PUKEKURA.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 3069, 17 March 1892, Page 2

PUKEKURA.

(by oub travelling correspondent.) Supposing—and it is astonishing what a great deal at times depends upou that word —that instead of turning to the left after leaving Pukerimu and folk wing the highway down to the swiftly-flowing Waikato River, your correspondent had kept straight on, he would, after passing Mr H. Fitzgerald's, have reached Cambridge West. This is still a continuation of the preat alluvial flats, which appear to extend in a level plain unbroken, except by the river and old water-courses, right up to the base of Maungatautiri. Pushing on, we soon reach the Pukekura School, which is under the management of the well-known scientist. Mr Hyatt. The school is a large one, requiring two lady assistants in addition to the head teacher. After this, is reached Trecarne, the fine property of Mr R. Reynolds. This gentleman goes in principally for cattle, growing only some 20 acres of outs for home use. Opposite is Messrs Looker Bros., who are large suppliers to the Pukekura butter factory. This latter establishment is now under the charge of Mr H. Bloomfield, formerly of Hamilton, Mr McVicker3 being transferred to Hawera. Near this is Mr Giles Keeley's nice farm, upon which some good grain crops were grown this year; there is also a fine plot of potatoes near the factory. The next farm is that of Mr B. Allen, the well-known grazier. Mr Allen recently harvested some good grain crops, though less in area than last season ; but considerable atttention is given to turnip growing. The road at this point junctions with one turning up to tho redoubt. The property here is owned by Judge Rogan. Both wheat and oats were (crown, the former being thrashed Btraight from the stnok. Further on is Mr F, Hicks' fine farm, chiefly devoted to fattening cattle. Near this is Mr Bridgman's; this gentleman, like Mr Comer, whose farm is near by, goes in largely for milk supplying, Mr Comer milking about forty cows. Next we come to Mr "Toby" Hicks'. Mr Hicks, as most people are aware, is a milk supplier, but, in addition, grew some good grain this yeai. There is alsd a first-rate orchard on the farm—in fact, about the only one in the neighbourhood comparatively free from the codlin moth. Perhaps the plan Mr Hicks pursues of putting the pigs in every winter may have something to do with ite On the left here is M iH. Hicks' farm, the homestead lying back from the road, and prettily embowered among the trees. Like the most of his neighbours, Mr H. Hicks believoß in the butter factory. Just opposite is Mr Seabrooke's fine property, nearly all of it being devoted to sheep, only one paddock of wheat being grown this year. At the bottom of the hill we have reached Dingley Dell, the holding of Mr W. Vosper. Here are tine stacks of wheat and oats. The land is also good grazing country, the hilly portiou being well adapted for sheep. The well-grown lambs brought '.n from Dingloy Dell to the recent sheep fairs clearly show that Mr Vosper has lately added to his farm, which now comprises some COO acres. We have at this point reached the boundary of Pukekura, and are entering Maungatautiri. This fertile block is chiefly occupied by natives, though the Gorton Estate lies into it somewhat. Higher up the slopes are the native settlements, where a considerable amount of grain has been grown this season. By the way, it is curious to note how tho Maoris are abandoning their former habits. In the old days crops were grown and consumed in common, but now each family have their plot of grain and their little stack, and are just as conservative in the manaaement and use of the proceeds as the greatest Tory could desire. The Maori has evidently realised that communism—at all events in the matter of food supplies— simply means a premium to the idle and dissolute, and an additional burden upon tha industrious. Tha native wheat stacks are arranged in groups, the gnvin being thrashed out by Mr Arch. Wallace's stcim machinc.