Trust’s ire pricked
A burning question with the Taieri River Trust yesterday was the failure of some farmers to cut thistles that are growing on the river banks. It was stated that the thistles were so thick and tall that the workmen could not get in amongst them to destroy rabbits, and all were agreed that it was absolutely essential to keep rabbits away from the banks. The engineer reported that two men had been employed on the river embankment, and had been instructed to work with the farmers as far as possible in clearing the thistles as well as gorse. Where the owners or tenants failed to respond, the men were to clear the growth themselves and note on their time sheets where they had been employed. These returns would be published, and the publication of the names of farmers who allowed their land to drift into such a dirty state would probably act as a deterrent and have the desired effect. It was most unfair that some farmers kept down the thistles while others allowed them to grow and broadcast seed over their neighbours’ well-kept properties. The trust confirmed the engineer’s action.
Toppled tree a living landmark
"While in the Catlins bush, South Otago, during the New Year holidays," Mr T.A. Fleming (Christchurch) writes, "I was advised very seriously and at some length not to miss seeing the Fallen Monarch at Pounawea. I obeyed. First we tramped along a cart-track from the estuary, and then plunged suddenly into the depths of the forest. It was cool, green, entrancing, and wonderful. Tree ferns by the hundred formed shady avenues up the hillside, and above them beautiful native birds sang unceasingly. Even in the fastnesses of the West Coast I have never soon anything lovelier. A giant of the forest, it had been partially uprooted in some great gale. Now it reclined for 50 feet on the ground, but from the farther end stout branches grew and flourished, stretching skyward, as if they were separate trees. In fact, it required close inspection to convince us that they were but branches and that the monarch was still very much alive."
Steam railcar on test
The new self-propelled steam car recently landed by the Railway Department for service on the Hutt line has been making extensive trials, and has been as far up the line as Palmerston North. The actual running from between Paekakariki and Palmerston North was 1 hour 48 minutes, an average speed of 33 miles per hour. On down gradients exceeding 1 in 100 a speed of 45 miles per hour was attained, but the maximum on the level was 35 miles per hour. The trials are under the supervision of Mr D.R. Rodwell, representing the Sentinel Wagon Company, Shrewsbury. — ODT, 3.2.1925
Compiled by Peter Dowden
