FARMING IN THE KANIWHANIWHA VALLEY.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 3076, 2 April 1892, Page 1 (Supplement)

FARMING IN THE KANIWHANIWHA VALLEY.

BY OUR TRAVELLING CORRESPONDENT],

Oste of the most extensive, and at the same time fertile of the numerous valleys that stretch away from the Waipa River !towards the west—generally ending in some dark ravine in the Hakaramata Range—is undoubtedly that of the Kaniwhaniwha. The clear mountain stream, from which the district takes its name.

enters the Waipa River a few miles above Whatawhata, and from this point right up many miles along its banks to a spot euphemistically named "The Gorge," where, by the way, the old.Raglan road comes out, the land is of the richest description; being in fact an alluvial deposit, in some places, of great extent. The traveller before entering the Kani-

whaniwha district proper would pass the Phcenix Lime Works, which are situated on the river bank. For full particulars of this industry I may refer the reader to a former article, oif 1 fetter still to Mr VV. A Graham, of Hamilton, merely stating that there is at present stored in the large iron-roof#!' sheds a considerable quautity of *ftplendid lime. It appeared to be well'Durnt, and as fine a 9 flour. But nothing like the support which this industry deserves is accorded to it. Patting aside the enterprise displayed by Messrs Graham and Cannell, in every instance where the lime has been tried, success has invariably resulted, Yet the fact remains that the kiln is blown out. and the sheds are tall.

The first farm at the Kaniwhaniwha is that of Mr Robert Noble. This comprises 800 acres, and is.about the largest —and certainly the best—along the stream. The proprietor grew some 70 acres of grain this year, but appears to have become thoroughly tired of the business. Between the difficulty of getting threshing machines, etc., and the low prices, Mr Noble reckons that this is the last year he will grow grain for Bale. I may add that about the Waipa generally this feeling is very prevalent, and nothing like the usual extent of crops has been grown this season. But, to return : some of the advantages of these low-lying river flats is well demonstrated in a dry season like the present. Mr Noble's grass paddocks are fresh and green, in spite of the 800 sheep and 100 head of cattle now grazing on them. Before leaving this estate, I might draw attention to Mr Noble's specific against lung worm in weaned lambs. This is a crop of early greystone turnips sown in November. The lambs were shorn, then put on the roots, and I could not help reflecting as we passed the grand young sheep—many of them as large as twotooths and in prime condition—of the diilerence in profit which would result when these were sold to butcher (as they will be in a month or two hence) to that received by those breeders, who have been during the past few weeks, selling their lambs at four to six shillings each. Mr Noble's specific for lungworm is well worth remembering and although contrary to the usual rule, I give the advertisement free. The next farm met with, is that of Mr R. Harsant. This property, though containing some very fertile "labd along the river, consists largely of bush. Hitherto very little has been made from the timber, but I understand that arrangements are almost completed with Mr T. W. Maunder, of Hamilton, to start a sawmill somewhere at the Maiingakawhai creek. By this moans all the valuable timber growing on Messrs Harsatit's, Dickey's and other lauds will be utilised, and perhaps I may be permitted to add, that in Mr Maunderthe Kaniwhaniwha sei.tlers will have secured a business man, with some push and go in him. Following the excellent main road which winds up through the valley, and leads on to Harapipi, we pass the neat little school, which, by the way is school and teachers' residence combined. Tne late teacher, Mr Marsdon was very popular in the district, and has recently been promoted to a larger school at Mucfiiwiiii The present incumbent, Mr Smart, has just taken over his duties, having a handy little attendanee of about twenty scholars. In following the stream through the older settled parts of the valley, it is sad to observe the firm hold which the übiquitous briar has obtained in some of the best of the land. As an instance : Just adjoining she farm of Mr Geo. Smith, is a block of river hind belonging to an absentee, probably as fertile as could be found in the North Island, yet it would now cost nearly as much to eradicate the briars as this laud is worth. So much for absentee landholders, and there is no doubt, that—as Mr VV. A. Murray said of the bachelors— "They should be well taxed." Messrs Smith, Zolfel, Fortune and others have their farms well cultivated, but little cropping appears to be done, the largest veuture being some nine acres of potatoes, belonging to Mr Smith ; the low prices of last year have checked many from growing more than is required for their own wants. There is one thing, however, which the settlers in this locality can do to perfection, and that without much risk or trouble, this is, to raise good stock. Yearline oattle from the Kaniwhaniwha are often as large as ordinary two-year-olds, and in former times, many a yearling has been sold for beef. If I mistake not, many of the calves recently purchased about the Waipa, by a speculative settler, will winter in this neighbourhood. Further up the valley is the farm lately occupied by Mr Yates, but now by Mr Porter, the land is good, and— considering the excellent roads now leading into the district, is uot nearly so much out ot the way as it was formerly considered to be. Mr Beet is at present, so to speak, the back block settler, but in view of the keen demand for good land which appears to be setting in throughout the colony, thsre is little doubt, that there will be considerable settlement before long, tn many, of what have been hitherto regarded, as back districts. Foremost among these, both for the extent of country and fertility of soil, is unquestionably the valley of the Kaniwhaniwha.