AUSTRALIAN FARM NOTES.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLI, Issue 86, 13 April 1907, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN FARM NOTES.

Au Australian correspondent speaking of New Zealand stock at the Sydney show, says:—l do noi; confess |o have niuch sympathy with the class of cattle sent over from New Zealand this year. True, there has been a bad Season, but the worst season will never affect quality. A large number "of Shorthorns, mostlyJ of a pale washy colour, utterly unsuited to a climate where the shades get lighter, and lighter every year- Out of the whole collection, I have only been able to pick three passable bulls, and they are not top-notchers. "We have got to get rid of them, and there is no sale for them in New Zealand," one Maorilander told me. It is a pity there should be a sale for them anywhere. There, are only a few Ayrshires, mostly 0f...a robust type, but sadly lacking in. dairy qualities, some of their teats being sewn on like buttons," and pale white at that. Never in €he history of,, Australia have the New Zealand people faced a better market. Tne Queensland train to-day was crowded,, and everyone seemed to come to-buy something. Ayrshire and Jersey heifers are in strong demand, and the prices will be very good. Although ample warning was given in this column to the iS ew Zealand people to share in it, there are only some halfdozen over.

Of the three Aberdeen Angus breeders that exhibited last year, neither of them haVe returned. The breed is represented by a Tasmanian exhibitor, and he has thfe field to himself. The illfeeling that arose ; over last year? s' bungle does not seem to have subsided, and even' the; inducement of the appointment of'a capable judge has not smoothed matters over.-: ' ,-,:.

There are very few Herefords on the ground, last year's Victorian exhibitor being absent. The quality this year is very high, far ahead of any of the -other breeds. 'The Devons are also confined to only two exhibitors. Red ' Polls are in strong evidence, but I fear the buyers will not be equal to the supply. It is' wonderful how little appreciation is bestowed upon this useful breed of cattle.

There is a fine display of the British breeds of, sheep, and contributions Jiave'been seht form New Zealand, , Tasmania, and Victoria. The best of the Shropshires are from Tasmania, but JSTew Zealand is most extensively represented, in the Lincolns and Border Leicesters. Mr Nixon, of Killinichy, .and Mr James Johns, from Canterbury, are the chief exhibitors, and their, stock are of the good servicable sort, unpampered and in the rough. Some weeks ago I advised the Hew Zealand breeders to send over a 1 consignment of commercial horses to meet the demand during show week. Last night Mr Holt arrived with 30. head from New Zealand, and they are a fine lot. Already good prices havetbeen offered for some of them, and another week will .tell .whether reliance can be placed ( upon the recommendations I liave given in this column. I think he has struck his market, and there is not an / unsaleable animal in the lot—all good tradesmen's sorts and some' nice l>uggy sorts.