AGRICULTURAL.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXIII, Issue 8742, 16 December 1913, Page 7

AGRICULTURAL.

ITEMS FOR FARMERS

OUTLOOK AT WAKANUI

The farmers of Wakanui are all in a most optimistic mood at present. The crops, in most cases, though a little dirty, are Aery promising and some paddocks of oats on the light land are uncommonly good. The dairying industry at Wakanui is gradually developing and " more coavs " is the order of the day. The local dairy farmer is. profiting by the experience of others Avhere dairying is more advanced and none but the best of cows are being added to the fine herds in this district.

Shearing and hay-making have been delayed by the constant rains, but, Avith a feAv fine days, both Avould be finished.

The folloAving experiment is reported in the "North-Western Farmer" : — At the Mississippi Experimental Station three cows were kept without salt for four Aveeks, and their milk record kept during the last tAvo Aveeks of this period ; then they were given the usual alloAvance of salt for two Aveeks, and on comparing the milk records it Avas found that the coavs gave 4541b of milk during the first period Avhen salt Avas Avithheld, : and 5641b during the second period when salt Avas furnished, a difference of 1101b of milk in two Aveeks in favour of salting.

It was recently announced that., a firm of Australian merchants, acting as for Messrs Armour and Co., of Chicago, the world famous meat packers, were collecting information on behalf of their principals concerning the meat export possibilities of Queensland. It is now definitely understood that Messrs Armour intend actively engaging in business as meat exporters from Australia. Mr Heskisson, who is a member of the firm of Armour and Co., is now in New Zealand.

"•Don't let us stand on ceremony when dealing with this wandering stock nuisance," said Councillor Howell, at the monthly meeting of the Hutt County Council on Tuesday. , " If we do? we make our ranger null and void. There might be some doubt as to what constitutes, or what is, a private road, but let the owner do the proving. If they want to fight us, let them. It might cost us a few shillings, but what matter ? It will be for the general good of the ratepayers and of the county generally." In regard to some portions of the county, the ranger was instructed to redouble his energies.

The Chitha "Leader" reports a remarkable instance of sagacity in animals which was evidenced in the accident to a, young; man named John Aitkenhead at Port Molyneux on Monday. The young; man was pinned beneath a tree in which the chains of a pair of horses were entangled, arid while one horse was steady the other was very restless, and plunged about a hit. After a while the restive animal turned round facing the man on tlie ground, and. on seeing him lying helpless, immediately became as quiet as a lamb, never even taking its eyes off him for an hour or more. There could be no doubt the sagacious animal had sized up the situation.

It is understood that arrangements have been formulated for a tour of-50 South' -African farmers to the Mother Country next summer rat the invitation of the Union-Castle Company. Sir O. Phillies, the chairman of the company, explains that the object of the invitation is to afford an opportunity for the study of agricultural methods in the United "Kingdom,- and the hope is that *nch a tour may prove of benefit to the Union and Rhodesia. Ten. farmers from each province, the Cape, Transvaal, Orange Free State, and Natal, and also from Rhodesia, will be selected by the agricultural associations. Working farmers only will be eligible, and preference will be given to those who have not visited England within recent years. The narty will leave South Africa about the first week in June, and will return at the end of August. General Botha has consented to be the patron of the tour ; Mr J. A. Neser, ML.A., will be the president, and Dr. William Macdonald the secretary. ■ j