PUKEKOHE TO BOMBAY

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 305, 28 August 1917, Page 4

PUKEKOHE TO BOMBAY

(By our travelling Reporter.)

On the outskirts of the Borough in the direction of Pukekohe East there is already evidence that farmers are taking advantage of recent sunshine by preparing their land for cropping. In this district the land is typically adapted for potato growing, the slope of the country generally being of sufficient grade to carry a vay the water which on low-lying land is swampy and unsuitable for cropping.

Messrs Reynolds Bros have just recently on a six acre paddock sown "Maori Chief"—a potato of good r >pute. Previously the paddock in question was laid down with must ird, which just before flowering was v. ell ploughed in. This gives that c'lange of life and recuperative power to the soil preparatory for the " spuds." While the farm would hardly justify the title of "ideal," there is sufficient evidence of careful firming to show that no time is idly frittered away. Happily the brothers work with a determination which cannot fail to produce success. Their cows are of a good roomy type mainly JerseyShorthorn cross and have a good c.earn record. In this district the ' New Zealandia " appears to be the f tvourite milking machine, and ' essrs Reynolds Bros after twelve months use are quite satisfied with i s economical working and results. Despite the rough weather sheep in tie district between Pukekohe and Bombay are looking well, while dives, which are daily becoming l.iore familiar sights on the farms, ; re perhaps stronger than might be i xpected. This is due, as wa3 remarked to the writer, to the fact I iiat during the rough weather the tows wero nursed and protected noro than usual, tlio result being toon in the offspring. On the higher land iu the vicinity of the Buckland-Tuakau road the pastures look remarkably well. Already farmers are using lime for their grass land and despite the absence of labour some good farming ian be seer. ITere and there certain holdings are an advertisement in themselves, the hedges and culverts being kept in particularly good order. In other cases conspicuous neglect and carelessness are observable.

With tho advanco of brighter days it is confidently anticipated tho whole district through Happy Valley—a new name by the way which suggests peaceful prosperity—will have a more successful season than the last, judging by the energy and devotedness to farming which is characteristic of those who happen to see in the unfolding of Dame Nature's plans a glorious future. Everything depends on work, interest, and a pride in producing the best.