DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 December 1921, Page 2

DISTRICT NEWS.

WAI-TOI-TOI—URENUI. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The heavy rain on Boxing Day placed an effectual damper on hay-making operations, which, during the previous week, have been going on briskly, and although a fair number of farmers in this locality have been fortunate enough to have saved their hay in excellent condition, there is still a large quantity either mown or-awaiting the attention of the mower. The yields, on the whole, are again exceptionally heavy this season —in fact, in some cases even better than last vear. Some nice stacks of ensilage have also been built, and it seems a pity, in view of the large areas of grass now practically not being used by stock, that more of this valuable fodder is not made. However, it is finding more favor with farmers every season, and as its advantages become more widely known, a larger number will give it a trial. The chief objection seems to be that there is too much waste in stack ensilage, "but with ordinary care this can be reduced to a minimum, and need not be greater than is often the case with hay. Moreover, any portion of the former that is not fit* for use makes most excellent manures, and crops may be grown by using it that compare more than favorably with the artificial fertiliser. The food value of ensilage, used in conjunction with hay, is undeniable, and Government and other experts are , constantly strongly recommending its use, as well as giving valuable infoimation as to the better means of making it, whilst as climatic conditions are of no consequence during the operation, i*j has a strong claim in that respect. A large number of residents made the customary visit to New Plymouth on Christmas Eve, and, despite the congestion of traffic in the principal streets, report having spent an enjoyable evening. The downpour on Boxing Day prevented many, who would otherwise hafre gone, from starting for the races, but a crowd reached Waitara. where they were informed of the postponement. Tuesday proving more propitious, saw the district well represented, but there are a fair number who prefer to wait till farming operations are a little more slack, and have a day’s outing at the February meeting, which should prove a record gathering, as the £lOOO Taranaki Cup will no doubt attract many of the best horses in the Dominion, whilst the presence of the flying-machine (Gloamino-) will prove an additional attraction. On Wednesday evening Mr. H. A. Gould, of Waitara. held a Christmas service in the Mimi .schoolroom there being a fair attendance. During the evening several hymns were sung. Miss Smith presiding at the organ. Before closing. Mr. Gould announced that, owing to the busy season, the usual fortnightly services would be discontinued until Feb-

Writing to the secretary of the Mimi School Committee in connection with the nursery which has been established by the pupils. Mr. IT. A. Goudie, conservator of forests. Whakarewarewa, stated that he thought the idea only wants to he given a fair start to be more widely practised. Success in the first operations would be a great thing to carry it on afterwards. Tie thought that perhaps it could be taken a stop further by the children not only growing the trees and selling them, but by planting them also, thus increasing the financial beenfits to themselves, and also placing to their credit, a sum to provide seeds, etc., for next year’s operations. A good deal might be done in this direction if the planting sites were prepared for them. He would be glad to know the results of the experiment and give anv information required. Mr. Goudie also remarked that the Oregon pine was going to be one of the most successful trees' they were sending out, and would in a few'years be quite prominent over a large area of the North Island. It was also being extensively planted in some districts in the South Island, and was doing well. The letter concludes by stating that, judging from the correspondence received, the services of Mr. Page seem to be increasingly -appreciated, and he is quite unable io visit all the districts from which applications were received for advice and information. 1 have been requested by the ranger, Mr. N. Uren. to again ask tourists and picnic parties, when using the Departments reserves through the holiday season, to be careful to extinguish camp fires, etc., and thus help to minimise the risk of destroying valuable timber.