MANDEVILLE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2895, 8 September 1909, Page 38

MANDEVILLE.

September 6. — The weather has been anything but good for several weeks past and all work on tha farm, by way of cultivating the soil, has been at a standstill. However, th© very fine winter enabled farmers to get their spring work so fnr advanced that a little lost time now will make little or no difference. Feed for Stock. — The winter feed for htook has held out so well that there is an abundance of turnips everywhere, and fomo farmers are finding a difficulty in getting stock to clear the land in time for a grain crop, even when they offer the feed for nothing. The regular stock sales at the district centres are not bringing forth much stock, aJid what is offered is principally of a second-class order. The fact of th-2 matter is buyers are not tempted to pay the high prices ruling at this time of the year for many years past. The low prieo of lamb and mutton at Home at the present time does not warrant them doing 80. Then there is so much feed available that holders are inclined to hang on in the hope that prices will firm, and as the prospects for a good return from the coming wool clip is assured, the chances are ir their favour. Dairying. — The dairy farmers are preparing for another season. I understand that both the Pyramid and Otameta factories are opening to receive milk in a few weeks. They have before them another good featon. Unlike mutton and lamb, butter and cheese eeem to command good prices at Home, and the prospects of their continuing to <lo so seem to be \ery encouraging-. I believe the time is coming when the fanner in Southland who refuses to make his principal source of income the dairy herd will have 1 to step out and make room for someone

else. The adaptability of the soil and climate to produce butter and cheese of the best quality and in such" quantities as to make it very remunerative is beginning to manifest itself to such an extent that new factories are springing up in all directions. The Rabbit Nuisance. — The rabbiting season is nearing a Jose, and 9 very good season it ha 3 been. The price, for skins has been abnormally high, and l those who camped out on their blocks 'rew handsome cheques at. the end of each month. On the other hand, those who preferred working their block from their comfortable homes in the township found the time lest iD going and coming told heavily against them. Progress. — M. Duggan's handsome new residence in the township Is almost completed. It is quite an acquisition to the township, being far and away the handsomest residence in the place. Those who have known Mi and Mrs Duggan for a great number of years, and know how they have worked to get what they have go* together, can hardly help congratulating them on the new home they will in a few days step into. A Mistaken Notion.— The rumour that Mr Bouk had disposed of his general store and butchering business was not borne out by fact. Although his many friends were glad to hear that he had made a handsome profit, they regretted the departure of the Bouk family from the town, and when it became known that a sale had not been effected, it gave universal satisfaction.