AKAROA.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14839, 3 December 1913, Page 7

AKAROA.

All the native trees aro blossoming very freely this year. The kowhais wore a wonderful -sight, and tho cabbage trees have been full of blossom. The manuka is just as prodigal of bloom. According to the Maoris this wealth of blossom foretells a dry 6enson, but tho season co far has boon an exceptionally wet one.

This year appears to bo a record ono for peaches, nectarines and all stone, fruit. The peaches and nectarines, in particular, are very plentiful. There are many complaints about the poor apple crops, numbers of orchards being qwito bare of apples. Unless the fruit has a little more sun on it, it will bo decidedly lacking in flavour. " Last year in the early part of the season there was a wealth of feed, but this year the feed far surpasses it in quantity, being probably a record for tho Peninsula. Fanners will be able- to cut hay or cocksfoot in their cattle paddocks, and there is no danger of anyone being over-etocked. Tho quantity of feed is not tho best thing for the stock, who prefer the short sweet grass to that swelled by frequent rains. Many complaints are being made about the destructive habits of the weka or wood hen (says the "Mail"). These birds have" increased largely in numbers on the Peninsula during the last few years, and they not only rob hens' nests about homestoads, but kill chickens and even do a great deal of damago in the vegetable gardens. It is an offence to kill one of theso birds, as they are protected like all other native birds, but their destructive qualities aro rapidly making wekas tho enomy of tho farmer.