MAKING. A NEW HOME

Horowhenua Chronicle, 22 March 1915, Page 2

MAKING. A NEW HOME

Thirty years ago in this district the first step in the making of a. new home was the clearing of the land, which, meant the destruction ot the foiest. This woik was clone with such thoroughness that the lirst thing necessary these dSys when setting up a nen- home is to plant trees for shelter, and the past season has emphasised the need of it. especially in newly-planted orchards, such as one sees on the Heatherlea settlement where the settlers are paying much attention to fruitgrowing. The front ot this settlement is open to tbe west windsj consequently many of the hedge trees have been planted already on the windward side. Among those who are carrying out this work on an extensive and «yst< ' static manner is Mr 1). osa holding is on the eastern end otlihi; Rosl.vn road. One ot the corners ot Mr Smalt's holding faces due west, and both sides of the angle will he 'planted with three-fold belt to protect the orchard from the wind. Immediately against the fences eleagniis have been planted and some yards further ii: a row 01-inacrocaipa, between the two will be planted a belt ot eucalyptus. That such a protection is absolutely necessary, a look at the young apple trees will prove. So tar 400 apple trees have been planted, besides a good selection of the smaller fruits, such as gooseberries, strawberries, etc.. while growing in a sheltered spot in the open are several citron, lime and lemon trees. in the meantime while the orchard trees are growing Mr Smart has been busy in other directions, and it is surprising the amount of work done and the quantity and variety of crops growing on (he holding already. About two acres wore put under potatoes this vear and a good crop is assured. A small lot took the blight, but the bulk of tbe crop. Northern Star, resisted, ind is looking well. A fair-sized area was «owii with onion seed and though ■•own in spring the crop has proved u .loud one; the percentage of "bullH'l'k.s" being small. In January 1000 ■auliflowers were planted out, and already some fine "flowers" are to tie seen. Ye I, in spite of all the rthove work, Mr Smart has found time to lay out several flower beds, a rosery, a lawn ■i ud the necessary ornamental hedges. Some have smiled at the two upright fern trunsk at the end of the paths but a closer look would have shown at the foot the young plants of beautiful flowering creepers, 'which in a few years will cover the tree fern trunks, and form fine floral arches. The house which stands on a rise is of timber framing with asbestos sheete outside and lined with aniiwnd. It ■on.sists of five rooms and has every "Oiivenience. a notable feature ahout it being the lighting; the upper part of 'lie doors being fitted with lead lights. From the verandah at the back a splendid view to the east and north can he obtained and the site is one of the best m the settlement.