LOOKING BACK.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 59, Issue 17, 31 October 1938, Page 4

LOOKING BACK.

FIFTY YEARS SYNE. (From the “Guardian,” Oct. 31,- 1888) Improvements to Racecourse. —The additions and improvements ,to the Racecourse, lately referi'ed, to in these columns, have now been completed, and instead of the former meagre and cramped accommodation, the arrangements and appointments of the course are now considerably in advance of those of any other country course in this island, while lor all practical purposes of racing they are not surpassed anywhere. The new and altered buildings and the fences of the enclosures have been painted, and the gorse inner fences removed,, the boundary fences trimmed, and the whole appointments are so improved that visitors to the Spring Meeting will scarcely recognise the place. The Club is to be congratulated on jts financial position, which has enabled, it to carry out these improvements, which cost some £2OO. Nominations for the forthcoming Spring Meeting close on Saturday evening at nine o’clock. Rink de Paris. —It; will be seen by advertisement that Professor RollLnson, who brings with him a great reputation as a bicyclist, is to give two exhibitions at the Rink de Paris on Saturday and Monday. The unique character of the entertainments should ensure a good audience.

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO (From the “Guardian,” Get. 31, 1913) Dairying at Staveley.—The dairying industry in the Staveley district is in a very flourishing condition. With the favourable spring, feed is abundant and cows are milking equal to midi-season. The quantity of milk being received at the creamery is double that received during the same period last year. Speaking to a dairyman in regard to culling the herds, he said that he is now firmly convinced that it pays to cull out the weeds. He stated that two years ago. his average per cow from 80 cows worked out, at the best part, of the season, at 201bs of milk per day. This season he has raised, the average to 361bs of milk per day, with a higher test I .' Another supplier to the creamery is getting an even better return. His cows are averaging 391bs of milk per .day, and a 3.8 test. It is these facts that tell when dairying is taken seriously, and the object lesson shown by the successful and energetic dairyman cannot be too soon copied bv others. Testing and weighing each cow’s milk is the only way to cull —not by hooks.