FARMING AND COMMERCIAL

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 272, 15 October 1927, Page 5

FARMING AND COMMERCIAL

NOTES BY “PLOUGHSHARE.” THE DISTRICTS. Docking operations have been hung up to a certain extent, but by now most of this work has been completed. There has been a great flush of feed, which has been accountable for a fair amount of mortality amongst the flocks. In spite of this, thore should bo a very satisfactory percentage tailed. Dairying is, of course, in full swing and most farmers are quite satisfied with their outputs. And there is every sign of good payments forthcoming. Some of the factories are grading for finest this season, and there will be quite a substantial difference in the pay-out for finest compared with that for first grade. This is very encouraging for those dairymen who are taking pains to produce a fine article. It is apparent by the areas now under cultivation that a considerable quantity of supplementary fodder will be grown hero this year. WAIRARAPA. The prosperous appearance of tho country generally is also noticeable _in this district. Tho winter being a mild one, feed ha 6 come away readily. Considering the hard season last year, the farmers received fair advances on their butter-fat. Ruawhata settlers still expect a further payment on some of last reason’s output. KIWITEA-ICIMBOLTON. Large areas are being put under the plough hero this season. Much of it is being turned over for the first time and is working up very well. In some parts oats have already been fed off. Feed, as elsewhere, is fairly abundant. Most sheep farmers report good percentages of lambs. Although 6omo of tho percentages are lower than in other parts of the. country, there haa been very little mortality. Some of the lambs were very late but are coming on splendidly. Soils deeply and continuosuly drained so that rains sink at once beneath the surface are not only warmer than similar soils not well drained, because there is less cooliong from excessive evaporation at the surface, but many conditions conspire to put tho soil throughout its root zone into better physical, chemical and biological condition, and to maintain it so. Many pastures show great improvement since they have been drained. Although there are many acres yet to be treated in this manner, it is pleasing to note that draining is becoming more popular year by year. PIGGERY NOTES. Young pigs over-fed ivith skim milk soon develop indigestion and constipation. Tho greatest profit is obtained by feeding pigs intensively from an early 6tage. A moderately fat pig contains in its body about four times as much dry fat as dry nitrogen matter. If the young sow is of a fat-producing breed, and is not mated until she is over twelve months old, difficulty is often experienced when an attempt is made to mate her. With very little trouble the pigs’ quarters can bo kept clean and sweet. Pigs should not bo allowed to roam in the cow-yards and enter the milking shed MINERAL MATTER IN SHEEP. The following is an analysis of mineral matter in a thousand pounds of live sheep:— Sheep before fattening: Calcium 15.211 b; phosphoric acid, 11.881 b; potash, 1.741 b; magnesia, .561 b. Fat: Calcium. 11.841 b; phosphoric acid, 10.401 b; potash, 1.481 b; magnesia .481 b. Milk: Calcium, 701 b; phosphoric acid, 21b; potash, 1.701 b; magnesia, 201 b. Unwashed wool: Calcium, 1.801 b; phosphoric acid, .701 b; potash, 56.201 b; magnesia, .401 b. The principal minerals in the bodies of sheep aro calcium and phosphorus.

THE USE OF THE SCYTHE. Tho scythe is not used to any great extent in these modern times, but occasionally it is brought into use again for certain jobs on the farm. Those using it for tho first time find that a certain amount, of skill is necessary to do good work with it. The point of the blade should be laid in flat and the 6troko should be carried through completely to tho end. If a scooping stroke i 6 made, quite a foot is left both at the commencement and end of the stroke, which means extra work. When mowing tho operator should place his legs wide apart so as to bring his back into the best position for it to exercise its strength, for mowing should be done by means of a body stroke rather than by the arms. The arms should act chiefly as guiding or connecting rods between the man and the scythe in the tame way as an oarsman exerts his powers from the back and by tho use of his legs instead of pulling the stroke through with his arm. The early part of the 6lroke is easily made as tho natural swing of the scythe is sufficient to cut that section, but as the material collects it becomes more difficult to complete the stroke; therefore the body must then be in a position to exert its force more freely. This is achieved when the man stands near to the finish of tho stroke. After the first half of the stroke tho left hand should be drawn sharply round and near to the loft leg.

GENERAL NOTES. Both from tho viewpoint of keeping the animals thriving and also of ensuring adequate production of wool it is vitally necessary that sheep be provided with ample protein and mineral matter. Fats and carbohydrates are also necessary, but these aro usually in sufficient quantities in the usual food such as grass, etc. Naturally when the soil is well cultivated roots will spread more easily. This enables them to acquire food easily. Many men attempt to teach a dog too much at once. It is a much belter plan to teach him one thing and let him do it well before giving him another lesson. Soluble and rapidly acting manures aro preferably applied in tho spring when there is tho prospect of a vigorously growing crop raady to make use of them. As milk is a product far more nitrogenous than the increase of carcase obtained when an animal is fattened, cows in full milk will requiro a tolerably nitrogenous diet. In very hard land ploughs go more easily if the draught chain is lengthened three or four feet. To prevent the accumulation of sediment, furrow drains should never enter a main drain opposite each other. A covering of vegetation,_ mulching, etc., on the surface will assist to check evaporation and assists also to maintain tho soil at a higher temperature. The powerful action of a crop m robbing a soil of its moisture is- mainly due to the rapidity with which water evaporates during daylight from tho surface of the leaves. ■ Well-rotted leaf mould, so largely used by gardeners, is very rich in humus. Crops are continually carrying away certain ingredients of the soil, those must be returned.

WELLINGTON PRODUCE MARKET. By Telegraph.—Special to Standard. WELLINGTON, Oct. 14. Wheat is quoted locally at 8s to 8s 3d per bushel, and there has been difficulty in obtaining supplies from the ,south, probably owing to vendors holding off until the duties have been finally determined. It is anticipated that under the scalo of duties finally adopted by Parliament to-day fowl wheat will need to be sold in the North Island at a minimum of 8s 6d. ... There is no demand for oats, which aro quoted at 4s 3d to 4s 6d; undergrades, 3s 9d per bushel. Chaff continues to show a downward tendency, the price being £7 10s to £7 15s. Pollard, £9 10s per ton. Brim, £7 15s per ton. Maize, 7s per bushel. ! White potatoes are in over-supply, and the price has again weakened, being £6 to £7, according to quality. Dakotas are fairly, firm at £8 10s per ton. The market has been almost cleared of Californian onions, -which have sold at 22s per lOOlbs. New arrivals are expected to-morrow from Melbourne, which will sell at 11a per cwt. i

WELLINGTON STOCK EXCHANGE. YESTERDAY’S BUSINESS AND PRICES. There were no sales registered on the Wellington Stock Exchange at any of the calls yesterday. Government securities were again in fair demand, with buyers of the 4J per cents, at £96 ss, the 5 per cents, at £99 15s and the 5i per cents, at £lOl. Wellington Gas (debentures) were steady at £99 ss, and New Zealand Breweries (bonds) at 23s 6d. Bank shares were quiet. There were bids of 28s for Commercial Bank (ordinary), £6 18s 9d for National Bank of New Zealand, 57s 8d for Bank of New Zealand, and £8 10s for National Bank-of Australasia, £5 paid. Sellers quoted £l4 14s for Bank of Australasia. Financial shares were firm. Goldsbrough Mort were wanted at 475, New Zealand Guarantee Corporation (ordinary) at 8s sd, preference at 21s, and Wellington Investment at 10s sd. New Zealand Refrigerating, 10s paid, were in demand at 7s 6d, and Wellington Meat Export (ordinary) at 7s 6d. Huddart-Parker (ordinary) were wanted at 46s 9d. Wellington Woollen were firm, the ordinary at £5 19s and the preference at £6 Is. There were bids of 34s 6d for Westport Coal, 2s 9d for Westport-Stockton (preference) and 38s 6d for Staples and Co. In the miscellaneous section there were buyers of Burns, Philp and Co. at 36s 6d( Dental and Medical Supply at 14s 9d, Electrolytic Zinc (preference) at 31s 6d, Howard Smith at 30s, New Zealand Express (ordinary) at 20s (cum. dividend), New Zealand Paper Mills at 16s, Scoullar and Co. at 21s, Taranaki Oil at 7s 6d, and Mount Lyell Mining at 27s 3d.

Yesterday’s buying and selling quotations were as under :

SALES IN OTHER CENTRES. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Oct. Sales.—Bank of New Zealand, 57s 9d; Commercial Bank of Australia, 28s 2d; Union Bank, £l4 18s 6d; National Insurance, 79s 6d; South British Insurance, 57s 4d; Farmers’ Co-operativo Auctioneering (A. prof.), 17s 3d; Northern Steamship, 14s 9d; do. (contrib.), 7s; Ohinemuri, 8s; Occidental Una (contrib.), Is 6d; Waihi, 22s 4d, 22s sd; Inscribed Stock (1927-41), £9B ss. CHRISTCHURCH, Oct. 14. Sales Reported.—Commercial Bank of Australia, 28s Id (three parcels), 28s 2d; English, Scottish and Australian Bank, £7 12s 6d, (Royal Bank issue), £7 9s; Union Bank, £l4 17s 6d; South British Insurance, 57s 6d; Dalgetv and Co., £l3 10s (two parcels) ; Dalgetv and Co. (new), £l3 (two parcels) ; Christchurch Gas (new 5s paid), 6s 2d. Sales.—Commercial Bank of Australia, 28s Id (two parcels). DUNEDIN, Oct. 14.

Sales Reported.—Four and a half per cent. Bonds (1930), £97 15s; New Zealand Insurance, 395.

SHEEPSKINS, HIDES AND TALLOW.

The usual fortnightly sale of sheepskins, hides, tallow and sundries was held at Wellington yesterday. Sheepskins : Good competition for all descriptions. Values for fine wools id to -}d per lb. better than late rates. Average and inferior lots were on a par; salteds sold well and showed a slight improvement. Hides: There was a strong demand for all weights, competition being keen and well sustained throughout the catalogue. Heavyweights sold on a par; mediums and lights id to id per lb. better. Kip and yearling enmo in for particular attention, at prices fully id to id per lb. better than previous quotations. Calfskins met a better market and appreciated by id to -Jd per lb. Tallow sold about on a par with previous quoted rates. The following is the range of prices ;— Sheepskins; Halfbred, to 14id; fine crossbred, 12d to 14id: medium-coarse, llld to 13id; shorGhalf-wools, 9d to 13id; lambs, Bid to 13Jd; dead and damaged crossbred, 8d to llid; inferior and badly damaged, 4d to B|d; pelts, sid to 9d • damp, salted and green, 5s 9d to 13s 6ci; pelts, salted, 2s l’Od to 3s sd; lambs, salted, 2s Id to 5s 7d. Hides: Ox, extra heavy, 701h5., and over, 9id to lOgd; heavy, 59-69, 9id to 9Jd; medium, 53-58, 9j}d to 9id; light, 45-52, Bid to 9id; cut, slippy and inferior, 6id to Bid. Cow, heavy, 531bs. and over, Bfd to 9id; medium, 45-52, 9d to 10|d; light, 33-44, 9id to lid; cut, slippy and inferior, 6|d to 9£d; bull stag, sd; yearlings', .11-16, 9|d to lljd; 17-32, 9id to llfd; calf superior, up to 101bs., 15jjd to 16£d; medium-good, do., 14id to 15Jdi damaged, d., 6d to 13|d Tallow : In casks, 24s to 24s 3d; in tins, etc., 17s to 22s 9d. Sundries: Horsehair, 25id to 26d; cow tails, 15d to 15id,

FEILDING STOCK SALE. SHEEP IN SHORT SUPPLY. (Special to “Standard.” FEILDING, Oct. 15. Only a very small penning of sheep awaited buyers at yesterday’s stock sale at Feilding and all lines were soon disposed of at satisfactory rates. Dairy cattle and bulls of assorted breeds comprised the bulk of the cattle yarding and, whereas the former found a ready demand, the latter, in some instances failed to reach reserve prices. Buyers showed a distinct inclination for well-bred animals, practically all the passings being confined to animals whicn failed to show signs of breeding. Pedigree Jersey bulls sold very well. Fat cattle came forward in small numbers and met with a firm demand. Detailed prices were as follow: Fat sheep.—B.F. woolly hoggets, 24s 6d, shorn ditto, 225; woolly ewes, 28s lOd, 30s 6d; maiden ewes and wethers, 2s 2d, 245, 275; shorn ewes, 19e 2d, 19s 6d, 21s Id, 21s 9d, 22s 6d; woolly wethers, 28s. ■ Store sheep.—Shorn b.f. ewe hoggets, 20s 3d; wooly ditto, 26s sd, 28s 3d; fat and forward ewes. 14s; 6-tooth ewes and b.f. lambs, 235, 37s 3d, 40s 2d. Dairy cattle. —Springing Jersey heifers, £5, £6 £6 17s 6d, £7 ss, £8 to £l2 7s 6d; lines of springing heifers, £5 17s 6d, £7 15e each; heiters in milk to £11; dairy cows, £4 15s, £5, £5 5s £6 ss, £8 5s to £lO. Store cattle. —Forward cows, £2 12s 6d, £2 15s; yearling Jersey heifers, £4 3s 6d, £5; 2-year empty heifers, £3 4s, £3 10s, £5, £5 12s 6d; yearling steers, £1 16s; yearling S.H. heifers, £3 12s 6d, £3 16s 6d; yearling P.A. heifers, £2 15s; yearling, Holstein heifers, £2 3s 6d, £3 ss; cows and calves, £4

Fait cattle.—Cows, £4 12s 6d, £5 15s, £6, £8 los; heifers, £4 7s 6d to £8 10s; light bullocks, £5 12s 6d, £6; heavy bullocks, £9 12s 6d, £lO ss, £lO Bs. Bulls.*—Yearling pedigree Jerseys to llgns; 2-year pedigree Jerseys, lOgns, llgns., 14 gns.; 2-year purebred Jerseys, £5 15s, £8 2s 6d to £l4 12s 6d; 2-year pedigree P.A., 16gns, 17gns.; 3year Jersey, £l3, £l4; 3-year S.H., £5 7s 6d, £7. AUCTIONEERS’ REPORT. Dalgety and Co., Ltd., Palmerston North, report having a small entry of fat and store sheep. There was a ready 6ale, fat sheep meeting with keen competition. There was also a large entry of dairy cattle and a small yarding of store and fat cattle. Quotations: Empty shorn ewes, 146; fat shorn owes, 19s Id, 2ls Id, 22s 2d; fat woolly ewes, 30s 6d; crossbred springing lieifeffe, £6, £7, £8 to £9 10s; dairy cows, at drop, £B, £9 to £10; forward cows, £2 ss, £2 12s 6d to £3 4s; cows and calves, £4; 2-vear empty heifers, £2 12s 6d to £3; aged pedigree Jersey bulls, to lOgns.; yearling pedigree Jersey bulls, 7gns.; yearling grade bulls, £4 to £7.

LAMBS MORE PLENTIFUL AND PRICES EASE.

AUCKLAND, Oct, 13. The entry of beef cattle at Westfield yesterday was smaller than has been the case recently, and values firmed slightly in consequence.

A substantial drop in the price of lambs was’the inevitable result of a much larger yarding. Sheep were yarded in average numbers and sold at late quotations. An average yarding of calves met with keen competition. The entry of pigs was much above requirements and bidding was dull, particularly in the fat classes. The range of values, together with thoso of the previous week, were as follow: — This Week. Last Week.

STOCK MARKET. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Co., Ltd., report having held their usual weekly sale at Dannevirke on Thursday. A fair yarding of both sheep and cattle came forward and met with keen competition from a large attendance of buyers. All classes of sheep maintained late rates, while dairy cattle were slightly easier. Quotations are as follow: —Ewes, with 100 per cent, lambs at foot, from 26s lOd to 355; fat ewes, from £1 Os 6d to 22s 6d; springing heifers (Jersey cross) £0 7s Gd to £3 12s 6d; guaranteed sound dairy cows, to £8 10s; yearling heifers, to £4 4s; 2-year Jersey bulls, to £lO 10s; cows, in milk, to £4 17s 6d.

CANTERBURY MARKETS. Per Press Association, CHRISTCHURCH, Oct. 14. Business with England in regard to the export of oats has at last materialised, and fair quantities aro in the process of being shipped. The Kia Ora took a consignment from Lyttelton during the week and she is booked to lift heavier parcels from Dunedin and the Bluff. The Pakeha is also shipping consignments from the various South Island ports, so that in the aggregate a substantial quantity will be dispatched, though the price at which the export has been arranged does not leave much margin for operators. The clearance it will effect will be welcomed by the trade. All the oats booked Home aro Gartons of both grades, which have been selling at 3s 6d and 3s 3d for A and B respectively. Oats have been sold forward for April-September at 3s 6d f.o.b. S.I.

Chaff is in slack demand, and is worth no more than £3 5s a ton on trucks. With very little wheat in farmers’ hands and millers holding sufficient to keep them off the market, not much business is doing in milling grades. Cocksfoot is firm at up to llsd. a lb. for standard seed, equal to 7d a lb. on trucks for farmers’ dressed.

There lias been a revival in the export Home of cowgrass, the price being 125 s a cwt., f.0.b., about lOd a lb. to the grower. The white clover market, which has been very sluggish throughout the season, has brightened up as a result of business with England. Sales have taken place at 115 s f.o.b. Potato values have shipped still further, and to-day’s prices are from £4 to £4 Is, f.o.b. S.I. The equivalent of this figure on trucks is £2 15s a ton. The Kaituna the other day took 1500 sacks, and the Wingatui, the next boat, is due to sail on Tuesday. While the northern market is being met with consigned potatoes, there is no inquiry from Auckland merchants.

BUTTER AND CHEESE. REPORT ON LONDON MARKETS The New Zealand agents of Messrs Weddel and Co., Ltd., London, report as follow: The following are the top London quotations for the past four weeks: —

Butter.—Up to the 24th of September the market continued to rise, and there was a general feeling in the trade that prices would go higher still pending the arrival of new season’s butter from the Southern Hemisphere. The news of good rains in Australia, together with advice from New Zealand of the sailing of the Westmoreland and Port Caroline carrying the first heavy cargoes of New Zealand butter, caused buyers to become somewhat cautious. The market has become quieter, and although top quotation for finest is still 102 s, it is difficult to make sales at this price. There are plenty of sellers of stored finest at from 179 s to 180 s, whilst first grade can be bought at 178 s.

Cabling on the 7th inst., Messrs W. Weddel and Company, Limited, advise that “the market is extremely quiet, as apparently the larger buyers have filled their immediate requirements and have withdrawn from the market. Present stocks in cold store equal approximately 590,000 boxes of butter. In view of this and the increased production in New Zealand during September and October, we do not anticipate any great improvement in the market in the meantime.”

Canada. Buyers in Canada refused to follow the upward trend of values as indicated by offers from New Zealand, and it has been difficult to induce them to repeat business even at former rates. There are indications, however, that further sales may soon bo possible, provided sellers are available at about Is ssd, November - December shipment. Cheese.—The market has continued to steadily improve and has now reached the high level of 106 s. It will be very interesting to see what quantity of new season’s make the market will be able to absorb at this price. Forward buyers are by no means as active as they were a few weeks ago, although'a few sales have recently been made at 9d, f.0.b., to the end of December make. GRADINGS. 1925. 1926. 1927.

Butter prraded duringSept. .... 3,900 4,350 5,500 Butter in 6tore, N.Z. end of September 4,750 2,750 3,100 Cheese graded during Sept? 3,700 3,100 3,450 Cheese in store, N.Z. end of Septemebr 4,050 1,300 2,400 LONDON QUOTATIONS.

LONDON, Oct. 13. The butter market is dull. Danish, 19-5 s per cwt ; New Zealand choicest salted, 174 s to 1765; unsalted is scarce at 184 s; Australian choicest salted, 172 sto 1745; exceptionally choice, 1765. The cheese market is quiet. New Zealand, 103 sto 104 s per cwt; Australian, 100 s to 101 s Press Association and Sun cable.

Dalge4y and Co., Ltd., report having recived the following cablegram from their London House under date 13th instant:—Butter : Market quiet. We quote Danish 194 s (1945); New Zealand finest salted 174 s to 178 s (178 s to 182 s); Australian finest unsalted 176 s to 178 s (176 s to 178 s); Australian finest salted 172 s to 174 s (174 s to 178 s). Cheese: Market very quiet. We quote New Zealand cheese .white and coloured, 102 s to 104 s (102« to 106 s); spot price for Canadian white and coloured 102 s to 104 s (100 s to 106 s); e.i.f. price for Canadian 100 s >to 102 s (103 s to 105 s). Total imports of butter into United Kingdom last month were 463,000 cwts. For the same period last year, 429,000 cwts.

SAVING CROPS FROM FROST. FRENCH AND GERMAN METHODS. LONDON, Oct. 14. The Empire Marketing Board’s expert advises that on word of a frost so thorough that there is not much chance of recovery, German and' French growers sometimes save thencrops by rubbing off the frosted buds in the hope that dormant buds will do velop, and by applying a composite manure. —A. and N.Z. cable. FROZEN MEAT. Dalgety and Co., Ltd., report having received the following cablegram from their London house under date 13th instant: —Frozen meat: Quotations unchanged but trade slow. WHEAT AND OTHER PRODUCE. LONDON, Oct. 13. Wheat. —Cargoes are quiet, with freer offerings of low grade Manitobas, which are 6d per quarter lower. Pacifies are 3d lower. Parcels are lower, but there is good business for outports at 3d to Gd decline. Liverpool futures: October, 10s 3d per cental; December, 10s 4§d; May, 10s 3fd. Spot trade is slow. Flour is quiet. Australian, ex store, 39s Gd. Oats are firm. Beans are steady. Sugar, granulated, 30s lid per cwt. —A. and N.Z. cable

APIARY NOTES FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER. (By D. S. Robinson, Apiary Instructor, Department of Agriculture, Palmerston North). October is a most important month to the beekeeper. Careful note must be made of the stores in each hive, and where there is only a small amount additional food must be given, for from now onward the hives should be worked up so as to contain a large number of field bees when the mam honey flow starts. During this spring a fair amount of nectar is being obtained from the willows and spring flowers, and beekeepers having hives diseased with foul brood will do well to treat these colonies now; by so doing the bees will have an opportunity to build up again in time for the main honey flow, and a surplus may be looked for from these colonies.

Swarming may be looked for from now on, especially in the warmer districts, and the beekeeper should have the necessary hives, etc., in readiness. Building up colonies: As soon as the beekeeper notices queen cells being built in any of the strong colonies be may delay swarming and assist the weaker colonies by taking one or two frames of sealed brOod from the strong colony, shaking off the adhering bees, and giving these frames of brood to the weaker colonies, filling the spaces in the strong hive from which frames have been taken with frames fitted with full sheets of foundation. Should the beekeeper have only one or two colonies, all of equal strength, instead of taking brood away the beekeeper may put on an extra super of drawn out combs, or frames fitted with foundation, and at the same time raise one or two frames from the lower super to the one newly added, placing the raised frames in the centre of the super. In no case must combs be interchanged unless all colonies are free from disease, otherwise the disease will be spread. And extra frames of brood must not be given to colonies that have not sufficient bees to cover them and keep the brood warm. Hiving swarms: When a swarm has issued, which is usually between tho hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and. as soon as it has settled, take a fair sized box, and if the swarm is on a branch place the box under the swarm, then give the branch a quick shake to dislodge the bees into the box. Next turn the box carefully upside down and prop up one end of the box to allow any bees that failed to fall into the box to crawl up and join the others. If the shake was successful the bees will soon all cluster in the box, and as soon as this takes place the box may be taken to tlie position it is to occupy in tlie apiary. Should, however, the bees be inclined to leave the box and re-cluster where they were, it is a sign that the queen was not hived in tlie box. The bees should then be allowed to re-cluster as before, and then repeat the operation of shaking, and brush off any bees that may be left on the branch in case the queen is amongst them. Bees will not always swarm and settle where they may be shaken down and for other places no orthodox methods can be laid down. Here the beekeeper’s own initiative must come into operation, but violent smoking will sometimes move a swarm into a more get-at-able place, or the swarm may be scooped up and put into a box, care being taken not to injure tlie bees as the queen also might get injured. Should tlie beekeeper not wish for an increase, the swarm may be returned to tho hive from which it has issued by placing on an extra super and shaking the bees into it. First, however, the beekeeper must go carefully through the lower supers and remove all queen cells that may be present. It is important that every queen cell be removed, otherwise they would very soon swarm out again. When this method is resorted to a queen excluder should be tacked in front of the entrance to prevent the queen from leaving the hive ; this may be removed after three or, four days. | Swarming may lie controlled to a certan extent by tlie beekeeper who owns only a few hives going through each hive weekly and cutting out all queen cells, but this method disturbs the bees, takes time and is not to be recommended. When a swarm has been safely caught in a box, the next process is to hive it in the permanent hive. The swarm box is carried to tho quarters, where the hive is fitted with drawnout combs or with frames fitted with full sheets of foundation. Lay a sack from the ground up to the alighting board, raise the front of the super up an inch or so. Tlie bees should then be shaken or dumped from the swarm box on to the sack. It is a good plan to place a comb of unsealed brood in the centre of tho hive; this will help to bold the bees. A few minutes after the swarm has been shaken the bees will be seen running in and out of the hive. When once the queen enters the remainder will soon follow. Sometimes the bees are reluctant to stay in the new hive and will swarm out again. This can be prevented by placing a queen excluder over tlie entrance ; the I queen then not being able to leave, the i bees will soon settle down. | The first swarm contains the old queen and mostly old bee's,' leaving the parent hive with young bees and queen cells. The beekeeper should go carefully through tlie hive and cut out every queen cell except the largest and which is to be left. See that the entrances of hives are now enlarged and that the bees are not cramped for room. Give an extra super now wherever required to prevent crowding. Wax moth: One of the diseases that

a beekeeper has to contend with is wax moth. There are two varieties in New Zealand—tho .larger wax moth known as Galleria Mellonella, and the smaller one, Acharoea Grisella. The favourite haunts of these pests are on top of the frames on the mats and in all cracks or crevices of the hives. It is tho larvae of these moths that cause the damago by destroying the combs, and once they get a strong hold of a hive will very soon render every comb unfit for the queen to lay in, with the result tiiat the colony soon becomes weak and die out. With Italian bees there is little trouble to be feared in this respect, as the Italians resent the presence of moths. Therefore, one method of control is to Italianise and keep all colonies strong as the moths are less likely ; to attack, a strong colony. Any hive badly affected with this disease should be burnt at once. No combs should be left laying about, any combs stored should be protected from the moth being able to get at them. There are two materials chiefly used for the control of these pests, namely, sulphur and carbon bi-sulpliide. When using sulphur, if a fumigating chamber is not available, an empty super is placed on the ground. In this is placed an iron pan containing hot embers, sulphur is thrown on the embers, and the supers containing the infected irames and combs are quickly tiered up five or six high, and a cover is placed on the top one. The closer the supers fit the more thorough will be the fumigation. As this method does not destroy the eggs, but only the larvae, pupae and five moths, the process should bo repeated in from ten to twelve days to allow the eggs to hatch. The amount of sulphur to use is half an ounce to every cubic foot of material to be fumigated. Another method of treating frames infected with the wax moth is by the use of carbon-bisulphide, this being a highly inflammable liquid when mixed with air, and also very volatile. When exposed to the air at ordinary temperatures, the liquid quickly changes to gas, which is heavier than air, and also highly explosive. When using bisulphide great care must be taken to keep it away front lights of every description, and it is safest to carry out the operations in the open ah' away from all buildings. The gas from bisulphide being heavier than air, a somewhat different method of procedure has to be resorted to. In this case the supers containing the diseased material are piled up five or six high. Paper is pasted round the junctions between the supers and over any cracks in the supers. The bottom super should be stood in a tightly fitting lid, or, better still, be sunk a few inches in the ground. An empty super is placed on top of the tier, and into this a shallow pan or basin. Have ready a well fitting roof. ‘Pour the bisulphide into the pan quickly, put on the roof, and leave the pile for 12 to 24 hours without disturbing, care being taken to keep away all lights when opening up the pile. This method should also be repeated after 10 to 12 days for the same reason as when using the sulphur. A warm day is best for this operation as the bisulphide will vapourise more quickly. Half an ounce of the liquid should be used for each cubic foot of material to be fumigated. Those who intend to requeen their colonies should place their orders now with tlie queen breeders as queens are sent out by the breeders in strict rotation, and it is the early queens that are likely to give the best results.

P. AND 0. STOCK. LONDON, Oct. 13. P. and O. deferred stock, £267.—-A. and N.Z. cable. PRICES OF METALS. LONDON, Oct. 13. Copper. —On spot, £55 Is IOJd per ton; forward delivery, £55 ss; electrolytic, £62 ss; wire bars, £62 los. Lead, £2O 17s 6d and £2l 7s (id. Spelter, £27 11s 3d and £27 2s 6d. Tin, £259 2s 6d and £258 2s 6d. Silver .-“-Standard, 25 11-lfid per ounce; fine, 27Jd. —A. and N.Z. cable. BRADFORD TOPS MARKET. LONDON, Oct. 13. The Bradford tops market is slightly more active, but quotations' are unchanged.—Australian Press Association and Sun cable.

Buyers. Sellers. N.Z. GOVT. LOANS— £ S. d. £ B. d. 44 p.c. Ins. Stk. 1939 96 6 0 4>> p.c. ditto, 1938 96 6 0 —■ 54 p.c. ditto, 1933 1 1C1 0 0 — 54 p.c. ditto, 1936 — 101 10 0 54 p.c. ditto, 1927/1941 98 0 0 — 4£ p.c. Bonds, 1939 ... 96 2 6 — 44 p.c. ditto 1938 96 5 0 — 54 p.c. ditto, 1933 — 101 10 0 54 p.c. ditto 1936 — 101 7 6 5 p.c. P.O. In6., Stk 1929 98 0 0 98 17 6 5 p.c. P.O. Bonds, 1927 99 16 0 100 0 0 DEBENTURES— Wellington Gas 99 5 0 — N.Z Breweries (bonds) 1 3 6 1 3 9 BANKS— Australasia. — 14 14 0 Commercial of Aust. (ord.) 1 8 0 1 8 4 National of N.Z 6 18 9 7 0 . 0 National of Australasia (£5) 8 10 0 — New Zealand 2 17 8 2 17 11 FINANCIAL— Goldsbrough Mort ... 2 7 0 2 9 0 Equitable Building ... — 9 2 6 N.Z. Guarantee Corp. (ord., 8s) 0 8 5 0 8 10 Ditto (prof.) 1 1 0 — Wellington Investment 0 10 5 — GAS— Auckland (paid) — 1 3 3 INSURANCE— National — 4 1 0 MEAT PRESERVING— N.Z. Refrigerat. (10s) 0 7 0 0 8 0 Well Meat Exp (ord) 0 7 6 — TRANSPORT— Huddart-Parker (ord.) 2 6 9 — P. and 0. def. stock .. — 274 0 0 WOOLLEN— Wellington (ord.) 5 19 0 — Ditto (prer.) 6 1 0 — COAL— Westport 1 14 6 — Westport- Stockton (prof.) 0 2 9 0 3 6 TIMBER— Kauri — 1 5 0 National — 0 13 4 BREWERIES— New Zealand — 2 4 6 Staples and Co 1 18 6 — Ward and Co — 1 18 6 MISCELLANEOUS— Burns, Philip ond Co. 1 16 6 — Dental and Medical Supply 0 14 9 0 16 0 D.I.C., 7s 6d paid (ord.) — 0 18 3 Electrolytic Zino (ord.) — 1 11 0 Ditto (pref.) . 1 1 11 f i 1 12 3 Howard Smith 1 10 0 — N.Z. Express (ord.) ... 1 0 0 — N.Z. Paper Mills 0 16 0 0 17 0 Scoullar Co 1 1 0 — Sharland & Co. (ord.) — 1 1 3 Taranaki Oil Fields . 0 7 6 0 8 3 Wairarapa Farmers’ (contrib.) — 3 9 0 Wilson’s Cement — 1 17 0 MINING— Mount Lyell 1 7 3 1 7 9 Waihi — 1 2 9 Progress 0 0 4 —

BEEF (por 1001b)— Extra, choice ox 30/ 30/ Choice and prime ox 27/ to 29/6 23/ to 29/ Choice and prime cow and heifer 23/ to 26/ 23/ to 26/ SHEEP (per head)— Prime wethers: — Shorn 27/6 to 30/9 28/6 ' to 32/3 Unshorn 33/ to 40/ 36/ to 41/ Unfinished wethers: Shorn 20/ to 22/ Unshorn 28/ to 33/ 28/ to 33/ Primes ewes: Shorn 22/ to 24/9 15/ to 27/9 Unshorn 29/6 to 34/ 32/ to 38/3 Spring lambs ... 21/ to 30/ 23/ to 38/ CALVES (per head) — Runners 84/ to 110/ 58/ to 130/ Vealers 38/ to 85/ 48/ to 84/ PIGS (per head) — Baconers 56 / to 67/ 56/ to 75/ Porkers 23/ to 55/ 26/ to 64/ Woaners 12/ to 27/ 15/ to 30/ Slips 22/ to 28/ 27/ to 34/ Large stores ... 30 j to 36/ 33/ to 40/

Danish butter . Sept. Sept. 17th. 24th. .. 194/- 202/Oct. Oct. 30th. 7th. 196/- 196/.N.Z. unsalted . .. 190/JN.Z. salted .... .. 182/Cheese, white . .. 106/Coloured .. 106/106/-