COMMERCIAL.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20734, 20 December 1932, Page 16

COMMERCIAL.

(CONTINUED.) A FORMIDABLE COMPETITOR. DAIRYING IN AUSTRALIA. DOMINION METHODS COPIED. The copying of New Zealand methods of grassland farming had brought success in certain parts of Australia and, stated Mr G. H. Holford, of Christclmrch, to The PBESa last night, it behoved the Dominion to Bee that she did not lose the lead in the dairying industry. Mr Holford has just returned from a stay of several -weeks in the Commonwealth. "I visited the dairying districts of the coast of New South Wales, 100 miles south of Sydney and 250 miles north," said Mr Holford. "I went also to the fertile western district of Victoria and Gippsland and to the hill country round about Adelaide. Some of the irrigated areas on the Murray river are enjoying a prolific season and have been doing so for many years past. Indeed, returns from dairying, I am informed, are higher than ever they were before. "The dairymen who came to New Zealand two years ago and who have adopted the Dominion's methods of operation are doing well. In the last two years there has been a definite movement, aided by the fertiliser companies, to copy New Zealand methods of grassland farming, in using surplus grass for ensilage, in rotational grazing, smaller paddocks and judicious manuring. Dairying land in New South Wales and Victoria, south of the Divide, has a good rainfall which is consistent from year to year, but the main problems are the control of pastures and the incorporation of true perennial ryegrass, particularly in New South Wales where thero is a shortage of feed in winter and early spring." Australia had doubled her export of dairy produce over the figures- of two vears ago, said Mr Holford. When it was realised that only one farm in a hundred was properly managed, it could be seen that the Commonwealth was a considerable menace to New Zealand. Bho had a lot "up her sleeve." Pasture management, good soil, and a favourable climate, together with increased acreage, were bound to show their results. The Value of Irrigation. It behoved New Zealand to make every endeavour to maintain its lead iu pasture work. The country that produced butter-fat at tho cheapest rate per lb would come out best in the end. On the lighter lands subterranean clover was a big factor. As chairman of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce and Canterbury Progress League Irrigation Committee, he said, ho had visited irrigation areas on the Murray river and near Melbourne. A greater production was being secured by tho irrigation of mixed grasses and clovers rather than lucerne, for the latter was disappointing under continued irrigation. Tho average carrying capacity of sheep on irrigated pastures was from 16 to 18 an acre all the year round. Various schemes of irrigation, as proposed in Canterbury, were looked into and methods and costs were secured as a guide. Manuring of Wlieat. Mr Holford visited many of the research stations which are going into wheat manuring questions, and met a number of officers who had graduated from New Zealand. Important work, ho Baid, was being done with wheat, particularly in the matter of rust resistance. The Departments of Agriculture of South Australia, New South Wales, and Victoria each had a station and demonstration areas. Tho coastal districts of New South Wales and Victoria seemed to have a tremendous scope for improvement in dairying and fat lamb production, and it was up to New Zealand to see that she did not loao the lead in that industry. PRICE OF SILVER. (BRITISH OFFICIAL WIBELISS.) (Eeceived December 19th, 5.5 p.m.) EUGBY, December 17. Silver (pence per ounce) is quoted: — Dec. IC. Dec. 17, Spot •• 3 Z " „ Forward • • 1' 17 916