WEST COAST ROAD

Hokitika Guardian, 24 February 1930, Page 2

WEST COAST ROAD

RIVER CAUSES WASHOUT. CHRISTCHURCH, February 21. An inspection of the Vest Coast road from Porter’s Pass to the Glacier Hotel, Realev, was made on Wednesday liy the District Public Works. Engineer (Mr F. Langbein), and the secretary ot the Canterbury Automobile Association (Mr J. S. Hawkes), the latter of whom yesterday submitted a, report on the subject.

been supplied, had been built up won- | derfully, and in many cases are now good rye-grass pastures, whereas the amount of rye-grass in the non-nitrogen treated fields have remained the same. Mr Levy, Agrostologist to the Department of Agriculture, alter inspecting pastures in a competition in Noitn Taranaki, said that lie took analyses ot the paddock some 12 months previously and that there had been undoubted building-up of the pastures since that time as a result of applying sulphate ol ammonia. Whereas, lie. said, 12 months ago the rye showed 2(i points, to-day, judging by the eye, he thought the rye would increase to probably of)'points. TEMPORARY PASTURES. In some districts there is quite an area sown each year ol Italian R.V Grass and Red Clover as temporary pastures.'" Early sowing, as well as adequate manuring pays hansomely for this crop. A good mixture is one of super-phosphate and sulphate of ammonia—half and half—used at the rate of 2cwt per acres. SUMMARY. Farmers desirioiis of securing the maximum return ’from their glassland would do well, therefore, to:—■ 1. Graze heavily during the autumn months, especially on the rotational grazing system. 2. Mow pastures when they get away from the stock. 3. Harrow adeciuatelv. 4. Apply phosphates, particularly super phosphate, early. 5. Use lime and potash where these arc needed. fi. Use T to 2 r, wt of sulphate of am monin about March so as to stinmlat' lat-n autumn and early winter growth. 7. Sow temporary pastures early and manure well.

“Porter’s Pass itself is in good order,” said Mr Hawkes. lheie <ue one or two washouts on the road, which are being deal with. One on the Pass is being repaired, and as soon as this work is finished the men concerned will go on to 'near Lake Linden, where 'there are two or three other washouts to he attended to. The ford at Rroken river is in good order, ns also is the load from Castle Hill to Bruce’s creek.”

Mr Hawkes Melded that the Waimakarir river had washed away a portion of the road to the extent ol tliiity oi forty chains on the Christchurch side of the Glacier Hotel, necessitating cars

being towed for about half a wile. A (rang of men was to be sent to the locality bv the Public Works ,17epartment, to build a new lord on the h'l side, and it was expected that .the work would take about three months to complete.