FARMING NOTES.

Dunstan Times, Issue 3101, 9 January 1922, Page 8

FARMING NOTES.

THE- CORIIIEDALE

Australian exchanges, says the MurkLane Express, indicate that there are considerable efforts being made on the part of the breeders of Corriedalc sheep to push the interests of tho breed and extend not only their home trade but their export trade. We understand that to some extent they have been successful in pushing their breed in Patagonia and the southern part of South America. From the Englishmen’s point of view this intrusion, particularly as far as regards breeders of Romney Marsh qheep and also’ to a smaller extent to those of Lincolns, is one reason that accounts for the lessened demand experienced during the current year for these breeds. The result of this new departure must, of course, be awaited, but we feel convinced that when such becomes known it will be undoubtedly in favor of the British breeder for this one simple reason, that the Corriedalc ( is, and must for some considerable time 'yet remain, a crossbred, and every breeder knows that the resultant product of the crossbred has never yet been able to ■ hold its own either in respect to woof production or flesh production against that sired by a pure- bred. Judging from the comments of the above writer on the qualities of the Ccrriedalo and his references to it being a “crossbred,” he is evidently oblivious to tho history of tho Corriedalc. He seems to be unaware that this breed has been fixed to type over a period, of some oO years and that the Corriedalc breeds just as true as any variety which has been made by British breeders. Moreover, it is robust in constitution, and' is just the- ideal sheep for the most rigorous climate; besides its valuable finefleece it has all the essentials for producing tire nuggety choice lamb desired in the export trade. The South Americans who- have used the Corriedalc arewell satisfied that the breed serves all their requirements, and.repeat orders for stud specimens show how the Corriedale is appreciated'.

LONDON COLONIAL WOOL AUCTIONS.

Messrs W. Weddel and Co., London, in their report, dated October 21st, state:—For the eighth series of London Colonial Wool Auctions, which opened on the 11th inst, there are about 160,000 bales available. This quantity includes about 62,000 bales for the Colonial Wool Importers, and about 72,000 bales for 8.A.W.R.A.. There was again a very large attendance of buyers, the Continental section being well represented. The Liverpool and Antwerp sales, having shown considerable strength with advancing prices, it was fully expected that London would confirm, if not exceed, the higher basis of values es,tablished since the close of the preceding auctions, and this was brought about in no uncertain fashion. Merinos opened with an all-round advance of 10 per cent., and during the next few days developed additional strength, prices advancing all along the line. Crossbreds which were in generous supply, also met with much attention, and as far as grease was concerned advanced 10-15 per cent, in the case of medium and fine qualities, and about 7% per cent, on coarser descriptions. Slipes, on the other hand,, although' meeting with quite a good demand at the opening, showed very little variation from previous rates except for rougher sorts, whicn were somewhat lower in value. As the sales progressed more weakness was noticeable, and medium and lower qualities declined 10 per cent., and sold irregularly on that basis. At the end of the first week, after the initial burst of buying, some of the edge seemed to have been worn off the market generally, no doubt owing to adverse exchanges, but during the present weak merinos have held their ground rather better than crossbreds, medium qualities of which have declined 5 per cent, since the opening.

CATTLE RETURN. The following return of the number of cattle in the various* land districts of the Dominion as at January 31, 1921. has -been issued by the Government Statistician 1 , Number of Land District. Cattle. North Auckland 419,398 Auckland . 630,957 Hawke’s Bay 456,300 Taranaki 362,379 Wellington. 619.244 Nelson 59,555 Marlborough ‘ 43,333 Westland 42,399 Canterbury 1 ... 205,901 Southland 163,44/ Otago 136,307 Total, Dominion. 1921 ... 3,139.223 Total, Dominion, 1920 ... 3,101.94,5 Total, Dominion, 1919 ... 3,035,478 Total, Dominion, 1918 ... 2,869,465 Total, Dominion, 1917 ... 2,575,230 SKIMMINGS. The slump in prices for all farm products in Great Britain is thus referred to by an English writer : —“The* feature of the past week is, an ugly slump of prices all round. A black and gloomy week. If there is anv optimist about, will he kindly point to the silver lining to the cloud? Interim conciliation committees are successfully concluding temporary arrangements, which ease the position. Lower wages are the inevitable consequence of reduced values of produce, but the laborer should have sympathetic treatment and be let down as easily as possible.”

A very simple milking apparatus which is in reality a combination of milk can lid and milker, and which efficiently performs t bo work ol oldei types of milking devices, says “Poular Mechanics,” is now being marketed. Milk is drawn through the tubes from the udder of the cow by vacuum created in the milk can bv a motor operated vacuum pump and uulsator located, with the motor on the hd. When thn can is full, tho power is stopped and the lid is carried to another can by a convenient handle. In case of breakdown, another lid mav be had from the manufacturer for use while repans aio being made.

Touchin.o- on the value of dairy cattle an English writer says;— Prices of dairv cattle have fallen during the month of September. That is only what had been expected, hut good da.iy types even now make satisfactory prices. The preference is more than ever lor well-bred lots with good bags, and hue frames for finishing, in addition to their superior milking properties. Two-ycar-olds of this class, with sound constitutions and full of promise, make bin to £46 per head, and these are prices which are a paying proposition. It is true that well-matured cows made :bo() to £54 per head; but then they must he of quite outstanding merit, lint the demand in such cases is really good, and at some well-known dairy centres eight to sixteen high-grade cows have changed hands in one lot on the basis of these rates. So there is still a sound demand.”