Provincial Section

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 37, 7 November 1933, Page 4

Provincial Section

BABIES’ MILK FUND Successful Effort Ends ITEMS FROM WAIRARAPA Dominion Special Service. Mastertoil, November 6. The committee which organised and controlled the milk fund for babies in Masterton during the winter months has decided to discontinue the fund. There can be little doubt that the distribution of milk to the children has proved of great value. The parents have expressed their appreciation of the helpful service rendered on behalf of their children, which was only made possible through the generosity of the Masterton public. A. small number of necessitous cases are still being supplied with milk. Erection of New Hrinoa Hall. It is understood that a start will be made shortly with the erection of a new building to replace the ball at Pirinoa, which was recently destroyed by fire. Fishermen's Unusual Catch. While engaged in catching whitebait at Lake Ferry recently, a Greytown party hauled in a young octopus in a net. Programme by Boys’ Band. A programme of music was rendered at South Park yesterday afternoon by the Masterton Boys’ Band, under ...the condu-etofsfiip of Mr. G. Hutchinson. There was a good attendance of the public, and the programme was greatly appreciated. .. PRINCIPAL N.Z. CROPS Estimates of Areas Planted Following the usual practice, cards' were recently posted by the Statistics Office to grain-growers and to potatogrowers throughout the Dominion for the purpose of ascertaining the areas which they had sown or planted, or intended to sow or plant, in wheat, oats, barley, and potatoes this season. Estimates have now been made, based on the replies received. The figures appear below, and results in connection with the 1932-33 collection of statistics are shown for purposes of com-

In 1932-33 there were 305,924 acres under wheat. 424,587 acres in oats, 23,476-in barley and 24,603 in potatoes. Figures for Last Season. Complete statistics for the season 1932-33 are now available, and figures for the principal items are givbn in the abstract of statistics, last year’s figures being shown also for purposes of comparison. Attention is directed to the fact that the crop figures relate only to holdings of one acre or over located outside borough boundaries. The live stock figures, on the other hand, include allowances made for live stock in boroughs and on holdings of less than one acre in

Yield of Potatoes. Growers of potatoes were asked to furnish particulars of the quantity and quality of potatoes dug by them. The statement appearing below shows for each land district in the Dominion the area and also the actual yield of each of the three classes of potatoes mentioned. The figures are in respect of all holdings of one acre or over situated outside borough boundaries. On a percentage basis, potatoes of table quality represented 60.1 per cent, of the total quantity dug, and those described by growers as suitable for seed purposes accounted for 26.3 per cent. The balance of 13.6 per cent, represents tho proportion rejected as fit only for pig feed. etc. Corresponding percentages in 11931-32 were 64.1, 23.8, and 12.1 respectively,::—

The area under potatoes was 24,605 acres, against 23.786 In the previous season. The total production last year was 129.079 tons, against 116.743 tons in 1931-32.

FIRST IN DOMINION New Wanganui Fire Pump “BOOSTING” LOW PRESSURE Dominion Special Service. Wanganui, November C. A new pump, designed and made by the Melbourne Fire Brigade, is being fitted to the Wanganui Fire Brigade’s engine. This device, which is to “boost” low pressure in suburban areas in the dry seasons, is the first of its kind to come to New Zealand. It is extensively used in Australia; however, and the Melbourne Brigade has 55 in use itself. It is expected that the Wanganui Brigade will have the fitting completed within a fortnight. When the- engine is so equipped it will permit a much faster run to be made to suburban fires than if the bigger engine, with its pumping apparatus, had to be relied upon. 1934 ROYAL SHOW Appointment of Judges ■ The following have agreed to act as judges at the Royal Show in Auckland on February 8,9, and 10:— Horses.—Clydesdales and working horses, J. R. Patrick, Willowbridge, South Canterbury, Cattle.—Aberdeen-Angus, F.' Armstrong, Akitio, Hawke’s Bay; Ayrsjiires, A. M. Weir, Menzies Ferry, Southland; Friesians, H. Fraser, Glencoe R.D., Invercargill ; Herefords, A. S. Holms, Waimahaka. Southland; Jerseys, W. H. Booth, Middle Run, Carterton; Milking Shorthorns, J. Gillanders, Greendale, Canterbury; Red Polls. D. F. McLeod, Opatu, Taumarunui; Shorthorns. Alex Hunter, Hawera. Sheep.—Border and English Leicesters, Isaac Andrew, Marton; Lincolns, Isaac Andrew, Marton; merinos and halfbreds, L. R. C. Macfarlane, ‘UulVerden,-North Canterbury; Romney Marsh (open), J. Linton, Holme Station, Timaru; Romney Marsh (natural condition), J. G. Donald, Featherston'; Ryelands, W. O. Rennie, Doyleston, Canterbury; Shropshires, Isaac Andrew, Marton; Southdowns (open), H. J. Andrew, Maheno, North Otago; Southdowns (natural condition), W. Gimblett, junr., Hastings. Pigs.—Large Blacks and large Whites, N. P. Nielsen, Tiakitahuna, an-d G. M. Whitelock, Newbury, Palmerston North; Berkshires and Tamworths, H. E. Thurston, Feilding, and T. J. Martin, Inglewood ; export pigs, T. Marks, Mount Eden, Auckland. As the result of the annual shop day held by St. Mark’s Ladies’ Guild in the King’s Theatre, Carterton, a sum of £Bl 0/2 was raised. Although this was a slight decrease on the amount raised last year, the figure is considered very satisfactory. Brisk business was-.transacted at the various stalls throughout the day, two reaching double figures and several others being just a few shillings short of £lO. The most profitable stall was the fancy work one, at which the sum of £l9/9/9 was realised.

POSITION OF QUEENS Palmerston North Carnival MANAWATU DISTRICT NEWS Dominion Special Service. Palmerston North, November 6. The following is the position of the candidates in tiie queen carnival being held in Palmerston North in aid of the funds of the Palmerston North Central Relief Committee:—Farmers’ Queen, 1; Retailers’ Queen, 2; Public Service Queen. 3; Plunket Queen, 4; Sports Queen, 5. The cirnival will be concluded next week. Pigeon Racing. The Manawatu Homing Pigeon Club held two races over the week-end. The results were as follow: —Cock race: A. E. Marshall’s Southern Star, 1078, 7 yards a minute, 1; L. Purton’s Slippery, 1064 2 yards. 2; N. Harvey’s Palantua, 1063.6 yards, 3. Hen race: N. Harvey’s Rinty. 990.8 yards a minute, 1; A. E. Marshall’s Petrel, 990.1 yards, 2; H. Meadow’s Miss Bluey, 989.4 yards, 3. Angling Competition. Teams from the Palmerston North and Feilding Angling Clubs competed in a match for the Stockwell Cup on the Rangitikei River over the week-end. The fishing was poor, and the Palmerston North team secured nine fish to the Feilding team’s three. Mr. N. Palmer secured five of the fish secured by the Palmerston North team. Feilding was one angler short. Gun Club’s Shoot. The Palmerston North Gun Club held a successful shoot on the ranges at Fitzherbert on Saturday afternoon. A trophy shoot was won by W. A. Thomson, who secured a possible of 10 breaks from 23 yards. W. D. Stubbs. M. Kearins and G. Stubbs secured eight breaks each. The second shoot was won by G. Stubbs, who defeated B. K. Thomson in a shootoff. Each secured nine breaks. Cricket at Feilding. The first matches in the Feilding Cricket Association’s competitions were concluded on Saturday afternoon, when Colyton beat Old Boys and Public Service beat Feilding. In the junior competition, Feilding “B” defeated High School aud Sanson defeated Wesley. Anniversary services were conducted in the Masterton Methodist Church yesterday, when there were large congregations. In the afternoon the Rev. V. _R. Jamieson conducted a children’s service, arid in the evening the service was conducted. by the Rev. G. F. Stockwell. The musical portion of the services was of a high standard, the children’s choir being heard in several tuneful hymns. The anniversary celebrations were concluded this evening, when a special programme of singing' was rendered and the various reports for' the year were presented. Professor Bartrum, Auckland University. has been the guest of Mrs. W. Mansell, Wanganui, and also of his brother, Mr. O. Bartrum, Makirikiri, Wanganui River.

APPROVED BY BOARD Highway Reconstruction NAPIER TO WELLINGTON Dominion Special Service. Big Job for Painters. Pahiatua, November 6. Advice was received at the monthlymeeting of the Pahiatua County Council' that the Main Highways Board had ap-J proved of the council’s proposal to undertake reconstruction work on tho main Napier-Wellington highway for a length of five miles south of the town. Ap-' proval was also given to the work being carried out by contract. The council Will receive a subsidy of £3 for £1 on the cost of the work. The letter from the board also stated that the question of sealing the reconstructed section of the road during the next financial year would be considered when next year’s estimates were being prepared. The consulting engineer, Mr. Sladden, said that they should be able to commence some of the reconstruction work immediately after Christmas. The contractor would then become responsible for the maintenance of the five miles of main road from the time he commenced work , until the tar-sealing was done. The road would be ready for sealing in about fifteen months hence. The chairman. Mr. A. W. Bisset, pointed out that it was for the ratepayers to decide whether the work of tar-sealing should be payed for out of loan, if sanctioned by the Loans Board, or out of revenue. If the loan proposal was turned down by ratepayers then the council would carry out the work out of revenue anfl the rate would probably have to be increased in any case.

parison:— North South Island. Island. • ■. . Acres. Acres. Wheat ... .11.-100 283,100 Oats ... 2-1,100 312,400 Barley ... 3,300 24,200 Potatoes .... ... 5,500 10,850 44,300 630,550

'extent: — ' Yields. ' Wheat— 1932-33 1931-32 Threshing (bus.) .... 11,054,972 6,582,098 Chaff, hay (ton) 4,533 5,051 Oats— Threshing (bus.) .... 5,132,183 453,503 2,818,152 Chaff, etc. (ton) ..... 309,301 Barley— Threshing (bus.) .... 561,017 537,398 Chaff, etc. (ton) 1,952 1,762 Maize — .258,012 Threshing 389,432 Ensilage 5,088 2,320 Peas, threshing (bus.) 585.418 399,383 Linseed, threshing 12.757 (bus.) ......... 2,705 Potatoes (ton) .. 129,079 116.743 Onions (ton)' ........ 9,203 7,097 Ryd-grass, harvested seed— ■ 7,652,089 Perennial (lb) 26.242,734 Italian and Western 9,096,743 1,084,767 Wolths (lb) Cocksfoot, harvested seed (lb) 2,385,497 919,911 Grasses and clovers, 550,220 hay (ton) 762,146 Grasses and clovers, ensilage (ton) ... 407,596 429,049 Lucerne hay or en91,329 silage (ton) 100,095 Tobacco (lb) . 1,784,676 1,318,624

Yield. Table. Seed. Pig. Tons. Tons. Tous. North Auckland .. 5,536 2,483 1.271 Auckland ...... .3,995 1,793... . 917 Gisborne Hawke’s Bay 995 446 228 2,524 1,133 5S0 Taranaki .. 1,332 597 306 Wellington 0,437 4.230 2.166 Nelson 2,106 019 311 Marlborough 820 209 144 Westland 121 19 18 Canterbury .... 34.765 16,871 8,361 1,781 Otago 8.072 2,606 Southland 7,326 2,885 1,476 Totals, 1932-33 . ,77,629 33,891 17,559 Totals. 1931-32 74,782 27,804 14,157