LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLV, Issue 3228, 15 June 1928, Page 7

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

A TRACTOR GRADER

Sir.—lt seems that some of the members of the Ellesmere County Council have either no kick in them or else they want to see our rates go up every year when they vote against the purchase of a tractor grader. Every year our roads are gradually growing worse [through not having the grader over i them often enough. Of course the horse grader is probably cpjite O.K. as its headquarters is on the roadside midway between Cr. Quigley and Hesiop's and an for the roads in some of the other parts of the district, well once, a year will do them.

To my mind, what is the use of placing fine gravel on the roads if we have not a tractor grader? I could show yon a road that cost nearly £300 to shingle and roll, and is now nothing but a line of pot holes filled with water. This road was metalled three years ago and jhas been graded once. Had the council a tractor grader at work this road among many others Avould have been good but now, alas, it is ruined I through neglect.

I, among many other ratepayers, consider that the matter of a tractoil' grader should be dealt with at a full meet ing of the council and I trust that ouv> worthy chairman will exercise his vote. !-—Yours etc.

SOTJTHBRIDGE .RIDING.

Stories of the war and the trenches were exchanged by Keys. J. K. Young and E. S. Emmitt at a welcome social to the latter-at Hawera. One told by the former delighted the listeners. He described an experience with a "hard case" corporal who, in return for a service done by the padre, told him that "though I am no good at Bible banging, if at any time you want anything stolen, come,to me." The occasion for taking advantage of this offer arose after the armistice, when the officer in charge of a regiment at Cologne, with the army of occupation, asked the padre's assistance in checking the spread of gambling. It was mentioned that a "crown and anchor board" was

the greatest attraction to the men, and the padre, recalling the corporal's offer, sent for him and told him he wanted that board. "But," said the corporal, "it is a nice little school and it would be a pity to disturb it." However, the padre insisted and got the board. Later, when the men* were being repatriated, the corporal, when saying good-bye, asked for the board, a request which was refused. The padre later on found that the man had gone through his kit and again annexed the crown and anchor board.

To achieve a production of 3401b. of butterfat per cow in a herd of over 40 animals, is an enviable thing. It has been accomplished by a Taranaki farmer through exceptionally heavy topdressing and careful testing and culling (states an exchange). Reckoning butterfat at 1/6 per lb., these cows have averaged over £25 per cow for a season. This farmer's position is all th/> more to be envied when it is remembered that even if butterfat were to fall to only 1/- per lb. his cows would return him £17 per cow and would still show a good profit over maintenance costs, which are generally reckoned to ibe between £12 and £13 per cow. On a !90-acre farm he has wintered 40 cows, a bull, 18 calves, three horses, and 50

grown sheep. Supplementary - crops have been grown for the milking cows, arid ensilage has been 4made each, .season. In effect the farm is top dressed three times every two years, owing to the sytsem in vogue. The land is fair average Taranaki country, and the herd is comprised of Jerseys, the replacements being made from the heifers of the best producers. .The results [that have boon secured on this farm j could be repeated by any progressive [farmer using the same methods. ■

and then four long holes; this is not altogether a desirable feature and Mr J. A. Clements advised the club last year to start the round at the present eighth hole and finish at the seventh. The committee discussed this question thoroughly and came to the unanimous opinion that it would be wise to try out this reform for a few week-ends at least. It was decided that green fees be fixed at 2/- per round of 18 holes, the member introducing a visitor to be responsible for the charge incurred.