stuffs. What, the district stands in need of is a return of tho hot suns and dry nights of February to ripen the crops that are still slightly green, and enable the farmer to cut and get them in. There is a good prospect now that the district will be favoured with the conditions desiderated. Tho violence of the elements hns completely passed, and though rain is falling at time of writing, it is gentle and worm. The atmosphere is mild, aiid may be experted to become dry. Tf thus favoured the Southland harvest will b<? secured. notwithstanding tho severe pelting it hns rocehed. The district has never yet. failed to reward abundantly the tillers of the soil, and it may' bi» anticipated that that singular record which is the envy of our neighbours in Australia, for whom last. Sunday was a day of humiliation and prayer for rain, will not now be broken. It is gratifying to read in the reports furnished by our correspondents that the farmers are in good heart, that with some of them the prospects are above the ordinary, and that all of them have an abounding faith both in the land and in the climate of Southland.