GERALDINE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19802, 18 May 1934, Page 3

GERALDINE

CLUB ROOT DISEASE EXPERIMENTAL PLOTS The fact that the Department of Agriculture is doing its utmost to eliminate club-root disease, which has become prevalent in the Geraldine district in the swede, turnip and rape crops, is borne out by a statement made by Mr John Kennedy, secretary of the Geraldine branch of the Farmers’ Union, to the “Timaru Herald’s” reprei sentative yesterday. Mr Kennedy said that the Fields Superintendent for Canterbury of the Department of Agriculture (Mr R. McGillivray) had called on him to intimate that the Department had arranged for two trials for disease resistant rape and swede seed to be carried out in the Geraldine district. A trial of a disease resistant turnip would also be made if seed were available. One trial will be arranged at Mr A. J. Blakiston’s on Messrs Tripp Bros.’ estate at Orari Gorge, and the other will probably be at Mr K. Mackenzie’s farm at Orari Bridge. Mr Kennedy remarked that club root was very prevalent, and the Department was experimenting with a view to checking the ravages of the disease. In a previous communication on the matter to Mr Kennedy. Mr McGillivray | stated that the work done by the Dei partment of Agriculture showed that applications of lime assisted in the ' production of healthy crops. It was ' probable that the quantities of lime rei quired would be governed by the type of soil on which the crop was grown. The heavier soils would require a heavier dressing of lime than the lighter soils. A considerable amount of work had already been done in connection with a study of varietal resistance of cruciferous crops. In the case of cabbage and rape all strains were highly susceptible to attack. Some swedes, such as the Danish variety Hernings, showed marked immunity. The Bruce turnip also stood up well against club-root attack. Chou Mouellier, although attacked by the disease, appeared capable cf producing a good crop in spite of it PERSONAL. The Rev. C. Harper, formerly vicar of St. Peter’s, Wellington, and now vicar of Ford, Northumberland, England, is visiting Orari Gorge. Mrs C. W. McKenzie and the Misses McKenzie, who have been on a visit to Hanmer, are expected to return to Geraldine to-morrow. Miss Olive Ewings, Timaru, is the guest of Mrs Maurice Baker. Miss Pearl Kimber, Springston South, is spending a holiday in Geraldine. PLEASANT VALLEY RIFLE CLUB. The following were the best scores registered at the weekly shoot of the Pleasant Valley Men’s Miniature Rifle Club: W. Crotty 79, R. Gray 78. H. Hill 76, F. Grayburn 75, J. Crotty 75, J. Rae 74, J. C. Gregan 74, J. Gregan 73. T. Le Lievre 73, W. Champion 73, T. Robinson 73, G. Martin 71, D. Rew 71, C. MacGregor 71. W. Gale 70, R. Murphy 69, N. Davis 69, J. Mulvey 68, R. Neutze 76. THE WEATHER. Heavy rain fell yesterday morning and the sun shone fitfully early in the afternoon. A violent wind raged at 3 p.m., heavy rain again falling. The Geraldine Swimming C _ib will | hold a social and dance in the Odd- j fellows’ Hall on Tuesday, May 29.