EX-SOLDIER FARMERS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4606, 26 September 1923, Page 2

EX-SOLDIER FARMERS.

ON THE AROHA BLOCK. GOOD PROGRESS REPORTED. GRAZING AND DAIRYING. In writing on the progress made by ex soldiers on the Aroha district, the Waihi Telegraph says :— About three years ago the Crown Lands Department threw open for selection by returned soldiers a block of bush land in the Aroha Survey District, lying between Katikati amd Waitawheta, and comprising in all about 10 00 acres. The block was subdivided into holdings varying from 160 to 290 acres and six ex-soldiers are now engaged on its cultivation, with very satisfactory results. The land is of good quality, and has responded well to treatment, which in the main has consisted of grassing bush burns. Of a section of 184 acres H. Brown has 80 acres fenced and in grass, with which he put a few pounds of turnip seed, the grass seed mixture to the acre being about 251bs. The take proved very good, and Mr Brown is at present running 20 yearling heifers, to which he hopes, to add a similar number shortly. These will be disposed of next year as springers. The owner expects early in 1924 to commence the erection of a home on the property, and in the interval to get down further bush in readiness for grassing. Another holder, Mr C. Birch, who has a 290 acre lot, has so far grassed 90 acres, and subdivided part of the area. A further 50 acres of bush has been felled, and is in readiness for a fire to be run through it,, preparatory to grassing. Mr Birch, who resides on the section, will milk about 20 cows for the factory this season. The Leech brothers (2) hold between them a total of 375 acres, and have a .dwelling on the holding, also milking sheds, yards, etc., and a fourcow milking plant. Of the area 150 acres have been put down in grass, and some thirty cows will be milked for the factory during the current season. Mr Dean, with a section of 160 1 to 179 acres, has about half the area in grass, and is running a fair number of stock on the property. He intends to milk fifteen cows, or thereabouts, this season, and will make a start with the erection of a house as soon; as the roads are fit for the carting of .the timber. A building has already been dismantled for. the purpose, and the timber, etc., is ready for transit. Mr R. McLean, the remaining member of the little band of soldier settlers with a holding on the block, has to date only a-few acres of hush down. His section is, however,, ring fenced, and., as a considerable portion is fern land, he will shortly put the plough through some of this. In conjunction with relatives residing close by Mr McLean has already been milking a few cows for the factory, and his herd will probably be carried up to 20 to 25 this season.