THE RURAL WORLD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21774, 13 October 1932, Page 3

THE RURAL WORLD.

FARM AND STATION NEWS.

1032-33 SHOW DATES

ROSTER OF FIXTURES. Shows have been arranged for Ihe 1932B 3 season as follow: 1932. October 20. —Ellesmere, October 20 ami 27.—Timaru. November 2.—Kelso. November 2,3, and 4. —Royal Show (Palmerston North). November 3.—Ashburton. November 4.—Rangiora. November 10 and 11.—Canterbury metropolitan. November 15.—Waimate. November 17 and 18.—North Otago, a* - Oamaru. November 19.—Taien. at Outram. November 22 and 23.—Otago metropob tan, at Tnhuna. November 24 and 25.—Clulha and Mntau December 3.—Tokomairiro Farmers’ Club (Milton). December 5 and O.—Gorc, December 7.—Central Otago (Omakau). December 9.—Wyndham. December 13 and 14. —Southland, at In* vercargill. December 17. —Otago Peninsula (Portohello). 1933. January 14.—Jllueskin. at Waitati. January 20.—Waikouaiti. January 27.—Palmerston-Waihcmo.^ April 17.—Mackenzie County, at Fairlit* April 17.—Stratb-Taieri.

Dairy Produce Market Quiet conditions existed in the London butter market last week. Prices for New Zealand finest are steady at 114 s a cwt, but supplies are reported to be scarce, while, on the other hand, quotations for Danish have risen 3s during the week from 115 sto 118 s a cwt. Cheese valueg are rather better, with coloured quoted up to 2s firmer at 60s to C2s n cwt, and white, Is to 2s better at 65s to 06s a cwt. ,

Advice from London states that the butter market is slow. Danish is quoted at 118 s a cwt; New Zealand choicest salted, which is very scarce, 114 s; first grade, 106 s to 107 a; choicest Australian, 104 s to 105 s; unsalted, New Zealand, 112 s to 110 a; Australian, 104 s to 108 s. New Zealand coloured cheese is quoted at 60s to 625; white, 65s to 665. In the corresponding week of September the market was firm and active. Danish was quoted at 124 e; New Zealand, choicest salted, 110 s to 112 s; Australian, 104 s to I06s; unsaltod New Zealand, 110 sto 112 s; Australian, 106 sto 108 s., The cheese market was firm. New Zealand, coloured, was quoted at 57s to 58s; white, 635. Australian, cheese was cleared. A year ago the market for butter was quiet. Danish was quoted at 128 s to 130 s; choicest salted New Zealand, 120 s to 1225; Austra; linn, 114 s to 116 s. Unsalted sorts were about Is premium. The cheese market wag slow. New Zealand white and coloured were quoted at 70s. Australian stocks had been cleared. Waikato Dairying The severe frosts which have been experienced in the Waikato district this season have somewhat hampered the usual demand for additional stock for existing herds. In a normal season dairymen at this stage can increase their herds owing to the new spring growth of grass. However, Waikato pastures have not responded so quickly this year. At the present time the province as a whole would benefit by heavy falls of ram. in spite of a necessarily restricted demand for pedigree stock, it is stated that | m* proved methods have resulted in an increased production of butter-fat per cow in the province. Every year sees an advance in the general standard of dairy herds, due to the use of bulls. Future production is a factor which now carries more weight with the • avei age dairy farmer. Unemployed and Primary Industry Not much consolation can be got out of the latest monthly return of unemployment. The total is up again, very little it is true, but at this time of year some decline might have been expected (says the Dominion). Hud the figures been presented in their old form, including only those registered at the bureaux, a decrease of 728 would have been shown. It is as well, however, that the new return states the full position, bad as it still is, rather than that any should be deluded by n false dawn. Of the total placed by the Unemployment Board, it is estimated that at least 36.000, or more than half, were “ engaged in developmental or reproductive work in connection with the Dominion’s primary industries. Hat is the best feature of the return and a most reassuring one, for the proportion of those engaged in " developmental or reproductive work ” must be higher to-day than at any time since, unfortunately, unemployment became a regular part oi our economy. And there can be little doubt that one of the surest ways of caring this social disease is to place those unemployed on reproductive works. Pedigree and Constitution Constitution must be the basis of all sound practice in stock breeding. Nothing will compensate ' for weak constitution, net the. t'.ut esf pedigree or the most lovely-looking fleece. 100 often stud stock of the best pedigree will be wanting in constitutional strength and vigour, owing to over-attention to particular points of excellence by the breeder, and a lack of a firm hand in the important matter of culling. With intelligence the breeder may build anything he likes upon good constitution. Without it the best original type of sheep or cattle, horses or pigs, will degenerate and in time become loss and less valuable, pedigree or no pedigree. Moreover, it should always he borne in mind that the purity of hi oo /* in pedigree stock intensifies the , faults of a strain or breed, if these are not cheeked by careful culling and judicious blending of outside kindred blood. The effect of r repotency is shown in the transmissior of in-bred defects ns well as of in-bred merits. In selecting pure-bred stock for breeding purposes one should always have an idea type of the breed in question in one’s mind, and endeavour to produce it with as much uniformity as is practically possible. Without recorded pedigrees the task would be infinitely more difficult, if not impossible. An animal that is not true to type, or shows signs of poor constitution, is not worth breeding from, no matter what his pedigree mav be. South American Wool

The South American wool season dated from October 1 to September 30 and for first nine months of the current season, i.e.. from October 1 to June 30 there was a decrease in the exports for the Argentine of 54.841 bales and in those for Urtiqiiay of 70,837 bales or a total of 125.078 bales us compared with the orevious season. (The average weight, of South American wool is 420 kilos —Kiln

By Rusticus.

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

MR C. D. LLOYD, the well-known VICTORIAN BREEDER of the “Glen Iris” Jersey* (Caulfield. Victoria), use* SYKES’S DRENCH AND VETERINARY REMEDIES on his valuable animals because it is the best. He is a breeder of some note, and his example is worth following by all farmers. Try the SYKES METHOD OF DRENCHING each cow after calving this season, and note the result. Sykes’s Drench is sold everywhere at is fld a packet ot 17* a dozen.

TOPICS OF INTEREST OFFICIAL NOTES

Mr R. B. Tennent, fields superintendent, Department of Agriculture, has consented to deliver nil illustrated lecture on ensilage to the members of the Hillend and Awamangu branches at Hillend to-morrow evening.

At the recent meeting of the Southland Executive the president (Mr P. Arnott) referred to the success of the series of rally meetings which had,, been held throughout Southland. He expressed the appreciation of the executive to the assistance received from Mr D. M. Malloch, Invercargill manager of the Otago Farmers’ Union Mutual Insurance, and Mr W, R. Harris, of Fertilisers (South Island), Ltd.

The Southland Executive has instructed its Economic Committee to investigate the possibilities of securing cheaper woollen goods for their members. Mr G. Hamilton (Lumsden) brought the. matter up and submitted a schedule showing the cost of various materials manufactured hy Scottish mills and also the manufacturing costs of same. The figures submitted by Mr Hamilton showed a very wide margin of profit on the retail prices charged iu the Dominion. A motion submitted by the Apnrima branch, “ That the Government be asked to reduce all mortgage interest on all farm lands to 3 h per cent, for the coming twelve months,” was lost.

At the request of the Otago Provincial Council the Dominion Executive has been moving in the matter of seeking reduction in the present w’ool and grain store handling charges. The award is now under consideration and every effort is being made to ensure that the stock agents and others will press for substantial reductions so that they in turn can pass on reductions to the primary producer. The Otago Council line pointed out that in 1913 the rate for ordinary work in a wool and grain store was Is 2d per hour. As wool advanced to uu average of £2B per bale the wage went up to Is IOJd per hour. For the last three years wool has been selling at under the cost of production, the Dominion averages being ns follow: —

Wages for labour in the wool -stores have been reduced 10 cent, and are now Is 9d per hour, just 50 per cent, above 1913, whereas wool prices are 25 per cent, below 1913. Farmers will be very disappointed if the representatives of the stock agents let them down by agreeing to a small reduction on the present rates. This is one of the matters which necessitated a special meeting of the Dominion Advisory Committee last week.

The Southland Executive has forwarded the following letter to the two freezing companies operating in Southland: — “ There is hardly any necessity to draw your attention to the deplorable state’ of the meat industry and to the heavy losses suffered by producers through the abnormally low prices. We realise that you, as exporters, will also make a loss this year on your buying. “While we appreciate fully the facilities your works have provided for your clients who wish to consign on their own account, and also for the improvement in quality and preparation of Southland brands, with consequent rise in prices comparatively with other provinces, and that Southland lamb is second to none in Now Zealand, we feel bound to seek your assistance and consideration- in getting all operating cOstfe down very considerably, and passed on to the producer of the product. While we realise your first duty, as directors, is to your shareholders, we feel that they should not expect to receive the same profit on their investments as received when there was no unemployed. when the producer of frozen meat is not only making no profits, but heavy losses, and while most business people are in the same position. “ We know that much of the too high cost of exporting is not under your control, but we respectfully ask you to review what is within your sphere, and to assist us to the utmost limit.”

Under the auspices of the various branches of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, successful meetings were held last week at Waikoikoi, Tapanui, Heriot, and Crookston. These meetings were organised for the purpose of introducing to the farming community the Otago Farm Accounting Association, which has been formed for the purpose of helping farmers to keep proper books and records, and also to give them any assistance that they may require in making out the various tax returns which must now be furnished.

equals 2.204G1b.) The distribution of the clip during the nine months is compared below with the figures for the corresponding period of previous seasons: EXPORTED FROM ARGENTINA.

The principal speaker at the meetings was Mr D. M. Malloch, A.R.A.N.Z., manager of the Invercargill branch of the Otago Farmers’ Union Mutual Fire Insurance Association, who has had long experience in dealing with farm bookkeeping. Mr Malloch spoke on farm finance, taxation, and book-keeping. He pointed out the ever-growing necessity for keeping some permanent record of the various transactions on the farm, especially in these limes when it is necessary for everyone to keep a very strict watch on all expenditure. He also spoke of the great benefits to be obtained by the farmer from having a clear statement of his position at the end of each year. Those present showed great interest in what Mr Malloch had to say, and it was generally agreed that the work being undertaken by the Otago Farm Accounting Association will be a great boon to the farmers who take advantage of the service.

At the conclusion of Mr Mulloch’s address Mr W. R. Harris, of the Fertilisers (South Island. N.Z.), Ltd., spoke on the various uses of fertilisers.

The Dominion Executive recently instructed their solicitors to submit a legal opinion upon the following questions: Can certain mercantile firms who have a clause in their chattel securities to the effect that should the mortgagor not trade with the mercantile firm holding the security charge a commission of per cent, on stock sold through an outuside firm or person, even when the mercantile firm does not trade in one of the classes of stock being disposed of? “Also, can the mercantile firm charge a commission of 2J per cent, on the collection of moneys through a dairy factory by an order on the settlers cheques? ” Tire following reply will be of general interest to farmers:— “ Certain mercantile firms have a clause in their chattel securities to the effect that should the mortgagor not trade with the mercantile firm holding the security then a commission of 2$ per cent, will be charged on stock sold through an outside firm or person, even when the mercantile firm does not trade in one of the classes of stock being disposed of. “Also, can the mercantile firm charge a commission of 2J per cent, on the collec-tion-of moneys through the dairy factory hy an order on the settlers’ cheques? “ We find it difficult to give a satisfactory answer to these questions, having regard to the general way in which they iire put, and, before advising definitely thereon, would like to have before us a specimen of the chattels security in which ihe clauses'referred to appear. “ On the face of it, the matter is purely iwie of contract between the mortgagor and the mortgagee, and a stipulation that the mortgagee should be entitled to handle the sale of the mortgagor’s stock would be valid and enforceable. If, however, the mortgagee does not trade in one of the classes of stock which the mortgagor has to dispose of, it may well be that a provision imposing a restriction on the mortgagor and providing a penalty in favour of the mortgagee amounts to an unreasonable restraint of trade, which would not be binding on the mortgagor. Furthermore. it would be a question of tire construction of the clause in question whether it was not to be an implied condition of the application of the clause that the mortgagee should deal in that class of business. The matter depends largely on the interpretation of the actual words used, and we cannot -venture any. further opinion on the subject without the materials before us. “ As regards the charge of 2J per cent, on the collection of milk cheques, it seems to us that the charge could be justified only if expressly provided for in the mortgage. In this case, again. the language of the document is the important consideration.” MEETING AT WAIKOUAITIf The monthly meeting of the Waikouaiti branch was held on Friday last. Mr J. Maxwell (president) presided over a good attendance of members. Correspondence from the provincial secretary was read and dealt with. The following resolutions were carried; “ That, as the Flock House scheme was doing a good work and the 000 boys who j had gone through were doing well for j themselves, the Provincial Council having accepted the responsibility of sending one boy from Otago, this branch was quite willing to give a donation towards the training of one boy.’’ “That, as the shearers and shed hands award expired on October 21, and as no agreement had been reached with the representatives of the Workers’ Union regarding the rates of pay. this meeting fall in with the rates of pay for the 1932-33 shearing season recommended by the sheepowners of Otago and Southland districts.” . _ _ , Mr William Lee spoke on Power Board matters in regard to the changing of the meetings from Dunedin to Milton. This was being recommended by some of the Power Board members as it was suggested that, by doing so. a saving would be made financially, Mr, Lee said he'was all . for the saving if it could be proved that a saving could be effected by the change. The secretary reminded members that poisoned grain for the small bird pest was now ready at the county office and that all ratepayers were entitled to at least one bag. . „ r A copy of an address given by Mrs Techemnker in Hawke’s Hay was read advising all farmers to join the Tanners Union and not to all pull against one another, ns was so common among farmers. By sticking together they would be much stronger -and could do better work. A motion was passed that, starting with next meeting, the meetings would start at 8 p.m. instead of 7.30 p.m., ns had been the practice during the winter and spring months. . After an enjoyable supper (provided hy members of the Women’s Division), Airs Tait read a very interesting and instructive paper on the fireless conker, and received a hearty vote of thanks at its conclusion.

THE PIG TRADE SOWS AND LITTERS NEED FOR INVESTIGATION Instructive pig records have been issued by Mr J. Hunter Smith , and Mr J. W. Reid of the Hertfordshire Institute ot Agriculture, England. Pig-keeping at the institute, he says, is organised as a separate department under charge of a lull* time stockman. From the period under review, April 1, 1923, to March 31, 1930, from 10 to 20 sows have been kept, and, with few exceptions, pigs bred have-been sold off the premises for pork or bacon, but mainly for pork. During the dry period the breeding sows run on rough woodland pasture with sheltered sheds, but are brought up to farrowing pens a week or fortnight before farrowing. The young pigs remain with their mothers tor approximately eight weeks, so are kept outdoors for that time. As soon as possible after weaning they come into a fattening shed. , . . The special object until the spring ot 1928 was to produce pork, but thereafter a number of pigs were fed to bacon weight. There is a good local demand tor pork pigs weighing from 1201 b live weight. From 1923 to 1930 the total number of litters was 213. the number of pips born alive (1823) giving an average litter ot 8.56. ' The 213 litters have been obtained over seven years from an annual average number of sows of 15.7, thus giving an average of 1.93 litters per sow per annum. The ideal is two litters per annum, and this has almost been reached. A general review of the breeding results is summarised as follows: —

Numbers of litters .• ; Pigs born alive, per litter .. .. 8.00 Pigs, weaned, per litter 7.63 Pigs reach ins maturity, per litter 6.83 Loss between birth and weaning 11 per

cent. Loss from weaning to maturity, 10 per cent. NEED FOR RECORDING.

It is stated that wide variations emphasise the need for systematic recording on commercial farms to measure the problems and reduce the losses, and to determine which breeds excel and what is comprised in the term “good tnanage-

ment.” Only financial results tell the true story of profit and loss. Cost accounts have been kept since 1923, and the following notes arc based on thb information they contain about the pig department:—

The system of feeding by control also shows in a favourable light when viewed from another standpoint. For every £IOO spent on feeding stuffs the total cash sales were approximately £135. On the seven years’ working there is a total profit 'of £423 6s lid, and the incidence of profits and loss has been as follows: —

These figures show wide variation and illustrate very clearly the ups and downs of the pig trade. FURTHER INFORMATION REQUIRED.

It is stated that details indicate a low return from pig-keeping, and emphasise that further information is urgently required to eliminate weak links in management. A litter average of 6.83 pigs reaching maturity does not appear satisfactory, and if this is the normal figure (and there is every reason to believe that it is not a low one) then investigations are considered necessary to trace where the weakness lies. Is it, a question of breed, or type, or both? Experience on the farm indicates that breed is no.t unimportant, but, even within the same breed, sows give varying results. Is there a weakness in our knowledge of the management of young pigs till weaned? The mortality of II per cent, is probably not unusual. The same question can be asked of the next stage, weaning to maturity. Further investigation in management, and also in the incidence of disease, seems called for. • Finally, can control of goods be carried . further to ensure an economic Use of food on the basis of weight for .age?

Octobei 1 to J une 30. 1031-3-2. 1930-31. 1929-30. England .. .. 04,740 100,044 07.090 Germany .. .. 38,640 71,395 58,700 France .. 50,207 57,022 47,405 Italy .. .. .. 32,962 17.803 20,577 Belgium .. .. 27,793 45,175 44,960 U.S.A. .. .. 13,107 26.500 31.094 Holland .. .. 3.597 2,849 1,885 Spain .... .. 2.574 3,077 1,020 Other countries 3,035 0,127 0,713 275,811 330,652 279.467 EXPORTED FROM URUGUAY. England .. 17.307 41,088 33.290 Germany ., ,. 19,803 34.403 20.741 France .... 24,880 24.500 Italy .. .. .. 12,918 14,770 15,806 Belgium .. .. 0.251 14,008 13,044 U.S.A. .. 570 6.113 13,902 Holland .. .. 4.455 0,040 4,612 Spain 850 1,902 485 Other countries 1.59G 3,075 5,339 75,508 146,405 138,379

1929-30 . . £12 2 2 per bale. 1930-31 . 7 19 i per bale. 1931-32 . 7 10 9 per bale.

£ s. d. Valuation, 23 .. 1.34 0 0 Manual labour .. ..... 12 9 Horst* labour .. 39 17 4 Purchase! of stock .. ..... .. 484 2 0 Fooels: Homo-grown ,. .. .. 760 2 10 Miik ... .. .. 76 6 1 Purchased 'n . .. .. 3971 13 6 Implements—depreciation ... 95 0 0 Establishment .. .. .. .. .. 201 1 4 Veterinary .. 83 0 5 Sundries .. / 60 0 5 Net profit .. 423 0 11 £7155 4 0 - £ 9. d. 6444 4 9 Service fees .. 26 5 0 Manorial residues .. . • .. 406 14 3 Valuation, 1930 .. 27 0 0 Experimental account .. .. 191 0 0 £7155 .•4 0

Profit. Loss. £ s. d. £ s. d. 1923-24 191 13 9 1924-25 .. • • • • 25 10 3 1925-20 .. .. .. 70 18 4 1920-27 .. .. ... 311 11 1 1927-28 .. .. 22 9 4 1928-29 .. .. .. 38 0 11 1929-30 .. .. .. 191 14 3