THE CROPS IN OTAGO.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3600, 25 January 1883, Page 4

THE CROPS IN OTAGO.

We eb'p the following from our exchanges: —The crops in flic Titapeka district are looking well, says tho local paper, and the weather enjoyed at present is all that could be desired for bringing them to maturity. The rain which succeeded the spell of dry •weather had the effect of lengthening the straw of tho latter sown crops so much, that in some instances they have lain down from sheer weight. Harvest will bo on very shortly if such favorable weather should continue for any length of time. The yield is expected to bo a good average one. The -weather for the hay crops until within the last few days has hardly been so favorable, being inclined to be a little broken, and thus having the effect of retarding haymaking to some extent. However, it is now all that could be desired. Tho turnip braird has got a fine start, owing to tlie amount of moisture iv the ground, and consequently there will be a very regular crop of this root. The grass paddocks are looking well all round, aud there is plenty of pasture for stock of all sorts. The advent of fine warm weather, after a heavy downpoor of rain, has been productive of beneficial results to the growth of the pastures throughout the Upper Taicri district. The elevated regions arc clothed with a heavy mantle of grass to gladden the hearts of the pastoral community. The current clip has proved an exceptionally good ono in respect to quantity, and also quality. To crown the whole, a higher percentage of lambs on the several stations in this district has been recorded, and pastoral affairs may truly be said to be iv a flourishing condition at the present time. —Corn-cutting commenced on Tuesday in David Murray's paddock, near Tapamri. Continued complaints reach us (Tapanni Courier) as to the scarcify of laborers, aud during the coming harvest farmers in this district, as well as in tho Northern districts, may expect to pay a high price for hands. If it were not for reapers aud binders half this season's corn crop in New Zealand would have been wasted. Landowners also complain that. they cannot get hands enough to keep down the rabbit pest. We suppose that a supply of emigrants will be sent to these shores when the busy season is all over, aud then the " unemployed " cry will be resuscitated. After carei'id inquiries as to tho probable yield of grain during- the ensuing season, we estimate that North Glenkenica will yield 150,000 bushels of grain—nearly all of which is oats.