PUKEKOHE EAST.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 241, 12 January 1917, Page 1

PUKEKOHE EAST.

In the sheltering valleys of Pukekohe East where the recent rains have not had a disastrous effect on the grass or growing crops are to be found some good crops of wheat. Although wheat is not grown in large paddock?, those crops which lie well to the sun on the slopes of rising hills are strong and already possess good ear qualities. Oats, however, appear to do better in this district where their environment combined with judicious manuring produce magnificent results. The Kuakura Algerian variety, obtained in most cases from the Agricultural Department of the Government has the reputation for producing heavy chaff properties. The variety, however, unless sown early does not push ahead like other varieties. Where the pinus insignis stretch their heads high this indicates a permanency of holding, and looked at from some of the distant hills suggests homely associations. Here and there are some good typed cattle, which just now are lazily disporting themselves in the grass-laden paddocks—the fact is they fatten too quickly and while quantity counts, the housewife prefers a good juicy joint. All round the country-side cattle are looking too sluggish. Now and then " new chums " are not always welcome though a change in a district is a good thing. " Changes are good," remarked the writer to a lady farmer. "Yes," naively replied the speaker, "if you get the right sort of people, but that's the trouble." New people, not infrequently produce new ideas, and in time it is a new step in a right direction. So-great is the demand for young stock, that a well-known doctor farming in the district lately purchased as much young stock as he could at the vendor's own price.