WHATAWHATA.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 261, 19 March 1898, Page 2

WHATAWHATA.

Fakm Implement.—With the advance of the district and progress of fanning, improved implements arc being introduced by our settlers, the latest being a double-furrow plough, named " The Flying Dutchman," imported by Messrs Laxou and Rothwell, and" which (although " made in Germany ") is a marvel of lightness, simplicity, and—more important still —ot cheapness. At a recent trial of this plough, held on the above farm, quite a number of settlers were present and expressed themselves well pleased with the work done. Though not weighing 2cwt., the "Flying Dutchman " is constructed of steel throughout, and turns a furrow up to twelve inches wide and nine inches deep. The angle at which the mouldboard is Eet, together with its shape, is such that the soil is, so to speak, thrown effaud left in a finely pulverised state, fit on stubble laud to put the drill on without harrowing. In cross-ploughing on stubble two horses are sufficient to draw the plough, but in lea land, or with a deep furrow, no doubt three horses would be necessary. Messrs Laxou and Rothwell are the local agents for the sa'e of these ploughs, and their advertisement will appear shortly in The Akgus. Weather and Farm Operations.— The late change in the weather has b'ieu most welcome ( albeit we would have prefened a fine day on the 17th), and with sufficient rain there is yet time far a good autumn growth, especially as the gra=s thould Fpring very freely now after lying dormant for so long. Ploughs are going on all sides to prepare land for autumn grass, green oats, and other fodder crops (or winter. The improved prospects for grain, including oats and chaff, the last-named of which seems to be in good demand just now at from £3 to £3 10s per ton, is putting more heart into our farmers, and certainly with a creamery in full swing to keep, so to apeak, the pot boiling, and fair prices for wheat and oats, our agriculturists should be able to do rather more than merely make a living, much of our land being well adapted for grain growing. As an instance, I walked over a field a few days ago from which four payable grain crops have been taken in succession without any manure, and had the present season been favourable the fourth crop would have been the best, yet the soil has not been moved deeper than about four inches. With deeper cultivation another four grain crops can, and probably will, be taken off, and considering that we have thousands of acres of similar laud in the district, surely 1 am correct in stating that grain growing is, or should be, the mainstay of the Wa : pa farmers. Hotel.—The erection of our new hotel is progressing, the framework being now about completed. Though, no doubt, sufficiently large for the trade to be done, the new building will be a very different structure to"the last, having only one floor, and nothing like so fine an appearance. However, if suitable accommodation is provided, I suppose we have no right to grumble. The former hotel certainly did seem rather in advance of the times.—(Own Correspondent).