EDITORIAL FARM NOTES.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 8271, 23 November 1895, Page 4

EDITORIAL FARM NOTES.

"Weekly Prees." eomont a. and r. association's snow. This thriving agricultural and pastoral fixture is pursuing a steady course of prosperity judging from the increasing number of exhibits from year to year. In 1893 681, in '94 748, this year they have increased to 813. The quality of the exhibits, it is reported, is also improving. The weather was good and the attendance of the general public was satisfactor} , . The breeds of sheep exhibited were Lincolns, Romney Marsh, Leicesters. In the-cattle classes Mr A. A. Fantham was the principal exhibitor in Shorthorns. There was a good show of Jersey, Ayrshire, Devon, Polled Angus and Fresian cattle. In the draught stallions Mr Mitchell's Glengyle carried off the first honours. In blood horses Messrs Nolan Tonks and Co.'s Gipsy King took first place. The implement classes were represented by several of the most noted manufacturers and agents in the South Island. THE WAIRARAPA PASTORAL AND AGRICPL TURAL SOCIETY'S SHOW. We must congratulate the powers that be in the wisdom displayed in the conclusion come to this season of having but one show, the Mastcrton Association resolving to throw in their lot with the Wairarapa committee. The result has clearly shown how prudent a step this was. It is estimated that 7000 persons visited the show; the net takings amounted to £300. The sheep were particularly good. Messrs Perry Bros, secured the Champion Cup for the best Lincoln ram. The North Island is the home of the Romney Marsh, consequently the competition was very keen. Mr A. Mathews secured the Championship for the best ram, and Messrs Gray Bros, had the Champion ewe. Cotswold, Shropshire, and Southdown were well l'epresented. The exhibits of fat sheep were phenomenal, some of them weighed 2031b, 2931b and 2441b, &c. We question the wisdom of awarding prizes to animals which could only be conspicuous for their tallow. The show of Shorthorns was good. Mr M'Hardy's Duke of Longlands took first and Champion. Herefords—The finest herds of this beef producing breed of cattle are to be found in the North Island. Mr J. Stuckey secured first and Champion in bulls, while Williams and Beetham took first and champion in cows. The horns classes were well filled, more especially the hackneys. In draught horses Hero won first and Champion Cup. The other departments of the show were well represented. THE WELLINGTON A. AND P. ASSOCIATION SHOW. ' The committee of this Association may be congratulated. on their escape from a wet show day. As it was the attendance of the general public was somewhat curtailed. However, it is estimated that quite 7000 persons visited the grounds on the people's day. It was admitted by competent judges that the show of stock was equal if not superior to any of the previous exhibitions. Mr M'Hardy's Shorthorn bull took first and Champion in his clas3. Mr W. C. Buchanan took the Champion Cup in the Southdown classes. There was keen competition in the polo pony classes, as was also the case in the jumping events, Mr Baker, of Palmerstou North, carrying all before him with his polo ponies. A specially written account appears in another column. THE COURTENAV SHOW. This event, which took place last wee<c, may bo said to wind up the show season so far as Canterbury is concerned. The Association was extremelj' fortunate in the weather, which induced a large attendance of the farmers from surrounding districts. The idea forces itself upon tis that it is a mistake for the management not to arrange to hold their chow before the Metropolitan event. We were informed that the reason this is not done is because the district is somewhat backward, and the stock could not be got into show condition much sooner. However this may be, the stock as exhibited were in prime condition, especially the draught horses, which would have done credit to any show ring in the colony. We were able to be present at this show, and it was pleasing to experience the kindly welcome and hospitable treatment which was extended to the visitors. The show was a credit to the district. PROSPECT 3 OF THE COLONIAL WHEAT MARKETS. Reports from New South Wales recently to hand, are to the effect that the wheat crops of that colony, will in consequene of the late drought, fall far short of what was anticipated some time back, when it was estimated that the wheat crops of the colony would yield ten and α-half bushels per acre. It is now estimated that the yield will not exceed five bushels per acre, or a total of 3,500,000 bushels. It is also tolerably certain that there will be a shortage in Victoria as well. The point for consideration is, how is this shortage going to affect New Zealand fanners. We may fairly assume that the tendency will be to harden prices with us. It is well, however, to

remember that any rise which may take place will only be the result of local influence, such as we have indicated. Thero will be nothing to warrant a return to wholesale wheat growing, for although prices in the old country have advanced a little, the ruling price is below the margin of profit for shippers. During the last fortnight or so, our own crops have improved wonderfully, especially where justice was done to the crops in preparing the land and sowing the crops. THE DAIRY INDUSTRY. It was a notable fact, and one much commented upon, that so few factories sent exhibits ot butter to the Metropolitan Show. The Central, Tai Tapu, and Sefton factories were conspicuous by their absence. This should not be ; indeed, we would go so far as to advise shareholders to compel every manager, whether of a cheese or butter factory, to exhibit. Such a course would tend to keep the hands up to the mark, and would create a healthy spirit of rivalry. It is to be hoped that each and every factory will strain every point to make butter of first q\iality, as certain loss must attend the shipment of second quality. Factory owners take warning. DISEASED DAIRY CATTLE. Mr Cameron, inspector under the Public Health Act (Dunedin) has furnished a report on the condition of the dairy stock in and •about Dunedin, which, if only half true (and there is no reason to question any portion of it) should set the public of Christchurch thinking. The report says that of 794 cattle examined 23, or nearly 5%, were found to be suffering from tuberculosis (consumption). Of these infected cattle, 1% were cases of generalised or systematic tuberculosis, in which the milk is specially dangerous. The inspector reports one case of actinomycosis (called cancer) commonly called lumpy jaw. If such a state of things exists in Dunedin, eui'ely it is not reasonable to think that the dairies which supply Christchurch with milk are all free from disease of any kind. If they are, we are extremely fortunate. Steps, should, however, be taken without delay to ascertain the real condition of the dairies which supply the city with milk. HOW THE MUTTON INDUSTRY IS CONTROLLED. Speaking to a gentleman recently returned from the Old Country as to the possibilities of introducing our mutton to the British public by means of retail shops, he informed us that, so soon as an outsider attempts to sell frozen mutton, shops are opened in his immediate vicinity, which undersell the intruder; that there are strong organisations of butchers who control the trade in this manner. They will sell at a loss for six months, refunding to the butchers their losses, while attempting to get rid of the intruder. Against such odds it is impossible to stand. This is one of the tricks of the trade. There are others which meet the new-comer at every corner. TASMANIA. The "Agricultural Gazette" for October, issued by the Council of Agriculture, Taemania, is to hand, it contains a large amount of useful matter, including what is aptly called a spraying calendar, dealing as it does with the various fruit pests and fungoid diseases. The best seasons for spraying and dressing, and the best mixtures to use at the various seasons and - stages of growth, are all set forth. As regards the sugar beet industry in Tasmania,' the committee appointed by the Government to enquire into the matter have reported that the colony of Tasmania is eminently adapted for .the growth of the beet plant. The committee recommend that an expert should be employed for the purpose of instructing farmers how to grow the crop to the best advantage.