ONEWHERO.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 240, 9 January 1917, Page 1

ONEWHERO.

Even at the rising hill country above the Waikato river—which wends its way through some of the best sheep and cattle land in the Auckland district—farmers have experienced serious losses in their hay crops, which, owing to the serious effect of the recent heavy storms, have caused a certain amount of depression. Perhaps the absence of efficient labour has contributed to no small amount of inconvenience, but this in many cases has meant the larger use of female help. "When the boys have gone the girls have come forward," said a farmer, "and right glad were we to have them : the labour problem has to be met by the transition of male to female labour, and in many cases our girls have been real solid workers." Oats, and also barley, throughout this district are in good heart and condition. There is very little blight, and the crops generally are clean and full, which gives some evidence of careful ploughing aud sowing. " Mr Bunny " seems to be having a good time, and farmers would be well warned to keep a sharp eye and close netting on the little chap that carries the white signal tail. Sheep are doing well and there have already been carted from the districts of Wairamarama, Klondyke and Onewhero about sis hundred bales of wool.

Dairying is fast increasing throughout this district aud home separation has come to stay. There are not a great number of pure bred on grade cows, and while farmers have nothing to say against the Holstein the favourite seems to be a Jersey-Shorthorn cross. Private Rapson, who with his parents came out from "beautiful Devon" about four years ago, has been on final leave and returned to Trentham on Saturday. He rs attached to the 23rd Reinforcements. Many of his old friends in the district were glad to see him looking so well. There is no absence of feed, and what is perhaps almost as bad is a lack of cattle to eat off the grass so rapidly going to seed. Farmers now recognise that they have sold their young stock too soon, and experience great difficulty in obtaining stock-to eat off the feed. Some sheep farmers have experienced a rather bad lambing season —this more especially among the Romneys~but lambs have grown well and are commanding good prices. Other farmers— those whose land and general surroundings are better suited to particular breeds have experienced good lambing results; such as 1100 lambs from 1200 ewes. Generally speaking, farmers are complaining. With regard to labour, one farmer tersely put it that more town folk should go to war and thus help those in the country. Mr W. H. Hawke, of Pukekohe, who has enlisted and leaves to-day (Tuesday) for Trentham camp, visited Onewhero, which is his old district, and was entertained by Mr and Mrs S. H. Crawford at their home on Friday last. The gathering was in every sense a social one and served to cement friendships of long ago. Songs, interspersed with homely jokes and tales, kept the company" in a harmonious state. Mr S. H. Crawford sang " Little Brown Jug," and the guest of the evening obliged the company with " On the Banks of Allan Water," which he sang well. Mr Ivan Motion sang "It's a Long Way to Tipperary," while MrL. L. Allen sang "The Rosary" in good style, Mr Muir giving tho company a recitation " Lochinvar," which was appreciated. Shortly after 11 all joined in singing " Auld Lang Syne " and this brought a pleasant evening to a close, many wishing the guest of the evening the beet of luck and a safe return.

The holiday season has quieted the Hamilton deviation scheme and beyond the intimation that another poll will have to be taken on the question of the loan for £6OO there is nothing much to report. There is always needed " those little breezes to keep the ship going " otherwise the placid waters in the " stand where you are " boy would never be upset. Excitement and a little ".scrap " tend to raise the spirits of Councillors and we anticipate a little fun.

Wairamarama and Glen Murray which is the rough sheep country beyond Onewhoro is getting its full share of rabbits. Some farmers are

keeping rneu i tv:terminate these pests. On Mi ' am -i >n s t:\rm, turnips and rapi :■•■ 'i-cding purposes are looking v<M Id the ! strict the type of gras .: r ,.-1 and the farms generally are well worked special at-

tention being giv<"j to cropping. Mr Moore who dd out his dairy herd some time ago is gradually coming bad', to the cowbails. He has some ■. od feed and there is every sign utfiul plodding work. The situation ot'he farm ; s remarkably good