FARM and DAIRY

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 21 June 1924, Page 14

FARM and DAIRY

NOTES BY THE WAY. i Speaking at the opening of the Winter Show in New Plymoutn, the Mayor, (Mr F. E. Wilson) made an appeal to farmers to see that every effort was made by them 'to improve the outlook by work and best methods. Inter alia, he said that it had to be admitted that the prosperity of the Dominion depended in the main upon the primary products. The exports of the Dominion last yea.r exceeded the imports, and that was as should always be the case in a. cpuntry like New Zealand. The pasition last year was brought about largely by the" good prices received for wool, but if these were not maintained the wool growers might find themselves in a similar, position to the dairy farmers when .the high prices of dairy produce began to decline. To guard against this it was necessary not only to increase production, but also to find beter methods of production. The adiry farmer now spent the whole of his time from daylight to dark, and / more, in his occupation, and his only chance of increasing production was to he found along the lines of improved methods. Much was being done by the cutting of poor cattle out of herds, and by the system of testing, and so great, were the advantages from this that he wondered testing was not more universally adopted. The United States Dairy Division has shown that the cow which eats the most gives the highest return over cost of feed. In a recent bulletin the division

shows that a cow producing 1001 b of fat a year will ireturn on the average - over cost of feed lOdol. The cow producing 4001 b of fat in a year gave an income over cost of feed of 106dol. In other words, the cow had to produce but four times as much fat to become over ten times more profitable To double the net profit of a poor cow requires but a slight increase in fat production. One cross of a pure-bred sire upon unimproved stock will prove a revelation. The transformation is fairly r- startling to those who do not know the efficacy of good pedigree males. The use of such sires is the short cut to quality, and quality is value in every market place. Cow testing will not only test the cows, but will also test the owners. Records of themselves are valueless unless there is the will and energy supplied by the herd owner to put this in- ’ formation to god use in weeding out the poor cows, in improving feeding methods, and as a basis for better breeding. The influence which a single good sire can eexrcise in a breed of cattle is well illustrated by the imported bull Lord Twylish, with which Mi* G. T. Chirnside won championships at the Melbourne Royal Show for several years. Through his son Audrey’s Lord Twylish, the Holmwood and Banyule studs gained high repute for both show and dairy purposes. In addition to this both the Queensland and New South Wales champion herd-test Jerseys are grand-daughters of Lord Twylish, their respective sires having been bred in the Weirribee Stud. After full use in Victoria, Loz*d Twylish was sold to a New Zealand breeder, and up to December, 1922, five of his sons had daughters with big herd-test records, while the old bull had eight daughters in the C.O.R. list, including Twylish Clematis, 6871 b fat as a junior two-year-old. Bilberry’s Twllish, a sbn of Lord Twylish, had seven daughters with an average of 6331 b fat in the year, all under four years old at commencement of test, Zola of Rosy Creek heads this list with 741 lb fat, .and is champion of New Zealand for that age. Briar’s Twylish has a. daughter, Marshlands Stylish Princess, with 7161 b fat as a senior two-year old. The heifer Alfalfa Daisy, which gave 5521 b fat as a two-year-old, has. a doublecross of Tiki’s Twylish. It is a busy time in the realm of competitions for farmers and boys and girls, _ for their crops and plots have been judged during the last few weeks, and this means an interesting time in the various districts and pretty strenuous going for Messrs Deem, Glasson, Svme and company, to whom the work is relegated each year. There is no doubt these competitions do a power of good, especially among the children, for they acquire an interest in and a knowledge of crop sowing and growing, which will be- eminently useful to them when they get farms of their own, and will be not without value by any means even if they do not follow up the avocation of. their parents. In both series of contests there have been many fine weights per acre, and a feature has been the excellent standard of cultivation among the young farmers. This, said the judge at Rawhitiroa, was a distinct improvement on last year. In quite a number of crops full marks were given, and in one example very special mention was made. In one centre there were no less than three children’s plots which topped 90 tons, and one was only a fraction under 100 tons. These are mighty fine figThink what it would mean to a farmer to have all that winter feed. In connection with these hoys’ and girls’ competitions the Department supply seed and manure, and there are one or two cases in. which the parents give the children no encouragement at . a J.L_ do not ensure the plot against “robber” pigs, and. indeed, appear to think only of the use they can" get out of the produce of the plot. Certainly

this is rare, but it is to be regretted that there are one or two so lacking in appreciation of the work done by the Department to fostej* the movement. They are the exception, and the very large majority show a keen interest in the scheme. Generally speaking, they rlo their best to endorse the efforts made. At the time of judging, however, the farmers in different districts, vary a good deal in their countenance of the children’s work. A number enter whole-heartedly into it, turn out with cars, and take the children round to see the plots of their rivals. This is very valuable to them, especiallv as they get the benefit of the useful remarks made bv the judges, and it also creates a healthy bond of good feeling between teacher, committee and parents. In every way it acts for good. Some deep, effective draining has been done on one of the low-lying paddocks on Mr. Duff’s farm, which borders the Opunake railway line near Atiroa, just beyond the Otnkeho river. A drain has also been cut just -outside the fence line and on the railway property. The turnip crops away hack behind F-ltham are, generally speaking, very clean and free from rot, while on the Plains the reverse is the case. There a large number are badly affected, and will probably get rapidly worse. There is rot. too, in some of the carrots and mangolds. In one crop of carrots fully 25 r.er cent, were affected. It is suggested bv some farmers that Chou Moellier might take the place of turniDs now that so muc-h of the latter is diseased. When suggested to Mr.

Deem, he said that the former was very good, but hardly took thb place of turnips, It was best, he said, if used, to cut and feed out to the stock. It is general experience, that the Jersey Queen and the Sugar 7 Mangold show very little rot. They do not, however, generally weigh out so well as the Prizewinner. At Matapu there was a very fine average amongst the farmers’ mangolds. There were three crops, 92 tons, 94 tons (6 acres), and 96 tons. At Rawhitiroa seven children’s crops of mangolds averaged 76 tons 9 cwt., a most .satisfactory figure. F. McNeill’s was the best crop so far weighed this season in South Taranaki. INTRODUCTION OF CLOVER INTO PASTURES BY SURFACESOWING. (By J. W. Deem in the Journal Qf Agriculture. \

A pasture, to give the best results either for fattening or butter-fat production, must have in addition to suitable grasses a good mixture of clovers. It frequently happens that after a paddock has been down a few years the clovers run out and the amount present is very small, with a consequent reduction in the feeding-value of the pasture. It is also well known that clovers exert a good influence on the grasses, which always do better if there is a fair amount of clover present. A good demonstration of these facts wag recently afforded at Moumahaki, where we had a well-sheltered paddock carrying a good sole of cocksfoot, ryegrass, cz'ested dogstail, and Poa trivialis, bzzt very poor in-clovers. It was noticed that every time the dairy herd was put in this field the cows did not settle and went down izz their milk yield. It was not convenient nor desirable, for several reasons, to bz-eak zip the field, and it was decided to tz-y and introduce clover bv surface sowing. On September 1 last a mob of three liundz*ed ewes was put in the field, which contained 17 aci-es. On the sth 21b each per acr© of eowgrass and clover were broadcasted. The sheep were left for another two days, wizen they were ■l’emoved. The field was then rolled and shut up for about, three weeks. The clover germinated and grew well, with the result that the pasture is now a splendid mixture and relished by the dairy herd. The demonstration is in keeping with other tests in the same district. There is no doubt that where the clover content has become small and other grasses are still vigorous it will pay to surface-sow a few pounds of clover in the spring. TYPE OF PIG WANTED BY CURERS.

The type of pig that finds most favour with bacon cutrers is a well-fi'nish-ed pig of from 120 to 140 lb dressed weight (approximately 180 to 2001 b live weight). These, are the weights from which the class of bacon in most deman dis turned out, and for which top prices ai*e paid. The cui*ers’ specification for a bacon pig is as follows: — Back long and level, with ribs well sprzzzig; sides level and moderately deep; hams broad, wide, azzd deep to hock, tail well set; belly and flank thick, with straight under-lizze; shoulders light and on a line with fore legs below and with sides laterally, free from wrinkles and coarseness; flank aligned with the sides; head, neck and jowl light; legs short and set- wide apart; the big pig should stand well on the tips of the toes; bone fine; flesh firm, without excessive fat; skin free from coarseness azzd wrinkles; hair fine. Length is most important in a baeozz pig, as a long caircase furnishes a larger proportion of breakfast bacon, which realises a considerably higbei*. price tliazz the other parts of the side. The pig should be as light izz the offols as possible, as losses in this direction are borne by the fattener and not by the buyer. Pigs weighing from 651 bto 751 b dressed (approximately 100 to 110 lb live weight) are the handiest weights for porkers, and command the best price a ssuch. A pig that turns the scale at 901 b dressed weight cannot be regaz-ded as a first grade baconer or pofrker, and therefore it sells at a lower rate than the classes of pig described. It caiznot be expected that every pig raised by farmers will be suitable for bacon pzzz’poses, nor is it desirable that they should, as a certain number are needed for the manufactuz*e of small goods. What zzeeds to be emphasised is that a lajrger proportion of the pigs submitted as bacozzers should be made more suitable for the purpose, for which they are intended. After all the curer is only the medium of supplying the public with what it wants, and the pig-feeder, breeder and fattener shozzld do his part by seeing that he raises the type of pig that will meet present-dav ireqziii*ements. This is neeesasry in his own interests, for it is ozily by doing so that he can expect to get the most out of the industry.

THE SMARTEST BABY. The smartest hog is the smartest of all babies. Theie is no disrespect to any baby in the statement. The human baby has to be carried around on a pillow. The colt is out of balance. The calf, awkwardness magnified. The lamb is a numbskull. But the baby hog comes marching into the world with his working clothes on and immediately starts out finding his place, and will not be stopped until he fizzds it. Wlzezi he finds his stall, he takes the zvhole feedbox in his mouth and begins at once to become more hog. The baby hog is Jolznny-on-the-spot. The baby hog nezer eats out of his brother’s or sister’s feed-box. He zvants his ozvn azzd knozvs zvhere it is. He is absolutely unselfish and ho has a high ideal of the rights of others, azzd he never infringes unless they start the performazice. He zz’ants zvhat is his and zvill fight for it, but it is only after he lias come into contact with man and learned from him that he climbs up and lies dozvn izz the feedtrough and tries to hog the hole zvorlcs.

Candidly, 1 want to ask, where is there anything which will compare with eight or ten baby hogs, nearly as broad as long, lined up at the breast-works; tails curled tight as watch-rings, ears sticking straight up, each doing his duty, concentratqtlly doing his full duty to the matter in hand, namely, becoming more hog? Truly, with hats off, let us acknowledge that the hog is some hog.—Exchange. BOOT-GROWING COMPETITIONS. Judging has been carried on very vigorously during the last few weeks by Mr J. W. Deem, assisted by one or other of the officers of his Department He has now sent us details of the particulars on which points were given, and also of the work done, which will be of interest and should be of value. The full details will be published from time to time as received. The first

detachment is as follows (llicy arc givezz izzzder the headings—zzazne, zzature of lazzd and eultivatioiz, variety of seed, drills azzd date of sowing, kind and azzzozzizt of zziaanre, weight aizd points for weight, cultivation and quality, and total poiizts awarded): OTAKEHO. SWEDES. L. F. Mace, Kaupokonui—34 acres, ploughed October 15, disced three times, rolled once; seed, Grazid Master, 7in. drills,' 140 z., sowzi Nov. 19; nzaziure Special Turnip, 2cwt.; 46 tons 18ewt; points, weight 934, cultivation 8, quality, 7; total, 1084. H. R. Wood, Kaupokonui —3 acres grass land, ploughed end Aug., double disced twice, tine harrowed twice and rolled; Garton’s Graizd Master, 140 z., Nov. 26, Tin.; Kempthorne, Prosser’s special turnip, 24ewt.; 43 tons 4 cwt; weight 86, cultivation 7, quality 6; total, 99; R. J. Byrne, Kaupokonui—44 acres, after grass, ploughed Oct. 25, double disced three times, tine harrowed once, chain harrowed once, 'rolled; Grand Master, 120 z., Nov. 21, 7in.; 24c\vt. basic super, 501 b. green bone, 301 b. potash; 32 tons lScwt; weight 654, cultivation 5, quality 7; total points, 774. S. W. and L. T. C. Fleming, Otakeho —12 acres, lea land, ploughed end Sept., disced four, times, tine harrowed and rolled; Grand' Master and New White Sweet, 120 z., Nov. 29, Tin.; Prosser’s special turnip manure, 24e\vt.; 31 tons 13ewt.; weight 63, cultivatiozz 7, quality 6; total points, 76. Remarks: (1) Very zzic-e even crop, well grown roots, bizt lot of soft rot. (2) Nice even crop; fair amount of soft rot.' (3) Crop a bit patchy; fair amount of soft rot. (4) Fair azzzozznt of soft rot izz Grand Master; New White not weighed, deep izz ground; soft rot bad. MANGOLDS.

J. Landers, Kaupokonui —4-acre lea lazzd, ploughed Aug. 20, disced four tizizes, tine harrowed and rolled, sown Oct. 30, disced again four tiznes, harrowed, rolled and resown, horse hoed once, hand hoed three tizzies and thinned; Prizewinner and Sugar, 71b., Nov. 15, 2lin. drills; 1 part Ephos, 3 super, 1 bone, 6cwt fizzst sozving, 3ewt. second sozving; 90 tons lSezvt.; zveight 1814, cultivation 8, quality 7; total points, 1964. S. W. and S. W. C. Fleming, Otakeho—.l4 acres, after swedes, ploughed end Aug., disced, harrowed and rolled; Prizezvinner, 51b., Noz*. 2,21 in. drills; super, bone, Ephos and 4czvt. potash, 44czvt. per acre; 88 tons 7czvt.; zveight 1764, cultivation 7, quality 7; total points, 1904. G. Shanahan, Kaupokonui—4-ac-re, lea land, ploughed Oet. 10, rolled, disced, harrowed and rolled, hand hoed tzvice, horse hoed tzvice, thinned azzd horse hoed three times again and zveeded twice; Prizewinner, 71b., Oct. 29, 28in. drills; sizper, slag, green bone equal parts, 6cwt. 201 b. potash, iznburzzt lime about 6ewt. per acre, Oet. 14; 82 tons 9ezvt.; zveight 1644, cultizmtion 8, quality 7; total points, 1794. . G. Shaizahan, Kaupokonui.—Land and cultivation same as above; Long Red, 71b., Oct. 29, 28in. drills; manure sazzze as above; 72 tons 12ewt.; zveight 145, cultivation 8, quality 8; total points, 161. S. Millar, Oeo. —1 acre, after. carrots, ploughed second zz*eek in Sept., disced three tiznes, tine harrozz*ed three times and rolled once before drilling, horse hoed three times and hand hoed, three times; Prizezvinner, 61b., Oct. 24, 28in. drills; special zzzangold manure mixed by K.D.C., oczvt.; 66 tons 16czvt.; zveight 1334, cultivation 7, quality 6; total poizits, 1464. G. Shazzahan, Kaupokonui.—As izi No. 3; Sugar, as izz No. 3: niaziure as in No. 3; 65 tons llezvt.; zveight 131, cultivation 8, qualitv 8; total points, 147.

J. Dakers, Kaupokonui.—l4 acres, after soft turnips, follozved by green oats, ploughed end Aug., disced three times, tine harrowed, rolled tzvice; Prizezvinner and White Sugar, 61b., Oct. 28, 28in. drills; super, bone, Nauru and potash, oczvt.; 64 tons lezvt.; zveight 128, cultivation S, quality 7; total points, 143. A. C. . Walker, Otakelio —3 acres, after mangolds, ploughed early Aug., disced, cultivated, harrozved, rolled, horse hoed once, thinned, hand hoed, and finally cleaned end Feb.; Prizezvinner., 61b,, middle Nov,, 24in. drills; 2 parts super, 1 part slag, 6czz*t.; 61 tons Sczvt.; zveight 1224, cultivation 8, quality 8; total poizits, 1384. H. George, Lozver Glenn Road, Kaupokonui. ploughed Aug., disced four times, tine liarrozved tzvice, rolled, drilled and rolled; Sugar, 31b., Noz*. 1, 28izz. drills; superphosphate, 3ezz*t.; 61 tozis lSezvt.; zz r eight 1234, cultivation 7, quality 7; total points, 1374. J. D. Basliford, Kaupokonui.—4-acre, after grass, ploughed Oet. 1, rolled, disced tzvice, rolled again, hand hoecl tzz’ice; Ykdlozv Globe, 61b., Noz*. 7,14 in. drills; 1 bag each bone, super, potash mixed, 3ezvt.; 57 tons 17ezvt.; zveight 1154, cultivation 6, quality 7; total points, 1284. E. Wills, Ngapuraa, Kaupokonui.— acres, after part oats for green feed in spring, part swedes, ploughed 20th to end Sept., rolled, disced, tine harrozved, rolled, lzoed horse lioed, lioed again; White Sugar, Pa'izezviner, Jersey Queen, abozzt 441 b., Noz*. 2,28 in. drills; agric. salt 2czz*t., superphosphate 2ezvt., bonedust 14czvt., potash near 4c\vt., slag about 4czz*t.; 55 tons 16 czvt.j zveight 1114, cultivation 7, quality 7; total points, 1254. B. Buskin, Kaupokonui.—l acre, after szvedes; Lozzg Red, Noz r . 11, 21in. drills; superphosphate, Sczvt.; 51 tons lOczz’t.; zveight 103, cultivation 7, quality 6; total points, 116.

;loin 11G g2haazzC7octfl.|Rfi kudini Remarks: (1) More Sugar than Prizezvinner; a little heart rot in Prizezvinner. (2) Nice crop; a bit gappy and rough. (3) Nice crop; a little heart rot. (4) Big tops; no rot. (5) A good deal of heart rot in lozv lying parts. (G) No rot (7) Sozzze heart rot izi Prizewinner. (8) Little heart rot; nice roots. (9) Roots rather rough; no rot. (10) Roots rather snzall; little heart rot. (12) Big tops; bulbs poor aziil rough. CARROTS. .T. Landers, Kaupokonui—l4 acres lea lazzd, ploughed Aug. 20, disced four times, tine harrozved-and rolled, hand hoed three tiznes and thinned; Matchless White and Red Intermediate, 141 b., Oct. 25, 14in. drills; 3 parts sizper, 1 part Eplzos, 1 part bone, Sezvt. per acre; 41 tons LSezvt.; zveight 834, cultivation 8, qualitz* 6; total points 974.

J. Xicolson, Knupokonui—tj-nere lea land, ploughed Aug., disced four times and harrowed, ficwt. enrb. lime before discing; bought for Matchelss White (White Belgian), 1-Ilb., Nov. 10, 27in.; 4cwt. per, neve super, potash, steamed bone; 34 tons 2cwt.; weight 68, cultivation 7, quality 7; total points, S2. J. Campbell, Otakeho —1 acre lea land, ploughed Oct. 1, disced three times, harrowed twice, rolled twice, Plnneted twice, hand hoed twice; Matchless White, 11b., Oct. 30, 14in.; blood and bone and superphosphate, 3ewt. per acre; 34 tons 12cwt.; weight

69, cultivation 6, quality 6; total points, 81. - A. J. R. Hastie, Kaupokonui—2 aeres, after rye grass, following soft turnips, ploughed Nov. 16, rolled on sod,'- double disced three times, harrowed twice and rolled again, horse hoed once, weeded once; Sinclair's Champion, 141 b., Nov. 21, 21in. ; Sterling mixture, 4cw T t. per acre; 32 tons 6cwt.; weight 644, cultivation '5, quality 7 ; total "’points, 764. .T, Nieolson, Kaupokonui—f-acre, lea land, ploughed August, disced four times, harrowed twice, 6owt. lime before discing; Magnum Bonuni, 141 b., No*. 10, 27in.; steamed bone, super, potash, 4c wt. per acre; 29 tons Bcwt.; weight 584, cultivation 7, quality 9; total points, 744. S. W. C. and T. L. Fleming, Otakeho—l acre, after swedes, ploughed end Aug., disced, tine harrowed and rolled; Sinclair’s Champion, 141 b., Nov. 6, 14 in.; lcwt super, 14cwt. slag, 14 cwt. Ephos, fe.wt. potash; 29 tons 16 cwt.; -weight 594, cultivation 6, quality 6; total points, 714. A. S. Herbert, Otakeho.—l4 aeres, after swedes, ploughed first week in Sept., rolled and left till first week Nov., then four double cuts of discs, three strokes of tine harrows, rolled twice, horse hoed twice, hand hoed once and thinned; Matchless White and ‘ Magnum Bonus, 141 b., Nov. 23, 28in.;

2ewt. bonedust, lcwt. super, lcwt. Ephos, lcwt. potash; 26 tons lOcwt.; weight 53, cultivation 8, quality 10; total points, 71. A. G. Calder, Oeo—l acre, -after grass land, ploughed Aug., disced six times, tine harrowed four times, rolled twice, hand hoed Hwice, thinned and horse hoed foum times; Matchless White, 141 b., No# 6, 28 in.; super, 24cwt, K.R. mangold manure; 26 tons B cwt.; w<j|ht 524, cultivation 8, quality 8; totafipoints, 684. J. Nieolson, Kaupokonui— lJ acres, lea laud, ploughed Sept., disced eight times, b’ewt. lime before discing; White Belgian, 141 b., Nov. 28, 27in.; steamed bone', super, potash, 4c-wt.; 26 tons 3 cwt.; weight 52, cultivation 8, quality 8; total points 68. J. D. Bashford, Kaupokonui— 3 aeres, after grass, ploughed first week Oct., rolled, disced twice, rolled again; Sinclair’s Champion, 21b., Nov. 7,14 in.; 1 bag each bone, super, potash mixed, 3ewt.; 26 tons 13cwt.; weight 53, cultivation 7, quality 6; total points, 66. H. R. Wood, Kaupokonui—J-acre, grass land, ploughed end Aug., double disced twice, tine harrowed twice and rolled, horse hoed twice, hand hoed once; Sutton’s Matchless White, 141 b., Noy. 10, 28in. drills; lscwt. super, 14 cwt. green bone, ljewt. Ephos, 481 b. potash; 25 tons 19ewt.; weight 51, cultivation 6, quality 8; total points, 65. A. G. Calder, Oeo—l acre, grass land, ploughed Aug., disced six times, tine harrowed four times, rolled twice, hand hoed twice, thinned, horse hoed four / times; Yellow Intermediate, 141 b., Oct. > 17, 28in.; lfewt. super, llewt. bone, 1J cwt. mangold manure; 25 tons 12cwt.; weight 51, cultivation 7, quality 7; total points, 65. . . E. R. Putt, Otakeho—4-acre, , after carrots, ploughed Oct. 1, disced three times, tine harrowed three times, rolled twice, horse hoed three times, hand ■hoed once, thinned once; Sinclair, 141 b.,

! Nov. 5,28 in.; 3_:.parts super, 1 part bonedust and R. phosphate, scwt.; 22 tons 19cwt.; -weight 454, cultivation 8, quality 8; total points, 614. H. George, Lower Glenn Road, Kau-pokonui—f-acre, lea land, ploughed Aug. 6in. deep, disced four times, tine harrowed twice, rolled, drilled and rolled; Matchless White, 11b., Nov. 1, 2Sin. ; superphosphate, 3cwt.; 23 tons 12cwt.; weight 47, cultivation 7, quality 7; total points, 61. H. R. Wood, Kaupokonui—4-aere, lea land, ploughed end Aug., disced four times, tine harrowed, rolled; Magnum Bonum, 141 b., Nov. 10, 28in.; 23 tons 4cwt.; weight 46, cultivation 6, quality 9; total points, 61. H. R. Wood, Kaupokonui—£-acre, lea land, ploughed end* Aug., double disced twice, tine harrowed twice and rolled, horse hoed twice, hand hoed once; Matchless White, 141 b., Nov. 10, 28in.; lfcwt. super, green bone, IJcwt. Ephos, 481 b. potash; 23 tons 17cwt.; weight 474, cultivation 5, quality 7; total points, 594E. R. Putt, Otakeho—4-acre, after carrots, ploughed Oct. 1, disced three times, tine harrowed'three times, rolled ' twice, horse hoed' three times, hand hoed once, thinned once; Matchless White, Nov. 5,28 in.; 3 partssuper, 1 paTt bonedust, 1 part R. phosphate, scwt.; 22 tons, 12cwt.; weight 45, cultivation 8, quality 6; total points, 59. J. Dakers, Kaupokonui— s-acre, after soft turnips, followed by green oats, ploughed early Sept., disced three times, harrowed and rolled twice; Matchless White, 141 b., Nov. 26, 21in.; 3 parts super, 1 part bonemeal, 1 part Nauru, scwt.; 21 tons; weight 42, cultivation 8, quality 6; total points, 56. H. R. Wood, Kaupokonui—-4-aere, lea land, plouhed end Aug., disced twice, tine harrowed twice and rolled; Sutton’s Yellow Intermediate, 141 b., 28in.; 20 tons llcwt.; w*eight 41, cultivation 5, quality 8; total points, 54. Remarks: (1) Matchless White fair quality; Red Intermediate poor. (2) Variety very mixed, mostly Wliitd Belgian. (3) Bought for White Belgian ■were Matchless White. (4) Carrots had not been thinned; rather small. (5) ‘ Carrots nice equality. (6) Very small; had not been thinned. (7) Mostly Matchless White; very nice quality. (4) Bought for Matchless Roots; very short and forked. (11) White, were White Belgian. (10'' Rather nice roots. (12) Badly forked. (13) Varieties very mixed. (15) Nice quality roots. (16) Bought -for White Belgian, were Matchless White. (17) Varieties very mixed. (18) Badly knocked about with salt spray. (19) Bit small, rather nice quality.

HAMILTON EXCAVATED. A'GLIMPSE; INTO THE FUTURE. (By W.T.) (From the Daily Telepathist, C-hihua-pocantepec, capital of the Empire of South America, May 8, 2624.) News has come of interesting discoveries in New Zealand. This part of the world has been almost uninhabited since the tremendous upheaval of the twentieth century, which changed a flourishing country into a series of small volcanic, rock-bound, barren islands. In one of the most southerly of these there has been a small settlement, dependent on a little fishing, and the weather station of the League of Nations. There is a small town of about two thousand people on the site of the city of Dunedin. The rest of what remains of New Zealand is covered with, lava rocks and volcanic ejecta, and though some vegetation has sprung up, the smallness of the islands, the barrenness of the land, the difficulty of access and the frequent eruptions have prevented settlement. Recently, however, interest in this once fertile part of the British Empire has been stimulated, and questions about the character and life of the people have been raised.

To throw' some light on these questions Professor Hertzlocetzl, of the Chihuapocantepec University , organised an expedition to explore Auckland, the most northerly of the New Zealand

islands. The site of'the city of Auckland has long been under the sea, but if we are to judge from a verse of the popular English poet Kipling—whose work is only read now by an occasional student—it must have been a very beautiful place. What Professor Hertzlocetzl has unearthed is a- large portion of a once inland town called Hamilton, which is believed to have been called after the mistress of the great English sailor. Nelson—another example of the devotion of the English to their naval heroes, even in discredit. 'Hamilton was a much smaller town than Auckland, but its remains present features of peculiar interest. Owing to the fact that the town was overlaid by layers of volcanic ash and lava, many things in it have been well preserved through the long lapse of time, and the iirofessor’s party were well rewarded for their long, hard digging. The fnost important discovery was a huge bronze figure of a cow. This, a splendid specimen of the sculptor’s arty was lying’ prone, but it had been set on a pedestal in a square in the centre of the town. The professor was puzzled at first to account for what looked like a resemblance to Indian cow worship in a European community, hut a little study showed that quite another explanation was the correct one. Hamilton was the centre- of the buttesr-making industry in this part of New Zealand, and this magnificent statue was a symbol erected by the grateful community to the animal- on which its prosperity depended. In those far-off days man lived crudely. These industrious, but primitive, folk fed the cow carefully, milked it, and by a laborious process .turned the milk into butter and cheese. These products were carried in ships over the sea- to England, the voyage lasting as much, as six weeks. It- is, of course, many ages since man learnt to dispense with animals as converters of plants into food, and to do the conversion himself by more- rapid and cheaper scientific methods.

Professor Herztlocetzl has been able to reconstruct from the buried records of Hamilton a pretty accurate picture of the life of (hose far-off times, arid especially of the ritual observed on the annual Cow Day, the great secular festival of the year. Many of the records of the annual agricultural shows are in excellent condition. As far back as the year 1924 there appears on one of the documents of the winter show a picture of mothers holding up children to an elevated figure of a cow. Some official of that year had carefully put away an article from the Auckland Star, in which it was suggested that- to show its gratitude Hamilton should eirect the statue of a cow in the main street, a-nd the professor thinks that the statute found dates from a few years after this. Be this as it may, it is clear that this cult became general, and that although the annual Cow Day was nominally secular, it came to be invested with a strong religious significance. The day was a close holiday. Its chief celebration. was a procession in the morning to the statue. The Mayor, wearing his .robes, walked at the head, followed by the councillors, one or more Ministers of the Crown, the officials of the town and of its societies, churches and schools. The Fire Brigade (one of those primitive organisations that used water to put out fire) brought up the rear. 111 the presence of a great and reverent crowd the Mayor gave formal thanks to the cow for all the blessings it had bestowed on the people, and the representative of the_ Government delivered an oration, in which—so the professor remarks with a 'touch of humour—he was careful to take credit for the Government for having facilitated the beneficence of the cow in every possible way. Many wreaths were placed at the base of the statue. The first and most important was put there by a small child, chosen for its physique and beauty. This child was symbolical of the highly-rated food value of the products of the cow, and to be chosen for this function was considered to be a great honour for the,child itself and its family.

The rest of the day was spent in amusement and festivities of various kinds. At yvhat was called the Cow Dinner, it was the custom to toast not only the cow collectively, but .all the breeds, representatives of each 'breed contending that theirs was the best. The professor has records of dinners at which there were as many as thirty toasts, and he deduces that the standard of public speaking must haye been high, otherwise such stretches of oratory would not have been tolerated. Altogether it is an attractive picture of this remote time that he has reconstruced. TVe can see his happy community assembling on a bright morning to do honour to the nourishing mother of its welfare. The procession winds slowly through the streets; the air is full of^ladness; white-clad rosycheeked children sing a song of thanksgiving; lovely offerings from this land of flowers are laid at the feet of the goddess; and above the sun makes fire and shadow on the bronze of the almost living symbol. Yes, we confess that the contemplation of all this shakes a little our satisfaction with the subsequent progress of the race. We have called these people primitive, but are we any happier than they were? The lifting of this veil brings to our senses something of the freshness of an earlier world, and we feel with a pang the touch of the English poet Wordsworth across the years: I’d rather be A Pagan, suckled in a creed outworn: So might I, standing on this pleasant lea, Have glimpses that would make me less forlorn: Have sight of Proteus rising from ' the sea; Or hear ß old Triton blow his wreathed horn. THE NEW BREED. “Dunno what she is—l calls her American.” ‘‘But—er, really, there isn’t any such breed of cow, is there?” ‘‘l dunno. She’s gorn dry, anyhow.” —Sydney Bulletin. HEREFORD CATTLE.

BREEDERS’ ASSOCIATION

The annual meeting of the New Zealand Hereford Cattle Breeders’ Association was held during the Palmerston North Show. Mr. J. M. James (Masterton) presiding The report, stated that the council had been notified by the Hereford Society of England that the bull Bismarck had now been registered in its herd book. The official recognition of this animal meant that a large number of the entries tb. the New Zealand volume of the herd bsok were now eligible for the English herd book. The printing of volume 26 of the herd book was well in hand, and it should he available to members much earlier this year. Entries for the next volume were now due.

. The chairman, in moving the adoption of the report, congratulated members on the success of the year’s working. The improvement in the beef market was most welcome, hut matters of marketing were not yet on such a satisfactory footing as could he desired. He emphasised the necessity of breeders going in for only the" very best class of cattle to have any hope of competing with the Argentine on the London market. He expressed the opinion

that most breeders did not cull sufficiently hard, with the result that there were too many inferior cattle in the country. The fact that the better class of cattle would always sell readily was particularly noticeable during the slump. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. Mr. W. K. Morton (Silverhope’) was elected president. Other elections resulted as follows: New member of board, Mr. H. J. Dagg; members, Messrs ,T. M. James (Masterton), F. W. Arbon (Pohangina), and H. B. Stueky (Masterton); vice-presidents, Messrs J. McGregor (Waitotara), A. S. Holmes (Invercargill), to represent the North and South Islands respectively. It wa.s announced that the council had decided to donate a prize for the Royal Show, a perpetual Hereford Cup of the value of £25, and cash prizes to the value of £25. A suggestion was made that the annual subscription to the association should be increased to £3 3s. which would include a copy of the Hereford book to members. After discussion this was adopted. On the recommendation of the council the following prizes were donated by the association: Gold medal value £5 ss, Masterton show, for yearling Hereford bull. Three guineas cash prize for class of three 24-year-old Hereford or Hereford cross steers

A, AND P. ASSOCIATIONS. ANNUAL CONFERENCE. HELD AT PALMERSTON NORTH. The annual conference of the New Zealand Agricultural and Pastoral Associations of the North Island, was conducted at Palmerston North on Thursday, Mr. C. G. C. Dernier (Feilding), occupying the chair.. There was a fair attendance of delegates from all quarters of New Zealand ANNUAL REPORT. The annual report read as follows: — We have about completed the first year of the associations affiliated for the North Island. Uur first annual meeting was held in June, 1923, at which 32 delegates were present, representing 19 associations. A number of remits and other matters of detail were considered, some of which were referred to the executive for further consideration. The conference was most successful, and a keen desire was shown to have a sound and reliable governing body for the North Island. A further© general meeting of the conference was held in November, with a large representation of delegates from affiliated associations, and a good amount of business was got through satisfactorily. The affiliation fee was definitely settled at 5s for every hundred financial members of each association joining. Like most things just commenced. it takes a little time to get a combination of this description into working order, and it is essential that it be well organised, and we think that this has been accomplished. Out of 28 associations in the North Island —many of them very small indeed — 21 have affiliated. Two very small societies have refused, and there is only one society of any importance that has not affiliated, hut may come in later. I’ can congratulate delegates on the success we have ’ achieved and it is quite evident from the keen interest taken, that .we will be able to accomplish a great deal in the future.

The balance-sheet disclosed a credit of £2O 16s.

The chairman, in moving the adoption of the annual report and balancesheet, said that in reviewing the nrogress of the year, he felt that the association had done satisfactory work. In the past they had not been able to do very much, but now they were at a stage when they could go ahead and carry out beneficial work. Of the twenty-eight associations affiliated, sixteen were paid up. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The election of officers resulted as follows:—President, Mr M. A, Conway (Manawatu); vice-president, Mr H. B. Stuckey (Dannevirke); lion, treasurer, Mr J. M. Johnston (Palmerston North); executive, Messrs. James (Mastertqn), J. Uvinsston (Dannevirke), 2D. R. Galpill (Marton). W. B. Grant (Taranaki), W. Perry (Masterton). T. O'. Haycock (Wairarapa), and E. D. Mehennan (Auckland).

The newly appointed president in returning thanks for his election, saicl that he felt proud to see the association in a position where they could do business. He was glad to say that all the associations in the North Island, with the exception of Hawke’s Bay, had affiliated to the North Island body, but there was no doubt but that they would fall into line in the near future. He was also gratified to notice that South Island associations were combining in a similar manner. This show, ed that the A. and P. Associations were realising the necessity and advantages of combination and co-operation. RAILWAY CONCESSIONS.

Reference to the matter of concessions on the railways was made by Mr. J. M. Johnston (Manawatu), who explained that in some cases it was

cheaper for travellers to take ordinary tirkets instead of excursion ones. The excursion rates in his opinion were too high, and the association should endeavour to get the Minister of Railways to reduce them to what they were originally. Touching on the question of the fares charged men controlling stock being conveyed to shows, he said that the stationmaster locally had informed him that concession tickets were granted in this connection.

Mr. J. A. Nash, M. P., was of the opinion that of the matter was brought under the notice of Mr. J. G. Coates some improvement would be . effected. He certainly thought that something should be done in regard to securing further concessions in regard to show fixtures. It wag eventually decided, at the instigation of Mr. Nash, that all associations be written to, asking them what anomalies there existed in regard to concessions, so that a combined representation could be made to the Minister in order to secure better facilities. Remits from the Manawatu, Stratford and Whangarei Associations, urging that pressure be brought to’ bear on the Government to reduce freight charges on stock travelling to and from shows; and to grant excursion fares to stockmen in charge of stock, Were referred to the Agricultural Council for consideration with a view to making representations in regard to the matter to the Minister of Railways at a later date. ENTRY FEES. Mr. Sandilands moved the following remit submitted by the Feilding Association:—“That no person who is in arrear in regard to entry fees to any association affiliated to the Associations shall be eligible to complete in any event at any affiliated association’s shows until such arrears he paid. The secretary of each affiliated association shall forward a list at the end of each financial year of the names, addresses, and amounts owing to his association, to the secretary of the N.Z. Associations. who shall forwith compile a list’ of all notifications received, and’forward it to all associations affiliated to the New Zealand A. and P. Associations of the North Island.”

Mr. Gregor M((G.regqi* (Waverley), thought that the proposed restrictions might be a- little too drastic. .Mr QMgley (Dannevirke) thought tliat if the remit was carried it would assist the associations very materially. In his opinion the man who entered his stock or produce only, was just as much liqble as the one who sent" his exhibits forward. After others had expressed their opin. ions, in the matter, the resolution was carried. DISQUALiWCATIONS. Mi*. Sandilands also moved to the effect that: (1) Immediately after any decision of the committees of any association, imposing any disqualification or suspension, full particulars of the charge and evidence should be forwarded to the North Island Association for endorsement or otherwise, and the North Island Committee should thereupon immediately give notice ill writing to all affiliated associations of such disqualification, and such disqualified person shall be debarred from entering, or taking part in any sfirfiv' held under the auspices of any affiliated association ; (2) That any person aggrieved at any decision of committees may appeal therefrom to the North Island Association; and (3) That for the purpose of considering such appeal the executive committee of the North Island Association should be deemed a Protest Committee. The mover said that the matter of disqualifications was one that the associations were up against at present. If the remit was adopted it would enable them to prevent anv undesirable business. . STRATFORD REMITS. The chairman considered that the following remits from Stratford were out. of the. Association’s sphere, and it was decided to forward them to the New Zealand Council of Agriculture for consideration: Freights.—That the Government he asked to take into consideration the granting of freight concessions on stock exported from this country on lines similar to those given on stock imported.

Foot and Mouth Disease.—That the Government be urged to strictly enforce the regulations to prevent the introduction of foot and mouth disease. OTHER MATTERS.

At the instigation of Air. W. T. Penny (Manawatu) it was decided that the New Zealand Council’s agricultural standard as to points at shows be adopted. On the recommendation of the executive it was agreed that the standard of colours for badges, award cards, and ribbons be uniform for all associations’ shows.