WOOL AND MEAT

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2699, 19 February 1916, Page 9

WOOL AND MEAT

GREAT STAPLE INDUSTRIES THE BACK COUNTRY ITS VAST POSSIBILITIES Notwithstanding all that may be said for the other industries of the town and district, the great staple industries are wool and meat-producing, and upon these mainly the prosperity of the district depends. Production in these industries has been considerable in the past, but as nothing compared with the possibilities for the future. The copious rainfall, together with the natural fertility of the soil, ensures a plentiful growth of grass. The huge area surrounding the town will, when all is brought into (Cultivation., support an enormous number of stock. During recent seasons, when drought hlrs been experienced in districts near the coasts, outside farmers have had their attention drawn to the Waimarino district as being capable, of carrying 'stock far in excess of the numbers held by Waimarino settlers, and they have brought in flocks of sheep to tide them over the' drought period in their own country. •_ So plentiful is the growth of grass in the Waimarino in the summer months that farmers have found difficulty in keeping the land sufficiently stocked, while in some districts the farmers' main difficulty is to find feed to support the stock they have. It is not to be supposed that the wintercarrying capacity of Waimarino land is greater than that of land in lesser altitudes, for, on account of the greater altitude of the country, particularly about Raetihi, the farmers lind.it necessary to grow root crops and other winter feed. For these crops, however, the soil is eminently suited, and no part of New, Zealand has produced better, root crops than this high country. Fine Value In Land. This country has the advantage at the present time of being on the market at a price which is most reasonable

by comparison with certain other land. The present average value of Waimarino farming land in grass is about £8 10s. per acre. The carrying capacity of this land, it is claimed, is 'equal to that of laud for which from £16 to £20 per acre is readily paid iu other districts. From these figures it will be seen that the only disadvantage suffered by the Waimarino farmers is the cost of carrying produce to the market, and this cost is infinitesimal when compared with the relative ruling prices of farming land. Many of the farms in the district are still held by' selectors who took up the land under bush about twenty years ago, and they are satisfied to hold the Waimarino land, because they know that if tliey sold out at present prices they would find difficulty in getting as good value elsewhere.

Sheep and cattle raised in the Waimarino district thrive, and are exceptionally. healthy. Outbreaks of serious sickness among stock are unknown, and losses through ailment are practically nil. It is said that sheep reared here command a higher price" thau shoep reared, in other districts.

Practically every farmer in the district produces fat stock, and several big freezing companies conduct- operations in the district. Farmers find a ready sale for their fat stock, which are coming, fonVard in ever-increasing quantities. All Roads Lead to Raetihi. On account of the convergence oi reads on lino tihi from various farming districts, the town has become a recognised stock centre, and through its geographical position it promises to becomo one of the greatest stock centres of the North Island, and even now it, is claimed that it is the chief centre between Feilding and Hamilton. ■Stock- sales- are conducted regularly by Messrs. Freeman It. Jackson and Co., Ltd., and other firms 'have branch ollices in llaetilii, and commodious. saleyards in the town. - ■As evidence of the progress which has been mado in settling" the land in the country at the back of Raetihi, it may- bo noted that blocks which aro carrying the most stock at the present time were iu virgin bush eight or nine years ago. The .Ruatiti and Mangatiti blocks .on the north-west of tho district were offered by tho Crown for selection in the early part of 1909, and now form a. prosperous aud well-settled and Improved part of the country, served by dray roads and good stock tracks. This where mail aud beast failed to tread only nine years ago! In the southern part of the district the Ohotu - Block, which was put on tho market in 1903, but was not readily taken up for several years afterwards, is now looked upon as one of tho most prosperous parts of tho district, and its farms (although having the disadvantage of' being under, Native .leasehold tenure) aro cagoiiy sought after by farmers who know good land when they see it. Tho country situated to the westward of Raetihi, which is traversed by tho road to 'Pipiriki asd the Wanganui River, is now closely settled throughout the whole of its length of seventeen miles. The iand generally is hilly, but is excellent sheep country, and the once beautiful and attractive' coach drive along the Pipiriki Road has lost much ( f its charm through tho 1 felling of tho forest in the march of settlement.