NORTHERN SHEEP INSPECTOR

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 455, 19 March 1890, Page 3

NORTHERN SHEEP INSPECTOR

Mr Grattan Cook, Sheep Inspector, lias returned to'Whangarei from his periodical visit to the southern division of his district, which extends as far south as Waiiyera. The “Northern Advocate” saysHe is nob altogether pleased with the condition of flocks in this lower end of the sheep district, and considers that they are by no means so well looked after as those further north. Bush fires have been raging ,over a considerable area, some of them being purely accidental in their origin. Gumgetting on the large swamps of Waipu, Mangawai and Omaha is being largely carried on, 200 diggers being engaged at Omaha alone, and finding plenty. Flaxdressing is in full swing at Wellsford and at Hoteo. At the latter place, one person, 16 years ago, planted 40 acres of flax, from which he is now obtaining a nice little income, as the flax grew well. Hops are being cultivated with some success at Matakana and thereabouts, and looked well on the poles. Rabbits were seen in various places and appear to be increasing, so that timely measures for checking their inroads will have to b 6 taken. .Mr ' Cook has travelled and inspected since the date of the Whangarei races nearly 700 mile 3 of comitrv, firiishing up by a look through the Waipu “ Caves,” which no one should miss who gets the chance to see them.