TEMUKA

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIV, Issue 20983, 11 March 1938, Page 3

TEMUKA

BLIGHT IN POTATO CROPS YIELDS MAY BE SMALLER Potato crops in the Temuka district are reported to have suffered considerably from the ravages of blight this season. The disease caused an early wilting of the tops and in consequence it is expected that the yields will be lower than usual. Blight had been particularly bad. said Mr R. Brodie, of Rangitata Island, but he had not so far found any potatoes suffering from its effects. It would be too early for an opinion to be formed as to whether blight would ultimately have a damaging effect, as digging would not commence for about a month. His garden potatoes had been affected in the same manner as the larger crops, but the potatoes were of good quality, although lighter in yield. Mr T. E. Sheen, a merchant, said that although he had not inspected crops as yet, he had heard reports from all over the district that the crops had early wilted, but that blight had not yet affected the potatoes themselves. He had also been told that in some of the lower-lying paddocks crops had been damaged from the repeated soakings of rain and the accumulations of water after the showers. However, the higher levels were still producing potatoes of good size and quality. NEW BRIDGE RAILWAY STRUCTURE PROGRESSES Good progress in the new wooden and steel railway bridge across the Temuka river has been made during the last few weeks and only five piles remain to be driven. The pile-driving was commenced six weeks ago. Recently extra trains and unfavourable weather have held up the work, but by securing a further crane, the workmen were able to make up much lost time and complete driving within schedule time. When the piles have been driven they will be levelled across the top and a cap fourteen feet long, 14 inches deep and 12 inches wide, will be fixed by mortise and tenon joints to them. On top of this a further bar will be placed at right angles to the cap and the rolled steel poists will be placed on top of these. Two cranes will be operated to place the girders in position, one working from each end. The old sleepers will be swung out on to the trusses and placed in position when the girder has been laid, so that trains will not be held up. When the bridge has been relaid the old sleepers will be replaced by new ones. It is anticipated that the laying of the girders will not De commenced for three weeks. When completed the new structure will be eighteen inches higher than the old bridge and the approaches are to be built accordingly. TECHNICAL BOARD ARRANGEf'ENTS FOR CLASSES Prospects for the Temuka Technical Association’s new year are bright, according to the reports of the chairman (Mr J. T. Smart) and director (Mr A. G. Linn), at the monthly meeting of the Board of Managers on Wednesday evening. Commercial classes are to start next week and plans for extending the curriculum were discussed when preliminary matters in connection with the woolclassing and dressmaking classes, to start in April, were being considered. Satisfactory arrangements for tuition in commercial subjects had been made, the chairman reported. The instructor (Mr T. POole, M.A.) was highly qualified in his work and, as in the Case of the subjects already provided by the school, there would be no necessity for pupils to travel to Timaru if they wished to take up commercial instruction. The director reported having approached the Education Board for assistance in the securing of typewriters, and the Board’s reply had been to the effect that four new machines had only recently been granted the District High School, with which a suitable arrangement for their use might be made. Regarding material for the woolclassing class, the director reported having received offers of 12 fleeces from Messrs Tripp Bros., of Orari Gorge, and several fleeces from Mr T. D.

Burnett, M.P., while samples of scoured and unscoured wool, as well as show fleeces, were offered on loan from Mr W. H. Cook, of Geraldine. The Temuka Farmers’ Union had been approached and had agreed to supply a quantity of crutchings. Commenting on the offers of assistance, the chairman said that they were most helpful and generous. The quantity received so far was not all that would be required, but it would form a valuable start. Mr J. O. J. Oliver, a member of the Board, offered to approach farmers in his district with a view to securing further supplies, and it was decided to write thanking those who had already assisted. In connection with the woolclassing room, it was agreed to approach the Education Board for assistance towards having electric light installed. The Education Board wrote approving of the appointment of Mr Linn as director.