MAURICEVILLE NOTES.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XVI, Issue 5560, 16 February 1897, Page 3

MAURICEVILLE NOTES.

(From Our Oicn Coms/mutcul). Monday. The continuous raiti of the last three weeks has caused the grass to grow luxuriantly, and a plentiful supply of Autumn and Winter feed for stock is assured. It has not, however, been an altogether universal blessing. A considerable quanj tity of cocksfoot seed has been lost* first by fire and now by water. Most oE the late plums, aro greatly damaged by the wet, and apple trees are coming iuto bloom again.

The Hastwell's School picnic postponed from Friday was held on Saturday. The weather was most unfavourable, but a further postponement was impossible owing to tho quantity of perishable material on hand. Festivities were therefore conducted indoors; the schoolhouse including the new addition (which is almost complete) was crowded. The usual sports were, of course, dispensed with, except in the case of a number of irrepressibles who played drop handkerchief until they, were almost wet through, The Maurice-ville-Hastwell's Brass Band played a largo number of selections during the afternoon, which were much appreciated, Tho Committee and Mr Petorson (chairman) in particular are deserving of great praise for tho way in which their annual treat eventuated in spito of unfavourable circumstances, A dance was held in Anderson's Hall in the evening (to music provided by tho Band) which was well attended,

It is feared that the quantity of soft squashy feed will be detrimental to the health of lambs throughout tho district. I would remind all interested that a cheap nud effective drench, is salt brine as strong as can bo made; dose, 2 to2loz, without starving tho slieop at all, as prescribed by most vendors of other sheep drenches, This simple treat- j m'ont has been successfully practised by sonie of our best sheep-farmers, who recommend about three doses at intervals through the summer, Better late than never, though, and I would suggest that it be tried at weaning .time and onco later' oh, keeping salt supplied in boxes as well,

• Tke eiti'ljr potato crop has been a : failure here this season, even on the very best-land. 1 ' Many blame the drought, but on'examination I find that.it is mainly caused by a grub, which bores into and destroys the portion,;.of- the stalk under the ground, The potatoes are thus, cut off from the parent stein .eat'lyj. aqd never come tpl maturity,. pest has teen in evidence for years, but

bas|noyer been so destructive before, The Agricultural Department should enlighten settlers as to ways and melius of coping with this serious nuisance.!