ROTONGARO.

Huntly Press and District Gazette, Volume 4, 18 June 1915, Page 2

ROTONGARO.

Own Correspondent. Since my last notes were sent in, the district has suffered a severe loss, in the sudden death of Mr J. Comins, senr., I am sure the deepest sympathy of the settlers will be extended to the bereaved relatives. The deceased gentleman was deeply respected by all those with whom he came in contact, and although he had reached the three score and ten, yet, right up till the last was full of vim, and died in harness. Yet another has to be added to the long list of vehicles that have come to grief on the railway, Mr R. Izatt a farmer out here, had the misfortune to smash a cart on it this week. The local farmer’s union, has time and again written to the 0.1. C. and has certainly succeeded in getting some improvements to the approaches, yet a lot remains to be done before it will be even safe fer vehicles. I throw it out as a suggestion, perhaps if the Huntly Town Board were to join hands with the Huntly West Farmer’s Union, and approach the Minister of Railways, something might be done to make the bridge decently safe for traffic. Mr J. Mount is paying a visit to friends in Auckland. Smith Brothers had the misfortune to lose another horse this week. Mrs Mount also had the misfortune to lose one of her milking cows. Mr Newton is paying a visit to Mr G. Farmer, (Hillcrest). Following up the few notes I sent you last week on the strides made by the farming community round these districts. If we branch off at Capstick’s corner and follow the Pukenui Road, we come to Mr S. Lloyd’s farm, Here again we find considerable improvements, grass paddocks snow up splendidly from the road, and shelter trees are thriving well, Mr Lloyd’s kitchfen garden is certainly a revelation and is the best I have seen in the district and speaks volumes for the class of soil. Next we come to Bradburn’s.and although only recently in possession, the owner has effected a change already. Adjoining we find Mr R. McEwan’s farm, where we see an object lesson of what scientific farming means; it is generally conceded that Mr McEwan’s turnip crop is the finest in the district. This is a pretty tall order, as I know of one crop where plenty of turnips may be seen weighing as much as 23Jtjlbls each. Next improvement the owner intends to cut a drain right through bis swamp, this will eventually connect with Lake Rotongaro, aud must be of great advantage. Immediately adjoining we come to Caley Bros. farm. Two years ago I went along this road, and the district was over - run with bracken, etc., now we find a fine herd of milking cows and plenty of beautiful green paddocks.