JOTTINGS FOR FARMERS.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 13939, 12 January 1911, Page 2

JOTTINGS FOR FARMERS.

A"bout 150 stands of shearing machines are estimated to have been installed duriiig the present season in the Poverty Bay district (says the "Poverty Bay Herald"). Several ten and twelvestand installations were set up, but the bulk of the installations were amongst the smaller station-holders.

Mr W. D. Lysnar, Mayor of Gisborne, who has recently returned to NeW Zealand, after an extended trip abroad, has promised to give a lecture to farmers on matters relating to the handling of frozen meat in London. The lecture, which is heing given under the auspices, of the North Canterbury branch of the Farmers' Union and the Canterbury A. and P. Association, Mill take place either on January 24th or 25th in the A. and P. rooms.

The Taranaki Provincial Executive of the New Zealand Farmers' Union are promoting a prize essay competition on "The Achievements of the Now Zealand Farmers' Union: its position to-day, and its prospects for the future." Tlie essayists are to state tersely and clearly the whole of tho achievements of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, its position at present, and its future prospects. The negative as well as the positive character of the Union's work is to be dealt with. The essays, which will be judged by an appointee of the Taranaki executive, aro to be sent in to the Taranaki Provincial Secretary not later than March 31st. The prizes are £10, £0, and £3.

The North Island is frequently drawn upon to supply fat cattle for the Addington market, but this week the reverse was the case. .Several buyers from the North Island were among the competitors for beef at the Addington yards yesterday. A number of Christchurch butchers have for nome time past been receiving fat cattle from the North Island which were purchased several months ago. - A great demand for dairy cows has existed in the Waikato this- season, the abnormal growth of grass, coupled ".yith the good price which is being ptiid tor butter-fat, having been an incentive to farmers to increase their herds, and a much larger number of cows are being milked that hitherto. A full supply of springers has been sent from other parts, and "offered at the regular stock sales, but farmers are exercising discretion in the selection of milkers, being keen on good sorts only, and anything possessed of quality has commanded high price*?.