OTOROHANGA.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17964, 8 March 1930, Page 3

OTOROHANGA.

TOPICS OF THE MOMENT.

DISTRICT ITEMS OF INTEREST. (Our Resident Representative). Tlie Honildwi Ratepayers’ Association, at its last meeting, decided to endeavour to procure a consignment of the Cinnibar moth for liberation on ragwort-infested localities throughout the district, where the plant has gained considerable headway in recent years. The Rainfall. Rain fell at Otorohanga during six days in February, totalling 2.57 inchesThe highest temperature was 86—on the 7th —and the lowest 34 degrees on the sth. At the moment of writing the weather is exceedingly warm and sultry. A New Road. As a result of a special meeting the settlers of tlie Awatane (Ivio KioTe Kawa) district are unanimous regarding the provision ol’ a new road to give access to several Maori leaseholds which have been settled under Maori Land Board tenure. The matter of the proposed road has been the subject of discussion for many years by the interested parties, some of whom had no road access to their holdings. The new road will open up a considerable area of virgin country—in addition to serving the wants of established settlers. Hay Crops Garnered. The longest haymaking season in Ihe historv of this district has concluded, and during the past fortnight many splendid crops have been stack ed. * Most dairymen are now well provided with winter fodder. T‘io pastures are still growing strongly, and the aftermath from the hay paddocks is already providing additional grazing of a succulent character lor the milking cows. ■ Dairymen report that the herds are milking splendidly and are testing better now than for the same period of last year. Despite the reduced pay-outs loi butterfat, it is safe to assume that the general revenue will exceed that ot last season. The Pig Trade. One of the largest bacon factories operating for years past in the fat pig trade of this district has temporarily cancelled its buying operations, on the grounds that the prices being offered by rival concerns for fat pigs do not permit of a reasonable margin of proht .being left to the bacon manufacturers The local price for bacon p.gs is ( >- 3 d on the scales. At present the bulk purchased are consigned by rail to Taranaki bacon factories. With Rod and Reel. The enthusiastic Otorohanga anglers, Messrs A. J. McCready and E. Cumpstone, have just returned home after a trip to Taupo, Atiamuri and Awapuni. They report excellent fishing in the "llatipi,” Waikato and TaurangaTaupo Rivers, near the lake, and especially just below the Huku Falls, on ■the Waikato River- They state, however, that the great majority of the 40 rainbow trout secured during five days’ fishing were very poor in condition. and many of them were returned to the water as a consequence. The summary of their experience is that fish are very plentiful at Taupo, but in very poor condition.

Metalling Activity. Taking full advantage of the ideal weather that now obtains the metalling contractors, under the Otorohanga County Council, arc showing maximum activity It is safe to assume that all contracts will be completed before the advent of winter retards such operations. Winter Dairying Projected. The eagerness with which dairymen are buving winter calving heifers this season indicates that many herdsmen propose lo milk all the year round in this region. . There is an abundance of winter fodder provided, and the mild winter climate here promotes encouragement for successful winter dairying. Wrestling Accident. While engaged in a friendly wrestling bout the other evening Mr Dale, a farmer, of Otorohanga, had the misfortune lo dislocate his right shoulder. Californian Thistle. The spread of Californian thistle in this territory is causing landowners some uneasiness. It has been the general experience that ploughing infested lands merely promote a more vigorous growth of the plant. More successful results have been reached on Die farms where frequent culling of the weed is practised, thus preventing it from seeding and spreading to neighbouring properties. All classes of stock readily eat the thistle when freshly cut.