GREYTOWN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 October 1941, Page 7

GREYTOWN

STRAWBERRY CULTURE MAORI GROWER’S ENTERPRISE. (“Times-Age” Special.) Those who are interested in small fruit farming in Greytown or the surrounding district would do well to pay a visit to Papawai where a splendid stand of strawberry plants can be seen on Mr H. Manihera’s property. Altogether there is about one acre under cultivation containing rows of plants which represent careful attention and study over the past three years. This year will be the first in which a crop will be collected, and judging by the excellence of the plants, it should be a most nrofitable one. The plot is being worked under a rotational system which will ensure a continuous cropping from this year onwards. At present, in spite of the abnormal wet season which may have delayed operations somewhat, the plot is conspicuously clean, and the general appearance in the matter of healthy plants, absence of weeds, and splendid soil condition is a tribute to the amount of work put in by Mr Manihera and his family. Altogether, there are at least twelve varieties to be seen, and these represent a collection by Mr Ben Roberts, M.P., under whose guidance the whole plan is being worked out. When this year’s fruiting bed comes to its full flowering stage in about a fortnight’s time, the plot will present a very pretty sight indeed. Visitors, too, may note how the remainder of a four-acre block is under cultivation for the’ development of a full rotational system of cultivation which will take in the growing of vegetables, legumes and strawberries. Altogether, the area is an object lesson even for those desirous of growing a few back-garden strawberryplants, and an inspiration to all who have the welfare of the Maoris at heart. Golf.

The members of the Rototawai Golf •“Tib visited the Grey town links on Sunday afternoon. Owing to the visior ’. not being able to send a full team a 'friendly game was played, sides being picked from those players present. Pesonal Items. The Rev. C. H. Isaacson, of Khandallah, was the preacher at the evening service of St. Luke’s Anglican Church last evening. Misses Betty Sykes and Dulcie Haigh were weekend visitors to Greytown. Able Seaman E. Greathead is spending a few days with his father, Mr E. Greathead, Main Street. Mr L. C. Parton left Greytown on Saturday to take up his residence in Carterton.

The Rev. C. H. and Mrs Isaacson, who have been spending a few days in Greytown, returned to Khandallah today.