WAIMATE PEA CROPS

Timaru Herald, Volume CLV, Issue 22786, 10 January 1944, Page 3

WAIMATE PEA CROPS

Decrease In Production Picking Nearly Finished An abnormal decrease in the quantities of • peas dispatched from Waimate to outside markets has been noted this season. While in most years large consignments are going forward daily at this period, very small quantities are being sent at the present time. Unfavourable weather earlier in the year spoiled many of the crops, with the result that some of the largest growers have now finished picking at a time when, under normal conditions, the season would be at its height. “We had a small crop of peas for the early market, and certainly we received record prices, but unfortunately this did not last, and we are right out of it now.” one big grower told a “Timaru Herald" reporter. "Usually we dispatch about a ton a day to the markets at this time, but now we have nothing to send away.” Growers of peas on the hillside above Waimate have suffered severely as the result of the abnormal weather experienced earlier in the season. A long spell of wet weather was followed by a dry period when the ground was baked hard and the pea crops sustained severe damage. One grower v/ho had 35 acres in peas lost 25 acres of his crop in this manner. Another man who had sown 16 acres picked no peas at all. Approximately four tons of peas are normally dispatched every day at this time of the year from Waimate to the markets in Timaru, Oamaru, Dunedin and Christchurch. At the present time consignments are very small. The loss of the early crop on many of the pea-growing areas was responsible for failure to reach the customary dispatch total until just prior to Christmas. For a while about four tons were being sent away, but this total soon dwindled as the crops for this market period had not been sown in many instances because of the west weather at the planting season.

Motor Campers The Waimate motor camp at Victoria Park has been fairly well patronised during the holiday period, three or four parties being established there on most days. On occasions there were more visitors, but the majority appeared to be making short stays on their way north' or south. Kelcy’s Bush has also attracted camping parties, and visitors from Timaru have chosen this popular resort for their holiday visit. There are compers at Kelcy’s Bush at the present time, as well as three parties at Victoria Park. Soldier Honoured A large crowd of friends and wellwishers attended a dance in honour of Private Eric Caird. Mr N. Bell, chairman of the Southburn Soldiers’ Social Committee, on behalf of the district wished Private Caird the best of luck and a safe return. Private Caird suitably replied. A leather hold-all had previously been presented and also a parcel of woolfen comforts from the Women's Division of the Farmers’ Union. Personal Miss F. B. Bracefield, who has recently been visiting Mr and Mrs W. Buckett, has returned to Christchurch. Mr and Mrs T. F. McCarthy (Dunedin) are the guests of Mrs A. HBetten, Parsonage Road. Mr and Mrs G. Harris and Mr and Mrs R. Munro, who have been holiday guests of Mr and Mrs A. W. Munro, High Street, have returned to Wellington. Mr B. J. Horgan and Miss Horgan have returned to Christchurch, and Mr J. Horgan and Miss Horgan have left for Wellington. Miss Mary Olliver (Oamaru) spent the week-end with Mrs G. M. Hewson, High Street. Mr and Mrs J. Foster and Mr and Mrs L. Hockey (Christchurch) are the guests of Mr and Mrs C. Higham, High Street.