THE RURAL WORLD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20317, 27 January 1928, Page 4

THE RURAL WORLD.

FARM AND STATION NEWS.

By Rpsticus. Items of interest to those engaged in agricultural and pastoral pursuits, with a view to their publication in these columns, will be welcomes.3bejr should be addressed to “Ruoticus,” Otago Daily Times, Dunedis,

tion. During the milking season the factory and equipment will bo used for experimental purposes; the former will deal with the manufacture of butter, cheese of several varieties, and casein. Accommodation is also to bo provided for instruction in the use of different types of farm separators. To deal with every branch of production, cheese, pasteurising, testing, and separating rooms will bo erected, together with a butter store, casein manufacturing department, store room, workshop, and the necessary offices for the accommodation of the staff and students. The equipment will necessarily be on a smaller scale than is found in large factories, but, except in special cases, it will be of the ordinary type. The whole of the dairy farm production will bo dealt with at the factory, and will, if necessary, be supplemented from outside sources. The by-products will be used ■on the Farm for experimental purposes and pig feeding. The milking shed is already in operation and a four-cow plant installed.

A Paying Proposition. What can be done in getting together a profitable herd has been clearly demonstrated by Mr J. Emmet, ail OJiaupo dairy farmer running grade Friesian cows. For several seasons his herd of 14 or 15 cows averaged over 4001 b fat —one, cow giving over 6001 b fat. So satisfied is he with the Friesians that he is now building up a herd of purebred Friesians. Included in his recent purchases is the bull, Glemgrove Prince Topsy, bred by Karl, of Ohaupo. The sire of this bull is Bainfield Prince Topsy 2nd, a son of Bainfield Sylvia Topsy 4th and a grandson of Westmere Princess Pietertje. His dam is Lucy Netherland Pietertje (Coldstream Woodcrest Paul— Monavalc Lucy Lockhart).

TAPANUI FARMERS’ CLUB. ANNUAL SUMMER SHOW. A MARKED FALLING OFF. RESULT OF LATE SEASON. That the annual summer show of the Tapanui Farmers’ Club has this year fallen below the standard set in previous years, and notably 1927, is no fault ot the executive. The numbers and quality of entries have been affected by the late season and the unusually rainy period ot the past few months, while the attendance at the show, which was held on Wednesday, was not up to expectations, the threatening weather and intermittent rainshowers preventing many people from undertaking journeys of any distance. There was some rain in the morning aim throughout the early part of the afternoon, it was difficult to decide what the weather would be. No doubt it was this uncertainty that accounted for the poor attendance of countryfolk, who generally come from all parts of the valley and the Eastern District. The arrangements for the day were in the capable nands of Mr J. W. Jarrold (secretary), who has spent a number years now bringing the club’s annual fixture up to his usually high level. This year’s president (Mr D. D. Edgar) and the vice-president (Mr D. Robertson) ably assisted the secretary, with the result that marshals and stewards had tneir work completed at an early hour. The entries this year totalled about 420, a slight decrease on those of the previous show, but the most noticeable falljng-off was in respect to competition, whicu a great many cases was entirely absent. The live stock classes showed the greatest reduction. In the home industries shed competition was as keen as ever, this section providing about 30 per cent, of the total number of exhibits. In the cattle rings in particular there was practically no coinpetition. Horses, heavy and light, were a little better, but in all the sheep classes with the exception of fats and crossbreds it was a case of sole exhibitors securing all the awards. CATTLE. Mr R. J. Potter (Pukerau), who judged the Ayrshires, was faced with some good rings of excellent type dairy cattle, but they all' came from the herd of Mrs A. Wilson, who has been an exhibitor here and at Kelso for many years. She entered two bulls and 14 cows, all of which took prizes, championships also being awarded, , A similar position was occupied by Mr W. Moore, the local Jersey breeder. His entry consisted of a two-year-old bull and 14 females, all splendid types of the island breed, and many with formidable production records. Mr Moore has achieved a considerable meastire of fame at large shows with his Jerseys, and it is to be regretted that no one can found in this district .to challenge his right to all the awards, His cattle also secured championship ribbons. Half a dozen crossbred dairy cows and 10 fats completed the cattle section. One of Mr Moore’s Jerseys won the best dairy type (any breed) class, Mr K. Rodger and Mrs Wilson sharing the remainder of the awards. In the fat cattle section Messrs Smith Bros, and Stiven and Lischner Bros, took most of the awards, Miss Quin and Mr G. Stuart being the only other prize winners. The Farmers’ Dairy Federation’s (Invercargill) cup for the best cow or heifer of dairy quality, any breed or cross, was won by Mr Moore. SHEEP. The sheep entry numbered 160, of which one half were crossbreds and fats. The former section was, as is usually the case, the most interesting feature of the show. Even; here, however, the late season has had its effect on the entries, as a great many sheds have not yet completed the season a shearing. Those flocks that have been shorn are reported to have yielded good quality fleeces with an all-round better weight than was at first expected. The crossbred awards were divided evenly between Mr D. Robertson and Mr Alexander Robertson, both of whom secured 14 points for the M'Kenzie Memorial Challenge Cup. Other prize winners were Messrs John Evans, K. and J D Rodger, and Mrs J. G. Pringle. In the purebred classes Mr D. Robertson again came to the fore. He won most of the class awards in Romneys, with Mr W A. Baxter a good second. Mr Keith Rods'ol' also secured a few points Mr D Robertson won the cup fo r most points’ presented by Mr N. Moore. The same exhibitor was prominent in the Corriedale classes, the only other exhibitor being Mr R. Wood (Beaumont), who was also successful. Mr W. A. Baxter was unopposed in the Soutndown pens, and took all the prizes. -Jr D. Robertson made a clean swoop of the halfbred classes, with the exception ot one first taken by Mr Alexander Robertson. This was the only exhibit of the latter’s which was allowed to compete, several being disqualified as not true lialfbreds. Messrs H. and J. Smith’s (Invercargill) cup, valued at £l2 12s, offered for most points in all sheep classes, was again won by Mr D. Robertson. The fat sheep entry was a good one in point of both numbers and quality. There was keen competition in most classes, the prize-money being well distributed, the most prominent exhibitor being Mr Alexander Robertson. HORSES. Perhaps the most disappointing feature of the show was the poor entry of heavy horses, workers and breeders. Messrs Fleming Bros. (Crookston) were not represented owing to pressure of work on the farm, and one or two other breeders were also absent. Messrs Coubrough and Hamilton (Kelso) were prominent, and secured both championships. The competition was very poor. In every class there were not more than two entries, with the exception of that for yearling fillies, in which four animals were paraded, the Kelso breeders taking the red ticket. The champion entire was Golden Knight, by Rosencraig out of a Baron Bold mare, and the champion mare was also by Rosencraig. Mr R.

Hamilton’s (Kelso) special trophy for two-year-olds by Rosencraig was won by Mr A. Crump, who, with Mr W. Kirk (Tapanui) and Messrs James and Joseph Cooper, was the only other prize-winner. There were scarcely a score of entries all told. The light harness and saddle horse classes were well filled with good class hacks and ponies. The prize money was well divided among the dozen entrants who took part. Miss R. Wood won the best lady rider class and Master L. Jone s and Miss Jones (Wendon) won the prizes for best boy and girl riders respectively. HOME INDUSTRIES. Tho dairy produce and baking entries showed a small increase on those of last year. The shed housing these exhibits was scarcely large enough and was the most popular spot on the ground with the womenfolk. Tho points prize in the open classes went to Mrs Jamc s Sim (28 points), with Miss Braudigam (2l points) second. In the classes set aside for exhibitors who had not previously won a prize Mrs M. Scott was most successful and was awarded the special trophy for most points. The grand parade of prize stock and a programme of competitions concluded the day's programme. PRIZE LIST. The following is the prize-list: CATTLE. Judge: Mr R. J. Potter (Pukerau). AYRSHIRE. Bull, any age. One entry—Mr s A. Wilson. Bull, two years. One entry—Mrs A. Wilson. Cow, any age, in calf or in milk. Three entries —Mrs A. Wilson I, 2, and 3. Cow, with two of her progeny. Three entries—Mr s A. Wilson 1,2, and 3. Heifer, throe years, in milk. Two en- 1 tries—Mrs A. Wilson 1 and 2. Heifer, two years. Three entries —Mrs A. Wilson 1,2, and 3. Heifer, one year. Three entries —Mrs A.. Wilson 1 2, and 3. Champion Ayrshire bull —Mrs A. Wilson. Champion Ayrshire cow —Mrs A. Wilson. JERSEY. Bull, two years. One entry—N. Moore. Cow, any age, ib calf or in milk. Three entries —N. Moore 1,2, and 5. Cow, with two of her progeny. Two entries- —N. Moore 1 and 2. Heifer, three years, in milk. Two entries—N. Moore 1 and 2. Heifer, two years. Two entries—X Moore 1 and 2. . Heifer, one year. Three entries N. Moore 1,2, and 3. Best two-year-old heifer, m milk, bred b v exhibitor. Open only to members of the Southland Jersey Breeders Cattle Club. Two entries —N. Moore 1 and 2. Champion Jersey bull —N. Moore. Champion Jersey cow —N. Moore. DAIRY CATTLE.

Cow, any age, in milk. Two entries Mrs A. Wilson 1, K. Rodger 2. Best dairy cow, any breed or cross.— Four entries—N. Moore. -» , Cottar’s cow, to be exhibited by owner of not more than two cows. One entry K. Rodger.

FAT CATTLE. One fat bullock. Five entries—Smith Bro« 1 and 3, Lischner Bros. 2. One fat heifer. One entry-Lischncr B One fat cow. Three entries-Georgc Stuart 1, Lischner Bros. 2. Best-conditioned calf, any breed or cro.s. under six months. One entry— Misg Ouin. Cun value £5 sb, gift of Farmers’ Dairy or heifer, any breed or cross, showing best dairying qualities, io oe won twice, not necessarily m succession. 1928: N. Moore. SHEEP.

Judge: Mr S. Ayson (Waikaka \ alley). ROMNEY MARSH (Unclothed). Ram, any age. Six entries—D. Robertson 1 and 3, W. A. Baxter 2.. Ram, one shear. Six entries—W. A. Baxter 1 and 2, D. Robertson 3. _ Two rams, one shear. Four entries W A. Baxter 1, D. Robertson 2 and 3. One dry ewe, two shear over. Dive entries —D. Robertson 1 and 2, W. A. B Twc> r ewes and lambs. Two entries—D. Robertson 1 and 2.. One ewe and lamb. Two entries D. Robertson 1 and 2. Two ewes, one shear. Four entries D. Robertson 1 and 2, M. Ferguson 3. One ewe, one shear. Four entries D. Robertson 1 and 2. Five rams, one shear. Two entries — u. Robertson 1 and 2. Ram lamb. Four entries—D. Robertson 1 and 2. t. * Ewe lamb. Three entries —D. Robertson 1,2, and 3. , , , _ . Farmer’s ram (owner of stud flocks barred). Three entries —Keith Rodger 1 and 2. J. D. Rodger 3. Most points in Romney Marsh,_cup value £5 5s (gift of Mr N. Moore) Winner 1927: Mr D. Robertson; 1928: Mr D. Robertson. CORRIEDALES. Ram, any ‘age. Two entries —R. Wood (Beaumont) 1, D. Robertson 2. Ram, one shear. Four entries —D. Robertson 1. R. Wood 2 and 3. Two ewes and lambs. Two entries— D. Robertson 1 and 2. One ewe and lamb. Four entries —D. Robertson 1 and 2, R. Wood 3. Two ewes, one shear. Two entries —D. Robertson 1 and 2. Two rams, one shear. Two entries —D. Robertson 1 and 2. . One ewe, one shear. Five entries —D. Robertson 1 and 2, R. Wood 3. SOUTHDOWNS. Ram, any age. One entry—W. A. Baxter. Ram, one shear. Three entries —W. A. Baxter 1,2, and 3. One ewe and lamb. Three entries — W. A. Baxter 1,2, and 3. Two ewes, one shear. One entry—W. A. Baxter. Two rams, one shear. One entry—W. A. Baxter. One ewe, one shear. Two entries —W. A. Baxter 1 and 2. HALFBRED. Ram, any age. One entry—D. Robert' son. Ram, one shear. One entry—D. Robertson. One ewe and lamb. One entry—D. Robertson. Two wethers, one shear. One entry— Alexander Robertson. One ewe, one shear. Three entries— D. Robertson I and 2. CROSSBRED. Judge; Mr John Scott (Balclutha). Two ewes, one shear; fine wool. Seven entries—D. Robertson 1, John Evans 2 and 3. Two wethers, one shear; fine wool. Four entries—Alexander Robertson 1 and 2, J. D. Rodger 3. Two ewes, one shear; strong wool. Five entries—D. Robertson 1, Mrs J. G. Pringle 2, John Evans 3. Two wethers, one shear; strong wool. Three entries—Keith Rodger 1, Alexander Robertson 2, J. D. Rodger 3. One ewe, one shear; fine wool. Eight entries—Mrs J. G. Pringle 1, Keith Rodger 2, D R.obertson 3. One wether, one shear; fine wool. Four entries —Alexander Robertson 1 and 2, J. D. Rodger 3. One ewe, one shear; strong wool. Six entries—Mrs J. G. Pringle 1, K. Rodger 2, John Evans 3. One weather, one shear; strong wool. Four entries—D. Robertson ], Alexander Robertson 2. One ewe, with lamb at foot; fine wool. Three entries—D. Robertsofa 1, Keith Rodger 2. Ono ewe, with lamb at foot, strong wool. Three entries—Mrs J. G. Pringle 1, Keith Rodger 2, D. Robertson 3. FAT SHEEP. Judge: Mr John Scott. Pen of three crossbred wethers, any age. Three entries—Alexander Robertson 1. 2, and 3. Three crossbred ewes, any age. Three entries—M. Ferguson 1, D. Robertson 2. Three halfbred wethers, any age. Three entries—M.. M'Anley 1 and 2, Alexander Robertson 3. Three fat lambs, suitable for freezing. Five entries—W. Kirk 1, W. A. Baxter 2 and 3. Pen of three fat lambs, any weight (ram lambs barred). Three entries—W. Kirk 1, Mrs J. G. Pringle 2, Keith Rodger 3. Ono heaviest fat lamb. Two entries— Keith Rodger 1, Mrs J. G. Pringlb 2. Three wethers (any breed or cross), most suitable for the frozen meat trade. Three entries —M. M’Anley 1, Alexander Robertson 2, R. Wood 5.

Three maiden owes (any breed or cross), most suitable for the frozen meat trade.

Four entries —W. A. Baxter 1 and 2, Mrs J. G. Pringle 3. Three wethers, under 18 months; any breed or cross. Two entries—Alexander Robertson 1, J. D. Rodger 2. Three maiden ewes, under 18 months; any breed or cross. Five entries—Mrs J. G. Pringle 1, D. Robertson 2, M. Ferguson 3. Three wethers or maiden ewes, any age; not to exceed 1801 b live weight. Four entries—Alexander Robertson 1. HORSES. DRAUGHTS. Judge: Mr Charles Cooper (Gore). Entire horse, two years. One entry—Coubrough and Hamilton. Entire colt or gelding, one year. One entry—W. Kirk (Tapanui). Brood mare, with teal at foot. One entry —Lischncr Bros. Filly, two years. Three entries—Joseph Cooper (Freshford) 1, A. Crump (Kelso) 2. Filly, one year. Four entries—Coubrough and Hamilton 1, D. D. Potts 2, Joseph Cooper 3. Gelding, throe years. Two entries —W. Kirk 1, Coubrough and Hamilton 2. Gelding, two years. One entry—Mrs J. G. Pringle. Dry marc. One entry—Coubrough and Hamilton. Gelding. Two entries—W. Kirk 1, Coubrough and Hamilton 2. Pair of mares or geldings (or one of .'nnh), bred by exhibitor. One entry—W. Kirk. Threc-horsc team, cither dry mares, or geldings, the property of one_ exhibitor. One entry—Coubrough and Hamilton. Mare, two years or over (bred in the Dominion). Two entries—Coubrough and Hamilton 1, Joseph Cooper 2. Foal (colt or filly), to be shown with or without dam. Two entries W. Kirk 1, J, T. Williams 2. Champion stallion—Coubrough and Hamilton . . Champion marc —Coubrough and Hamilton. ■ , , , , Mr R. Hamilton’s Cup for best male or female in draught horses, two years or under, sired by Roscncraig. Five entries —A. Crump 1. Mrs J. G. Pringle 2. W. Kirk 3. LIGHT HORSES. Judge: Mr George Russell (Gore). Roadster or hack, weight-carrier, up to 15st. One entry—G. D. Shand. Roadster or hack, up to 13st —Miss K. Wood 1 and 3, G. Wayte (Otamita) 2. Roadster or hack, up to list. Seven entries—E. Dodds (Otamita) 1, George Stuart 2, Miss K. Wood 3. Roadster or hack, three years (in saddle). Two entries—A. G. Dumbleton 1, A. S. Edgar 2. Mar© or gelding, up to lOcwt, b© driven in a spring-cart or other vehicle. Three entries—A. S. Edgar 1, J. L. Wylie 2. Cob, 15 hands or under, up to 12st. Two entries —Miss K. Wood 1. Lennie Jones (Wendon) 2. Best paced hack (walking, trotting, cantering, symmetry). Seven entries—G, Wayte 1, George Stuart 2, Lennie Jones 3. Pony, under 14J, hands, to be ridden by boy or girl under 15. Three entries— Lennie Jones 1, J. A. M’Donald 2, H. Windle (Gore) 3. Pony, under 15 hands, to be ridden by boy or girl under 15. Six entries—Lennie Jones 1, A. Keir 2. J. A. M’Donald 3. Jumping hack, over 3ft 6in fences. Four entries—Lennie Jones 1, Mrs F. C. Taylor 2, G. Wayte 3. Trotting pony competition (under 14j hands), to be ridden by boy or girl under 15 years of age. Four entries —J. A. M’Donald 1 and 2, L. Jones 3. Trotting pony competition (under 13 hands), to be ridden by boy or girl under 15 years of age. Four entries—L. Jones 1 and 2, J. A. M’Donald 3. Polo race. Seven entries—Miss K. Wood I, D. Lawlor 2. Tilting competition. Eleven entries—D. Lawlor 1, H. Adams 2. Lady’s hack. Four entries—E. Dodds 1, G. Stuart 2, Misg K. Wood 3. Best lady rider—Miss K. Wood. Buggy horse. Four entries—Mies K. Wood 1, B. Smellie 2, J. A. M’Donald 5. ■ Harness horse, 15 hands or under. Two entries—Miss Wood 1, J. A. M’Donald 2Dog carter. Four entries —G. D. Shand 1, A. Wayte 2. Best boy rider—L. Jones. Best girl rider—Mis s Jones. HOME INDUSTRIES. DAIRY PRODUCE. Judge: Mrs Cooper (Freshford). 11b fresh butter. Six entries— Mrs M. Scott 1, Mis s Effie Edgar 2, Mrs D. Robertson 3. ... 11b powdered butter. Five entries—Miss Effie Edgar 1, Mrs A. Wilson 2, Mrs M. Scott 3. Fancy butter, not los ß than 21b. One entry—Mrs Jame s Sim. Fancy butter, for tea table. Two entries—Mrs James Sim 1, Mrs M. Scott 2. BAKING. Plain oven scones. Four entries—Mrs James Sim 1, Mis s Braudigam 2. Miss F. Macneo 3. Girdle scones. Two entries —Miss F. Macnee 1, Mrs James Sim 2.. Fancy scones. Four entries—Mrs James Sim 1, Miss Braudigam 2, Miss F. Macnee 3. Fruit cake, dark coloured; iced cake barred. Six entries —Mrs M. Robertson 1, Mr s A. S. Mackay 2, Mrs A. Pringle 3, Miss Braudigam h.c. Fruit cake, light coloured; iced cake barred. Three ' entries —Miss Macnee 1> Miss Braudigam 2, Mrs James Sim 3. Sponge cake. Two entries —Mis* Braudigam 1, Mrs Jathes Sim 2. Tray cakes, six varieties, for afternoon tea; to be shown all on one tray. Three entries —Miss Russel) 1, Mrs D. Robertson 2, Miss A. Edgar 5. Home-made bread, white. Two entries — Mis s Braudigam 1. Mr* James Sim 2. Home-made bread, brown. Two entries— Miss Braudigam 1, Mrs James Sim 2. Plate of Pikelets. Five entries—Miss Braudigam 1, Mr s A. S. Mackay 2, Mrs James Sim 3. Strawberry jam. Bight entries—Miss M. Robertson 1, Mrs A. T. Herbert 2. Mrs A. Munyara 3, Mrs W. Pjjngle h.c. Jam, other than strawberry. Ten entries—Mis s Braudigam 1, Miss Russell 2, Mis s Macnee 3, Mrs M. Robertson h.c. Jelly. Three entries—Miss Effie Edgar 1, Mrs A. Munyard 2, Mrs James Sim 3. Oatcake, pure oatmeal. One entry—Mrs James Sim. Shortbread. Three entries—Miss Russfell 1, Mrs James Sim 2, Miss Effie Edgar 3. Most points in dairy classes (open section) cup, value £3 3s, gift of Mr D. _D. Edgar. To be won twice, not necessarily in succession—Mrs James Sim. AMATEUR CLASSES. Fore those who have never taken a first prize at any A. and P. Show. Fresh butter. Three entries—Mrs M. Scott 1, Miss K. Edgar 2, Mrs D. Robertson 3. Powdered butter. Throe entries —Mr s M. Scott 1, Miss K. Edgar 2, Mrs D. Robertson 3. Plain oven scones. Six entries —Miss F. Macnee 1, Mrs M. Scott 2, Miss C. M'Donald 3, Miss K. Edgar h.c. Girdle scones. Five entries—Miss Macnee 1, Miss L. Fleming 2, Mrs D. Robertson 3. Fancy scones. Five entries —Mrs M. Scott 1, Mrs D. Robertson 2, Mis s F. Macnee 3. Fruit cake, dark; £1 Is (gift of Messrs Fleming and Co., Ltd.). Nine entries— Mrs W. Pringle 1, Mrs D. Robertson 2, Miss P- Russell 3. Mr s A. Pringle (Kelso) h.c. Fruit cake, light: £1 Is (gift ot Messrs Fleming and Co., Ltd.). Six entries—Miss M. MTntosh 1, Mrs M. Scott 2. Mis s P. Pringle 3. Sponge cake. Four entries—Miss F. Macnee 1. Mrs M. Scott 2, Mrs D. Robertson 3. Shortbread. Five entries—Mrs M. Scott 1, Mrs Floyd 2, Miss Meade 3. Pikelets, first, trophy, value 15s (gift of Mr R. Rodger, Mora Studio, Gore). Seven entries—Mrs D. Robertson 1, Miss P. Pringle 2, Miss Effie Edgar 3. Amateur gaining most points, 21s (gift of Mr M. M’Auley)—Mrs M. Scott. SPECIAL PRIZES. Most points in light horses—Misg K. Woods. Most points in cattle—Mrs A. Wilson and N. Moore (58 points) equal. GUESSING COMPETITION. Hivo weigh! of sheep (correct weight 184!b).—J. E. White, Waikaka Valley—1831b 9ob.

FORTHCOMING WOOL SALES.

January 27.—Invercargill. January 31. —Dunedin. February I—Dunedin. February 3, 4.—Timaru. February 8, 9. —Christchurch. February 16, 17.—Wellington, February 20, 21. —Auckland. February 23, 24 —Wanganui. February 27, 28. —Napier. March 2. —Invercargill. March 7. —Dunedin. March 12. —Christchurch. March 15, 16- —Auckland. March 19.—Wanganui. March 22. —Napier. March 26. —Wellington.

.Waikouaiti Show. The Waikouaiti A. and P. Association's annual summer show will be held on the racecourse at Waikouaiti to-morrow. The changing of the day of the fixture from a Friday to a Saturday is a wise move as a great many townspeople are thus enabled to attend, and make an enjoyable outing out of a visit lo the show. The 'Waikouaiti Association is to be congratulated upon the interest taken in young people’s competitions, a practice which has been .followed for years, and wnich is one of tho features of this year’s show. The entries in all sections are excellent, 1 understand, and the committee anticipates one of the best shows on record. A New Fertiliser.

Among the new nitrogenous fertilisers now being manufactured in Germany is a materia] known as urea, which, owing to its high content of nitrogen—46 per cent. ■ —is of importance, if only for the saving which is effected in its .transport, commerits the Dairy. Small quantities of urea have been imported to Britain for experimental purposes, but its use has been handicapped by the fact that up to recently it has been subject to an import duty of 33 1-3 per cent, ad valorem under the Safeguarding of Industries Act, 1921. It is understood that steps are being taken which, it is hoped, will lean .to.the future manufacture of the material in Britain: but, in the meantime, owing to an order recently made by H.M. Treasury exempting it for a period from June 27, 1927* to March 6, 1928—from the duty imposed by the Safeguarding of Industries Act, it is now possible to ootain supplies for use in England at a cheaper rate than formerly. The Wool Position.

The present position of wool values and their effect upon the price of semi-manu-factures is no doubt verv satisfactory to those who bought well ahead a month or two ago (says the Textile Argus of late December), ’ They can now see a chance — long overdue —of making a* decent profit. It is a, pleasant change after a long spell of lean or non-existent margins. But there is the other side of the question. Everybody must recognise that it is going to be difficult to pass the higher cost of wool through to the finished article. Unless that is done, sooner or later, trouble will arise. Hence it is not surprising to find that users of tops and yarns are now fighting shy of current quotations. Users generally, at Home and abroad, are well covered, and it appears to be the best policy to hold aloof, at any rate until current contracts are much nearer to completion. In the meantime they will have ample opportunity to review the whole position. The strength of the competition met with at Wellington and Napier took Bradford importers by surprise, and there is marked reluctance to import extensively on the basis of opening values. At the same time the position ot supplies makes it obvious that Bradford buyers cannot stand aside indefinitely. A lot of wool Trill bo needed iu the early months oi next rear to meet current requirements, quite apart from the storing up of supplies for the later months of the year. Conditions in the Country.

Inland Otago has suffered some unusual extremes of weather conditions in the past few months, and lately matters have not improved very much. T apanui, Kelso, and Crookston districts, usually blessed with moderate conditions, suffered first Irom a wet season, and then from unusually dry conditions. This week, when rain threatened, there were many farmers who would have welcomed a few days downpour. Up in Central Otago, and in the Lake County, stock is feeling the pinch, but crops are in good heart. In the Clutha farmers are not dissatisfied to any extent. Coastal Otago has fared much better and both stock and crops are doing well, though the latter are a little late.

The Stock Market. There is little worthy of special mention in the stock market ‘in the' country districts of Otago. Sheep are in good demand almost everywhere, and good ewes are not hard to quit at satisfactory prices. Cattle, fat and store, are not showing much change, and the pig industry seems quite unable to shake off its doldrums.

Speedy Shearers. A shearer who cut out 205 sheep per day for three days, shearing clean, close, and with care, would seem to be a champion. This is what an Australian accomplished in a North Otago shed this season, and when the owner told me about him, I was inclined to put his performance down as a record. South Otago goes one better with a blade speedster who put through 237 per day for four days—moreover, the shearer was a New Zealander, who learned his trade in the Poverty Bay district.

Queensland Killings. The following paragraph from an Australian paper should dispel the popular fallacy that Queensland runs thousands of sheep. The killings for a year are given: “ During the calendar year just closed, Queensland meat works treated 262,190 cattle, 5317 sheep, and 2860 pigs. The number of cattle treated in 1926 was 234,7.16. Those interested in the meat industry in Queensland are' deriving encouraetnent from recent activity in the chilled beef trade. Large quantities of chilled bcei have been exported from Brisbane during the last four or five months, and smaller quantities from Townsville. The chilled beef goes to Sydney and Melbourne, but froztii beef of sundries add beef cuts are being sent as far as Adelaide. The trade to Melbourne is almost exclusively seaborne, but there has been some development in the railage of beef to Sydney in •spite of the handicap at Wallangarra, arising from the break ot gauge. It is hoped that when the Kyogle line is open the railway trade in chilled meat between Brisbane and Sydney will increase coneiderably. There are obvious advantages in sending meat from Queensland in this form, one being that it saves the expense of dipping and complying with other precautions against tick. The great difficulty is that the meat works’ season in Queensland is comparatively short, and that until abattoirs are established or moat works operate all the year round trade will be spasmodic.”

Harvesting Proceeding. Harvesting and haymaking in Otago and Southland have been proceeded with apace in the past wpek or two, and some splendid crops are reported. In a great many districts farmers are surprised and pleased at the heavy proportion of clover to be found in pastures this year. An eastern district farmer said on Wednesday that be had not seen such a growth in his locality since he took up his place 25 years ago.

Massey College. Steady progress is being made. toward fne establishment of the Massey College nt Palmerston North, and plans have nowbeen prepared for a model dairy factory, the site selected for the' building being about 400 yards beyond the old homestead on the property. Judging from the plans which have been prepared, the factory, when completed, should be quite an imposing structure, for it is to be constructed in concrete, tile roofed, and equipped on most modern lines. The purpose of the factory will be for teaching and research work, equipment being provided for both purposes. In the winter the factories throughout the country are closed and It is at this period of the year that instruction will be given to students. In conjunction with the classes, lectures will be fceld dealing with ©very phase of produc-