THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 15955, 17 July 1917, Page 4

THE COUNTRY.

NOTES AND NEWSj

BARRY'S BAY DAIRT COMPACTS".

The annual meeting of the Barry's Bay Dairy Company, was held on Saturday afternoon. Mr S. J. Yogan, chairman of directors, presided over a very good attendance of shareholders.

The annual report stated that the output of cheese had been 202 tons, nn increase of 30 tons on that of the previous year. The directors proposed to pay a dividend of 7 per cr-nt-. to give suppliers a" bonus of Bd, making a total of Is Sd for the season for butter-fat, to write off £7;> on buildings and £125 on the plant. The average test for the season was 3.70. The retiring directors were: Messrs T. Stewart, R. A. Pettigrew, and G. Mould, all of whom were eligible for re-election.

On the motion of the chairman, seconded by Mr J. Brocherie. the report and balance-sheet were adopted.

The election of three directors resulted in the return of Messrs BPettigrcw, G. Mould, and "\Y. G. Vogan.

Mr C "\Y. Lectc was rc-elccted auditor.

Mr T. E. McKenzio brought up the matter of the supply of calves' veils to the Xow Zealand Rennet Company. He understood that the price had been only 2s each, whereas 2s (3d could have been obtained elsewhere.

A long discussion followed, the general opinion beinrr that suppliers should certainly have sold veils through their own company instead of privately. The chairman stated that if the company had supplied 200 veils they would have got rennet from the Xcw Zealand JJennet Co. at £22 per keg, instead of paying £32.

Regret was expressed that. Mr Jos. Barwick, a keen supporter and one of the suppliers of the factory, was leaving the district.

The meeting expressed, its indebtedness to him, and. its best wishes for his success elsewhere.

Hearty votes of thanks were accorded the directors and the working staff, special mention being made ot' the excellent services rendered by the chairman and the manager, M.r J. Brownlec, both of whom acknowledged the compliment.

"The. hat - ' was passed round on behalf of the Trench Comforts Fund, and a substantial sum was collected.

At the subsequent meeting of directors, Mr S. J. Vogan was unanimously re-elected chairman.

The Akaroa Advisory Committee, under the National Efficiency Board, (vrote asking what the labour prospects of tho factory were for nest season, and how many men would be required. The manager stated that as far as he could see, they would bo three men short.

The Canterbury Central Dairy Co. wroto suggesting that Mr J. R. Thacker would be an excellent representative for Canterbury on the South Island Dairy Association.

Tho meeting agreed with the suggestion, and it was left to the chairman to see that Barry's Bay supported tho nomination.

Tho Hon. R. Heaton Rhodes, M.P., wroto stating that as tho butter-fat levy regulations would expire at the end of August, there was scarcely any need now to urge their repeal. A deputation of those interested had seen the Prime Minister on July oth, -with respect to the matter. Certain improvements to the factory were reported to be under way, ana everything pointed to, another successful sea-son. JOTTINGS FOR FARMERS.

Something approaching a record was received at tho Otautau stock sale on Friday for a pen of four wethers vended by Mr A. Souness (says tho "Southland Times")- Bidding started at £2; then jumped to 50s, and tho pen was finally knocked down to Mr W. Kennedy, Bayswater, at £3 per head. It is expected that at present they will kill out at about 180 to 2001b. They secured first prizes as hoggets and 2tooths at the Otautau Show, and aro most imposing looking animals. Mr Kennedy has purchased them with the view of filling a truck with extra special Southland sheep, and sending it to Christchurch for Grand National Week next month.

Tho South Canterbury correspondent of tho "Farmers' Union Advocate" says that "tho hares and rabbits are punishing very severely tho few turnips that are to be found in some districts. In fact unless the roots are fed down very shortly, the pests will get the most of them. I know of instances where the hares travel for miles to get to some swedes. They eat them down like a mob -of sheep, and they cannot be got at becauso before the morning dawns they are miles away again. Their tracks may be seen across the grass paddocks and the tussocks to where they put in tho day, usually some out of the way gorge or gully. In some cases many are caught m traps, but that does not do very much after all to thin them out. Last season thousands of them wore killed and sent Homo for consumption by wounded soldiers and others. This year thcro is no space in tlio freezers for them, and they aro allowed to roam about nt leisure, 'except when tho sporting instinct ' asserts itself, or townspeople come out for a day's shooting to supplement tho meat supply."

CHEVIOT. On Saturday, the Cheviot councillors visited the Hurunui traffic bridge and inspected the repairs now being carried out by Mr Pearce, of Kaiapoi. The main road was also inspected, and repairs decidcd upon. A social and progressive euchre party was held in the Domett Hall, on Friday, the proceeds being in aid. of Christmas hampers for our boys at the front. The sum of JCo 6s was taken at tho door, and a pig was auctioned and realised £3 6d. Songs were given by Misses Jackman and Butier and Mrßropliy. Mrs Denton, and Mr Scott, and recitations by Misses Martin, Sturgcsr, and Hughes.

WAIAT. I The annual meeting of shareholders in the Woiau Farmers' Saleyards Coxu- | pany was held on Saturday afternoon, when there was but a small a.ttendnce. Mr J. Little, chairman of directors. presided. The annual report and balance-sheet, which were adopted, showed tho company to be. iu a sound financial position. A vote of thanks was accorded Mr F. J. O'Malley for the time and energy ho had given to the company, also the directors and the secretary, for the able manner in which they had discharged their duties. The retiring directors, Messrs H. T. Beaven and E. P. H. Burbujy, were re-elected. The hope "was expressed that during the coming season sales would be held regularly at the yards. On the motion of the chairman,'a vote of sympathy with the relatives of the late Mr Duncan Rutherford, and with the relatives of Sergt. A. S. Baker and Privates J. C. P. Brown( and T. R. Creed, who were killed in action at Messines, was carried in silence. HALSWELL. At the fortnightly dance held in the hall, Privates T. Moyna and C. Murphy were the recipients of pocket wallets from the Patriotic Committee. Mr W. L. Wright, chairman of the Hail Committee, made the presentations and, in an appropriate speech. wish^t 1 the recipients God-speed, the best of

luck, and a, safe return. Private 1\ Movna was also presented wuh a „ old medal from the; Sports Committee, of which ho had been an energetic member Air A. ltose, formerly chairman of the Sports Committee, wa 3 present for tlie occasion. was kept up till 2 a.m, Mr " • -Bcttei supplying the music. On Friday, & progressive _ enchre party and dance was held to liquidate the debt on the hall piano fund. Euchre was kept up till 10 p.m.. .Air W. Wilson and. M?s Hodgen securing the highest points for the first evening. The prizes, a. handsome gold pendant and a valuable pocket millet. wore given by Mr G. Clements. .Dancing was kept up + »)1 12.30 a.m., }f r Xewtou (violin) and Miss Newton (piano) supplying the music. Mrs Haincy and Miss Sharps, who were considerably shaken and nrtstrung hy tlio motor-trap accident nt Birdling's corner a few works ago, arc now convalescent.

The following garments, made l, v tho girls aqd boys of the public school, were handed in to the city branch nt the Red Cross by the headmistress, being the work for May and .June; S'j face cloths, 24 khaki handkerchiefs," 12 washing bags, 12 slings. HORNBY. There was a fair attendance at the fortnightly euchre party at Islington on Thursday last. The prises were won as follows: Miss Cooper 1, Hiss E. Joyce 2, .Miss Carver 3; Mr A. "\A ard 1, Mr M. McTiegue 2. Mr J. Coulter 3. Kilt WEE.

The annual meet in <r of the Kir woo Patriotic Committee was held on Saturday evening, the Rev. P. Ho vol I presiding over a fair attendance. '.Clio chairman, in his summary of the committee's work, stated that the district had sent -12 men to the front. Ten of these had given their lives for their country, four had been invalided home, and many of those remaining had been wounded. A motion of condolcnc-e with the relatives of the fallen men was carried in silence members standing. The secretary's report stated that ill branches were doing good work. The monthly meeting of the Ladies' Red Cross branch was well attended, and wns responsible for the large number of articles sent forward. The fortnightly Bandapo Class was also "well attended. During tin: year the sum of il'.OS iVs 2d had been raised for the •purpose uf buying material, etc., and the committee had still a balance in hand of £64 17s -3d. The reoort was adopted. The election of officers resulted as follows:—President, Mr T. Lorgelly; vice-president, Mr AV. H. Conway: secretary. Mr .T. "VV. Belcrave ; treasurer. Mr G. T. Robertson. The old committee was re-elected, including Mr C'. Mcßeath. It was decided to hold a social evening on July 27th for the purpose of procuring Christmas gifts for tlio boys at the front. A suggestion from Mr Revell that the committee undertako to see that the wives and families of men on active service were "well supplied with firing was well received. COALrGATE. The Postmaster-General has notified Mr'AV. .J. Dickie, M.P., that the petition from the Hamebnsli Brick and Coal Co., Ltd., and other subscribers for the opening of the Coalgate. telephone exchange for one hour each evening cannot bo considered favourably on the ground that, the. number of paying subscribers to the exchange is only twenty-six, whereas the number must exceed thirty, and each subscriber pay ail additional £1 per amium for the exchange to be opened after 5 p.m., and not less than threefourths of the paying subscribers must agree to the extension.

ASHBURTON". Tho Ashburton police received advice yesterday that a man had teen found dead during tho morning- on Mr Tasker's property, Ruapuna.

Tho Ashburton Advisory Committco has rcccivcci a fair number of applications from Senior Cadets for exemption from daylight parades. Exemptions have been approved in each instance, where tho applicant proved that he -vvas engaged in farm work.

Mr F. Peters, of Anama, lias given £5 towards the cost of furnishing the recently acquired Soldiers' Club Room in Ashburton, and promises more, if necessary. Ho also notifies his intention of giving £5 per annum to the club's funds. ~

The Mayor (Mr Tt/. G-albraith) has received £o, being proceeds of the "Waterton hare drive (per Mrs Dawson), and a similar sum froni tho Ashburton County Scottish Society, towards the Y.M.C.A. Trench Comforts' Fund.

There has been a: great falling-off in tho number of birds' heads purchased by tho. Ashburton County Council. Sinco the beginning of May the aggregate number of heads purchased to date totals while for tho samo period last year the number was more than double. Recently there has only been u limited demand for poisoned wheat.

The monthly meeting of the Longboach Road Board was held on Saturday, when Mr W. T. Eill presided. The clerk reported that the declaration to bo signed to enable the Board to claim subsidy on rates had been attended to, and his action was approved. It was decided to take action against occupiers of property who failed to clear gorsc, and attend to drains on their land. Mr E. S. Lowe was authorised to impound stock found on the roads in the district. It was_resolved to strike ft genera! rate of o-16d in the ■£ on all rateable property in tho district.

THE -JUDGING- OF SHEEP.

TO TILE EDITOR Ob' "THE mfcS'S."

Sir.—As I was the mover of tho recommendation to tho incoming committee at the last annual meeting of tiie Canterbury A. and P. Association, asking that a new rule be made to prevent the tying on of wool on the necks of sheep competing at tho annual show, 1 trust it will not seem presumptuous if I venturo lo stato what I think the best means of giving effect to that recommeudation, and to off<U" a few words of criticism on what "the Sheep Committee have resolved to do by way of meeting the unanimous desire of the members present on that occasion, as reported in tho "Weekly Press" of the 11th inst. What I wanted, and what I still think would suit the case, is for a new rule to bo added '-o the present regulations, somewhat as follows:— "Any sheep that lias the wool tied on its neck, or any other part, with string or a.nv substitute for string, or glued I on -with any adhesive matter, will bo disqualified, aoid the exhibitor of any such sheep will be deemed guilty of a fraudulent and unfair practice, and be dealt with as prescribed for in Rule 33 of the present rules and regulations.'' _ That rule, T think, would be sufficient. Only I would have an instruction to the' attending members to call judges 1 attention to this regulation, j and' I feel certain we would see no niore of the string trick, because the risks that would be incurred in trying it on would be greater than the benefits likely to be derived from its use. And I say this in the full conviction that as far as Border Leicester sheep are concerned, there is no form of faking that has been the means of misdirecting more prize tickets than this. Further, I say there is no form of faking that has had a worse influence on the breeding of Border Leicester sheep from a colonial estimate of their points.' because it has helped to encourage a typo that would be. in many cases, unpresentable as a full-woolled exhibit but for this string- 1 dodge. ' I

am aware thorp aro a number of people, especially those who havo had no experience in the bringing out of certain breeds of sheep for exhibition, who doubt the full extent of its common and successful practice. Yen see, yon can't detect it as yon admire tho tsheep pens from the balcony of the committee rooms, however nicely yon may blow the smoke of the cigar aside. I will now leave this part of tie subject, as I I have said enough to prove the need of a rule to prevent string. But when I ask for a rule to prevent string, I am opposed to any rule to stop unfair shearing or trimming. because X object to having rules you ran only enforce when they aro clumsily broken, a-s such rules merely reward* the most expert at deception, and neither unfair shearing nor 'trimming can be detected if they aro demo with skill and moderation, as no one can say for certain whether a sheep has been trimmed or not if it- is not clone to excess and is done some time before tho sheep k shown. Nor can anyone say for certain that a sheep has been unfairly shorn or not after the fleeoo has had some twelve months growth, and both these forms of faking when done to such excess as io be clearly noticeablo (and the infringement of a rule must bo clearly noticeable before you can enforce if).' carry their own punishment: with them, as in such cases they injure the anpearanee of the sheep instead of helping it, So go-as-you-please has been an unavoidable necessity with regard to such practices. But string can he seen if the judge suspects and looks for it. and when seen it- can be proved beyond dispute that it is there. Another mntter ] to refer to is the idea of havi.ig a .indeo '.1 cro before the judge—a sort of steward he seems to inc. though 1 am not often c.noucli on ti racecourse to appreciate how honestly such gatherings are now f-onducteri since the appointment, of these officials. However, 1 fee; very strongly that this is a hopelessly absurd proposal as .-implied to judging at shows. I don't mean to refer at all to any one judge who may be appointed to go before the judge (and" to save space I will refer to him as the expert judge). So let it bo understood that my remarks have 110 connexion or reference to' any one person. It is the principle to which 1 object, not to tho individualIf the. expert judge knows so ranch more than the ordinary judge, why doesn't he fini-h the job and put up the tickets? It. will bo said he has not the time. Neither lias he tho time to fossick all round theso '.sheep pens looking for string and unfair shearing unless there are about twenty of these export. judges. But. this plan affects more than the man with the trimmed sheep and the expert, judge. J. havo had the honour of judging sometimes at Christchurch shows, and I would consider it a. positive insult to be asked to follow after any expert judge had been put round to make sure that I had no chance of making glaringly bad decisions. Jf tho expert judge is to be employed "before me, would it. not be jiisi well for him to put aside tho very bad one s at the same time ho puts out tho faked ones, seeing I might stumble up against one of them with a. prize ticket? I have been in communication with some of those who have acted as judges in Christchurch, and they take tho same view as I do. and (hey. too, will refuse to jndgo if the committee as good as tells them that as they don't know how much of a. sheep's appearance is duo to inherent qualities and how much to get up, an expert'will go before them, so they will have a simplo if inglorious job. I offer these suggestions with no hostility to the general conduct of the Canterbury A. and P. Association, but in a friendly spirit, and with the conviction that experience and necessity will yet enforce them if the present committee cannot agree to do

In normal and liappicr times, such subjects as these would havo been of iritorcsfc to all with stud stock, but now I fee], as others must, that ib jars to wrangle over "what are trifles in comparison to the -world-shaking conflict wo have to face. But if shows are to be held, rules must guide them, and the fairer these rules are the better chancc there is of their being kegt.—"Sours, etc., DAVID ARCHIBALD. tSpotswood, July, 1917.