GERALDINE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19758, 27 March 1934, Page 3

GERALDINE

CLUB-ROOT DISEASE FIELDS SUPERINTENDENT’S ADVICE The prevalence of club-root In th n Geraldine district has aroused the concern of the local branch of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, and the secretary (Mr J. Kennedy) communicated with Mr R. McGillivray, Fields Superintendent of the Department of Agriculture, Christchurch. Mr Kennedy also discussed the matter with Mr McGillivray when on a recent visit to Christchurch. Mr McGillivray has written to Mr Kennedy as follows: "Further to our recent conversation regarding the increase of club-root in the swede, turnip, and rape crops of your district, I herewith forward you a few particulars in connection with the work that has been done by the Fields Division of the Department of Agriculture in an effort to overcome the damage done by club-root. "In the first place I may point out that club-root is a fungoid disease which causes a thickening and knoblike swellings on the roots of affected plants. When a plant is affected with this disease it develops slowly, and, if dry weather sets in, the diseased plants frequently die out in the early period of growth. The more robust plants, however, manage to retain a certain amount of vitality for a time, but eventually in most cases the knob-like swellings turn brown and rapid decay takes place, when there is frequently a most offensive smell. This is especially the case on the damper and heavier types of soil. An infected crop contaminates the field with spores, and it is not known for how long the field remains infected, but it is always advisable to keep cruciferous crops off such land for as long a period as possible. It is of importance to note that all decaying material from a clubroot constitutes a possible source of infection, and every endeavour should be made to prevent this material being deposited on a clean field. "In some countries in Europe, and in some districts of New Zealand, the disease is widespread. In Europe it is said to be practically unknown in soils containing a high percentage of lime, and liming as a means of controlling club-root has long been practised. The usual custom is to lime the land with burnt lime some six months or more before the cruciferous crop is sown. “The work done by the New Zealand Department of Agriculture showed that applications of lime assisted in the production of healthy crops. It is probable that the quantities of lime required will be governed by the type of soil on which the crop is grown. The heavier soils will require a heavier dressing of lime than the lighter soils. "A considerable amount of work has also been done in connection with a study of varietal resistance of cruciferous crops. In the case of cabbage and rape all strains are highly susceptible to attack. Some swedes, such as the Danish variety Hernings, show marked immunity. The Bruce turnip also stands up well against club-root attack. Chou Mouellier, although attacked by the disease, appears capable of producing a good crop in spite of it. "For any further advice about the quantities of lime to use, or varieties to sow, I would refer you to Mr W. C. Stafford, instructor in agriculture, Timaru. Mr Stafford is always ready to visit your farmers, and to assist in any possible manner with their agricultural problems.”

HARVEST THANKSGIVING. Bountifully decorated with produce of every description, the Geraldine Presbyterian Church presented an attractive scene for the harvesi thanksgiving services which were held on Sunday. The Rev. W. J. Couling delivered an appropriate address. The anthem was “Lift Up Your Heads O Ye Gates,” and special hymns were sung. At the evening service, when the Rev. E. Llywelyn Williams, of Chalmers Church, Timaru, was the preacher, there was a crowded congregation. Mr C. S. Davies presided at the organ at both services, the anthem at the evening service being, "Rejoice in the Lord.” Very large congregations attended the harvest services in the Geraldine Methodist Church on Sunday, when the Rev. A. C. Lawry was the preacher at each service. The church had been beautifully decorated by Miss Logan, Mrs J. P. Cliff, Mrs B. Logan and Miss L. .Henry assisted by Mrs G. Loach. At the morning service the subject was “The Harvest of Patience.” The Victoria Lodge, 1.0.0. F. and representatives of the Rebekah Lodge, accompanied by the Geraldine District Band, under the conductor (Mr E. Undrill), attended the morning service. Owing to the combined Friendly Societies parade at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Timaru, the attendance of Lodge members at Geraldine was slightly affected. In the evening the subject was “The Harvest of the Mission Field.” The minister’s address was followed by a sacred drama, “Antioch and After,” a sketch of the despatch of Paul and Barnabas to missions among the gentiles by the Early Christian Church. The readings were well received and were excellently given by Mesdames A. C. Lawry, A. Sutherland, Misses M. Coomber and Ivy Henry, and Messrs G. Loach, B. Logan, E. Gayburn, F. Neutze, L. King, F. Wallach and F. Simpson. At both services, Mr B. Logan was conductor of the choir and organist. Solo parts in the anthems were taken by Miss I. Logan and Mr B. Logan. PERSONAL. Mr J. L. Mason, of the Post Office staff has received notice of transfer to the Ashburton Post Office. Entries for the Temuka and Geraldine A. and P. Associations annual show, to be held at Winchester on April 12, will close on Thursday next. Mr E. A. Murrell, D.8.0.A., F. 1.0., (England) representing John R. Procter Ltd., Christchurch will be making the next professional visit to Geraldine, on Wednesday April 11. / ppointments can now be made by ringing up Mr Morris Williams, Chemist.