FARM NOTES.

Otaki Mail, 17 February 1922, Page 4

FARM NOTES.

A gentleman who has just returned from the Bay of Plenty told a representative that the outlook for many settlers in that district who bought in at boom prices was by no means rosy, in that the loan companies (who had held off so long) were just waiting for wool and stock to advance a few more points in value before distraining on their security. These companies had, he aver-, red, purposely refrained from entering into possession before because with wool and mutton at a low ebb they would not have realised the value of their security. * A farmer in the Eongotea district, who has shown a preference for maize as a green foodstuff, has this season a most prolific crop, the stalks in some instances attaining a height of 10 and 11 feet. The cocksfoot crop at Akaroa this season is reported to be an absolute failure. Owing to the slump in sheep-farm-ing (says the Wanganui Chronicle) the farmers upriver have been turning their attention to milking and sending their cream down river to town. Every steamer now brings down 24 to 30 cans of cream. A Levin resident who had between 50 and 60 acres of harvesting to do states that he was swamped with applicants looking for work, upwards of 100 interviewing him with the hope of getting a job. Recently a soldier settler in Hawke 's Bay purchased 1500 lambs at 6s per head. People thought he was unwise, but in three days the price of lambs commenced moving upward, and a week or so afterwards the soldier sold 500 of his purchase at ISS per head. This gave him 1000 lambs for nothing. They are now worth 265, but at £1 each the transaction shows a profit of £IOOO, less expenses. Two Christckurek residents recently sent several carcases of frozen sheep to friends in a Home town for distribution as a Christmas present (states the Press). By last mail they received letters of thanks, one of which read as follows:—'' Everybody appreciates ' your kindness and thoughtfulness. It means a great thing for the ex-soldiers ' and their rdfcitivcs to be remembered at this time, and they are deeply grato- | ful. The mutton arrived in perfect (condition, and among the men who helped in the distribution were several butchers. Thoy did the cutting up, and they say they have never seen liner mutton. It went to between 140 and 150 houses, and it proved the greatest blessing to the people. You have provided a grand Christmas dinner." The recent dry spell has had its effect on pastures along Foxton line, especially in the sandy districts, which are burnt brown. A striking instance of the spread of goats' rue is providod on a section of land between Rangitane and Raniriotu, I where the weed is flourishing at wilt.