ROSTER OF DATES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22058, 14 September 1933, Page 3

ROSTER OF DATES

1933-34 SHOW SEASON

Agricultural shows have been arranged for the 1933-34 season as follows: * 1933 Sept. 28 .. Otago Horse Parade, Tahuna Park. Sept. SO Wyndham Horse Parade, Oct, 25 and 26 .. .. Timaru. Nov. 1 .. .. •• •• Kelso. Nov. 2 Ashburton. Nov. 1,2, and 3.. Manawatu and West Coast, at Palmerston N. Nov, 3 Rangiora. Nov, 9 and 10 .. Canterbury, at Christchurch. Nov. 14 Waimate. Nov. 16 and 17 .. North Otago, at Oamaru. Nov. 18 Taieri, at Outram. Nov. 21 and 22 .. Otago, at Tahuna Park. Nov. 23 and 24 .. Clutha and Matau, at Balclutba. Nov. 25 Winton. Dec, 5 and 6 .. •• Gore. Dec. 8 .. .. .. ... Wyndham. Dec 8 .. .. .. .. 'Maniototo, at Ranfurly. Deo. 12 and 13 .. Southland, at Invercargill. 1934 Feb. 8. 9, and 10 .. Royal, at Auckland. April 12 Temuka and Geraldine, at Winchester. Sydney Wool Sales The appreciation in prices at the Sydney wool sales gives a decidedly brighter outlook for woolgrowing, making the industry a payable activity compared with its lean experiences of the three preceding years. At an average price of 12d for the Australian clip profits are certainly possible. A large number of the clips made averages ranging from 15d to 16d, a few averages of £2O per bale being recorded. The light condition and fine quality of the wool are partially responsible for the high prices obtained for greasy offerings. Wool from the bulk of the outer areas which provided this week’s supplies is normally stronger, in quality and in fairly weighty condition. Its order this season means a decreased cut per sheep and that decline must be borne in mind when assessing owners returns. Millmen abroad who have of late years complained regarding the broadening in fibre shown by the clip will have no reason for criticism in that respect with this season’s wool. Competition was general at the sales. Japan was a decidedly bulky buyer, her activity dispelling ideas that she would not be a keen buyer this season. Yorkshire purchased with freedom. France was a notable buyer, and Germany, Belgium. and Italy also operated in good volume. Australian millmen were appreciable bidders, and America was a limited competitor. Merino Values The figures below showing the clean cost of various types of merino wool on the floor Sydney stores at the low point of last February, June, and last week, illustrate the change in the market which has occurred: — , . Feb. June. Last Week.

The advance has been most apparent since May, though the market showed signs of regaining strength from March onwards. Exchange is a factor in prices in Australian currency. Despite the rise in values experienced, values are only on about 1913-1914 levels in English currency, and are well below that basis in Continental currencies, which are on a gold basis.* So far improved prices over the past few months have not hindered business abroad, but have promoted confidence and sales of manufacture have increased.

First Week’s Averages The average prices secured for wool in Sydney last week is the best figure in Australian currency secured since 19281929. The following figures, show the average obtained at the opening week’s sales during five years:—

In 1931-1932 values improved, reaching £l2 15s 6d per bale, or lOd per lb in November, the average for the full season being £lO 16s 3d or 8.5 d. On Monday the average was ll.Scl, the higher average on subsequent days being due chiefly to. improved selections. Monday’s catalogues included a large number of oddments. The greasy averages quoted show a rise greater than 50 per cent., compared with a year ago. The finer, lighter condition of the clip has enhanced prices in the grease beyond the actual extent to which the market has risen.

Danger of Over-optimism The sheep grazing industry has been in such acute financial stress since 19281929 that it is to be hoped a moderate attitude will be held regarding its brightened prospects. In the boom years excessive prices were paid for land and stock, and the financial wreckage from the falls which subsequently occurred has been a burden on stock owners ever since. The present rise in prices will not enable them to regain the lost ground in a single year. A period of uphill work is ahead for many growers. The burden will be considerably lightened by the improved returns now ruling, but it is well to keep past experiences in regard to prices. For that reason the rates ruling for attractive young wool-growing wethers off the shears during nine years are given below.

A study of them discloses the wisdom of caution in respect to stock prices;—

Values will no doubt rise as a result of recent wool prices, such a development being inescapable, but the tendency to extend rates should be kept in check as much as possible. _ Seasons in addition to wool-earning possibilities play a part in the value of stock.

English Business During the first half of this year activity at the English mills increased to an extent far beyond the most favourable expectations, and has since displayed further growth. The total quantity of wool used has much exceeded all year figures. In view of that fact it is interesting to note that the quantity of imported wool retained for use in the British Isles from January to June last was 1,251,179 bales, compared with 1,288,030 bales in the similar period of 1932, and 1,259,190 bales in 1931. Statistically therefore the indications point to necessary heavy purchasing by Yorkshire. Some idea of the_ marked increase in English mill activity is furnished by figures showing that in the West Riding area the total unemployed in the woollen and worsted trade was only 11,600 at the end of June, compared with 18,000 three months before and 20,000 a year previously. English exports of tops from January to June were 22,023,6001 b, being 2,091,1001 b greater than during the same period of 1932, and 8,074,5001 b more than in 1931. The shipments of worsted yarns were 14,882,3001 b, being slightly less than a year before. Exports of woollen and worsted fabrics were 42,912,700 square yards, an increase of 2,090,100 square yards. As a whole, exports have not expanded to any great degree, improved internal trade being responsible for the growth in turnover. Live Stock for New Zealand The Leeds Mercury refers to British live stock in New Zealand and the plea that the embargo should be lifted. The agitation, the journal is informed, is having some effect, as advices from Wellington indicate there is a _ prospect of the embargo being lifted in the near future, and direct shipments permitted under due and very strict safeguards. The writer adds; “This is very good news to Home breeders. A New Zealander over here at the great shows inspected several flocks of sheep on the Wolds of East Yorkshire, and was prepared to make purchases of sheep had there been any prospect of shipping them to the Dominion.” Good Trade in France

The report of the Comite Central de la Laine, of Paris, covering June, discloses appreciable improvement in the French industry. Comment was made that raw wool stocks tended to be brought back to normal despite the past season’s large clip. Tops, noils, yarns, and fabrics were all in more active demand, though buyers of fabric, particularly dress goods, showed reluctance to pay higher prices. The comite expresses the opinion that the way seems to have been paved for better business with confidence growing among consumers. July advices show further expansion in trade.. At the close of June French stocks of merino tops were 2,789,6001 b lower than a year previously, but the holdings of crossbreds were 2,352,600ib higher. In Germany the stocks of merino tops were also substantially lower than at June, 1932, but crossbreds were slightly greater.

Canada’s Fruit Trade Canada does a considerable export business in fruits, and apples play the leading role. The total number of barrels of apples exported for the 12 months ended March 31, 1933, was 1,780,026. The United Kingdom was the chief market for Canadian apples, taking 1,677,220 barrels. The United States took 17,074; Egypt, 16,213; Newfoundland, 12,688; Belgium, 16,780; and Argentina, 9523 barrels. Other countries to which Canadian apples were shipped in the last fiscal year included British South Africa, Bermuda, New Zealand, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Holland, and Sweden.

OFFICIAL

•The provincial secretary has been advised that the name of the new Farmers’ Union paper will be Point Blank,

Mr A. C. Camerson (general manager) and Mr A. B. Struthers (of the Farm Accounting Association of New Zealand) have agreed to address several meetings in North Otago in connection with farm economies and problems confronting the farmer generally.

At a recent meeting of the Southland executive the following resolution was carried on the motion of Messrs E. K. Sim and W. J. M’Gregor;—“That the Meat Producers Board he requested to investigate the profit of the freezing companies with a view to obtaining a reduction in charges.”

The provincial secretary (Mr A. C. Cameron) and Mr William Lee (member of the Dairy Control Board) have accepted invitations to address meetings this week as follows: —Tahatika, Wednesday evening; Owaka, Thursday evening; Hillend, Friday evening. Mr Cameron will speak on matters of interest to farmers generally and Mr Lee upon the problems facing the Dairy Board.

Nominations are called for two Otago wheat growers to represent the province on the new Wheat Marketing Agency Company, Ltd., now in process of incorporation. There will be an electoral committee of 50 members, of which 39 will be nominated from Canterbury, four from North Otago, two from Southland, one from Marlborough and Nelson, two from the North Island, and two from Otago. Nominations close on September 26.

Those farmers in the South Island who have friends visiting New Zealand with the party of New South Wales farmers who are coming over in February next will have a job to keep up with them. They are to spend one day in Canterbury visiting a woollen mill, a freezing works, Lincoln College, and an experimental farm, not to mention seeing something of Canterbury sheep and wheat farming. Beyond what they see from the train passing through from Christchurch to Invercargill their study of farming conditions in Otago will be made on a one-day journey en route from Queenstown to Dunedin by motor car.

Mr T. Baxter (of the National Farmers’ Union of Great Britain) will arrive in Wellington on Tuesday next. I Intimation has noV been received from the Dominion secretary that arrangements have now been made for Messrs W. J. Poison, M.P. (Farmers’ Union), Duncan (Meat Board), Dynes Fulton (Dairy Board), and Acland (Sheep Owners’ Federation) to confer in Wellington beforehand to formulate a policy re quotas so that the views of the farming com- j munity can be expressed with reasonable 1 unanimity. j

Two representatives from each of the above bodies will meet and welcome Mr Baxter on the 20th instant, and an itinerary will be drawn up for his visit to the principal dairying districts in each island.

From time to time executives and branches of the Farmers' Union discuss the advisability of making it compulsory for fat cattle to be sold across a special cattle weighbridge to be installed at Bumside and elsewhere for this purpose. Although the practice of weighing cattle is common in many counties in the Old Country, the following extract from a recent annual report of one of the district councils of the National Farmers’ Union shows that a difference of opinion still exists: —

“Sales of Fat Cattle by Live Weight.— Headquarters, in view of the sharp difference of opinion in the counties as to the desirability or practicability of instituting any change in the present system, has decided that no further action is possible at the moment in regard to the executive’s suggestion that all fat cattle sold by auction should be sold by the live hundredweight.”

For some years past the Farmers’ Union has consistently advocated reform in local body administration and a reduction in the number of local bodies. Recent reports from the Old Country show that Great Britain has been making tremendous strides in the same direction. Bradford and surrounding district have just completed plans whereby 16 urban districts will be amalgamated into four, and numerous smaller local bodies will be eliminated.

The following extract from the Halifax Courier will give some idea of the magnitude of the task being undertaken by the authorities there, and will serve to emphasise the relatively small problem we have to effect co-ordination here in New Zealand:—

“ The magnitude of the task which confronted the West Riding County Council may be gauged from the fact that the survey covered 147 different local authorities, including 10 non-county boroughs, 109 urban districts, and 28 rural districts. “ The effect of the draft proposals now put forward by the Special County Review Committee would result in the reduction of county districts from 147 to 77.

"The Local Government Act of 1929 called attention to the considerable amount of inefficient administration which was being conducted throughout the country and instructed all county authorities immediately to begin the task of making a comprehensive survey of all county districts and to make recommendations in accordance with their findings. “ It was pointed out by the Minister of Health that many local authorities were prohibited from providing efficient administration owing to the low rateable value over which they had control, and it was assumed, for purposes of general guidance, that no self-contained authority should be allowed to remain in which a Id rate produced less than £IOO. "The task of the West Hiding Council was possibly the largest undertaken by any authority in the country owing to the thickly-populated nature of the area under its administration. “ So great was the work involved that on two occasions it was necessary for the County Council to seek permisison from the Minister of Health to delay definite decisions.” , . The work is definitely going ahead in Great Britain, whereas in New Zealand we have not yet made a start.

d. d. d. 70’a spinners’ fleece .. •• 22 27 84 70'« topmakers’ fleece .. 20 24 32 64-70*a spinners’ fleece *. 10-20 20 S3 04-70’s topmakers’ fleece .. 18 23 SO G4*s spinners* fleece .. .. 18 24 SI 64’« topmakers’ fleece .. 17 23 80 G0/G4*s topmakers* fleece .. 17 22 SO Good pieces 10 20 27 Good bellies 11 IS 25

Per bale. Per lb. £ s. d. d. 1928-1029 24 0 10 17.2 1929-1930 14 12 7 11.4 1930-1931 11 14 0 8.0 1931-1932 8 18 3 0.5 1932-1033 10 17 4 S.2 1933-1031 10 14 8 12.5 (3 days’ sales)

1925 .. . to 26s 1926 .. . to 21s 1027 .. .. to 12s 6d 1928 .. .. 24s 1929 .. . 1930 .. . 10s 1931 to 8s Gd 1932 .. . . .. 6s to 8s 1933 . ' ; to lls