ON THE LAND

New Zealand Tablet, 16 August 1917, Page 46

ON THE LAND

Gorse "ash is very rich in potash, and farmers who burn their hedge trimmings on roadsides are wasting pounds worth of a most valuable manure.. An early pioneer recalls the fact (says the Auckland Herald) that long before the Ohinemuri was settled the Maoris grew wheat in considerable quantities on the flats where no wheat is now produced. Trading boats used to go up the river and carry the grain to Auckland. Sixpence more a bushel was received for the Ohinemuri grain than for any other, on account of its superior quality. The autumn-sown grain crops generally in the Geraldine district have made excellent progress during the last winter month, notably the earliest oats, which already have come in usefully for change sheep feed, and are again in vigorous growth. The wheat also has done well, though in places it is evident that the small birds have levied a considerable toll upon the seed. This winter the same small bird pest has been more active than before, and stacks are to be seen so damaged by the birds constantly pulling out straws to get the grain, that the threshing mill must come to stop the loss at once. Towards the Moana and Four Peaks Settlements, the condition of affairs is also forward for the time of year, and in most ways satisfactory. Teams are at work upon the plough lands, the crops are doing well, and all farm work is well ahead. Hereabouts the turnip and sweed feed is now nearly finished, and in one case an owner has moved his sheep as far as the Ashburton plains, where the required roots were obtained readily. Up to date the stock generally is in good or fair condition, and at least in better order than is usually the case at the beginning of August. A busy time is ahead for the remaining "supply of hands, but, other circumstances permitting, the outlook is for a prosperous farming year. Akaroa has orange trees growing in the open, and in full bearing this winter, too (states the Press). On one tree, for instance, barely six feet high, standing on the sunny side of a close fence, are to be found some four or five dozen oranges, the largest of them being fully equal in size to the average Island fruit, A similar sight can be seen in two or three other gardens in this quiet corner of the Peninsula that is so bountifully blessed by Nature. One enthusiastic orchardist, the proud owner of the orange tree referred to, is doing his best to cultivate the lemon as well. It would appear as if, in a few years, Akaroa will be able to display to visitors sub-tropical fruits, for their eyes at least, if not for their palates, to feast upon. Recently the Wyndham Dairy Factory Company paid out to suppliers a sum of close on £4OOO (says the Wyndham Herald.) The company began the season cautiously by making a progress payment of Is per lb of butter-fat. A later "adjustment brought the amount up to Is 3d; and now, just after the close of the season, another payment of 4d as for the whole season has been disbursed. This makes the payments for the season equal to Is 7d per lb of butter-fat. There will be still another payment in respect of the past season, which, it is anticipated, will be equal to nearly 2d more, making the aggregate payment almost Is 9d for the season. We understand that the previous highest price was Is 7d. Thus it .has been a very profitable season for the suppliers.