Page image
Page image

O—lo

for supplementary feed were not successful, particularly in the Tokaanu area. The continued inadequacy of fertilizer-supplies is shown in the pastures and maximum production cannot be expected until increased top-dressing manure is available. Korohe The work on the balance area of this scheme has been largely restricted to maintenance of existing improvements and grassing areas that have been previously cultivated for crops. The pastures are showing the results of the insufficiency of fertilizer during recent years, while the abnormally dry season has caused further deterioration. An area of 100 acres was sown with swedes and chou mollier, the crops being satisfactory considering the conditions. To provide shelter-belts, 25,000 trees were planted, but owing to the dry weather conditions the results were disappointing and it will be necessary to replace many trees. The protection of the trees entailed the erection of 200 chains of fencing. Exceptionally good work was carried out in the destruction of rabbits, although the full benefit of these activities will not be realized until several intervening areas are brought into the scheme to provide an unbroken tract ■of land for rabbit control. Manunui During the year, 500 acres were felled and grassed on Puketapu 3b C and 3c 4, which adjoin areas previously sown in grass. Owing to shortage of labour it has not been possible to split firewood in any appreciable quantities, l)ut the large amount of good fallen logs available will provide a lucrative source of revenue to the scheme as well as much needed supplies of fuel for North. Island markets as soon as men are available to split it. The rabbits on the scheme have been vigorously attacked in co-operation with the Meringa Rabbit Board and good results have been obtained. It will be necessary, however, to continue these operations for a further year or two. The Manunui unit sections are'adjacent to the Manunui-Tokaanu Highway, with the exception of one at Piriaka. There are nine settlers occupying 2,671 acres, but two of these being probationary units are included under balance area in the accompanying statistical tables. Six of the nine units are ■dairying in addition to grazing sheep and run cattle and for the year 1945-46 produced 18,299 lb. butterfat. This represents a considerable increase in production from the scheme and is due to two units commencing dairying •during the year. The remaining three units occupy holdings on which it has not yet been considered wise to commence dairying. They occupy between them 1,538 acres. Ohinepuhiawe The two units on this scheme are situated on the banks of the Rangitikei River. The land is heavily infested with gorse and dries up early in the summer. Neither property can be considered economic in its present state, but the revenue received from the few cows milked is usually sufficient to meet interest and other charges, and in each case a home is available for a family and work is readily obtainable in the adjoining township of Bulls. Pihama The sole unit has an exceptionally fine holding of 337 acres and is milking 84 cows, which produced 14,007 lb. butterfat. In addition to rearing surplus dairy heifers for disposal, he has a flock of 1,290 sheep which, during the year ended 31st March, 1946, produced 16 bales of wool and 562 lambs for sale. During the past two years this unit has erected one of the finest milkingsheds in South Taranaki, the whole of the cost being met from surplus revenue.

24

Log in or create a Papers Past website account

Use your Papers Past website account to correct newspaper text.

By creating and using this account you agree to our terms of use.

Log in with RealMe®

If you’ve used a RealMe login somewhere else, you can use it here too. If you don’t already have a username and password, just click Log in and you can choose to create one.


Log in again to continue your work

Your session has expired.

Log in again with RealMe®


Alert