FARM TOPICS

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1682, 25 May 1904, Page 69

FARM TOPICS

During a discussion on ragwort at a meeting of the Committee of the 11. B. A. and P. Society a few days ago, one gentleman gave it as his opinion that if ragwort killed sheep it was only because it was grown on poor ground. "Where the soil was good he had known sheep greatly improve in condition; in fact he gave an instance of where sheep had been fattened on the weed. This statement was supported by a gentleman who claimed to have been born and .bred where the ragwort flourished, and who had never heard of it being injurious* to animals. Mr-John Anderson stated that at Tarawera there was a paddock full of ragwort in which sheep were regularly pastured, and on which they throve, seeming to prefer the weed to the grass. Mr J. H. Williams and Mr Arch. McLean confirmed this statement. It was suggested that the secretary obtain speemens of the weed from Tarawera and. forward them to the Department of Agriculture for examination. with a copy of Mr Anderson/s statement. with a view of ascertaining whether they were of the variety believed to be noxious. The general feeling of those present was that further information was required before the weed was altogether condemned.

Mr Noel Wilson, of Bulls, writes as follows to a contemporary“lt may interest farmers in this district to know that rust has aghin made its appearance this year on self-grown oats. A padaoelc of Tartar King oats at Burleigh ivas cut about the end of January. The stubble was burnt carefully, and the laud ploughed, about the end of February. A very thick crop of oats resulted, which are now about two feet liish, and literally -covered with rust, which appears to bo the same kind as last year's. I have forwarded a sample to the Agricultural 1 Department. Considering tlje weather this crop has had and the strong growth it has made, it seems to augur rather badly for next season's crops." • » *

There was a largo attendance oi buyers present at the sale recently of Mr L. W. Collins’s dairy stock, conducted by Abraham and Williams, Ltd, of Palmerston North. Bidding was brisk and oompea- , tion keen, cows realising up to £lO 7s 6d. The total herd of 60 cows averaged. £7 10s each, and it is very evident the fall in the price of butter has not affected* the price of good cows. Quotations:— Forward store cows brought £4 10s, weaner steers £2 4s, do heifers £2 4d 6d, small weaners 30s, fat ewes and wethers 18s 3d, sows in pig £2, store pigs 11ss to 15s, porkers 20s to 23s 6d. bacaners 235, draught horses £4O to £47 ss, 18-month draughts £l7 5s to £2l, 9-month filly foal by Odd Times £ls 10s, 2-yr gelding by Bolingbroke <£3s, light horses to ss.

There is a probability of mutton being scarce and dear this winter; and there is no likelihood of retail prices being any lower until next skimmer ,at least. The butchers might, however (suggests the “Christchurch Press”' make a concession in the price of beef. Prime steer beef is only selling at 22s 6d and cow beef 18s to 20s’ per 1001 b in the Addington market. This is about 2M to 2fd per lb.© Persons who pay butchers bills can compare these prices with what they are charged for beef. ■ » * "*

The -Agricultural Department has , sanctioned the grading of all butter and cheese ; intended 'for the New Zealand market, whenever application is made by the purchasers or sellers. Ike department will not, however, pay any charges for the handling of produce graded for the New* Zealand market.

A Woodville man writes to say that recently down south a friend of his had an uncle who poisoned a lot of wheat and spread it near, a plantation. Next morning the ground was literally "alive with dead birds.” Jz \ ‘ •. _ f* ■ ' A great deal of literature having re-

gard to New Zealand frozen produce is being issued by the Agent-General to traders in different part of the Old Country where New Zealand produce is vended. This literature is intended for distribution among the customer*! of traders, and as the good qualities of New Zealand butter and cheese are dwelt upon good results should ensue.

At a meeting of the Eketahuna branch of the Farmers' Union, a member inquired why 21 d per lb was only paid for North Island pigs, whilst the quotation** in the South Island were 3£d. The reason was given that pigs in the South were grain fed, whilst those in the North were fed on skim milk. e * *

Tho supply of milk to the various creameries and factories of the_ Ballauco Dairy Company received during this syeason is much in excess of that for last year. To the end of April the sjupply for the ten months exceeds that for tho whole of last season by about fifteen tons of butter fat. During the month of April close on 39 tons of butter were manufactured. To suppliers the pay for tho month will be upwards of .£2300. * *

After Colyton sale on Tuesday buyers w<Sro treated to the spectacle of a bullfight. Two having been driven on to the road at the Same time, the on 9 having horns and the other dehorned, heaved each other about the road, dogs, stones and Vhips had no effect in parting them. Just as the dehorned was getting the worst of it a third, also dehorned, was let out. He promptly joined in the fight against the horned beast, and the latter at once gave up tho unequal contest. The other two then had a set to, but beyond wasting a tremendous amount of energy, during -which it was only safe to be at some little distance from their great palpitating bodies, little or no' damage was done to each other. It was practical proof of the value of dehorning. * * «

The Agricultural Department is arranging with leading orchardists to grow a number of new or little known fruits experimentally. The growers will be supplied with the plants free on condition that they report to the department from time to time and allow oversight by the Government Pomologists. » * *

Speaking at Ilawkesbury College recently, Mr Kidd said that £350,000 worth of butter had been exported from New South Wales during the first three months of the year. * « »

Mr R. McNab, of Mataura, has cabled Home for an- agricultural motor and hopes to be first in Australasia to cultivate by this up-to-date method.

The Gisborne Fruitgrowers' Association has been in communication with the Government with the object of getting them to appoint an expert sprayer to spray the trees in the district. The department replied that it could not grant the request, hut would send an expert to give particular demonstrations of spraying. It was decided to ask other unions to co-operate in the matter of reduced steamer freights and the enforcement of a duty earlier in the seaton on Australian fruits, which glutted the market.

The Minister for Agriculture informed a press representative on Friday, that lie is importing several Kerry cattle, which he considers will be very suitable for the broken country taken up under tho Bush and Swamp Lands Act. « * *

■The Department of Agriculture has issued instructions to its fruit experts throughout the colony to give special spraying demonstrations to fruitgrowers in tiro respective districts in order that growers may be made familiar with the means the department recommends tor the control of pests. * « *

A New Plymouth dairy farmer is growing cabbages for winter feed tor his cows -

A dastardly act is recorded by the “Ashburton Mail" as having occurred in that district. Someone, who had evidently formed a deliberate intention to wreck a combine thresher, engaged on Mr Harrison's farm, placed a niece of iron Bin long, 21m wide, and half an inch in thickness in a sheaf of wheat in one of his paddocks. The iron w r as portion of a bar, which had evidently been cut through with a cold set in a blacksmith's) shop. Unfortunately, tho bar was not noticed when the sheaf was being put through the combine on Saturday, the first indication of its presence there being given in the sudden bursting up of the machine as the metal entered the concave, wrecking both that portion of the machine and the drum beaters. A belt from the drum cut through the straw walloper, and narrowly missed Mr Morris's man, who was building the straw stack. Half an inch nearer and it must have struck his head in which ease serious injury would have befallen him.

It was related at a meeting of the Taranaki Farmers' Union executive last week that a Government vet. was once asked by a farmer to have a look at a sick horse. The vet. declined, remarking that it would be as much as his place was worth to give advice. When the horse was dead, he would give his opinion as to Avhat it died of.

The sale of education leases recently showed that the lease of land at Mataroa is considered to be of more value than the freehold in many other parts. For one quarter acre section .£35 was realised, which, capitalised, gives the value of the land per acre as about .£2BOO. * * *

The test at the mutaoroa factory (near Dannevirke) for the last ten days of Anril, ranged from 4.1 to 5. which, says the "Advocate,” will take some beating. » * *

The movement for the formation of a Mutual Fire Insurance Association for Se Auckland district is making considerable progress. Mr Edwin Hall who is interesting himself in the movement, has now the signatures of more than the 100 names necessary for the formation of the association, and the first meeting of

members will probably be fixed for an early date. # #

At the Gisborne stock sales on Wednedsay, it was announced that Messrs Williams and Kettle were buying, on behalf of Nelson Bros., at 3jd per lb for mutton. This is equal to 18s 3td for a 601 b sheep.

In referring to the Matahiwi estate, near Masterton. the “Eketahuna Express" says: —The Government was so strongly urged to buy this property, and went so far as to send an officer up to report. The owner got wina. of the little move and divided the property with his family so that it could not be touched. Nothing but the absolute slowness of the department lost this splendid estate to the people. The Land Purchase Board is a costly affair when all is said and done. An average commission agent could buy and sell it in a day. * * «

In reference to the destruction of the Moturoa freezing works the “Taranaki Herald" says some factories have lately stored their butter in the works, one having as much as 1200 boxes there at the time of tho fire, and it is probable that the quantity stored would have increased every week. Barely has there been less butter in the works than there was on Monday night when the fire occurred. Further, there is little less need for cold storage and freezing between now and October than at any other period, so that the directors may bo able to have the works re-erected almost in time for next season. For all that the results are bad enough. » » »

Reporting to the Manawatu County Council on Wednesday, the clerk said that owing to tho failure of the oat crop in-the district but little grain would be stored in the granary this season. Farmers and others would have to purchase somo grain from the South Island for sowing operations during the coming seaton.

Hawks have been doing great damage in the Wairarapa. Several residents have lost numbers of young chickens, and the other day a prize drake -lost the number of its mess.

The Agricultural Department has sanctioned the grading of . all butter and cheese intended for the New Zealand.mar ket, whenever application is made by purchasers or sellers. The department will not, however, pay any charges tor the handling of produce graded for the New Zealand market.

A Christchurch correspondent writes as follows:—Fine weather continues, and good progress is being made with farm work, while grass and turnips are still growing. Potatoes are being dug very slowly, there being.a very limited sale, and lit low prices, 22s 6d per ton close to Christchurch for delivery this month being the top price. In Otago the price is higher, thanks to the Dunedin and shipping markets. The crop is light everywhere. Wheat is not being largely offered, but the price must be quoted lower, sqy 2s 8d for milling or shipping parcels at near country stations, say 2s 10kl f.o.b. Oats are offering freely, but almost all feed sorts, for which there is no demand, although reduced prices would be taken, say, Is 4d for Sparrowbills and Is 2d for Danish at country stations. South African orders have been filled in Melbourne at 2s per bushel less than Lyttelton f.o.b quotation from here, freight, etc., from Melbourne also being cheaper than from New Zealand. Beans have been very firm, owing to purchases for export. The Home steamers are taking small consignments of grain and pulse at cheap rates, which seems to be the only thing which keeps the market as steady as it is. Wheat may come right, but it will take a big rise somewhere abroad to make the export of the enormous surplus *of oats profitable. Prices here are about 3d or Id a bushel too high for shipment to London. Farmers would feed them to stock, but other feed is at present and in prospect sufficient for the winter for tlielight stocks which are generally held, while sheep are too dear, for most farmers, and both beef and butter look none too bright. Good beef was sold at Addington last week at 20s per 1001 b, this being, I should think, at present about the cheapest market for beef in the colony. Butter people are talking about next season's price being B|d, with cheese under 4d. Fresh factory butter is offering for the winter at lOd. Hams are offering from North Island factories at less than 7d delivered in Christchurch, which portends a fall here in pork, which has kept very firm at about 4|d for some time. Sheep are the one thing booming. Last Wednesday’s sale at Addington was the hottest within recollection. Fat wethers to 255, ewes to 245, and 18s—good stuff of course, but not exceptional. Exporters were responsible tor tho high prices, which, it is said, will continue, as sheep and lambs must be had to fill orders and the supply will be very small shortly. 1 hear that bookings of frozen meat after the next few steamers are very light (if so there will be more cheap freight tor grain). The concern which withdrew all its lambs from sale in London at the low prices a month ago has done well by the stroke. Each recurring season shows that there is nothing, except loss, m flooding the Home market with lambs early in the season; a few sell well, but a large supply is not wanted. « * *

A correspondent writes as follows in regard to the reappearance of "rust,” and says: I see nothing unusual in rust appearing this time of the year. It is only to be expected that when all growth is ‘ practically stopped that different diseases, including rust, will make their reappearance. I have some self-sown oats that are badly rusted, but I have noticed the same thing nearly every year and of late years rye grass has always been affected in the autumn. Next season's crop may, or may not, be affected, but it is no good comparing conditions existing in the autumn with the vigorous growth of the spring.

One of the articles which ha® been considerably affected by the rapid- in-

crease of Argentine production is linseed, together with the manufactured articles derived from it. The shipments of linseed from La Plata to Europe during 1901 amounted to 1,975,000 quarters, and during 1902 to 1,823,500 quarters. But in 1903 they rose to 3,295,500 quax*ters, and this year a further increase appears probable, as the shipments, from January 1 to March 25 amounted to 1,956,500 quarters, against 1,304,000 quarters for the corresponding period of 1903. These heavy shipments, in conjunction with the probability of large exports from India, have considerably, affected prices. On March 25 La. Plata linseed 1 wais sold in London at 28s 3d to 29s per 4161 b, on floating terms; these prices comparing with 30s 6d to: 31s early in January and 37s 9d to 38s 3d at the end of April, 1903. Linseed oil lias declined in consequence, the quotations* on March 25 for May-August delivery being £l6 5s per ton, against £l7 2b 6d (same delivery) early in January, and £22 15s on May 1, 1903.

The “Live Stock Journal’’ has the following:—Mr Angus Hamilton, in Ins new book on Korea (upon which country the Russo-Japanese war has turned the eyes of the world) says the Koreans are essentiality an agricultural people; more than seventy per cent, of the population or Korea are fanner!,?. The Korean farmer’s existence is not a. very cheerful one if we may judge from this passage:— ‘‘The peaceable!, plodding farmer has his counterpart in his hull. The peasant and his weary bull are made for one another; without this ruminating partner work would he impracticable. It drags the heavy plough through the deep mud of tho rice fields and over the rough surface of the grain lands;, it carries loads of brick and wood to the market, and hauls the unwieldly market cant along the country roads. The make a magnificent pair; each is a beast of burden." The great object of the Korean farmer is to live in peace ; hence he submits to any amount of official “squeezing” by the Government tax collectors, content if allowed to indulge his unlimited capacity for work.

In the inland district® of Korea there are few farm animals except the hull: and the pig. The pony and donkey are not •employed in agricultural work to* the same extent as the bull, which is far more humanely treated than the unsays : —“The gross cruelty of the. Korean fortunate pony. Indeed, Mr Hamilton to hit; pony is the most loathsome feature of the national life. . . The pack pontes of Korea are diminutive m size, little larger than the Shetland breed. They are usually stallions', given to. fighting and kicking amongst themselves, and reputed savage. Their wildness is aggravated through the daily irritation by the rough pack saddles of ° the inflamed swellings on their backs. They endure longer marches and shorter food allowances than almost any other breed of horse; they are quick in their gait, very strong and willing, good feeders, and reveal extraordinary obstinacy, tenacity and patience.” Mr Hamilton says that much of the pleasure of his travels in Korea, was entirely spoilt by the horrible cruelties of the men who had charge of tho pack ponies; they took no notice whatever of ulcerated wounds and! sores when putting on their packs. At the same time these men fed their ponies well, and willingly disturbed themselves at night to prepare food for them.

Mr John Speir. a well-known English authority, says tho “Cable,” has = remarked that if he were to ask any gentleman what was the most profitable age to keep his cows, they might all agree, or they might not. From inquiries, and! from his own ideas, he had! found, he said fin the course of a recent lecture, • that there was. a considerable misconception as to what is the most profitable age to which a cow should bo kept. In order to get at it, he took some cows and! put them, according to their age. He noticed that when the animals are from two years up to eight years there was a steady increase in milk. He had 80 anlinmls eight years old, and the average of the 80 was 509 gallons. The increase ran from 20 to 30 gallons nearly, every year, according* to age. Many people say you should) kill a cow when 12 years old. A 12-year-old cow gave nearly as much milk as an eight-year-old animal, and! much more milk than one - at five or six years. A nine-year-old cow gave 559 gallons, while for the same period a 12-year-old’ cow gave 558 gallons of 3 per cent. fat. He had a cow 18 years old which had given 587; gallons. Apparently, therefore, after 1$ years old there was a slight decrease.