MOTU NOTES.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 1056, 25 November 1903, Page 1

MOTU NOTES.

(By Our Travelling Correspondent.)

After having experienced a month of really fine summer weather,we encountered quite a change last week in the shape of wet, stormy, and cold weather. The wet was -received with pleasure, the district been in need of such. Grass is now in abundance everywhere, and stock looks well. The erection of the Motu Dairy Factory is nearing completion, and dairyißts are anticipating giving good supplies. A large number of cows have been in milk for some time ; therefore the opening of tho factory will be very much appreciated by farmers. It is expected tho factory will be opened officially in about a fortnight's time. In 1 this connection Mr McGregor must be commended for his energy and “ push " against almost innumerable difficulties. Your correspondent had a trip through the Rakauroa district recently. From Motu to Rakauroa is about 16 miles ; the road line chiefly runs side by side with the Motu river, thus passing through some of the most fertile lands of this district. In my opinion the whole district is capable of vast production, with little improvements. Give railway communication and Motu as a whole will be a rival to Taranaki ; a very large portion of this district is eminently suited for dairying, although little in that way has yet been done. At Rakauroa I had the pleasure of inspecting Mr Beaufoy's dairying plant, which is the first installed in that district. The little factory has a steam turbine Alpba-Laval separator fitted therein, capable of separating 150 gallons of milk per hour. This small factory is thoroughly complete with all the necessary machinery for butter producing. Everything in connection with the plant was spotlessly clean,' and this goes a long way towards making good butter, and the Rakauroa factory butter Is known as such. All the work connected with this factory is done by the Boaufoy family’s own labor, and speaks well for their management. I understand Mrs Beaufoy started dairying on 14 cows. She is now milking about 65 cows and turning out 6cwt'of butter per week. Next year she purposes milking' 100 cows and enlarging her plant f she also intends tq erect a creamery some miles for **" benefit of settlers.