FARMING AND COMMERCIAL

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 143, 16 May 1930, Page 5

FARMING AND COMMERCIAL

ABORTION IN COWS. CONTROL OF DISEASE. STOCK OFFICER’S ADVICE. A discussion on the incidence of contagious abortion in cows and the most effective steps lor the control of the disease occupied some time at the monthly meeting of the Manawatu Dairy Farmers’ Union yesterday, when queries were answered by Mr W. C. Barry, district superintendent for the Live Stock Division, of Wellington, and Mr C. S. M. Hopkirk, officer in charge of the veterinary laboratory at Wallaceville. Contagious abortion was at present here in its season of incidence, stated Mr Barry. Thirty-three years had elapsed since the organism was first isolated, and great advances towards a cure had been made scientifically. It had to be recognised that there was accidental abortion, but when it occurred the possibility of infection of tho bovine should bo carefully considered by tho farmer. Contagious abortion was mainly transmitted to-day through germs being picked up from tho ground in digestion, owing to contamination of pastures by other infected animals. Immediately a case of abortion was discovered the cow should bo isolated for six or eight weeks, and treated in tho orthodox manner. Then the cow was harmless until the next calving time arrived, when abortion might or might not recur. It was not common for a oow to abort twico, although it did occur. Control of contagious abortion was very difficult, and isolation of the diseased animal was of paramount importance. Herd bulls must bo kopt away from the cows where tho disease was prevalent. Symptoms of abortion could be detected in early springing, or signs of prematuro calving. Blood tests in detecting the presence of tho diseaso organism wore most satisfactory and efficient to-day. The solution of the problem depended upon the aglutination blood test to-day, and the department was always at tho service of farmers with free advice on samples forwarded to Wallaceville. Vaccination against contagious abortion in countries where it had been tried had been a distinct disappointment. Action was at present being taken in connection with tho analysis of proprietary stock foods. Mr J. Boyco considered that abortion trouble was worse than ever. Mr Barry stated that it was not so frequent in proportion to the number of cows. Although the infection among run cattle was not as great as among close pastured herds, there was a fair proportion. Breeding heifers were extremely susceptible, while some cows never got rid of tho infection all their lives. Disinfection of sheds had been repeatedly advised, as well as thorough washing down of the hindquarters. Purchase of cattle subject to the efficacy of blood test was one way of avoiding the acquisition of cattle carrying abortion disease. Mr Hopkirk stated that the control of the abortion germ in the udder was becoming a matter for public health, from tho point of view of human infection. Some eradication scheme, even at great cost, would have to be undertaken in New Zealand beforo long. Thirty per cent, of cows takon in hand reacted to the blood test. Vaginitis in its acute form would not procure abortion.

On tho motion of tho chairman (Mr Neil Campbell) the speakers were accorded a very hearty voto of thanks. JERSEY CATTLE BREEDERS. ASSOCIATION’S ANNUAL REPORT. The report to be presented to the annual meeting of tho Now Zealand Jereey Cattle Breeders’ Association states thattho period under review has been one of tho most progressive in the history of the association. Tho report continues: —“267 new members were elected during the year, which brings tho total membership up to 1982. Each year shows a largo increase, and this provides ample eviuence that the popularity of the Jersey cow is ever growing. Tho registrations continue to show a steady increase, the number of animals to date registered total 106,626, this number being comprised of '45,117 males and 61,509 females. Throughout the year a total of 10,627 animals were transferred, being 5848 males and 4779 females. During that period there was an especially heavy increased demand for bulls with C.O.R. pedigrees, which is sufficient indication of the preeminence of Jersey bulls as dairy sires. During the year ended 31st December, 1929, certificates were gained by 367 cows under semi-official test. The average production was 456.951bs Imtterfat, which must bo considered highly satisfactory. Of the 367 cows tested, 164 were junior two-year-olds, which is approximately half of the numbor of Jerseys tested. This makes the performance this year highly meritorious, and brings home forcibly one of the many outstanding characteristics of tho breed, viz., early maturity. With a view to encouraging testing, your council increased the subsidy for eaoh lOOlbs butterfat over tho minimum amount necessary to gain a first-class certificate from £1 Is to £1 10s, and also agreed to pay half of the fee (£4 4s) to members testing their first cow, provided that at least lOOlbs butterfat over tho minimum qualification was produced in each case. This year 256 cows owned by 122 members earned subsidies which amounted to £674 17s, while £63 was paid to 15 members testing their first cows. Worthy of special mention are the following cow 3 which gained special gold medals for producing at least 7501 be butterfat: —‘Beechlands Preference,’ 847.491bs fat, owned by A. Moreland and Sons; ‘Princess Mermaid,’ 829.63 lbs fat, owned by G. E. Yelchich; ‘Daisy Buttercup,’ 820.941bs fat, owned by Estate G. H. Selby; ‘Wellfield Skylark,’ 779.951bs fat, owned by W. J. Murray. The owners of the above cows are to bo congratulated upon these very creditable performances, and we wish them further successes. Tho value of testing is incalculable, and the council urges members to realise the importance and tho many obvious mutual advantages derived through its adoption. “At the request of a large number of members, tho council approached the Dairy Division regarding the adoption of a 305 days’ test. This request has been granted, and the department is now drafting rules and regulations, with a view to bringing it into effect for the coming season. It is hoped that this additional test will receive tho full and hearty support of its advocates. A scheme has been adopted by tho counoil, by whioh the association will be able to financially assist the smaller breeders In the purchase of better bulls, and thus raise the standard of our breed. Payments can bo spread over a period of three years, and selections will bo under the supervision of our leading breeders. The scheme for classification of type was brought into operation during the year with most satisfactory results, those breeders who adopted the systom being almost unanimous in their praise. A total of 282 cows were submitted for classification, of which 16 were awarded v.h.c., 11l h.c., and 142 c., the balance being rejected. The prospects are that a vory large increase in the number of cows will be submitted next season. Tho prico of herd books has been reduced from 15s to 10s per copy. This means that the book will bo supplied to members at approximately one half the cost of publication. thereby entailing a considerable annual loss. The splendid work which is biting directed by tho Jersey Cattle Clubs reflects great credit on those whose efforts are directed towards tho advancement of the Jersey breed. The services the clube are rendering are fully appreiated by the council, and are undoubtedly reflected in the good results which are apparent. Dairy Division, Department of Agriculture: This important department has again rendered its valuable assistance, and the council wish to convey to the director and his officers their genuine appreciation for tho information and help always so readily and promptly given when required by the office. The increased volume of business is still efficiently handled by the office staff without any additional cost in proportion to the growth of the work. Members are reminded that although wo hold the proud position of having tho largest membership of any breed society in the Dominion, wo should not relax our efforts to secure still further mombers to replace the loseos in our ranks by deaths anif uther causes, In order ro continue our advancement, wc should maintain our enthusiasm for the

WELLINGTON STOCK EXCHANGE. YESTERDAY’S - BUSINESS AND PRICES. Seven sales were recorded on tho Wellington Stock Exchange yesterday and prices wero steady. Thoro was a fair general demand with a tendency for prices to improve. Government securities wero loss active. The 4£ per cent, bonds (1938) changed hands at £9B 10s; tho 4i per cent, stocks (1938) wero wanted at £9B, and tho 4i por cent, bonds (1930) at £99 53. Eastbourne Borough, 5 per cents. (1934) wero in demand at £96 15s. Buyers of Wellington Racing Club debentures repeated their bids of £lO5, and for New Zealand Breweries bonds 22s was again bid. Bank shares wero again in good demand. Australian Bank of Commerce at 24s wero 3d up; Commercial Bank of Australia wero unchanged at 20s 6d, and Commercial Bank of Sydney wero also unchanged at £2O 10s; English, Scottish and Australian Bank wero steady at £6 Is; National Bank of Now Zealand wero 6d higher at £6 4s 6d; National Bank of Australasia, £5 paid, at £7 7s wero firm. Bank of Now Zealand at 58s, and Union Bank at £ll 5s wero unchanged. There wero no buyers of Bank of Australasia or Bank of New South. Wales. Goldsbrough Mort and Co. wero 2d easier at 31s 4d. Now Zealand Guarantee Corporation at 7s 6d were unchanged. Wellington Deposit were steady at 93 3d. Christchurch Gas were a shado higher at 26s 2d. National Insurance wero in demand at 14s 5d ex dividend, and South British Insurance at 583. Huddart-Parker ordinary at 37s 3d were 3d higher, but the preference at 20s 7d were unchanged. Thero was a bid of 3s for Hikurangi Coal preference. Crown Brewery wore steady at 8s 9d, and New Zealand Breweries at 51s 9d. Colonial Sugar keep firm at £4O 10s, but British Tobacco at 383 6d wero 3d down. Thoro was a bid of 15s for Dunlop Rubbor, with no sellers. Electrolytic Zinc at 26s wero Is lower. Now Zealand Farmers’ Fertiliser were in demand at 18s 3d, and Woffington Queen’s Theatre at 235. Wilson’s Cement wero 6d up at 425. YESTERDAY’S QUOTATIONS. Buying and selling quotations at the final call yesterday on tho Wellington Stock

YESTERDAY’S SALES. Tho following sales woro recorded on the Stock Exchanges of the Dominion yesterday : Wellington.—Government bonds, 4i per cent., 1938, £9B 10s; National Bank of N.Z., £6 6s, £6 5s 6d; Bank of N.Z., £2 18s 3d; Christchurch Gas, £1 6s 3d; British Tobacco, £1 19s 6d; Mount Lyell, £1 9s 3d. Auckland. —Gisborno Sheepfarmers, 7i per cent., 1931, £B2; Newmarket Borough, 5J per cent., 1944, £100; Commercial Bank of Australia, (2) £1 0s Bd, £1 0s 7id; National Bank of N.Z. (late sale Wednesday), £6 6s; N.Z. Insurance (late . sale Wednesday), £2 3s 6d; South British Insurance, £2 19s; Huddart-Parker, £1 17s 6d; N.Z. Browories (la to salo Wednesday), £2 12s; British Tobacco, £1 18s 6d; Farmers’ Trading, ordinary, 8s 6d; Kcmpthorno Prossor, £3 4s; Robinson Ice Cream, £1 5s 6d; Wilson’s Cement, £2 2s 6d; Mount Lyell, £1 8s 6d. Christchurch. —Australian Bank of Commerce (3), £1 4s; N.Z. Rofrig., 10s paid (2), 4s 9d; British Tobacco, £1 18s 3d: Electro Zinc, ord. (3), £1 5s 3d, pref. £1 6s 6d; Mason Struther3, 10s paid, 2s 6d; Mount Lyell, cum. div., £1 Bs. Sales reported: Tooth’s Brewery, £1 12s; N.Z. Brewerios, £2 11s 9d. Dunedin. Commercial Bank of AustraTTa, £1 0s 9d; N.Z. Paper Mills (2), £l. Salo reported: South British Insurance, £2 19s. SYDNEY WOOL SALES. SYDNEY, May 15. At the wool sales to-day, tho offerings comprised 9940 bales, of which 9474 wero sold by auction, also 684 privately Conditions wore generally unchanged, rates still being very firm. Greasy Merino made’ 23d. SHEEPSKINS AND HIDES. MELBOURNE, May 15. Hides showed an improved tone at today’s sales. The majority of grades advanced one farthing. Sheep skins are very firm. Values, however, were unaltered. NELSON FRUIT. Per Press Association. NELSON, May 14. Up to noon on Saturday 711,000 cases of fruit for overseas markets had been exported from Nelson. Tho export season ends shortly, by which time it is anticipated that 779,000 cases will have been sent overseas,

FARM COMPETITIONS. SCHEME DISCUSSED. QUESTION OF FINANCE. Tho monthly meeting of tho executive 1 of tho Dairy Farmers* Union was held yesterday, Mr N. Campbell presiding. Others present woro Messrs P. J. Small, F. Dewar, J. H. Mason, W. G. Short, Geo. Wagstaff, J. Dawson, J. Boyce, W. P. Bickers, W. B. Faulding, W. Richardson, J. D. Balmcr, A. Balmor, and L. i Poupard. Satisfaction at the manner in which tho farm competitions scheme had been received generally, was expressed by tho chairman, who stated that many of tho early difficulties anticipated in connection with its inauguration had disappeared. The schemo was undergoing twelve months’ trial and if successful would do a tremendous lot of good. Mr Small commended tho proposal, but said that while tho union should make a contribution to tho funds, they should not make an indefinite financial commitment. Tho controlling and judging of tho competition could not bo done for nothing. It was a big undertaking. . They should ascertain what financial assistance was going to bo forthcoming from other supporters of the scheme, although they had no objection to strain their finances to assist. It must bo recognised, however, that they could not bear all tho expense. Tho chairman commented that the farm committee controlling tho competition would attend to the finances. Mr Boyco said ho. thought that the Dairy Farmers’ Union, which had started it, would bo responsible. Various views wero expressed as to who would incur tho liabilities concerned. The chairman stated that tho original proposal was sponsored by the Agricultural Department. Ho suggested that a donation of £lO be made towards tho funds. Tho matter of making a reasonable contribution, it was proposed, should be left to the discretion of the chairman. “I am absolutely right against the whole tiling, and it is money absolutely thrown away. Tho whole schemo is unworkable and unwieldy,’’ declared Mr Poupard, who stated that ho could occupy a day advancing arguments against it. Mr Boyce predicted difficulties over tho valuation of tho farms, and ho expressed tho opinion that the schemo was too complicated. Mr Wagstaff supported tho attitudo of Mr Poupard. Mr Small pointed out that ,in calling tho conference after tho project had been outlined, tho union had accepted some responsibility. “Others were willing to come in and now wo are willing to back out,’’

ho added. “Wc cannot do that.” “Wo started it and wo can’t climb down,” stated Mr Boyce. It was proposed that nil amount not exceeding £lO should bo allocated to the funds. Mr Faulding expressed the opinion that £lO would not go far towards paying the expenses. 1 It was stated that tho Agricultural Derailment was not likely to contribute financially. “Then it will fall as flat as a pancake, said Mr Small. Tho chairman stated that tho scheme was one to educate tho farmers. ! Mr Small: You can’t do it. There will havo to bo a £5 nomination and £5 acccptanco fee for tho scheme. It was decided that, provided the schemo gave every promise of success, tho Dairy Farmers’ Union should donate £lO. A discussion then took place as to the probable contributions from other sources, but tho speakers were dubious concerning somo of tho prospects. Mr Poupard expressed the opinion that tho union’s decision should bo .unanimous. Reference was made to tho likelihood ot the contribution becoming an annual one, and tho matter then lapsed.

Exchange were as follow: — Buyer*. Sellers. N.Z. GOVT LOANS- £ s. d. £ *. d. 4i p.c. Ins. Stk., 1938 98 0 0 — 5i p.c. ditto, 1937 — 99 7 6 4i p.c. Bonds, 1930 ... 99 5 0 — DEBENTURES — Well. Racing Club ...105 0 0 — N.Z. Breweries (bonds) 12 0 — Eastbourne Boro., 5 p.c., 1934 96 15 0 Golden Bay Cement . 0 15 6 97 0 0 — BANKS— Australasia — 12 6 0 Aust. of Gommorco ... 1 4 0 1 4 4 Commercial of Aust. (ord.) 10 6 1 1 0 Commercial Banking Co. (Sydney) 20 10 0 — English, Scottish and Australian 6 10 6 2 6 National of N.Z 6 4 6 6 6 6 National of Australasia (£5) *7 7 0 — New South Wales .... — +39 15 0 New Zealand 2 18 0 — Union of Australia ... 11 5 0 — FINANCIAL — Goldsbrough Mort .... 1 11 4 — N.Z. Guarantee Corp. (ord.) 0 7 8 0 8 0 Well. Deposit and Mortgage 0 9 3 — GAS— Christchurch 16 2 1 6 8 Gisborne — 0 14 0 Wellington (ord.) — 1 11 0 INSURANCE— National 0 14 5 +0 14 9 South British 2 18 0 — MEAT PRESERVING— Gear — 1 19 3 N.Z. Rcfrigcrat. (£1) — 0 11 0 Ditto (106) — 0 4 11 TRANSPORT— Huddart-Parker (ord.) 1 17 3 — Union Steam (pref.) .10 7 — P. and 0. dof. stock ... — 2 12 0 WOOLLEN— Wellington (ord.) ..... — 6 0 0 Ditto (pref.) — 6 1 0 COAL— Hikurangi (pref.) 0 3 0 — BREWERIES— Crown 0 8 9 — New Zealand 2 11 9 — Staples and Co — 2 7 9 MISCELLANEOUS— Colonial Sugar 40 10 0 41 12 6 British Tobacco (Aust.), (ord.) 1 18 6 1 19 9 Dental and Medical . — *0 12 9 Dunlop Rubber 0 15 0 — Electro. Zinc, pref. ..160 1 7 0 Howard Smith (ord.) — 0 17 6 National Electric — 0 11 0 N.Z. Farmers’ Fertiliser 0 18 3 0 19 3 Sharland and Co. (pref.) — +1 0 3 Wairarapa Farmers’ (pref.) — 0 15 0 Wellington Cordage ... — Well. Queen’s Theatre 13 0 0 11 6 — Wilson’s Cement *2 2 0 — MINING— Mount Lyoll — *1 9 3 Waitfi Grand Junction *0 1 2 — *Cum. div. +Ex div.