THE RURAL WORLD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20268, 29 November 1927, Page 4

THE RURAL WORLD.

FARM AND STATION NEWS.

By Eustictts

Department of Agriculture. December 5 will see the officers of the fields division of the Department of Agri culture make a start on tho harvesting of the 42 experimental plots that are scattered throughout Otago from the Waitaki River to the Waipahi. The work will take several weeks, as each plot harvested has to be made the subject of special records, Results will be tabulated ami filed away for reference during the three or four years which it is expected will oe occupied with this pasture experiment work. Clutha and Matau Show. The annual summer show of the Clutha and Matau A. and P. Society will bo held on the spacious show grounds at Balclutha on Thursday and Friday of this week. En- - tries this year are such as to enstire keen competition in all the sheep and horse classes, and although this fixture is not noted for its displays of cattle the entries ©ven in these classes are very satisfactory, and a good all round exhibition may be expected. The Clutha Society, however, like many others in Otago, has been singularly unfortunate in the matter of weather conditions of late years, so that it can never depend on & good show until the day arrives. The Wool-selling Season. Unsatisfactory weather conditions as far as shearing operations are concerned have been general in Otago and Southland this year, and many sheds which have normally made a good start by the middle of November, have oven yet scarcely begun shearing in earnest, while many others in which a start was made, have had to suspend operations till the weather takes up a bit. This state of affairs if sure To bo reflected in the first wool sale of the season, which will be held in Burns Hall in less than a month. Dunedin selling ogents have had this fact forcibly Drought home to them this week by the sn.all supplies of wool already in store. Oi.e firm in particular that deals on a large scale has been unable ’to tally more than otX) bales to date, and it is extremely doubtful whether there are at present in store m Dunedin the slender total of 1000 bales — a very small quantity for this time of tho year. Though there is every, reason •to expect a clip of first-class quality, the wool will lack weight this season as there has been ao little sunshine to put the requisite 1 yolk in the wool. Prices, however, promise to make up for any deficiency in this . respect. - I

.The Christchurch Sale. A similar state of affairs to that existing ,in Dunedin has affected the supplies for the ' Christchurch sale which will commence toimorrow. Instead of the.usual offering of ■about 15.000 bales ther6 are only 11,000 this ; year. The substantial fall is due entirely ■Jo the fact that the wet weather expcri■enced in Canterbury during the past few . weeks has delayed shearing operations.

Yaluei at Auckland. The first of the season at Auckland has been as good a sale as any of those that preceded it in the other northern centres. .The prices that characterised the Wellington sal© were, fully maintained. Fine wools J went even higher by as much as 3d per lb ■in some oases, and lower grade stun and ; crossbreds remained firm. There is every Vindication that tho market will stay firm •at the present satisfactory level. The Australian wdol shrinkage this year is ■ estimated at fully 500,000 bales, which ■quantity comes very near the total New ‘Zealand clip for last year. It would appear that not only in respect of dairy pro"duco are Dominion producers to benefit by ‘.Australia’s misfortunes. ‘The Continental Position. Mr J. P. H. Mcrtena, hon. commercial ’representative at Antwerp for' the New ■Zealand Government, reports that after 'the wool sale held at Antwerp on September 8 stocks were reduced by further clearances, and there is not much left on the market at present.. Tops are selling slowly, but noils rather better. At Verniers the worsted spinners are well supplied with orders. The woollen trade 'shows some improvement for certain specialties, whilst scouring and carbonising mills are busier than is usual .at this ‘time of the year.- The home trade in France has not improved, and manufacturers at Roubaix are very slack. The export demand for tops and worsted yarns is maintained, and stocks of fine tops at combers have decreased by over £1,0550,000, ■whereas stocks of crossbred tops have increased by about £1,000,000. Stocks in (Italy are greatly reduced, but the improvement recently noted has not developed to any extent. Germany remains the most favoured nation in all branches of the wool industry. Mr Mertens adds that as the year draws to a close the continuing heavy consumption of wool becomes more apparent, and with the exception of France European stocks are practically exhausted. The overseas markets show considerable strength, are well supported by competition from all quarters without speculation, and prices appear to be established on a sound basis. Quality of Wool. - During the past two or three years there have been frequent complaints from Bradford firms that their requirements in finer wools cannot be met by Australia, la explanation, it is pointed put that in recent years there has been a notable absence of sufficient practical encouragement on the Tart of manufacturers for the extensive production of superfine wool. Experience has demonstrated that the joint production of a medium to fine wool* and mutton suitable for export is the better arrangement. This _is not the outcome of indifferent breeding, but is the accomplishment of a deliberate aim. It appears that as a result of conferences held in England a scheme is to be submitted to the Australian, New Zealand, and South African Governments for the co-ordination of research work in wool, the representatives 6f the growers to concentrate on ‘ matters of production, and the British representatives on the uses of wool. In Australia growers and brokers have taken up the question of establishing a fund for the purpose, and the Commonwealth Council for Scientific and Industrial Research has turned its attention to the wool industry. The British Research Association for the Woollen and Worsted Trades started its activities at Leeds seven years ago. It now comprises in its membership ;00 firms, representing about 60 per cent, of the capital of the industry, and a sum of about £15,000 per annum is being spent by the association. In' its latest report it gives particulars of investigations that have been carried out in the association’s laboratories, with the results claimed to be of great practical value; while the worsted spinning department hao, it is stated, developed a new type of spinning frame, which drafts 36 times, and even higher, in place of the ordinary draft of six times in the type of frame in common use. Another achievement of this department is; the production of a machine for stretching wool fibres and setting them permanently in their stretched condition after the spinning process is complete This machine is at work under factory conditions, and is an attempt to produce artificially the finer from the coarser threads. Australian Wool Prices. An analysis of the wool sale results in all Australian centres show that the turnover up to the end of October was 675,676 bales, valued at £16,109.756, of which October contributed 39,569 bales, valued at £7,940,058. The average per bale of all the wool sold to date is £23 16s lOd, and for October £25 7s 7d. Greasy wool has averaged £23 10s Id and scoured £29 14s lOd. The average price per lb has been 18.44 d, the greasy average being 17.32 d and tho scoured 31.25 d Last season the value up to the end of October for the 639,729 bales sold was £14,227,449, so that tho season’s wool cheque so far shows an increase of £1,882,287, The average value per bale up to this date last season was £22 4s 9d, or £1 12s Id loss, and the avertge per lb was 16id. The weight of tho greasy bale to date this season is 3141 b, as compared with 3311 b, at the same date last season, a decrease of 171 b per bale. The Customs returns for October showed the value of the month’s wool shipments as £3,4X7,665, as compared with £4,979,295 in October last year. To date fchi* season the wool shipments from New

Items of Interest to those engaged in agricultural and pastoral pursuits, with a view to their publication in these columns, will be welcomed. Vbejr should be addressed to “Busticus,” Otago Daily Times, Dunedin,

At the recent sale of high-class merino rams from the celebrated Boonoke flock of Messrs F. S. Falkiner, Ltd., Now South Wales, Mr G. A. Sutherland, of Macreas, purchased 24 of the consignment. Mr Sutherland is to bo complimented upon his enterprise in effecting the’ purchase of these most valuable sheep. World Dairy Congress.

In London next June there will be held the World’s Dairy Congress of 1928, which will be opened by his Majesty the King. At the last congress, held in Toronto a year ago, New Zealand was not represented. At the coming session much important ground is to be covered, and the business is divided into such sections as milk production and distribution, animal physiology, and its influence on milk production, milk consumption, administration, and control, veterinary science and its relation to dairy oows, and dairy chemistry. Delegates will be sent for various tours round the United Kingdom, the Irish Free State, and Northern Ireland. Worldfamous men will lecture.

USE OF FERTILISERS. THEIR RESIDUAL EFFECTS. EXPERIMENTS AT ROTHAMSTED. “BURNING THE SOIL” THEORY. The question often arises and the statement is frequently made , that fertilisers “ burn up the soil.” Just what is meant by this statement" is very difficult to say. The idea appears to be, however, that fertilisers have some residual effect on the soil that is detrimental to soil fertility, and subsequently lowers crop yields. This idea is partly correct. At the same time long-continued fertiliser treatment has shown that the yield of wheat can be kept up over a long period of years by the use of mineral fertilisers alone. This has been demonstrated at Rothamsted, the famous English experiment station. The evidence up-to-date does not, however, warrant a farmer depending on fertilisers alone, but rather to use fertilisers as a supplement to farmyard manure. Other investigations have shown that certain fertiliser materials do have a welldefined action on the soil when applied over a long period of years. This action may be beneficial or detrimental , according to the effect desired. Fo r example, the long-continued use of sulphate of ammonia on soils that are neutral of acid brings about a strongly acid condition which is very harmful to many crops, but which is highly desirable on golf greens or lawns. Nitrate of soda, on the other hand, brings about an alkaline reaction in the soil. Acid phosphate, although in many coses acid itself, actually exerts an alkaline effect on the soil —at least it assists in overcoming the effects of soil acidity. Potash-bearing materials have little effect either way, although they are regarded generally as slightly increasing acidity. It has been claimed by some that one constituted alone tends to deplete the soil of fertility. This idea originated in the fact that when one element only is added tho increased growth draws more heavily on the' other plant food constitutents of tho soil, thereby causing a deficiency for the succeeding crop. This is of yery little interest, and docs not apply to ordinary farm conditions. Supposing nitrogen alone is added to a soil This, of course, stimulates growth, and therefore there is a greater draft on tho other plant food in the soil. But if this material is fed on the farm the amount of manure returned is greater; hence the greater removal is more or less balanced. In market garden work the whole product is sold, so there undoubtedly is a loss of plant food. At tho same time the product is on tho market earlier, a higher cash return is received, and the plant food can be purchased in the form of fertilisers and still leave the producer ahead of the game. The use of acid phosphate alone 13 altogether different. Phosphoric acid does not stimulate growth as nitrogen does, and consequently there is not such an increased demand on the soil supply. As our soils are naturally poorly supplied with phosphoric acid, and by the application ot phosphates we simply supply an element that is deficient, there can be little or no harmful effects arise from the use of acid phosphate alone. Old-established ideas die hard, and although the “ burning thp soil ” theory a not now generally entertained there are some farmers who “ convinced against their will are of the same opinion still.” tor this reason they do not fertilise their crops with sufficient liberality to ensure the best results. A few years ago a well-known wheat grower affirmed that it was little short of madness and merely courting disaster to use more than 451 b of super, an acre. To-day he is applying from 801 hto 1001 b an acre, and he is obtaining considerably heavier yields as a consequence Fanners may rest' assured that, there is no risk of this fertiliser exercising any detrimental effects in cither a dry or a wet season, and they may also be equally cor tain that it is profitable to apply it 111 liberal quantities in all seasons. This has been proved in many districts, and it is becoming more apparent in other cerealgrowing districts every succeeding year. Super, is a safe fertiliser for cither arable crops or for pastures, and it is also cheap and effective,*for winch reason either agriculturists or pastoralists can employ it in largo quantities. It increases the yield ot crops and pastures as well as improving

South Wales are valued at £8,502,480, as compared with £8,493,787 during the same period of last season.

Half a Million for Butter-fat. The total value of the butter-fat on which the New Zealand Co-operative Dairy Company, Limited, paid out on November 20 was £498,426, compared with £355,641 for , the corresponding period last year, an increase of 142,965. or over 4 per cent. Payments made on butter-fat supplied to the company from the beginning of the season in June to the end of October totalled £1,235,219, compared with £913,421 for tho same period last year. Referring to the payments, the general manager of the company, Mr H. H. Stelling, said that these figures indicated that what counted most to the farmer, his inI come, showed considerable improvement on last year, and that if this rate of progress was maintained for the season it certainly looked as if the farmers were in for a fair measure of welcome relief from the financial pressure that had been I upon them in recent years. j The Meat Trade. The demand for mutton and lamb is expected to be good, provided the prices are reasonable, and within the purchasing power of the mass of the consumers. The trade, it seems, is menaced by the large shipments of second quality mutton and lamb from both Australia and Argentina. Both countries have suffered severely from drought, and are not in a position to provide first quality mutton and lamb in any quantity. It would be hazardous for New Zealand to ship second quality stuff which would be difficult to quit except at very low prices. The competition for fat sheep and lambs promises to be as keen as ever, ond it is understood that a new competitor will be operating in the Wellington- Wairarapa district, particularly in the Wairarap_ The new concern is the New Zealand and English Meat Company, and it is obvious from the title that English capital will be available for tho venture. The competition for fat stock should favour the farmers, although it is likely V> hurt some of the purely co-operative freezing companies, unless they happen to have a satisfactory working agreement with exporters. The exports of meat from Australia last month consisted of 17,925. sattle, 536 calves, 32,716 sheep. 431.028 lambs, and 1563 pigs. Victoria supplied 383 cattle, 234 calves, 12,732 sheep, 340,013 lambs, and 1055 pigs; New South Wales, 1166 cattle, 302 pigs. 19,172 sheep, 77,694 lambs and 186 pigs; South Australia, 812 sheep and 8664 lambs; West Australia, 4657 lambs; and Queensland, 15,876 cattle and 322 pigs. Boonoke Merinos.

the health of animals consuming the crops or pastures. It has a remarkably stimulating effect on subterranean clover, the growth of which is promoted by its use in a wonderful degree. “ Unless prepared to supply this valuable fodder plant with all the phosphates it requiries, remarked a successful stock breeder and grazier, “ a farmer should not attempt to grow it, as the results will be disappointing.” The truth of this statement is obvious to anyone possessing practical knowledge of this legume.

THE ROYAL SHOW. SPECIAL PRIZES AND TROPHIES. THE FINAL AWARDS. Many of the points prizes and special awards in connection with the Royal Agricultural Society’s Show at Addington this month were not definitely allocated until some days after the conclusion of the show, so that only a partial list was published. The following is a supplementary list which covers most of the sections: — SHEEP. English Leicestcrs. —Leicester Sheep Breeders' Association (England) silver medal —Messrs R. and J. Reid, 45 points. Romneys.—New Zealand Herald and Weekly News gold challenge cup—Messrs William Perry and Son, 39 points. Southdowns. —James Deans’s cup —Mr H. J. Andrew, 45 points. Shropshires.—Messrs Kempthorne, Prosser, and Co.’s special prize—Mr R. Parry, 32 points. „ _ . . . Ryeland.—Ryeland Sheep Society ot New Zealand challenge cup—Mr Bayly Withell, 43 points. Corriedales. —Cornedale Sheep Society s cups—Rams, Mr H. T. Little, 40 points; ewes, Mr J. A. Johnstone, 23 points; rams and ewes, James Little Memorial Cup, Mr H. T. Little, 52 points. Halfbred.—Mr J. 0. Davis’s prize— Sir George Clifford, 30 points. Wool.—Messrs L. W. and J. E. Storry s cup—Mr Thomas Stevenson, 21 points. Highest aggregate points in purebred sheep.— Sheepowners’ and Farmers Federation’s Shield —Mr W. W. M Rae, 72 CATTLE.

Friesian Association’s gold medal —Mr G. H. Hassall. The John Deans Memorial Challenge Shield, valued at £IOO, in memory of the late John Deans, of Riccarton, for champion Shorthorn bull —J. A. Johnstone. The W. B. Cunningham Memorial Challenge Cup, presented by the family of the late W. B. Cunningham, for the champion Shorthorn cow or heifer—J. A. JohnSt The Shorthorn Society of Great Britain and Ireland’s silver challenge cup, valued at £SO, awarded to the best pedigree Shorthorn bull in the show, and a gold medal for the champion Shorthorn bull —J. A.Johnstone. _ . , , _ , ~ The Shorthorn Society of New Zealand s silver challenge cup for the best female— J. A. Johnstone. PONIES.

Seton Kyle cup, for ponies 14 hands and under —Mr H. S. S. Kyle, M.P., 3TI pointS - PIGS.

Porkers and Baconers. —Murphy Memorial Cup—Mr J. D. Galpin, 31 points. , • , , , , Berkshires.—South Island branch of New Zealand Pig Breeders’ Association s diamond jubilee challenge Cup—Mr G. H. Barnett, 67 points. HONEY. Sargent Memorial Cup—Mrs T. Pearson, 31 points. ATTENDANTS.

Mr R. E. Alexander’s Cup—Mr J. Linton (Lincoln College), 52 points. STUD CLASSES.

Leonard White Shield, for most points in all stud classes —Mr J. A. Johnstone, 116 points. JUDGING COMPETITIONS.

Jersey cow—Bruce Brown and G. S. M'Gregor (equal) 1. Romney Marsh ram —R. Reid, jun., 1; H. A. Lublow, 2. Corriedale ram —J. R. Guthrie 1, J. R. Todhunter 2.

THE SUMMER SHOW. APATHY AMONG EXHIBITORS. QUESTION OF AUTUMN DATE. ONE DAY SHOW IDEA. Troubles never come singly. It was not enough that farmers could not find time or inclination to support the Otago A. and P. Society’s summer show at Tahuna Park last week. The weather was about as unpropitious as it could possibly be for People’s Day, making a successful show impossible, it is hard enough to stage a good exhibition of live stock without exhibitors, but it is impossible when an additional handicap is provided in the form of wretched weather conditions on the day which is expected to provide the show’s credit balance. Both the above mentioned causes contributed to the failure of last week’s show. The first was avoidable, the second an act of fate for which no one can be blamed, although some of the ardent supporters of an autumn show blamed the committee for not changing its show date to some day in February. However, even had the farming community rallied to the help of the society, its efforts would have been rendered abortive by the intolerable weather conditions. Still, that in no way excuses the apathy and indifference of those who arc perhaps the most voluble of the society’s critics. It was pointed out at the time of the show that of 33 committee members only three saw fit to exhibit stock. It must be admitted that a great many of the members (13) are city business men, not in a position to send in stock. Nevertheless, it is not surprising that others will not send in entries when they see that the executive itself cannot be bothered. There were a host of excuses put forward for non-attendance. For instance, Romney breeders pleaded that since they had sold their best sheep for export, and these had to be shorn before such and such a date, they ;ould not show. Does any stud breeder sell his best stock, unless he is giving up business? What sort of flock or herd is ho going to build up, if his best stock has been exported. Then, again, a great many of these Romneys sold for export will oe consigned by local stock and station companies represented on the A. and P. committee, and it should surely not be ailficult to secure a concession in the matter of shearing until after the show. It would not be out of the way to shear a bit aigh to make up for what might have grown in the interim. Many other reasons for nonexhibition were put forward, such as illness stress of work, and poor conditioned stock, all of which were doubtless hindrances. but country people should not lose sight of the fact that the show depends entirely upon themselves. Without exhibits it cannot be expected to be a success. Tho question of an autumn show was raised last week in one of two quarters. February was suggested as the month ip which the show should be held, and it is surprising how many people, farmers included appeared to favour the idea. The disadvantages attached to such a course are obvious, and would certainly not be compensated for by the dependability of the weather in autumn. An autumn show must undoubtedly affect any show of sheep. Exhibitors cannot be expected to keep their sheep in wool so long. Moreover, it would mean that the work getting sheep, cattle, and horses into show trim would have to bo undertaken twice a year. Despite tho fact that tho Royal Society seems determined to hold its show in tho autumn it would prove as dangerous an expen raent to the Otago Society as did the attempt made some years ago to change the date.

The one-day show is an idea that might bo worth considering, not only in respect to the Otago A. and P. Society, but also in reference to such shows as those at Gore, Balclutha, end Oamaru. The Ashburton Show was once a two-day event, but the society would not consider a return to such conditions now. The one-day show has proved a great success there, so much so that southern societies might do well to adopt a similar course.

Might I suggest that the organisations concerned should get together in conference and draw up an itinerary of oneday shows, something on the lines of that suggested about 18 months ago, when a conference of A. and P. societies was called in ,Dunedin in Winter Show week for the purpose of settling an itinerary that would do away with tho clashing of dates. The conference was absolutely unproductive, however, and the clashing of dates and irregular sequence of events went on unchecked. It should be possible, however, for a similar gathering to for-

mulate a programme which would begin with a show at the most northern centre, the other to follow in geographical order. Waimate, North Qtago, Otago, Metropolitan, Clutha, Gore, and finally Invercargill should prove a workable roster, and all these could be disposed of at two or three-day intervals in three weeks. The saving of time_ and money to exhibitors would be inestimable. The one-day show idea has much to commend it. First of all, administration expenses would be cut down by half. The wages of attendants and gatekeepers and other paid officials form no inconsiderable item in a show balance sheet. Then the weather hazards are reduced by one half. In the case of the local show, and also the Oamaru show, the first day was perfect. It was on the second day that the bad weather was experienced. Exhibitors, too, would benefit as a result of a one-day show. Though the cost of transport would remain the same, there would be a big decrease in accommodation costs for employees and attendants. The stock would be all the better for only one day in pen or stall as against two or, perhaps, three. Then, if shows were held in geographical sequence stock could be moved on from one to another with a few days spell in between to affect any tendency towards show sickness.

One Oamaru official present at the Otago show last week, when asked about this suggestion, said he had often thought of it, but he was not hopeful of any re-, sponse from other societies. The only w-ay to find out is to get together in conference and thrash the thing out.