A VISIT TO THE NORTH-WESTERN DISTRICT OF SOUTHLAND.

Southland Times, Issue 653, 5 April 1867, Page 3

A VISIT TO THE NORTH-WESTERN DISTRICT OF SOUTHLAND.

(BY OTJ_t OWN EEPOETEB.) I will endeavor in a hurried manner to give your readers some idea of the extent of cultivation in the various agricultural districts of this portion of Southland, but in doing so, I must at the outset disclaim any knowledge obtained other than a bird's-eye view of the different localities through which I passed, as your instructions, to me was simply to pay a flying visit to the .districts which I traversed in order to report upon the desirability or otherwise of a more detailed and lengthy report. I may say, in the beginning, that the extent of the farming operations far exceeded my expectations, and the variety of the products, and the unmistakeable appearance of material development of the agricultural resources of the Province of Southland, was most strikingly appaTant. In the first place then I started from Invercargill intending to proceed to the Otatau via Wallacetown, Waianawai, and Eiverton. The road, through the Waikivi, 'until you reach Wallacetown, is very bad, and judging from its present appearance in the middle of fine weather, as indicative of what it must have been during the winter months, the. conclusion arrived at is that the settlers must have had fearful odds to contend against. The country, after you arrive at the Waikivi, and from thence to the Wallacetown district, is largely laid out in farming, and the bush that some few years ago was so dense, is gradually giving way to the persevering energy of the industrious farmer. I noticed that on this line of road several gangs of workmen were employed in repairing it in the worst places, but unless the work is pushed on with greater energy, and the supply of metal more quickiy made available, those portions formed with clay only, at L the present rate of traffic, will shortly require to be done over again. Arrived at Wallacetown, the first thing that prominently meets the eye is the magnificent farm of Mr Jas. Morton, otherwise | known as the Company's. The ground, 1 as far as the eye can reach, is fenced, ' and English grasses and excellent crops meet you everywhere. Passing through the Waianiwa district, where tolerably good roads exist, quite a contrast to the bad ones left behind, the same appearance of growing crops of all kinds is noticeable on everyside, and the spectacle of an abundant harvest is also visible. Wheat, oats, potatoes, &c, has been largely cultivated, and the returns has been enough to satisfy the most sanguine. _ Indeed I have been informed that the yield of crops this year has been of the most prolific description, and exceeds that of all previous ones. At length I reached Eiverton, after passing through a district teeming with varied agricultural produce, remained a short time, and then continued my journey within a few miles of the Otatau. The aspect of the country after leaving Eiverton, until my arrival at the Otatau, is rich and luxuriant - corn stacked on all sides is prominently distinguishable, and the air of substantial comfort most favorably impresses the stranger. There is one circumstance I would like to mention, in order that the Government may be made acquainted with what must be considered a sad state of things. I am informed that the school at Gummy's Bush has been closed for want of the necessary support to carry it on. The schoolmaster, the Bey. James Eullarton, a minister of the Church of Scotland, possessing all the necessary qualifications fit for such a position, is debarred from want of funds of affording instruction to the children of the surrounding settlers. It is to be hoped that some slight aid, in the shape of subsidy will be given, as it must be a matter of regret that education cannot be afforded to the children of parents willing to pay for it. In those outlying districts the Government must afford some relief — otherwise the whole of the schools will be closed. I must be distinctly understood as not touching on the question of education generally, or what is the right course to be pursued, but simply drawing attention to the existence of an evil that ought to be at once remedied. After a very pleasant trip I returned to town well pleased with my short visit of inspection. I may conclude by stating that a more prolonged visit to this part of Southland would be productive of much good, and that the inquiries should be devoted to ascertaining the amount of ground under cultivation, particulars of the quantity of stock, the various agricultural implements in use, the quality and extent of crops, as well as other general matters too numerous in my short visit to particularize.