FARM AND STATION

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21973, 23 December 1936, Page 15

FARM AND STATION

NOTES BY THE WAY LAMB WEIGHTS It is remarkable that when all the advice from official sources is for the light-weight lamb of about 32 or 331b, the prices offered by exporters appear to be aimed at discouraging these weights. The schedule provides for for a 361b and under, yet a 501b lamb is being quoted at 81 d. In effect, whilst a 321b lamb is worth 24s 4d, a 501b is worth 345. These may be extreme illustrations, but a 361b lamb at 9d which some exporters were paying at last week’s Addington sale represented 27s and the 481b lamb 31s. The market values showed these were about the run of prices for these weights. One pen of lambs made 36s 7d. It is probable that they exceeded the 501b weight, but it still makes the average per pound practically as good as that of the light lamb. If fatteners can depend on getting 4s to 5s a head more for their heavy lambs than for the light by keeping them a few weeks longer the Meat Board may have a difficult task in persuading them to dispose of their lambs as light-weights. A reason for the present high schedule for heavy-weights may be that when these lambs arrive in England the weather will be still cold enough to encourage the use of big cuts. If the present trend assumes a degree of permanence there will be general satisfaction, as nine farmers out of 10 prefer to produce the heavy prime lamb as against the light-weight, which in many cases may be only half fattened to keep within the higher schedule rate. The producer of the heavy lamb is certainly having the better of the deal so far this year. AN INTERESTING EXPERIMENT Details are contained in the Home stock papers of an interesting experiment of the relative merits of Border and Suffolk lambs. Rams of the breed were used oh crossbred and blackfaced ewes. On account of the poor demand for milk lambs these were carried over for winter fattening. They were weaned in the first week, in August and run on grass until November, when they were put on to roots and concentrates. The weights under a year old show the wonderful early maturing qualities of both crosses. The Border Leicester singles averaged 691b carcase weight and realised 63s 3d, the twins averaged 68,71b and made 64s Bd. The Suffolk singles killed out 781b'“-etM Sold' fit 78s, the twins weighed 701b and made 66s Bd, while triplets 21b lighter-made the same price. The percentage of dead to live weight varied from 50 per cent, in Border Leicester singles to 54.9 per cent, in the Suffolk singles, which sold at Is per lb dressed weight, and the report says that though these were heavier than the Border Leicesters considerably less fat was evident, COMPLIMENTARY V ■ PRESENTATION TO MR J. DOUGLAS

A presentation was made yesterday by a number of the older patrons of the Addington Yards to Mr J. Douglas, who for the last 30 odd years has been inspector under the Fat Cattle Insurance Fund which has been operating there since 1903. For all but 12 months of the period since then Mr Douglas has been in charge of this work. . , .. It is interesting to note that the abattoirs were established in 1903. The. butchers and graziers formed an insurance fund for the purpose of recouping butchers for the cost of cattle condemned at the abattoirs. This loss had frequently been a very serious one to butchers. The committee which instituted the fund comprised James Knight. F. H. Steel. John Barr, F. Tavender. J. R. D. Johns, and Charles Calcutt, the last-mentioned representing the auctioneers. He was appointed chairman, Mr James Forrester secretary, and Mr Arthur Sefton inspector. Mr Sefton held the position for about 12 months, when Mr Douglas was appointed to succeed him, and he has held the position since. There are only two members of the original committee living, namely. Messrs Steel and Johns. At the gathering yesterday afternoon, Mr Johns referred to the long and faithful service of Mr Douglas as inspector, and the capable manner in which he had carried out his duties. He did not think that during the whole of the period Mr Douglas had had a serious disagreement with the many people with whom he had come in contact. He had done his work fearlessly and conscientiously. On behalf of a number of the older attendants at Addington he asked his acceptance of a set of Loewe pipes as a Christmas present, with the hope that he would still continue for many years to come. He also asked his acceptance of a handbag for his wife. Mr Dan Coleman, on behalf of the butchers, emphasised the remarks of Mr Johns and eulogised the fearlessness with which Mr Douglas had performed his duties. “You couldn’t get anything past him,” added Mr Coleman. The recipient suitably returned thanks for the unexpected but nevertheless very welcome evidence of their satisfaction with his work. In southern Australia, the legume of particular importance is subterranean clover (states a Victorian farm journal) , and it has been found that land sown to subterranean clover and topdressed with superphosphate will not only carry several sheep to the acre, but will become greatly improved in fertility in the process. A factor that has contributed greatly to the extension of this practice in recent years has been the relative cheapness of superphosphate, compared with other fertilisers. Whilst the broken weather has prevented the stacking of lucerne hay in a number of cases from- the first cut, in other cases where the grower was more fortunate in the way of weather the second cut has already been taken. The second cut so early in the season is rather remarkable. In one case that came under notice yesterday the second cut had been taken off a stand which had been green manured by lupins, the lucerne now being in for some years. .

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ADDINGTON MARKET ANOTHER KEEN LAMB SALE FAT WETHERS IMPROVE The feature of the weekly market at Addington yesterday was the keen sale for a very heavy entry of fat lambs. The penning was close on 4500 head, or considerably more than double that of the preceding week. Although tire market was scarcely as buoyant as that of a week ago. it showed practically no easing except for medium-light lambs, and this only to a small extent. Due to butchers’ competition, heavy weights sold at above schedule rates. For such a heavy offering the demand was particularly well sustained. Fat sheep were forward in fewer numbers, and another keen sale resulted. Wethers were firmer by Is Cd to 2s a head, both the trade and exporters competing keenly, but heavy ewes were scarcely up to recent rates. The fat cattle market was firm at practically last week’s rates, the sale being a good one considering the size of the entry. Both porkers and haconers sold at a shade better values. The store sheep entry, comprising mostly wethers, sold at an improvement for the small number forward. STORE SHEEP The store sheep yarding was a very small one, occupying only 16 to 20 pens. The main proportion was wethers, and throughout it was a good sale with last week’s prices fully realised. Two-tooth wethers made up to 20s 4d. with sixand elght-tooths selling to 21s 6d. Only one pen of ewes and lambs was forward, tn which a number of the ewes showed good mouths. They sold at 18s lid. Representative sales were;— Wethers —Fifty two-tooth merino at 17s 3d 36 two-tooth at 20s. 101 two-tooth at 20s, 60 four-tooth at 235. 40 two-tooth at 19s 6d, 50 two-tooth at 20s 4d. Ewes—Forty two-tooth merino at 27s 6d. 17 two-tooth at 25s 2d, 25 two-tooth at 23s lid. Ewes and Lambs —Seventy-eight ewes and 104 lambs at 18s lid. Hoggets—Twenty ewe at 28s 9d. EAT LAMBS With an entry of between 4300 and 4500 fat lambs, the penning of which overflowed into the store and fat sheep pens, there were possibilities of a set-back in values. This was far from being the case, however, Although the entry was more than double that of the preceding week, there was a keen demand from’the outset. Last week’s high rates tlere maintained throughout for all prime lambs, the only class to show evidences of a slackening being lighter sorts. This easing, however, was verv small, and generally the entiy sold at more than export schedule. Butchers secured a big bulk of the penning, but exporters were actively in the market for light weights. A notable price was secured by F. McHugh (Darfield), who sold 15 at from 33s 7d to 34s 7d. G. James (Sefton). also sold a small pen ot three at 34s 7d. Values were asuunderr rExtra prime heavy Jambs to 34s iQ, Prime heavy lambs, 28s 6d to 31s 6d. • Prime medium-weight lambs, 26s 6d to 28s Ordinary lambs. 24s Cd to 26s 3d. Light lambs to 24s 3d. H. Matson and Company sold:— On account of C. P. Clark (Lincoln), 20 at 29s Id to 31s 4d; James Bryce (Hornby). 15 at 28s lOd to 31s 4d; T. Voice (Templeton). 53 at 29s Id to 31s Id; A. Petrie (Sefton). 8 at 30s 7d;<43. H, Stanley jHarewood), 15 at 22s Id to 30s Id: J. D. Anderson (Darfield). 20 at 25s 7d to 29s 7d: Blllbrough Estate (Dunsandel). 15 at 2 is 10d to 28s 10d; Wellsford Estate (Oxford . 11 at 28s 4d; J. C. Hockey (Harewood) 14 at 25s lOd to 28s Id: H. A. Klmber (Greenpark), 10 at 24s 4c1t023s Id; W. H. Cross (Bennetts), 28 at 27s lOd; R. Peach (Ashlev). 22 at 26s lOd to 27s lOd; P. JThornton (Harewood). 12 at 25s 4d to 27s 7d; R. Studholme (Tai Tapu), 40 at 25s 10d: Waylands Estate (Cust), 24 at 25s 4d: Ballinger and Cassidy (Woodend), 40 at 23s Id to 25s 4d; MfcTlegue Bros. (Halswell), 20 at 25s 4d: R. Barnard (Kaiapoi) 16 at 24s lOd; D. Butcher (Springston)'. 14 at 24s 7d to 24s 10d; G. G. Smith (Broadfield), 18 at 24s Id; J. Stroer (Halswell) 4 at 24s Id; J. H. Wallis (Ashley). 6 at 23s 7d; Miss G. Waliis (Ashley), li at 23s 7d; J. H. Pannett (Springston), 1at 23s 4d: J. Bunting (Woodend), 14 at 22s Id; W. Wheatley (Mount Pleasant). 14 at 21s Id; country client, 40 at 23s Id to 25s 4d. Pyne, Gould, Guinness. Ltd., sold.— On account of G. James (Sefton). 3 at 34s 7d; F. McHugh (Darfield), 18 at 33s 7d to 34s 7d; J. H. Watson (Lincoln), 6 at 30s lOd to 32s 10d; J. Woods (Tai Tapu). 30 at 32s 10d; G. R. McDonald (Ashburton), 21 at 28s 4d to 32s 10d; D. Findlay (Courtenay), 6 at 31s 7d; J. Burrows (Chertsey), 13 at 31s Id to 31s 4d, T. Morgan (Courtenay), 2 at 30s 10d; R. Dawson (West Melton), 70 at 27s 4d to 30s 10d;' J. Hartnell (Bromley), 21 at 22s 10d to 30s 7d; G. T. Robertson (Courtenay), 10 at 30s 4d: A. A. Gardiner (Ataahua). 5 at 30s Id; A. Fairbairn (Scargill), 75 at ..6 s lOd to 29s lOd; F. C. Carter (West Melton). 30 at 27s 7d to 29s 7d; F. Leonardo (Le ' Eon’s Bay), 152 at 24s lOd to 29s 7d; N. Gardiner (Ataahua), 11 at 28s lOd; J. A. McClintock (Cheviot), 61 at 25s lOd to 28s lOd; W. A. Nicholls (Ohoka), 27 at 28s 4d to 28s 7d; C. McCaskey (Waipara), 29 at 26s 4d to 28s 4d; G. K. McLaughlin (Culverden), 80 at 26s lOd to 28s 4d; A. C. Pulley (Loburn), 6 at 28s Id; E. G. Mutton (Springston), 8 at 27s lOd; J. F. Scott (Opawa), 192 at 22s Id to 27s 4d; J. A. Callan (Rlccarton), 14 at 26s 4d to 27s 4d. W. J. Whyte (Upper Rlccarton), 18 at 23s 4d to 275; W. J. Moir (Flaxton). 30 at 26s 4d to 27s Id; W. Antill (Weka Pass), 56 at 25s Id to 26s 10d; P. Thornton (Rakaia), 28 at 26s 10d; J. Fisher (Belfast), 11 at 20s 7d; F. Hubbard (Greenpark). 12 at 26s 7d: H. E. Cross (Sandy Knolls). 30 at 24s 4d to 24s 10d; Mrs S. Nicholson (Yaldhurst), 7 at 23s 7d. H. L. Spark (Annat), 8 at 23s 4d; George Fine (Sockburn), 7 at 22s lOd. New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Ltd., sold: — On account of C. G. Jowers (Kimberley) 22 at 29s 10d; client, 38 at 24s 4d to 27s 7d; client. 31 at 25s 7d to 27s 4d; L. E. Radford (Little River), 26 at 27s 4d. M. J. Wilson (Springston), 9 at 27s Id, H. D. Bailey (Styx), 37 at 20s lOd to 25s 7d; James Beckett (Cheviot), 63 at 23s lOd to 255; A. B. Truscott (Springston), 15 at 22s Id; client, 29 at 20s 10d to 22s Id, E. B. Clark (Cheviot), 32 at 21s 4d. Dalgety and Company, Ltd sold;—On account of G. W. Broughton (Darfield), 70 at 25s 4d to 28s 7d: L. J. Brochene (Loburn), 75 at 23s lOd to 28s 4d, G. M. Wheeler (Cust). 7 at 25s 4d to 27s 10d; H. F. Wright (Dunsandel), 10 at 26s lOd, M. T. H. Wilkie (Courtenay). 11 at 26s 7d; Dee Bros (Kaikoura). 45 at 22s 4d to 26s Id; G. C. Judson (Rangiora), 31 at 23s 7d to 25s 10d’ R. S. Royds (Fendalton), 114 at 21s lOd to 25s lOd; T. J. Pascoe (Aylesbury). 26 at 22s lOd to 24s lOd; Kaikoura client, 223 at 19s 7d to 22s 7,d. National Mortgage and Agency Company, Ltd., sold:—On account of D. James (Halswell), 4 at 33s 7d to 34s Id; W. J. Hampton (Southbridge), .16 at 28s 7d to 30s 4d; Jas. Walker (Dunsandel), 83 at 28s Id to 30s Id; G. L. Barnett (Lakeside), 22 at 28s Id to 29s Id; Mrs C. Byrch (Motunau). 142 at 24s 4d to 29s 7d; Joe Morris (Aylesbury). 20 at 28s 7d to 29s Id; Mrs C. M. Gardiner (Purau), 27 at 24s Id to 28s 10d; Southbridge client, 19 at 26s lOd to 28s 7d; Mrs Jack Byrch (Motunau), 111 at 24s lOd to 28s 7d; Ellesmere client, 23 at 26s lOd to 28s 7d; W. Ludemann. jun. (Lakeside), 11 at 28s 7d; Doyleston client, 8 at 28s 4d; C. Jowers (Halswell), 31 at 26s lOd to 27s lOd; R. Hanna (Sefton), 23 at 25s 7d to 27s 7d; R. Rowlands (Kirwee), 6 at 27s 4d; Schmack Bros. (Irwell), 15 at 25s 7d to 26s lOd; T. Habberjamb (Southbridge), 6 at 26s 7d; W. L. Sutton (Leeston). 20 at 25s lOd to 26s 4d: J. W. Mossman (Kaiapoi), 14 at 26s Id; Husband Bros. (Lakeside). 14 at 25s 7d to 26s Id: W. A. Gardiner (Diamond Harbour), 100 at 25s Id to 25s lOd: H. H. H. Gardiner (Purau), 10 at 25s 7d; W. H. Crampton (Cheviot). 36 at 24s Id to 25s 4d; F. S. Rutherford (Kaikoura), 94 at 21s lOd to 23s 4d; G. L. Rutherford (Parnassus), 43 at 23s 7d to 24s 7d; Halswell client, 8 at 20s 7d. New Zealand Farmers’ Co-operative Association of Canterbury, Ltd., sold:—On account of A. Matthews (Waikari), 70 at 26s lOd to 31s 4d; E. W, Wood (Rakaia), 20 at 27s Id to 30s lOd; G. Turner (Courtenay), 15 at 28s lOd to 30s 10d; M. D. Frizzell (Springbank), 22 at 28s lOd, to 30s 4d; J. Coe (Irwell), 25 at 27s lOd to 29s lOd: C. L. Brown (West Melton), 41 at 27s 4d to 29s ICd; W. Wright (Springston), 27 at 28s Id to 29s 4d; A. E, Birdling (Bird-

line's Flat). 210 at 25s Id to 29s 4d; G. J. Giddings (Greendale), 42 at 26s 10d to 28s 7d;tJ. McLachlan (Leeston), 168 at 22s 10d to 20s 4d; G. Mclntosh (Southbrook), 16 at 26s 4d to 28s Id; J. H. Hamptw (Leeston), 22 at 26s lOd to 87s Wd; F. G. Banks (Springston), 17 at 27 s; lOd. J-God-sell (Doyleston), 20 at 25s lOd to 26s 4d, A. Amyes (Leeston), 20 at 26s 4d.J- =>; Simpson (Springston). 26 at Ms to 25s 10d E. McPherson (Riccarton), 13 at 21s 10d to 23s lOd. FAT SHEEP The entry in the fat sheep section was considerably smaller than that of last week, comprising about 3350 head, compared with 4250. Some prime lines were forward from South Canterbury—some of them woolly—and the quality of the penning as a whole was very fair. The market was strong from the outset, particularly for wethers, which were up on the rates ruling last week by Is 6d to 2s a head. Light ewes also sold very freelj, but heavy sorts were inclined to be a little easier. Exporters were actively in the market for wethers, and with butchers competition the whole of the entry was absorbed. Amongst the good averages was a line of Go wethers from J. E. Horreli iHorrelville), which averaged 31s sd, a show pen of wethers from V/. H. Montgomery (Little River) sold at 37s Id, and another of three ewes from the same vendor at 35s Id.

Values were as under;— Extra prime heavy wethers, to 37s Id. Prime heavy wethers, 28s Gd to 30s Gd. Prime medium-weight wethers, 26s to 28s.

Ordinary wethers, 23s 9d to 25s Gd. Light wethers, to 23s Gd. Extra prime heavy ewes, 35s Id. Prime heavy ewes, 22s to 23s Gd. Prime medium-weight ewes, 19s 6d to 21s fid.

Ordinary ewes, 17s to 10s. Light ewes, to IGs Gd. New Zealand Farmers’ Co-operative Association of Canterbury, Led., sold:— Wethers —On account of Thompson Bros. (Horrelville), 20 at 28s lOd to 29s 7d; C. E. Ryder (Waiau), 10 at 28s lOd. Ewes—On account of A. A. McLachlan (Dunsanciel). 59 at 15s lOd to 21s 7d; C. L. Brown (West Melton). 10 at 18s Id to 21s 4ci; J. Beckett (Cheviot), 20 at 16s 4d to 20s 7d; R. Fletcher (Lauriston). 16 at 20s 7cl; G. H. Harrison (Spotswood), 55 at 11s 4d to 20s Id; G. Harper (Loburn), 10 at 16s 4d; A. Hall (Irwell), 15 at 15s lOd to 19s 4d; L. E. Smart (Lincoln), 19 at 12s lOcl.

Hoggets—On account of John Shearer (Ashburton). 60 at 24s 7d to 25s lOd. Palgety and Company, Ltd., sold;—

Wethers—On account of F. Tavener (Orarl), 9 at 28s 10d; J. C. Irwin (Rakaia), 13 at 27s lOd to 28s 7d; Early Bros. (Greendale), 20 at 27s Id to 27s 10d; A. H. Forbes (Opawa), 105 at 25s 4d to 26s 4d; T, C. Robinson (Mount Palm), 11 at 26s Id; client, 72 at 24s Id to 26s Id.

Ewes—On account of D. M. Lill (Brookside), 18 at 20s 4d to 24s Id; T. C. Robinson (Mount Palm), 23 at 20s lOd to 23s 4d: C J. Judson (Rangiora), 12 at 21s lOd to 22s 4d; G. W. Broughton (Barfield), 11 at 21s 4d; J. C. Thompson (Kirwee), 6 at 20s 10d; Early Bros. (Greendale), 3 at 19s 4d; R, S. Royds (Fendalton), 57 at 13s 7d to 17s lOd.

National Mortgage and Agency Company. Ltd., sold: — Wethers —On account of E. Hay (Pigeon Bay), 167 at 25s 7d to 30s 4d; R. Hanna (Sefton), 15 at 25s Id to 28s 4d: G. Storer (Halswell), 22 at 27s lOd to 23s 4d; New Zealand and Australian Land Company (Hakataramea Estate), 65 at 25s lOd to 27s 7d; South Canterbury client, 23 woolly at 34s 10d: Temuka client, 6 woolly at 36 s 7d. Ewes —On account of Sunnyside Mental Hospital (Sunnyside), 35 at 22s Id to 24s 7d; Southbridge client, 12 at 19s 7d to 23s 10d; A, V. Richards (Waihao Forks), 12 at 22s lOd: Mrs C. M. Gardiner (Purau), 22s 7d; W. J. Ludeman (Southbridge). 25 at 18s Id to 22s 4d; J. Christie, jun. (Southbridge). 28 at 17s lOd to 22s 4d; W. J. Hampton (Southbridge). 5 at 21s 10d;.J. Russell (Southbridge), 35 at 19s Id to 20s 4d; T. Habberjam (Southbridge). II at 15s 4d to 19s lid; Leeston client, 4 at 18s 7d; Halswell client, 27 at IBs Id to 19s Vd; W. J. Ludemann, Jun. (Lakeside), 8 at 17s 10d; Doyleston client, 7 at 16s lOd; South Canterbury client, 23 woolly at 16s to 32s 10d; Temuka client, 25 woolly at 2Ds 4d to 34s Id.

Hoggets—On account of J. Christie, jun. (Southbridge), 17 at 24s lOd to 25s 4d: A. McCarten (Southbridge), 22 at 23s lOd to 24s 7d; C. J. Ryan (Springston), 8 at 23s Id.

New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Ltd., sold:— Wethers—On account of J. E. Horreli (Horrelville). 65 at 28s lOd to 32s 10d; W. Turner (Waikari), 64 at 26s 4d to 29s 7d; L. Mcllwraith (West Melton), 14 at 26s 7d to 27s 7d; client, 24 at 27s 4d; client, 31 at 25s 4d to 2Gs lOd; client, 67 at 23s lOd to 25s 7d; client, 104 at 24s 4d; A. W. Watson (Pendarves), 30 at 31s Id to 24s Id; W. J. Doyle (Doyleston), 10 at 21s 7d.

Ewes—On account of client, 21 at 15s 7d to 20s lOd; J. W. Ferguson (Lyndhurst), 34 at 21s 4d to 25s Id; S. G. Holmes (Mount Harding, Methven), 18 at 18s 4d to 24s 7d; client, 11 at 22s lOci; E. B. Clark (Cheviot), 8 at 18s 7d to 22s 4d; James Beckett (Cheviot), 53 at 19s Id to 21s 4d; W. J. Doyle (Doyleston), 27 at IGs 4d to 19s lOd; client, 18 at 15s lOd to 17s 4d. Hoggets—On account of client, 15 at 24s lOd.

H. Matson and Company sold:— Wethers—On account of A. Cowie (Hawarden), 130 at 23s lOd to 28s 4d; G. H, Hassell (Clarkville), 15 at 27s lOd; E. G. Wright (Dunsandel), 77 at 26s 7d; Chatham Islands client, 20 at 23s Id to 25s 7d: G. E. Brown (Kaiapoi), 15 at 25s 4d; R. Chamberlain (Ellesmere), 10 at 25s Id: - J. H. Ridge (Springston), 20 at 23s lOd to 24s lOd; Maw Bros. (Southbridge), 52 at 16s 4d to 22s lOd. Ewes —On account of E. G. Wright (Dunsandel), 63 at 19s lOd to 23s 7d; Mrs M. Kavanagh (Upper Fendalton), 12 at 14s lOd to 19s lOd; P. Thornton (Harewood), II at 19s lOd, Pyne, Gould, Guinness, Ltd., sold:— Wethers —On account of W. H. Montgomery (Little River), 11 at 28s 7d to 37s Id; W. J. Rogers (Fernslde), 4 at 28s 4d to 28s 10d; W. J. Breading (Te Pirita), 9 at 28s 4d; T. A. Armstrong (Fernside), 18 at 28s Id; A. C. Pulley (Loburn),' 10 at 23s Id; A. E. Langdale-Hunt (West Melton), 60 at 24s lOd to 27s 10d; W. A. Nicholls (Ohoka), 19 at 25s lOd to 27s 10d; T. Morgan (Cheviot), 12 at 25s 7d to 27s 4d; J. H. Williams (Ellesmere), 90 at 24s 6d to 25s 7d; W. J. Molr (Flaxton), 11 at 24s lOd; J. A. Callaghan (Templeton), 32 at 22s Id to 24s 7d; N. A. Gardiner (Ataahua), 19 at 21s lOd to 23s 10d: D. M. Halliday (Ellesmere), 9 at 22s 10d; H. E. Blackler (Dromore), 19 at 21s lOd to 22s lOd; P. F. Ryan (Weedons), 60 at 21s lOd. Ewes—On account of W. H. Montgomery (Little River), 5 at 30s 4d to 35s Id: G. R. McLaughlin (Culverden), 15 at 25s 7d; R. Henderson (Halkett), 40 at 23s Id to 24s lOd; C. McCaskey (Waipara), 44 at 18s lOd to 24s 4d; W. Antill .(Weka Pass). 8 at 19s Id to 22s 4d; J. A. McCllntock (Cheviot), 18 at 19s 4d; G. Fisher (Styx), 18 at 18s 4d; W. J. Molr (Flaxton), 13 woolly at 31s 7d; A. H. Gardiner (Ataahua), 17 at 17s 4d.

Hoggets—On account of J. Hartnell (Bromley), 11 at 21s lOd to 25s Id; W. j. Moir (Flaxton), 6 at 23s Id to 23s 4d: Crotty’s Estate (Le Bon’s Bay), 16 at 23s 4d. PAT CATTLE The entry in the fat cattle section comprised 430 head, as against 500 last week. Quality was not impressive. It was represented very largely by cows of medium finish and light steers. However, there were some pens of particularly good medium-weight steers and prime heifers. The market opened very firmly at the rates ruling last wek, but towards the end of the sale there was an easing, particularly for the big showing of cows, for which bids were hard to secure. The better class steers were also inclined to ease, but on the whole the market was very little different from last week. Considering the size of the entry, following on that of last week of 500 head, the sale was a notably good one. Amongst the outstanding lines forward was one from T. H. Wilkinson (Spotswood), a truck lot of eight steers making from £l3 7s 6d to £ls 7s 6d, the average for the line being £l4 9s 4d. Top price of the sale was secured by R. A. Mould (Wainui), who sold a steer at £ls 17s 6d, and another at £ls 12s 6d, the average for a line of 10 being £l4 ss. A heifer from A. W. McPhail (Wainui) sold at £l3 12s 6d. Good beef made from 30s to 32s 6d per 1001b, extra good to 345, heavy 27s to 295, good heifer to 3Xs, best cow to 27s 6d, and inferior down to 235.

Values were as under:— Extra prime heavy steers to £ls 7s 6d. Prime heavy steers, £ll to £l3 10s. Prime medium-weight steers, £lO 10s to £l2. Ordinary steers, £9 to £lO ss. Light steers to £8 15s. Show heifers to £l3 12s 6d. . ‘.it Extra prime heifers to £ll ss. ■Prime hellers, £8 to £9 10s.

Medium heifers, £5 15s to £7 Light heifers to £5 15s. Extra prime cows to £lO 7s 6a. Prime cows, £6 15s to £B. Medium cows, £5 to £6 10s.

Light cows to £4 15s. ~ . New Zealand Farmers Co-operative As sociation of Canterbury, Ltd., sold; On account of R. A. Mould J^ ’ in steers at £l2 12s 6d to £ls 17s 6d. 10 cows at £8 12s 6d to £lO 7s 6d, W. H. Gillespie (Bennetts), 5 steers at £l2 7s Gd to £l4 2s 6d, 3 hellers at £8 2s 6d to £lO 17s 6d; D. McLaughlin (Omihl), » steers at £l2 7s 6d to £l3 12s 6d, heifer at £8 17s 6d; E. Hay (Pigeon BayhJ heifers at £7 17s 6d to £lO 7s 6d, 7 COWS at £6 7s 6d to £9 12s 6d; A. Banks (Coutts Island), 4 steers at £9 17s 6d to £l3 vs 6d; C. Maglnness (Wainui), 3 cows at £6 2s Gdto £8 2s 6d; C.W.Humm (Walnui), 4 cows at £4 17s 6d to £8 2s 6 , F. A. Sheat (Horrelville), 2 steer ® 2s 6d, cow at £5 2s 6d; c ’ i . ent -, | at £los 7s 6d to £l2 7s 6d; client, 8 cowf at £5 S 2s 6d to £8 17s 6d 2 steers at £lO 2s 6d; client. 5 steers at £8 2s Cd to £l4 7s 6d. 4 cows at £5 17s 6d to £7 i 6d; South Canterbury client. 2 cows at £» 7s 6d to £9 17s 6d, 2 heifers at £6 2s 6d to £6 12s 6d; client, 16 cows at £5 12s 6d to £9 17s 6d, 3 heifers at £6 7s 6d to £7 7s 6d; estate J. H. Jarman (Darneld), cow at £9 17s 6d. Pvne. Gould, Guinness, Ltd., sold.— On account of T. H. Wilkinson (Spptswood), 8 steers at £l3 7s 6d to£ \ s JL 6d; N. A. Gardiner (Kaituna). » steers at £l2 7s 6d to £l4 2s 6d; S. H. Gardiner (Amberley), cow at £lO 2s Gd; cll ® n k cows at £9 12s 6d; Commander S. Hau (Peraki), 8 steers at £l22s 6d ' to £ 7s 6d, 8 cows at £6 7s 6d to £lO -te . 2 heifers at £9 17s 6d; H. Banks (Courts Island). 3 steers at £l2 2s Gd, client, 2 steers at £ll 17s 6d, 3 cows at £4 17s 6d to £7 12s 6d: W. G fJ dl ?. er < Ha „ cow at £7 17s 6d; south client, 8 l er ® at £ll 7s 6d to £l3 7s Gd; client, l heifers at £4 2s 6d to £6 7s 6d. Dalgety and Company, Ltd., sold. On account of Mrs B. W. Shipley (Aylesbury), steer at £l4 2s 6d: Oamani client, 11 cows at £6 !2s 6d to £8 17s 6 , heifers at £8 2s 6d to £9 7s 6d, E. Stew art (Darfleld). 2 heifers at £8 17s 6d, 2 steers at £8 2s 6d; A. Larsen <Cust), cow at £7 2s 6d; client. 9 steer ®. a l/ig 7s Od to £l3 12s 6d, 11 cows at £6 2s 6d National l7 Mortgage and Agency ComP On’account client, 12 steers at £lO 7s 6d to £l2 17s Gd; Barfield client, 9 cows at £7 2s 6d to £lO 7s 6d; Cheviot client. 17 cows at £4 7s 6d to £8 7s 6d; Husband Bros. (Lakeside), cow at £6 12s 6d, Hals well client. 6 cows at £4 7s 6d to £6 17s 6d: R. B. Henderson (Rotherham). 6 steers at £6 17s 6d to £lO 2s 6d: client. o heifers at £5 2s 6d to £7 12s 6d, 5 cows at £6 7s 8d to £7 2s 6d. H. Matson and Company sold;— On account of Te Kinga Land and Timber Company (Moana). 8 steers at &JV 17s 6d to £l3 17s 6d: Glenmore Farm (Halswell). 4 steers at £9 2s Gdto 17s 6d; client. 7 steers at £lO 7s 6d to £l3 2s 6d; W. Anderson (Charterlsßay). 3 steers at £lO 2s 6d. 5 cows at £4 12s 60. to £9 7s 6d; R. Anderson (Charterlsßay). 1 steer at £8 7s 6d. 1 cowat£6l!s 6d, Timaru client, 10 cows at £5 tf® 17s Gd; John Wyllie (Omihi). 4 heifers at £9 17s fid to £lO ISs Gdi Fiaxton Farm (Ohoka), 7 heifers at £5 17s 6d to £9 I s od. 1 cow at £6 12s 6d; J. Streeter (Amberley), 2 heifers at £ll 12s 6d: F. J. Andrew (Te Pirita). 12 heifers at £8 17s Gd to £9 17s 6d; G. Popplewell •Rotherham), 1 cow at £6 12s 6d: F. McGifferd (Sefton), 6 cows at £7 12s 6d to £8 12s Gd; E. Ridgen (Greenpark). 1 heifer at £ll 2s Gd; F. Wakelin (Ashley). 1 cow at £9 7s Gd; L. Parnham (Kaiapol), 4 cows at £5 2s Gd to £7 12s 6d; C. P 11 ®® 11 ®! 1 (Kaiapoi), 2 cows at £3 7s qd to The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Ltd., sold;—On account of A. W. McPhall (Wainui). 5 steers at £8 17s Gd to £l4 12s 6d. 5 heifers at £8 7s 6d to £l3 12s Gd, 4 cows at £7 17s 6d to £9 17s 6d; client, 3 steers at £l3 7s Gd to £l4 2s Gd. 2 cows at £8 2s Gdl to £8 12s Gd, 2 heifers at £8 17s Gd to £9 2s 6d: Mrs I. Stewart (Barry's Bay). 8 cows at £5 7s Gd to £7 12s 6d; J. Flynn (Chcrtscy), 2 cows at £6 12s 6d to £6 17s Gd. STORE CATTLE The entry in the store cattle section was small, and except for a pen or _ two of young steers the class was indifferent, comprising odd pens of cows. For sorts ready for fattening there was an extreniely keen demand, and they sold at from £4 5s to £5. One pen of yearling steers sold at £5 11s. The strong market for wellbred lines of young cattle of any of the beef breeds continues strong. VEALERS The entry was a small one, but it was quite sufficient for requirements, the Christmas season for veal giving way to the demand for lamb. The best of last week’s rates were nevertheless maintained for the best quality forward, there being a slight easing for other sorts in the concluding stages. Values were as under: — Big runners, to £7 11s. Good runners, £4 10s to £6. Medium runners, £3 5s to £4 7s Gd, Best vealers, £2 10s to £3 10s. Good vealers, 35s to £2 7s 6d. Good calves, 25s to 32s Gd. Small calves, to 22s Gd. DAIRY CATTLE The entry was a small one. comprising 55 head. Few dairymen were interested in the sale, and values generally were down by up to 30s a head. A two-year registered Friesian heifer made £ll ss, but the best of the average quality second calvers made no more than £6 odd. There was little of quality In the entry. PAT PIGS For a double market the entry in the porker section was a very small one, and all classes showed a sharp advance on recent rates, the improvement being equal to 3s to 5s a head. Baconers were also penned in smaller numbers and sold at up to full export rates. A fair proportion Was bought for the export trade. Values were as under:— Porkers, 33s Gd to 36s 6d. Heavy porkers, 38s 6d to 44s 6d. Extra heavy porkers, 45s Gd to 49s Gd. Average value per lb, s|d to Baconers, 48s 6d to 55s Bd. Heavy baconers, 58s Gd to £3 3s Gd. Extra heavy baconers, £3 10s 6d to £3 X7s Gd. Average price per lb, 52d to 6d. STORE PIGS Tire store pig yarding was of medium size. Very few good weaners were penned. Values all round showed a firming on last week’s rates, being as follows: Weaners. 12s to 16s, extra good to 21s. Slips, IBs to 21s. Small stores, 19s 6d to 235. Medium stores, 24s to 265. Small stores. 26$ Gd to 30s. ARGENTINE COMPETITION To the Agricultural Editor. Sir, —It is nearly time New Zealand industrialists awoke to the fact that their greatest rival to maintaining their present position for produce on the world markets is Argentina. Situated as she is geographically, Argentina commands a distinct advantage, and can place her products on the markets of the United Kingdom, the Continent of Europe, or, in the United States of America in approximately 15 days, or less if the demand arose. It is surprising how little importance is given to the Argentine and how little is known here in New Zealand of this great republic, A vast country of unlimited resources that has everything New Zealand possesses (and more of it) in the main essentials for the making of a'nation—climate, agricultural, pastoral, mineral, and oil wealth, in conjunction with an industrious cosmopolitan population and situated in the centre of the world. The estancias are of enormous size, where cattle raising is carried on in a very efficient manner, as the sale prices of the champion bulls at the yearly Palermo show clearly indicate. It is rare for a champion to realise less than £4OOO, the record price being somewhere in the vicinity of £10,500, received for a Shorthorn some years ago. Some of the larger breeders draft off as many as 5000 to 6000 head of fat two to three years old chiller steers, annually, and as long as there is money to be made in such large ways with cattle, sheep will take second place only. Argentina at the moment is not producing within 50 per cent of her capacity in respect to grain, cattle, sheep, pigs, dairying, or fruit; the three lastmentioned industries are practically in their infancy as yet. New Zealand producers of fat lamb are mostly under the impression that the Argentine product is much inferior to their own, but such is not the case. The Argentine is breeding and exporting just as good type , and quality as we are in New Zealand, only not in such large

quantities. Thirty per cent, of its total output is well up to New Zealand standard and this can readily be increased to 80 per cent., given the proper incentive. On various occasions, when the London manager of the Meat Producers’ Board was lecturing throughout the Dominion last year, he repeatedly impressed upon 1 farmers and fat lamb producers what good work the Meat Board and its officials were doing, and also the fact that New Zealand lamb averaged IJd to ltd per lb more than the Argentine product was largely due to the efforts of the board. This margin in prices might be near the mark if taken over the period that New Zealand lamb is at its peak on the Home markets, that is, from the middle of January to July; but what about the months of October to January, when Argentine lamb is at its peak? These are months when lamb is in great demand at Home owing to festivities and colder weather, and there is no competition coming from New Zealand. During this period Argentine lamb is certainly fetching within a fraction of a penny per lb of New Zealand. Person I ly, I doubt very much if there is a difference of 3d per lb if spread over the entire year. Even supposing the difference to be Id in favour of New Zealand, it is questionable whether the grower here is any better off than his Argentine rival, because the latter has .no levies to pay in maintenance of high-salaried officials on a meat board and, furthermore, he is getting a greater percentage yield of meat a carcase than does the New Zealand grower. Again, his costs of production are much less, so that, after all deductions are made, his net returns are almost as good for a poorer class lamb as those of the New Zealand grower. This is a fair representation of existing affairs, but if and when the Argentine producers decide to take up the production qf fat lamb more seriously, then New Zealand will surely have her work cut out to retain her present monoply of the Home markets. I think that if the Meat Board were to devote a little more attention to the industry in Argentina they would gain some knowledge of the high standard of efficiency with which the preparation for marketing is carried out, especially the general handling, slaughtering, and classification, etc., at the freezing works end. Freezing works in New Zealand are too abundant and most antiquated, and do not reach the same standard of efficiency as those of the River Plate.

It comes as a surprise to note that the authorities of the Meat Board have never endeavoured to enlighten the New Zealand producer to a practice whereby his South American rival is realising at least 3d to 4d a carcase more on every lamb exported than is the case here. This has been going on for at least 10 years, and if spread over the total export of New Zealand lamb for this period would mean that the producer here is short somewhere in the vicinity of £1,200,000. This is quite a considerable sum of money to be slipping through the producers’ fingers, and it is a wonder that some of the practical officials of the organisation have not remedied this long ago. I have subscribed the contents of this article mostly from practical experience gained in New Zealand, Argentina, and England. The opinions advanced are not from hearsay or picked up second-hand, but are based entirely on my own knowledge. I trust they may be of interest to fatlamb producers.—Yours, etc., EX-ARGENTINO. Christchurch, December 19.