FARM NOTES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 13, 13 December 1932, Page 5

FARM NOTES.

A WONDERFUL TRANSFORMATION. (By “Observer.”) Pioneer work of breaking in virgin country is usually associated with land which is covered with bush and undergrowth, but the vast area of land which formed what was termed as the Tokomaru-Makorua swamp was dissimilar in nature and is better described as being a dense wilderness of flax, lawyer, toi, fescue, and tree stumps. Yoare ago this swamp was the centre of a big flax-milling district,, and thousands of tons of fibre were despatched from tho swamp. Apart from tho cutting of the flax each year tho land remained in its natural state—waterlogged and uncultivated. To-day tho area presents an entirely different picture. Tho flax has boon cleared and in its place rich pastures, dairy stock, reserves of hay, ensilage—all disclose that intensive farming operations aro being carried out.

Tho settlement of Opiki has sprung up out of the wilderness, and it is obvious, judging from the progress Recorded already A that the settlors aro mado of tho right material. This huge area has during the past few years beon cut up into dairy farms and to-day there is a group of farmers who must number clo3o on 100. Roads have been formed and a school has been built.

The transformation effected in tho past few years is indeed remarkable and represents an enormous amount of labour involved in fencing, draining and clearing tho sections. The chief difficulty which had to be dealt with SVa6 that of drainage, and this was overcome by cutting a huge drain from Mr Craw’s property at Linton to the Tokomaru River. High embankments were built on each side of tho drain and these have proved sufficiently strong to resist flood waters. This miniature canal adequately drains the entire area and the once useless swamp land has been brought into account as a result.

The virgin soil thus acquired, is proving to bo highly productive and one settler states that his soction is carrying almost one beast to the aero. Topdressing is applied to the pastures, although not as heavily as in most districts owing to the soil being naturally rich. Perhaps the chief requirements of the soil in the Opild area is lime. NEW ZEALAND FARMERS’ DAIRY UNION, LTD. The New Zealand Farmers’ Dairy Union, Ltd., reports that its present daily output is 198 boxes. The grading has been raised to a high standard, stated the management when inquiries wero made yesterday. BUTTER AND CHEESE. LONDON MARKET PRICES. Joseph Nathan and Co., Ltd., have received the following cable from London, dated December 10:—New Zealand butter: Finest, 84s per cwt.; first, 83s. Quieter. New Zealand cheese: White, 575; coloured, 595. Weak.

BUTTERFAT ADVANCE. “DRASTIC REMEDIES” URGED. CAMBRIDGE, Dec. 12. The Cambridge Dairy Company, for Butterfat supplied in November for butter, is making the .record low advance of 7d per lb. Not for over 25 years has such a low advance been made. The advance for cheese is lOd.

Commenting on the low advance the chairman (Mr F. L. Anderson) reviewed the events leading to the present position and its reflection on commercial life generally. He said it was impossible to face a continuance of the present position, and drastic I'emedies must be forthcoming to meet it. Ho regretted that tho remedies 60 far suggested met with sectional opposition, which for some years past had put self-interest before the welfare of tho country. The hopes of thousands of dairy farmers that tho Government would take some measures to meet the position had been rudely dispelled by Parliament’s adjourning until near the end of January. Butter producers had carried on until somo relief should be forthcoming. Relief was unlikely to come from a rise in tho butter market. Willing co-operation on tho part of all connected with the industry, directly or indirectly, was necessary, and there would have to be sacrifices in every direction.

LONDON MARKETS.

HIGH COMMISSIONER’S REPORT.

The Department of Agriculture has received the following cablegram, dated December 10, from the High Commissioner for New Zealand, London: Tallow.—Auction will bo held on December 14. Market quiet, but steady at about last quotations. Hemp.— Manila market quiet but steady. Small business has been done at last rates quoted. Sisal market steady, and fair business has been done at last rates quoted. New Zealand: Small business has been done early this week at last rates quoted. Buyers’ requirements satisfied, and market closed quiet. , „ , Eggs—Market steady, with firmer tendency. English, national pack, los to 225; English, ordinary pack, 16s to 17s; Danish, 13s 6d to 18s 6d; Australian, 141 b to 171 b, per long hundred, lls 3d to 13s; New Zealand sold 151 b to 171 b per long hundred, 12s 3d to 13s 6d.

HEMP AND TOW.

INCREASED GRADINGS

Increases in the quantities of hernp and tow graded in the Dominion during November are shown in the latest off'cml returns. Hemp gradings increased by 1628 bales to 2775 bales, tow incrca,sed by 518 bales, and stripper slips by 5 bales. Nov., 1931. Nov., 1932. Inc. Bales. Bales. Bales. Stripper slips 18 23 5 Of the hemp graded last month, 6.92 per cent, was classed good fair, 27.17 per oento. high fair, 31.64 per cent, low fair, 35 52 per cent, third grade, and 2.82 per cent rejected. The tow was 8.09 per cent, first grade, 53.57 per cent, second grade, 35 52 per cont. third grade ,and 2.82 per cent, condemned. Stripper slips were 01.3 per cent, second grade, and 8.69 per cent, condemned.