RANGITIKEI NOTES.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LX, Issue 143870, 17 August 1912, Page 7

RANGITIKEI NOTES.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) For the first time in the history of the district there have been two falls of snow in one winter. Although still very frosty, the weather has much improved, and farm work is being pushed forward with al Ispeed. Grain is being sown under the very best conditions possible, though a great quantity of the grain will not be got in till fairly late. Last week a public demonstration was given on a farm near Marion of Messrs. Forlong and Whitehead's' new drain plough. A fairly large group of farmers were present, but opinions seem divided about the utility of a drain only twelve inches under the surface on land where tractidn engines must be taken. The new brick school at Marten is almost complete, and gives one the impression of its being a useful, sub-, stantial building. Ample room is provided tor the prospective growth of the population, and it is so designed that additions can bo carried out without the usual patchy look. Hogget© are in great demand, and our season of special fairs to relieve the ordinary sales has just commenced. Mr. Walter Simpson, of Bonny Glen, sold a line of 1000 wether hoggets last week at the fine price of 14s lOd. A few early lambs have arrived, but lambing will not be general for another fortnight in most flocks. Ewes are mostly reported in great condition, in some cases too great, with the result that ante-partum paralysis has made its appearance in several flocks. Tills came as rather a surprise, both to the owners and the Agricultural Department, whose officers have been investigating, as it has not till now been heard of so far north. Any farmer with fat heavy ewes would do well to watch carefully for the following symptoms. Early, stages are not noticeable to an unskilled observer. The first thing noticeable will be a ewe wandering about in an aimless fashion; next stage she will be down, and when put up will stagger a few yards and go down again, after which try she will not attempt to use her legs again, but if lifted will die. The trouble runs its course in about eight days, and there is no treatment of any use. To prevent it, keep the flock on as succulent feed as possible, and see that they got plenty of exercise, by driving them gently about if need bo. Mr. W. Hyde, of the Agricultural Department, has been visiting different parts of the district, giving lectures and demonstrations on pruning and general care of fruit trees. Mr. Nowman lost no time in pressing the claims of Marton to the proposed agricultural college, both on account of its.central position and the quality of the soil.