THE WAIAU DISTRICT.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 3, Issue 244, 3 November 1914, Page 4

THE WAIAU DISTRICT.

An Interesting Territory.

Continuing his desciiption of an interesting run through Waiau district our travelling representative writes Any thoughts of sleep that had been in my mind for the last hour or so at the birthday paity were dispelled at 3.30 a.m., when the return journey in the waggon was commenced; for farm waggons are uot built for passenger traffic. One had to keep very wide awake and hang on tightly to a loose 6x2 that was thrown in and iust rested on the tail board. However, the only miahap was the lobs of a ring off a swingle-bar—and tbis was soon remedied with a piece of wire. A somewhat stealthy entrance was effected into Mr J. Clark's house (at an hour not to be named) at least 1 considered it stealthy, but next day was Informed that " the awful row those chaps made coming in last right woke the whole household." However, in a comfortable bed all was soon forgotten. A terrific commotion a few minutes later (it only seemed to be a few minutes) caused me to spring up and I found it broad daylight, aud that Mr J. Clark, senr., was endeavouring to wake my mates in the adjoining bed. First: "What about those cows?" and then a dive at a protruding leg was the method employed. 1 immediately went to the assistance of the attacked, and endeavoured to resist the onslaught, after which were were all well aroused, and I offered to assist with the milking operations eo as to see for myself the quality of the Waiau cattle. A cup of tea and a snack had already been prepared by the ladies of the household and then all hands adjourned to the shed. Mr J. Clark has a herd of 35 choice Shorthorn and Jersey cattle now all iu full milk; choice would not be an expressive enough word after milking them, for superior they certainly are. True, one 1 milked was supposed to be the best cow in the shed, but the others 1 milked at randnm and everywhere was the same high-class qualityrich, heavy milkets in the best of condition. Six hardß did not take long to put the job through and the milk van was loaded up and was waiting at Mr K. Clark's, junr. (next door), before the machines were finished. A milking machine does the work with 40 cows at this shed. Then off we go to the creamery, some two miles distant, with the milk of 75 cowa aboard and well in with the first of the suppliers. Waiau has a very tidy little factory ably managed by Mr E. Holland. The water supply has been some trouble lately, but a bore has now been put down and a good flow tapped. Mr Holland has quite taken up with Waiau and has bought a farm alongside the creamery and is haviog a bouse erected. I had a look over the building which was nearing completion and found it was being built under the able guidance of Mr W. Clark, the work showing that he is evidently a skilful craftsman in this line. A neat little cottage it is, and everything quite modern and up-to-date. After bidding adieu at Mr J. Clark's, I called in at Mr R. Clark's, senr., and found the owner busy in the fields. This is another beautiful place, but "cow-spanking" is not carried on. Instead of cows I was shown fat bullocks, for Mr R. Clark's place is a noted fattening farm. Here I saw 60 fine fat bullocks, mostly just prime for the butcher, worth from £l2 to £l4 apiece and all lazing contentedly on the rich grassy flats that have such a wealth of feed. I . was shown one specially promising "youngster" of Mr Clark's own rearing, just three years old and in size and condition ahead of any of the four-year-olds, showing what a bit of breeding-and proper feeding when a calf—will do. Mr Clark considered this "baby" would go close on half-a-ton now, but he is to get 12 months' grass yet before his "day" comes, so it will be interesting to see what he does make by that time. The farm is practically bounded on two sides by a saltwater creek and in a cosy corner a model little motor launch was moored. In this the owner is able to visit any spot in the harbour oo the shortest notice. Although anxious to get on I could not refuse Mr Clark'u hospitable invitation to stay to lunch, after which I was shown the latest toy—a brand new model motor car with all the latest

improvements and comtorts. "Motoring" he explained to me, "is far better sport than anything I've yet found, and the launch is not in it with the car!" However, I was obliged to forego all these allurements, and bidding good-bye trotted off and a little farther up the road, called in at Mr John Schlapefer's Waiau farm. Tbis is also another valuable property and also has a beach frontage. The paddocks showed evidence of abundance of feed notwithstanding the dry spell and the large dairy herd graziug cn the farm. A homestead that shows a great improvement, and where a vast amount of hard work has been done since my last visit to Waiau, is that of Mr A. Davy. This in a year or two will be a very valuable property. The house stands in a very commanding position and overlooks the harbour and all the surrounding country. With the opening up of the proposed road through Hogwood's property Mr Uavy will be saved considerable time and distance on a journey to Patumahoe. A call in at the little school found Miss Maloney, the mistress, completing her day's work. Twenty-six pupils are now on the roll, and as there is only accommodation for about thirty a little more settlement will soon fill up the spaces. Ard so, towards nightfall, I again departed for home regretfully leaving the hospitable people and the many agricultural and pastoral fascinations of Waiau.