FARMING & COMMERCIAL

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 90, 11 January 1924, Page 10

FARMING & COMMERCIAL

NEWS AND NOTES

AUCTION SALES FORTHCOMING FIXTURES. Sales will be held at: — TO-DAY. 2 Fitzherbert Street Petone. 1.30 p.m. Sale of furniture account Mrs. Marshall (C. W. Price). 157 Lambton Quay, 1.30 p.m.—Sale of furniture (El. Johnston, and CodDominion Avenue. 2 p.m.—Sale of furniture (Vine and Wilson). FARMING INTERESTS NEW ZEALAND BUTTER “EASILY BEST IN THE WORLD, BUT—”

The practice of displaying New Zealand butter in bulk at Home and cutting a “lump” to a customer’s order, was strongly condemned bv Dr. H. T. ,T Thacker, of Christchurch, who has just returned from overseas. Everyone recognised that the New Zealand product was the best —or certainly as good as the best—in the world, said Dr. Thacker, but in a great many instances it was used to improve the quality of inferior brands. It was the custom at Home to display a 58-poiind box of New Zealand butter in the window (often facing the sun), and as a customer came in a “lump” was sliced off to the order, bundled up into what Dr. Thacker described as an “almost indecent parcel.” Th'* should he stopped, or rather, remedied bv having the box /divided into pats of one wound weight each, or alternately, bv having enough “New Zealand” wrappers in each box so that each order could be wranned up in a wrapper showing that it wa.s reallv the product of +he Dominion. It was lamentable that all the primary products of the Dominion wont in a huge mass to London instead of to forty norts. There was no effort apparently to encourage hotels, restaurants and other big consumers +o take New Zealand butter. On +hn Pacific Coast from Tos Angeles to California as much as 60 cents (nnnivn.lent tn half a dollar, ’or in English money. 2s. 104.1 was naid for the best butter, their own butter having a bin- nroportion of margarine. so it would be seen that if a duty of five confs was paid it would be worth while to get No”' Zealand butter on to that market there.

WOOL SALES AND EXPORTS TOTALS FOR DECEMBER. Sales of wool in New Zealand during December, to returns compiled by Messrs. Dalgety and Co., were as

FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE EMBARGO ON STOCK FROM UNITED KINGDOM. An Order-in-Council in yesterday’s Gazette prohibits the importation of all live stock (exeunt horses) and of fodder from the United Kingdom. As a matter of fact, bv arrangement with the High Commissioner, all shipments of stock and fodder from the United Kingdom have been stopped for some limo past, consequent upon the serious spread of foot and mouth disease, □nd the present Order-in-Council is mad 1 © in order to place the matter upon an exact footing, seeing that there appears reason to fear that some time will elapse before shipments can be resumed with safety.

RINDERPEST OUTBREAK COLOMBO POSSIBLE SOURCE. Sydney, January 10. Advices received! loyally show that rinderpest broke out in Colombo last July. The authorities there are still grappling with it. "While it is not definitely suggested that the disease emanated from Cojmbo. it is feared that the source may be traced to there. —Press Assn. BELGIAN EMBARGO ON AUSTRALIAN MEAT. (Rcc. January 10. 10.55 p.m.) Brussels, January 9. The importation of Australian frozen meat has been prohibited on account of the outbreak of rinderpest there. — Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

NAPIER WOOL SALE , RANGE OF PRICES By Telbsraph—Press Association. Napier, January 10. The second wool sale of the season at Napier concluded to-day, when practically the whole catalogue of 32,600 bales was sold under the hammer at prices 13d. to 3)d. higher than at the December sale. Following is the range cf prices, December rates in second column: —

LONDON MARKETS The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, have received the following cablegram from their London house under date January 9:—Tallow: We quote present spot values for the following descriptions:— Fine mutton. 495. Gel. per cwt.; good beef, 455. 3d. per cwt.; mixed, 40s. 6d. per cwt. Market active. Wool sales: January wool sales list closed January 7: Rotorua, Paparoa, Piako, Mahana., Port Napier and, Remuera included.

The Bank of New Zealand, produce department, has received the following advice from its London office, under date January 9: —Tallow: There is a very active demand and prices have advanced Is. per cwt. Messrs. Dalgety and Company, Limited, report having received the following cablegram from their London house, under date January 9:—“1420 casks of tallow offered and practically all sold. Since our last wire prices are as follows: For better sorts, par to 3d. higher; for low and inferior descriptions, Is. 6d. to 2s. per cwt. higher.”

NEW ZEALAND EGGS GOOD MARKET IN LONDON. That there is a good opening on the London market for New Zealand eggs of good quality is the opinion of Mr. J. B. Merrett, who took the shipment of Dominion eggs Home in the s.s. Corinthic. In a letter from London Mr. Merrett states that the temperature of the chilling chamber on the voyage Home did not vary more than two degrees during the six week’s voyage. He personally superintended the unloading at the Albert Docks, and had the satisfaction of landing the whole consignment of 547,680. with only two eggs broken. This surprised the buyers at the other end, as in two previous shipments the breakages had been 40 per cent, and 27 per cent, respectively. The eggs taken Homo bv the Corinthio were convinced to Hays wharves, eight miles up tho Thames, where they were stored. The quality of the New Zealand eggs was excellent, and much superior to the eggs from other countries, i hich arrived during the same week, the lat-ter-.showing staleness as the result of having been kept too long. The New Zealand ■ consignment arrived when th'ere was a plentiful supply on the market, and the demand was poor. Ono buyer declared that the New Zealand eggs were tlie best on tho. market, with the exception of English newlaid eggs. Mr. Merrett succeeded in disposing of the eggs at from 2s. 2d. to 2s. sd. ner dozen, and hoped to do I’tetter with the shipment bv the s.s. Rotorua. He also cabled for a third shipment to arrive in January. He considers that there is in unlimited demand in London, _ but states that a good deal of work is necessary to introduce New Zealand eggs. He hoped in a, few months to be able to supply all the surplus eegs the Dominion could send Home. Mr. Merrett is of opinion that higher prices can be secured with better grading, which must ba kept uniform. He attributes the superior duality of the Corinthic shipment to the low temperature at which the consignment was carried. One buyer who tank 200 dozen an trial Inter took 6000 dozen. Mr. Merrett’s investigations into the egg pulp market were not sufficiently advanced to givp a report at time of writing. The nulp he took Home arrived in the best condition, and tests proved it to be of the highest quality.

EXPORTS OF TALLOW Exports of tallow to United Kingdom and Continent from New Zealand during December were as under: —

COMMERCIAL ITEMS WELLINGTON STOCK EXCHANGE YESTERDAY’S BUSINESS AND PRICES A sale of National Insurance shares at £3 16s. reported at the afternoon call was the only transaction recorded yesterday. Gilt-edged securities have delapsed into quietness, and the only bid recorded was for 5i per cents., 1927-41, at —9B 15s. Napier Harbour Board 53 per cent, debentures, 1928, were in demand at £99 10s. Bank shares were quieter, vith a demand for Union Bank shares at £l4 17s. &d. Dalgety and Co.’s shares were firm at £l2 155., and New Zealand J oan and Mercantile ordinary Bipck nt £7S 10s., the latter showing an advance of 10s. Insurance shares wore firm, with a rising tendency. National Insurance shares at £3 15s. 9d. were 3d. higher, New Zealand Insurance at 295. 3d. rose 3d., and South British Insurance shares at 395. were also 3d', ligher. Transport shares were steady, with buyers of Adelaide Ste.qm at 20s. 9d., Huddart-Parker ordinan- at £2 2s. 6d., aaid preference at 20s. fid. were bid's of 10s. for Hikurangi Coal preference chares, g,nd 375. 6d. for Westport Coal shares. Timber shares were again very firm, with prices unolianged. Colonial Sugar Company’s shares were firin at £49 10s. Howard Smith shares were again in demand at ■£2 12s. 9d., National Electric shares were steady at 18s. 9d., New Zealand Paper Mills at 225. 9d'., and Wilson’s Cement at 295. 3d., an advance of 9d.

CROSSBRED WOOL IN AUSTRALIA SELLING -SPLENDIDLY During the wool sales in Sydney, just prior to Christmas, crossbred wools were selling splendidly, and it was really amazing the attention which Bradford representatives were giving to all descriptions, there being not the slightest hesitation in the demand. There was a considerable quantity of slipes and seconds available, but 8.A.1V.R.A. was supplying the bulk of these. For good combing classes in grease and slipes. there was keen competition, and prices inclined in favour of sellers. Really good 58-56’s fleece were selling on a clean basis of 38d., 56’s were costing about 35d., clean nad super 50’s, 26d., but the biggest rise was seen in 46’s. France took some, nice parcels, but the bulk of the wools were secured for Bradford topmakers, whilst _ Huddersfield, Bradford and Galashiels merchants took big quantities of slipes from 46’S to 56’s. There has sprung _up in Bradford a very keen inquiry for greasy crossbreds, chiefly 50-56’s, and although America was not seeking these wools, other markets are open, and there is a persistent call for anything of combing character. Stocks of creasy merino combing wool in Bradford are said to be in very small compass, and anv encouragement in the wav of a slight drop in prices would bring Bradford into the market. What stands in the wav of Bradford is the unwillingness on the na.rt of spinners to pay more than ss. for a good warn 64’s ton. However, it is a fact that stocks of greasy combing wool in Bradford, either in the bale or matching state, are exceedingly I’cht, nnd anv influx of business for tons, yarns or nieces would soon compel Bradford top-makers to replace stocks at the best price they can.

AUSTRALIAN PRODUCE. (Rec. Janun’-v 10. ]n.55 p.m.) Svdnav. January 10. Gate Tasmanian wh'to. ss. nor bushel. South African, . ss. Pd. imchnl. Potatoes, Tasmanian, -toQ to £l5 1D«. nor ton • Victorian. £l3. Onions. Victorian. Pl 9 nor ton. Arf’iaiHa, January 10. Oats. Algerian feed, 3s. to 3s. Id. per bushel. WATHT SHARES. , r<? v 7 Acc\’, (Rec. January 10, 8 p.m.> London, January 9. Wail’i shores are quoted nt: Buyers. 275. , 6d.; selleis. 28s. 3d!. BRISK DEMAND FOR TALLOW. Aus.-N.Z. CAnnu Assn. (Rec. January 10, 8 p.m.) London, January 9. At the tallow sales ", 420 casks were offered and nil were sold. There was a brisk demand and prices advanced Is., except finest sorts. Mutton, fine 395., medium 455.; beef, fine 475., medium 455. 3d. CUSTOMS REVENUE. Customs revenue 'qUeited at the port of "Wellington yesterday totalled £6649. _______

A cablegram was received by the editor of "Meat and Wool” yesterday from Mr. J. B. Cramsie, chairman of the Australian bleat Council, ns follows: “Tx-aving for Auckland per Niagara to-dav to inspect shipment chilled beef from Wellington ns representative Common weal th Government. Expect arrive Wellington January 17.”

RINDERPEST THE OUTBREAK IN WEST AUSTRALIA REPORTED TO BE DYING DOWN Much, concern has been occasioned by the outbreak of rinderpest, the greatest scourge known to stock owners throughout the world, in "Western Australia. It is gratifying to know that the outbreak is dying down, and that no further cases have occurred since December 18. An Ordcr-in-Couneil in yesterday’s Gazette makes amended regulations for the importation of live stock from Australia. The latest official information from Australia,, it is stated, is satisfactory as showing that the drastic steps taken to deal with the outbreak of rinderpest in Western Australia have so far had good results. No further cases have occurred since December 18, while all the other Australian States have taken most rigid precautions to guard against the risk of infection reaching them, and the making of the present Order-in-Council is not the result of any doubt as to the thoroughness of the measures being taken in Australia, but is only done as a matter of special precaution, tinder previous conditions the importation of all live stock and fodder from Western Australia and Queensland and of cattle and fodder from the other Australian States was prohibited. The new Order-in-Council makes it now necessary for the prior consent of the Minister to be given before sheep and pigs can be imported from New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia.

A Terrible Scourge. An article from the pen. of Dr. J. A. Gil ruth appeared in the Melbourne “Leader” of December 21. “Should the disease which has appeared amongst aairy cattle m the Frcma'ntlo district of "Western Australia (writes Air. Gilruth) really prove to be rinderpest, it means that the elaborate defensive measures established by Federal and State authorities have l.'ccn powerloss to prevent the introduction of the most deadly scourge that can afflict ruminants. In the absence of any definite information regarding the symptoms of post-mortem apnearances exhibited, it is impossible to form a conclusion as to whether or not the fears expressed are justified. The number of cases which have occurred on different farms, the rapid course and deadly nature, certainly indicate that rinderpest is possible. Still, poisoning, accidental or wilful, by alkaloids or minerals, cannot yet be excluded. It has been reported that stomach, ulcerations are absent. This is important. In acute cases of rinderpest, which invariably occur where fresh herds are attacked in new countries, disease changes are most marked in the alimentary canal. Thtfso changes are manifested as red spots and erosions in the mouth and pharynx ; intense congestion, of the inner surface o( the fourth stomach, with patches of reddish or greyish false membrane, under which there are deep ulcerations. Inflammatory changes arc also found in the small and large mtenstincs. , ~ The characteristic symptoms usually seen in new outbreaks are intense lever, discharges from the eye, nose, and mouth, shivering fits, rapid and •lifficult breathing, dry, harsh cough, eruptions on the groins, with a branlike exudate, footed breath, and severe diarrhoea and dysentery. Prostration is marked. Death generally occurs within three to five days. AU authorities agree that first cases m a n?w outbreak are difficult of diagnosis, as the symptoms vary considerably, and that post-mortem examinations by someone with expert knowledge and extxjrience of the disease are necessary. Unfortunately, as far as I am aware, there, is no such authority m Australia. Bacteriological examination does not afford positive information, for hitherto the casual agent has not been determined. ■ . The disease (Dr. Gilruth continues) is common in India, Malay States, and the Philippines- There the chief functions of able and energetic veterinary staffs consist in the control and eradication of this special disease. One wonders if it has occurred to the Governments interested to secure an expert from one of the countries mentioned with the utmost dispatch, by aeroplane if possible. The importance of an early and expert diagnosis, and especially if not rinderpest, an authoritative declaration to that effect, warrants unusually energetic

tii p fi qurpq As far as information available is concerned, it does not teem the disease at Fremantle has been proved to be transmissible by enocularion, or that any experiments have leen made in. that direction. Failure to so transmit it would have at once disproved tihe .theory of rinderpest. Success would at least have proved the existence of some contagious disease hith-ert-o unknown in Australia. Then the most drastic measures to ixtirpate tho malady, together with the strictest quarantine, would have 1-cen .imply justified. Rinderpest, which affects sheep, goats, deer, and other ruminants, as well as cattle, has been known from the dawn of history as the most terrifice plague which could afflict the stock owner. Individually it has resulted in many important changes in the history of mankind. Like bubonic plague, it is endemic in certain parts of Asia. Thence from time to time it has been conveyed to Europe. In the earlier centuries of the present era its appearance in Europe so coincided with Asiatic invasions that it is practically certain the movements of the Asiatip hordes westward were compelled originally by tho Cecemation of their own herds and flocks, through rinderpest. One of the earliest reported widespread outbreaks in Europa followed' the terrible invasion by Attila and his Huns. Even Britain did not escape these epidemics. In 1865-66 the most serious epidemic occurred, no part of England or Scotland entirely escaping. In Europe it has invariably happened that the disease has eventually disappeared!, probably because of climatic conditions and of the gradual decrease cf the virulence of the virus.

The effect of rinderpest on African politics, and particularly on the movements of Central and South African tribes., will probably never be known. It appeared in Abyssinia in 1890, brought by cattle or camels f.-om Arabia. ' Rapidly, considering the nature of the country, it spread southward, devastating the herds of the tribes, and even the wild big game. By 1894 it appeared in Matabeleland and Rhodesia. Those who can .peak with authority believe that much of the native unrest that culminated in the Matabeleland was due primarily to the ravages of the disease amongst the native herds. By 1896 it had swept throughout the whole cf South Africa, causing wholesale loss and misery to stock owners, native and European. Only one man, Duncan Hutcheon, then chief veterinarian of Cape Colony, foresaw the. extreme danger to bo apprehended from the inevitable progress of the disease southward fiom Abyssinia, but his warnings were unheeded until too late. — Fortunately the genius of Koch, who was sent by the British Government to investigate iho disease in South I

Africa, was able to develop a measure of prevention by conferring immunity in healthy animals through the use of bilo from diseased animals. Other methods have been discovered, and now most countries affected employ a system of immunising ••nirnals liable to contract the disease. Thus its ravages are greatly minimised in all civilisfed countries!. But such measures cannot ba improvised with i access.

The disease is highly contagious, and although the actual virus 1 as not yet been isolated and cultivated artificially, ti has been proved to exist in all secretions and excretions. It may be conveyed by contaminated fodder, water, clothing, dogs, birds, dies, etc. If rinderpest docs exist in the western State it must have been introduced by indirect agencies. And in spite of all precautions it may spread by the same means. Wide dissemination after introduction has been its universal record. If that is to be obviated! here it will not be by panic measures, but by careful and systematic methods, vigorously pursued. Doubtless every effort will be jnade to trace the source. It is imperative if a recurrence does not appear, always assuming the disease is rinderpest, which seems more than doubtful.

No Doubt About It. Unfortunately there is now no doubt about the outbreak being the dreaded rinderpest. The Westralian Government is taking the roost stringent measures to prevent the spread of the disease to any other part of Australia. The removal of anv animal, carcass, fodder, or fittings from the State to any other part of the Commonwealth without the consent of the Minister has been prohibited by a Commonwealth proclamation. A fresh outbreak of rinderpest occurred about the middle cf last month at Bassendean, just across the Swan River, from the recent infected herd at Belmont, and all cows within a mile radius: were destroyed. 'The Minister for Home and Territories (Senator Pearce) recently stated that the State Board of Advice was particularly concerned n< w with trying to prevent the spread of the disease to other states, without imposing unnecessary or harassing restrictions! upon (Western,. Australia. The board was trying to give the Governments of the Eastern States . a guarantee that after taking effective Iccal measures it would also effectively police the export trade and prevent infection leaving the State. The Commonwealth had the larger ard 1 more important sphere of seeing that overseas trade did not suffer, and that foreign countries did not take alarmist action against Australian exports.

Embargo on Australia. The Argentine Republic has decided to prohibit the import to the Argentine of cattle, sheep, and other r.nimals ,also cargo of all kinds, from Australia. Tlie Uruguayan Government has taken similar action.

Total for Dec.. 1923. 6 months. Offeret . Sold. Offered. Sold. Bales Bales. Bales. Bales. Dunedin ... 17.574 17.1’4 18.074 17 544 Timaru ... 13.790 13.694 14.087 13 979 Chch 23.601 23.412 29.814 29 473 Blenheim — 261 220 ■ Wellington 27.000 25.913 44.42.5 41 J’ 30 Wn.ncanui — •68 15.085 15936 Nanier .... 25.761 24,671 28.104 26 752 Gisborne .. 49 49 1.460 T460 Auckland .. 89 89 12.102 11680 107.664 105,020 163.412 157.024 •Previous offerings during the corresnondinEr six months. Exnorts of wool during December were:— CorreaMonth 'Total nonding of Dec. . for 6 months. 1923. 6 months. 1922. Bales. Bales. Bales. Invercargill 1.703 8 819 8.278 Dunedin 219 5.219 6 327 On.maru .... 978 330 Tim am 3.759 7.755 Christchurch 5.070 24.701 25.917 plpnhfdm . 528 2 448 750 1.277 1.649 Wellington 21.707 38.171 31 480 Wanganui 12.578 17.278 28,894 New Plymouth and 36 356 200 Nanier & Wairoa 17,931 24.039 34.210 Gisborne. Tokomaru Bay. and Hicks Par 3.833 9.070 23.408 Auckland & Onua 11.361 16.954 20,783 75.207 151.099 191.679

Present sale. December sale Merino — Average 25% to Z6% Southdown 252 to 26 21 to 24} Fine halfbred — Average 19i — Medium halfbred— iSrper Avera.se — io 27 23 to 25% - to 23 20} to 22} Coarser halfbred — Super 19 to 222 19 to 20% Average 163 to. 184 16} to 183 Inferior 14} to 16 14 to 15} Fine crossbred— Super 19 to 214 19} to 201 A veraco 17 to 184 154 to 18» Inferior •• Medium crossbred14 to 16J 13 to 145 Super 17 to 194 153 to 17 Avera £e 154 to 16} — Inferior 122 to 14 104 to 12} Coarse crossbred— Super 15% to 16% 13% to 14? Avera ?e 131 to 142 lot to ra Inferior 112 to 131 9} to 10} Low crossbred —■ Super 13? to 144 10 to 11% Average 129 to 131 9 to 10 Inferior Hi to 124 8% to Hoggets— ...Fxtra fine Inf to 2.11 — to 20% 17 to 204 144 to 18 Medium 13} to 18} 124 to 17 Coarse 13 to 17 10 to 13 Lambs? — Fine ..15% to 23% 15% to 172 Medium 124 to 194 — to 13} Seedv & inferior 102 to 142 Beilina and nieces— Ilalfbred. eood to super — to 253 — to 22 Halbred. low to medium Crossbred, good 18% to — super 15 1° 202 Crossbred, low to 145 to 17 medium Ila to 144 7 to 10 Orutehinss— Medium to rood 8} to 11 7 to 10 Inferior & seedy 6 to 7 5 to 62 Locks— Crossbred 7 to 81 4% to 6%

CorInvercargill respondMonth Total inig 6 of Dec. for 6 months 1923. Months. 1922. tons. tons. tons. 90 573 766 Dunedin 7 375 977 Oamarui —“ 92 120 Tiniaru — 321 789 Christchurch ... 44 749 1765 Blenheim — 12 27 Nelson 25 58 65 Wellington 139 900 1487 Wanganui 84 260 430 New Plymouth, Waitara 20 172 146 Napier, Wairoa Gisborne, Tokornaru Bay, 114 440 916 Hicks Bay ... 14 89 566 Auckland, Opua 74 836 2159 Sales of tallow .611 in New 4877 10.222 Zealand during December totalled 67 tone.

Yesterday’s buying' and sejlir ig quotafions were as follow Buyers. Sellers. WAR LOANS— £ 8. d. £ 8. 1 rl 4i p.c. Insc. Stock. 1938 5} p.c. Inac. Stock, 1933 — 97 5 II —- 102 0 0 5} n.e. Insc. Stock. 1927. 1941 98 15 0 —— ■U p.c. War Bonds. 1933 — 97 5 0 DEBENTURESN.Z. Breweries — 1 0 3 Napier Harbour Board 53 p.c.. 1928 99 10 0 BANKSNational —— 6 14 6 New Zealand 2 10 6 Union . 14 7 6 15 0 0 FINANCIAL— Da.lcetv and Co 12 15 0 — Well. Trust. Loan 5 17 0 Well. Deposit and Mortjratre — 0 9 6 N.Z. Loan and Merc. (ord.) 78 10 0 —— GAS— Wellington (£10) — 14 0 0 INSURANCE— National 3 15 9 3 16 9 New Zealand 1 9 3 — South British 1 19 0 — Standard 1 19 6 MEAT PRESERVING— Well. Meat Exp. (£3 12s. 6d.) 2 2 0 TRANSPORT— Adelaide Steam 1 0 9 Huddart-Parker (ord.) 2 2 0 — Do. (pref.) 1 0 6 — P. and 0. Def. Stock - - 300 0 0 COALHikuranni (pref.) 0 10 0 Taupiri (ord.) —— 0 19 6 Westport - 1 17 6 — TIMBERKauri 1 8 Leyland-O'Brien 1 18 0 Rotoiti 1 2 3 Tarintramutu 1 12 0 MISCELLANEOUS— Colonial Sumar 49 10 0 50 10 0 Crown Brewery —— 3 0 0 Den. and Med. Supply — 1 1 0 Gates. Ltd —« 0 15 6 Howard Smith 2 12 9 —- National Electric 0 18 9 N.Z. Paper Mills 1 2 9 Wairarapa Farmers (nref.) 0 17 6 Wilson’s Cement ...... .. 1 9 3 — MINING— Waihi — 1 8 9