POKENO TOWNSHIP AND THE VALLEY

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 349, 1 February 1918, Page 1

POKENO TOWNSHIP AND THE VALLEY

(By our Travelling Reporter) It is questionable whether the district around Pokeno and that part known as "Pokeno Valley" can be regarded as well farmed. In the township, especially that portion close by the railway line, the existence of so many absentee sections is a disgrace to the district and has a disastrous effect on the surrounding country. Some farmers, however, are doing their best to uphold a gocd reputation and among such is Mr C. Leatham who farms about 75 acres adjoining the railway line between Pokeno and Mercer. At the time of the writer's visit Mr Leatham was busy ploughing some* hilly country with a three horse team, his boy fourteen years of age being by his side. The latter was only anxious to put his hand to the plough and despite his age he evidently knew how to handle the team which the father then left it) his son's charge. Mr Leatham is a great believer in work for boys and the youngster evineed a keenness in the work which was a credit to them both. It certainly keeps boys healthy and out of mischief said Mr Leatham. With pride Mr Leatham showed the writer a splendid crop of maize which although " not in cob " had already grown to over ten feet. Close by were some "Northern Star" potatoes and judging from the crop which Mr Leatham unearthed they were excellent quality. The land was put down with crushed lime, superphosphate and bone manure. Of his stock he runs 25 cows mainly Shorthorn-Jersey cross, 22 calves, 5 horses and 12 pigs. Last year he had 22 cows and these produced 7000 pounds of butter-fat which was regarded as satisfactory and established Mr Leatham's faith in the Shorthorn-Jersey cow as a good allround animal. While Mr Leatham does not aspire to be an ideal farmer he endeavours by pereistent woik to keep each paddock in good trim and to not allow noxious weeds to predominate his holding.