WHATAWHATA.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 3158, 20 September 1892, Page 2

WHATAWHATA.

The Ckbamkbt. —Our creamery started punctually on the Ist ult., but up to date a very suia'l quantity of milk has been received. Having commenced last season, upon September 23rd, very few suppliers were ready with their cows before about the same date this year. It seems pretty clear, however, that unless iriilk suppliers can make some special provision for feeding their cows for a month or so, until the grass comes in, the first of September will always be too early to start business. If the rule with respect to beginning promptly with the creamery is rigidly enforced, comparatively few of our suppliers will get the bonus, but Messrs Reynolds and Co. may in view of the circumstances, and it being the first season, modify the terms a little. Mr T. Kempthorne is the successful tenderer for carting the cream daily to Ngaruawahia, his contract including both our own and the Te Kowliai creamery.

The Late Frosts.—The late succession of frosts have completely checked the growth of grass' for a time, and some warmer weather is needed for the stock. Paddocks of good land that usually liavo a thick sward by this ar j , very bare yet. The fine weather is, however, useful in enabling settlers to work the land and get in their oats, potatoes, etc. Many of our dairying settlers are, I notice, goingin more 'for fodder crops such as maize. This will be used green, also stored as ensilage. One stack of maize, the contents of which had been cut gieen and put up in the ordinary way, turned out fine stuff last winter, every scrap being consiiinned. Skiuous Loss —Mr Calder was unlucky enough a few dayr, ago to lose a valuable mare, when near foaling. The animal was seen grazing in the paddock all right, but nalf-an-hour later was found stretched out. Mr Calder is inclined to think that the bot fly has had something to do with it, for last autumn the pest was very troublesome, and this mare in particular always seemed to be plentifully sprinkled with the eggs. The past winter has been a bad one for horses, and many settlers believe the bot fly is the cause of the trouble. However, in

every case like the above the stomach of the animal should be examined, if only as a guide to others, far it is shown that bots are causing such serious damage, horseowners will find it necessary during the hot months, to brush the affected parts with oil, kerosene, etc.

Hobse Breeding.—While on the equine topic, I understand that Mr John McNicoi intends to send his fine stallion, Mountaineer, through this district during the coming season. If one is to judge by the market prices, nothing should pay so well as stock from a horse like Mountaineer. They are in keen demand for busses, trains, spring-carts, and eveu on a farm are the most useful class to keep. Mr MoNicol is to be complimented upon his enterprise in introducing so many valuable stallions (undoubtedly tho best of their kind) into the Waikato. With Mountaineer and Mr Perkins' gold draught, Lord Clyde, for the heavier mares, our local horse-breeders should be able to grow some good payable stock.