Overview
Tues. Jan. 2.
Strong easterly wind so W. Stewart postponed getting in his hay. Rode up to Sonoma to continue firing. Lit logs on terrace at foot of Leighton p[addock] - stoked fires on "1st burn". The bog rata on track at top of Leighton Spur is gradually burning away. After dinner fired logs + heaps all way along "2nd burn" + they burned well, the wind causing fires to spread. The sawdust as old mill is rapidly diminishing. The bush on Arapaepae Range above Gladstone Road ("Stuckeys") has being [sic] burning slightly for the last few days, but the strong
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wind today is driving the fire right through it + sending up great volumes of smoke. On getting home I found all Levin + neighbourhood of Queen St. smothered in dense smoke from this fire. Standing bush on fire is an, hitherto, unheard of thing in this district. Gertie arrived today to stay with us + assist Maud till she gets stronger - Gertie is looking very bonny + Maud also - they make a charming pair. Half-yearly report to Dalgety + Co:- Sheep: Lambs 330 @ 15/- = £247.10.0 Ewes 380 @ 20/- = £380.0.0 Rams 10 @ 2 gns. = £21 Breeding ewes + lambs in good condition + doing well. Cattle:- 37 15 month steers @ £7 = £259 Steers doing well Horse: Gig pony, Chestnut, Mare, Silvermane, Aged. Leasehold:- Total area 370 acres Rent £150 quarterly. Value of interest £450 Amt [Amount] expended improvements:- approx £10 by self, £12 by Lessor. Stock to be sold:- 37 steers as stores
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330 lambs ar stores. Cull ewes of breeding flock as fats. Property steadily improving. Prospects good owing to abundance of feed. Note:- Fencing not done. Main Wedge Spur ( the 4 1/2 chains on top of hill above same started + sufficient wire for this). About 15 chains of battens East b[oun]d[ar]y fence.