DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 November 1917, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

DURHAM ROAD. (From Our Own Correspondent). Weather conditions lately'-have been decidedly moist but withal have had a ..splendid elleet, as grass*!>rowth paddocks everywhere seeming in tip top condition. Gardeners with ilowers and vegetables report exceptional success so fur and it is hoped nothing unfavorable will eventuate to mar the prospects. A fair number of farmers have this season gone in for a supply of lime, whielt. used with a dressing of superphosphate, promises to glive splendid results. Those that have previously used there constituents feel gratified that many who held prejudiced views anent the, rir:e have agreed that benefit can - V' the use.

Conmdering the price of basic slag it will be of interest, perhaps, to know that the use of lime and super can give good results, and the method adopted here lias been to apply at the rate of from 3cwt to scwt of lime in July or August and during September and October to redress with 2cwt per acre of super. Let farmers who may note this give the above e, trial and calculate what they save as against the use of slag. I do not wish to decry the use of flag. Far from it; but I cannot see why the farmer should outlay so much rush on that article when ho can get splendid, results from lime and (super. Aputin. some people who have used a mixture of lime and super (basic super) have not been satisfied with (the results, and probably our method of usimr the articles separate would have better results. 1 lie milk supply to the creamery promises to be extra heaw this year, there bring no lessening in herds as was anticipated. Mr. On. Mehrten's late farm at present is not contributing but against that we have Mr. M. Crean's farm which is run by Mr. Lewis Marsh, on the milk supply list to even matters a little. Friday evening next, should it be fine, will see a bumper crowd at the school in which a concert, to be followed by a dance, will be given by a contingent from Inglewood and other parts. Lady residents in the district are to provide supper, and a good programme is behv,' prepared, so patrons may expect a repetition of a "good old tiftte" for which JJiirham road is known far and near. An energetic committee is actively engaged in arrangements for the satisfying of visitors, and it is hoped tho anticipations of a good crowd will not be upset by adverse conditions, as the total proceeds are to.be devoted to the Y.M.C.A. funds—an object worthy of the fullest support. I understand that a mpeting of person.', interested in raising funds for Red Cross and Y.M.C.A. purposes is to be held in the Makctawa factory, at a date to lie fixed shortly, to arrange a committee to see that periodical efforts be made towards that end. Tt is hoped a real lire attempt will be made to form such a bodr, as there cannot he success in organisation unless there is some sort of lead or authority, and people are apt to overlook the need Ibotli organisations mentioned 'have for funds if not kept constantly before them.

I should like, Mr. Editor, to make known to farmers who may intend lessening pig production through adopting casein that a field of artichokes will prove of enormous value in rearing the animals. A Danish farmer in the Waikuto has proved that a small area will feed and winter 30 odd pigs which need a little "topping" off for the factory. For lessening labor, increasing production and producing an extra good article I have splendid authorities to show that artichokes "take the bun!" and I trust (hat any who may act on the suggestion and give the tuber a fair trial will let the public know the results. I know from experience that the plant is an exceptionally heavy cropper, and also that the porker will go "dotty" to get his snout at work where, they are planted, and it must be obvious that a small area will prove of the benefit contended.