THE RURAL WORLD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22212, 15 March 1934, Page 3

THE RURAL WORLD.

FARM AND STATION NEWS.

By RtrsTicus

1933-34 SHOW SEASON ROSTER OF DATES Agricultural shows have been arranged for the 1933-34 season as follows: — March 17 .. .. .. Upper Clutha, at Pembroke. April 2 .. .. M »• Fairlie. April 2 '••• •• •• •+ Strath-Taieri at ,i Middlemarch. April 12 .. .. .. Temuka and Qeraldine, at Winchester. 1133-34 WOOL SEASON ROSTER OF SALES Wool sales have been arranged as follows for the 1933-34 wool-selling season iv New Zealand: — J Place. Data. ■\ Wellington .. .. March 19 Napier .. ~ .. March 23 Auckland .... March 27 Christchurch .. April 6 Dunedin .. •• April 10 : Wanganui .... April 17 > Napier .. .. .. April 20 Wellington .... April 24 i The April sale dates are tentative only, subject to revision, and will tie held only if sufficient wool is available. OTAGO PROVINCIAL SHEEP DOG ASSOCIATION : ■' / THIS YEAR'S TRIALS. The association has fixed the following locations and dates for the. collie dog trials for 1934: Wakatipu.—March 15,16, and 17. Mossburn.—March 19, 20, and 21. Patearoa.—March 22, 23, and 24. Kuriwao.—March 27 and 28. Strath-Taieri.—April 3 and 4. Kyeburn.—April 5,6, and 7. . Omarama.—-April 9, 10, and 11. Waitaki.—April 12, 13, and 14. , " Palmerstdn.— 10, and 11. Waihemo.—May 16, 17, and 18. .: Millar's Flat.—May 22, 23, and 24. ; Clutha.—May. 25, 26, and 28. Warepa.—May 29, 30, and 31; June 1 (Otago Provincial Championship).. South Island Sheep Dog Association Championship (to be held at Strath Taieri).—June 19, 20, 21, and 22.

Danger of Substitutes ' Early in the season, when it, became clear that the clothing wools of the / world would be in short supply, manufacturers, of rayon; cotton goods, and other competing textiles increased their output. : 'ln-recent months the production of rayon '.particularly has been stimulated. Woolgrowers have been told that they have very little to fear from substitutes. Rayon, it wag said, might be a strong competitor with cotton, but not with wool. Even the so-called synthetic wool could ..make but slight headway against the natural product, and other artificial textile fibres had only limited markets. But it is idle and dangerous i' to a&ujrte that wool is secure against the serious competition of other goods. Indeed, the unexpected market irregularities experienced recently can be traced in part to the use of more artificial fibres. Much of the new season's "woollen" goods" will "contain, If adulterants and less wool than usual. Already rayon can be seen in greater quantities in the latest materials to be. placed on the market.

Sydney Averages For tba current season, which is nearing ita end. however, no serious setback to raw wool prices need be feared (says R V. B. in the Australasian). In Sydney and Adelaide the markets have been firm at very satisfactory values. Values generally are well below the highest rates of the season, it is true, but: they are nearly double the rates of last season, and are far better than anyone a year ago could have anticipated. ' The Sydney market affords the best guide to average values, because about 40 per cent, of the entire Australian clip is sold there. Sales have been held in. that centre during: 18 weeks 6ince the seaeon opened late in August. For the first week, ended September 2, the average was 12.7 d per lb, and there was a rise during the following week to 14.5 d, but a gradual decline set in subsequently till the average for the week ended October 7, when superior catalogues Were submitted, was only 12;3d a lb. That was the lowest level measured by average price* for the season in Sydney. Averages are misleading, of course, because catalogues differ, but it may be said that the sales held early in October were the weakest. The average for the week ended October 14 was a little better (12.7 d a lb), and then there was an improvement till for the week ended November 18 the average in Sydney was 16.1 d a lb, but the peak of the season was reached in January. For the. week ended January-6 the Sydney average was 19.3 d a lb, followed by an average of 21.1 d a lb for the next week, and then a •lightly easier tendency was experienced, and-recent averages, allowing for the types of wool offered, have been ljd to 2d a lb lower.,. .• • . .-J It would seem from these figures that the market has fluctuated between 12.3 d and 21.1 d. but such is not the case exactly. The best wools from the laterahearing districts contributed to the better average prices, in January, although values were undoubtedly at their peak, too. ■ ■ '

Wise-cracks for the week:—

What are the Prospects? What are the prospects for next season? Whether wool will drop or not nobody can tell; but there is little doubt that compared with the prices of rayon, cotton, and /other textile materials, wool is in the danger zone. Either these materials might be expected to advance or wool give ground;to some extent. Some specialists have stated that while wool is 12d a lb all round, or lower, there will he restricted markets for substitutes or adulterants, but when wool goes beyond 12d a lb the competition of rival fabrics will be felt. Wool i* unlikely to go to very high values, because the substitutes which, can be turned out in increasing quantities very rapidly will-always act as a steadying influence! IJ; is a'pity, others say, that the spectacular rise in wool values occurred-this season,, for the reason that. the relatively high wool prices have directed the atten-tion,-of the public to substitutes before woof came fully into its own again for general use. Low wool prices had enabled manufacturers to turn out superior piece goods made entirely of wool for the benefit of the masses; Good, warm, and lasting clothing has been available at extremely, low prices in consequence, and substitutes could not compete. It is argued that had there been another year of low wool prices th 6 masses would have become so much accustomed to woollen goods that they would not easily be weaned

Items of interest t© those engaged in agricultural and pastoral pursuit* with--a view to their publication in these columns, will be welcomed. They ehould be addressed to "Rusticus," Otago Daily Times, Dunedin.

away from these goods, even by the lure of the cheap substitutes. That may be convincing enough, but it can be said also that another year of low prices might have resulted in disaster to the woolgrowing industry. There may be something in the contention, on the other hand, that the rise that has occurred.this season was too sudden and sharp to be of lasting benefit, and it will be a pity if the industry has to compete more keenly next season with artificial materials. At preaent the opinion most common in trade circles is that prices for the 1934-35 clip will be considerably lower unless marked changes for the better in general loading conditions occur.

Australian Export Statistics "Japan dominates the market," "Continental buyers active," or some such expression ig frequently seen in wool market reports. > We seldom read of Yorkshire dominating the market. Perhaps it is that the buyers for Britain, are, as a rule, the least conspicuous in the auction rooms. But if the export statistics mean anything they indicate that Britain is still by far the best wool customer of Australia, and if any one section of buyers has dominated the market this season it has been the Yorkshire section. These buyers have operated most consistently. For the period July 1, 1933, to January 31, 1934, wool shipments from Australia to Britain amounted to 631,817 bales, or about one-third ,of the total wool exports from Australia. Next to Britain is Japan on the list of our wool customers; then come Germany, Belgium, France, Italy, Poland, and the United States in that order, followed by various, other countries. Details of Shipments Wool shipments to the various coun-, tries for the periods July 1, 1933, to January 31, 1934, and for the same period of the previous season are shown by the table below:—

The striking features of this table, in addition to the increase in the shipments to' Britain, are the greatly increased exports to Belgium, Germany, Italy, Poland, the United States, Netherlands, and Canada, and the decreases to France, Czechoslovakia, India and Spain; France until recently was always second in the list of Australia's wool customers, but she has„fallen to fifth place now. It will be noted also that, despite; the shortage of wool output this season,', the quanity exported is greater than the quantity shipped away for the period ended January 31, 1933. New Zealand Meat The New Zealand Meat Producers' Foard has been advised by its London manager that the following retail prices were being quoted for New Zealand lamb and mutton retailed in London during February, 1934. These prices represent a fair average of the prices quoted by the better class shops in London for the Best quality of New Zealand lamb and mutton: — New Zealand Lamb.—Logs lid per lb, shoulders lOd per lb, loins 10 per lb, necks 6d per lb; breasts 3d per lb, forequarterg 7Jd" per lb, hindquarters lid per lb. New Zealand Mutton (Wether).— Legs Hi per lb, shoulders 8d per lb, loins 8d per lb, necka 4d per lb, breasts 3d per lb.

Dairy Farmer's Cheques A writer in the Star recently quoted the experience of an Auckland dairy farmer with four cows, whose butterfat return for January was only 30.171 b, and his cash receipts 14s lid. Had that farmer used the herd-testing system (says the Star's Otorohanga correspondent), he would have disposed of his herd .and started afresh. Many owners of a single cow hereabouts get much better returns than he did. One family, which has one cow and uses three quarts of milk a day, separates the rest and supplies the factory. In January they got 471 bof butterfat and 25s 6d in cash.

TOPICS OF INTEREST,

OFFICIAL NOTES-

I have observed that people get things in a large measure by. insistent demand for them. —Lord Haldane.

"Keep appearances up and expenses down,' and you will move towards prosperity." • "A political platform is just like the one on the side of a tram, not much to stand on—just to get in on."

It 1b pleasing to note that a Young Sarmers' Club has now been formed at with an initial membership of 12. The office-bearers are as follows: Chairman, Arthur D. Moir; secretary and treasurer, Ernest A. Peek; president, Mr T. Stockdill. We wish this club every success.

The Roxburgh-Miller's Flat branch of the Farmers' Union and Miller's Flat' branch of the Women's Division and Young Farmers' Club are organising a field day to be held on Ormaglade station, Miller's Flat, on or about April 14 next. Arrangements are now in train tor speakers, demonstrations, etc.

It is reported that the United States, with one for every 862 inhabitants, has a larger percentage of lawyers in its population than any other country. Sweden goes to the other extreme, and seems able to manage with only 370 lawers in a population of over 6,000,000 — one lawyer to every 16,450 persons. New Zealand (1932) has a total of 1721—not all practising on their own account—i.e., one lawyer for 877 inhabitants. America has just beaten Us by a whisker, but wait till the 1933 figures are available!

Genius is only the power of making continuous efforts. The line between failure and success is so fine that we scarcely know when we pass it; so fine that we are often on the line and do not know it. How many a man has thrown up his hands at a time when a little more effort, a little more patience, would have achieved success. As the tide goes dear out, so it comes ■ clear in. In business, sometimes, prospects may seem darkest when really they are on the turn. A little more persistence, a little more effort, and what seemed hopeless failure may turn to glorious success. There is no failure except in no longer trying. There is no defeat except from within, no really insurmountable barrier save our own inherent weakness of purpose. —Hubbard. ,

The other day I picked up an Argentine newspaper and noticed a large advertisement -prepared by the " Eat More Beef" Campaign Committee. The following four words were set up in prominent lettering, "Strong men eat meat." Now, there is a lot of talk in New Zealand to-day about ways and means of helping the dairymen. Why not an "eat more butter and cheese" and a

" drink more milk " campaign—conducted, of course, on scientific lines. The milk and cheese consumption of the average New Zealander is deplorably low. Perhaps the consumption of the latter would be helped considerably if an effort was made to prevent low-grade cheese from being disposed of on the local market. In some countries cheese is used extensively for culinary purposes. In America, for instance, it is used in all sorts of dessert dishes. Applie pie, for instance. In some of the States a wellknown couplet runs: Apple pie without some cheese Is like a kiss without a squeeze. * * *

At the annual meeting of the Farm Accounting Association the chairman (Mr A. C. Leary) stated that the demand for the association's experts had been so great,that had it had a larger staff of experienced men it could have extended operations considerably. Since the publication of this report the general manager has been inundated with applications for jobs upon the staff. Some of the applicants had had a good deal of general accountancy experience—others have had none. One enterprising land surveyor thought that he might be able to fit into the organisation, but he was told that it would take more than a theodolite to straighten out- the affairs of some of the accounts we have to handle. In case there are others who are still thinking of making an application, we would state that there are no vacancies on the staff and that we have as many experienced men (who are experts in their profession) as we can employ in the meantime.

We are making provision for handling the accounts of 1000 to 1200 farmers during the coming season, and it is the association's intention to confine its operations to certain portions of Canterbury and the whole of Otago and Southland.

During the course of his remarks at the gathering at Black Gully, Crookston, on Saturday last Mr A. C. Cameron referred to the widespread apathy to the broader interests of the country or to anything that tended to the uplift of the community, which existed throughout many districts. He quoted one or two illustrations of where, at the request of the local branch of the Farmers Union he, had taken outstanding thinkers, scientists, and speakers to lecture in country districts —often at great inconvenience—and where the attendance had been deplorably poor, many members and others living quite close to the hall being too apathetic to turn out. Mr Cameron said he felt that this canker of apathy, which did not exist only in Farmers' Union circles, was spreading, and that there was a grave danger <to those in the country if its growth remained unarrested. After the address a prominent Crookston farmer approached Mr Cameron and, after congratulating him upon his remarks, said: "In my opinion part of the trouble is due to the lack of teaching of citizenship in schools and to the present system where teachers are always on the move. Look at school where Mr taught for nearly 20 years. Every pupil who passed through his hands learnt something of citizenship, and practically all of them have put the teaching into practice to a greater or smaller degree. Nowadays it's one procession of teachers after another, and few. if any, leave any impress upon their pupils." There may be a good deal of truth in the Crookston farmer's diagnosis.

The following extracts are taken from an article by H. G. Miller, B.Sc, of the Rothamsted Experimental Station, appearing in ,the Scottish Journal of Agriculture on "The Relative ductivity of Scottish,'. English, and Danish Agricultural Land.": — Average yield of arable land in 100 food units per acre.

". . . . (2) That Danish results are commonly, ascribed to the cumulative effect of reorganisation, co-operation, agricultural education, and the quick adoption' in practice of the results of energetic scientific research—in other words, to the national policy of the country rather than to the superiority of the Ttfen # engaged' in the industry; (3) the Danish figures look even more striking because their agriculture was so far behind onrs when they undertook their agricultural revolution."

During the recent holidays Mr George Lawn, lecturer in economics at Canter 1 bury College, actually worked in an unemployment relief camp in an endeavour to study the conditions first hand; While he finds much to commend the system, Mr Lawn voices a strong complaint against the method of carrying out major relief works with the primitive equipment of pick and shovel and barrow. He suggests that if proper road machinery were supplied the work would be done at a much lower unit cost. Mr Lawn's statement will meet with the entire agreement of many responsible men and women in this province. We have all seen the priceless spectacle of banks of clay Toeing shifted from one side of the road to the other for no apparent intelligent reason (as at Burnside for instance). It seems to be self-evident to most of us that those unfortunate enough to be in the ranks of the unemployed should be engaged in really economic work, and that such work should be carried out in a minimum of time and with the maximum of efficiency. One would gather that the authorities are afraid of running out of work. If this be so, surely they lack both imagination and initiative. Many of us will be pleased to supply any deficiencies in this respect free, gratis, and for nothing.

The picnic organised by the various branches of the Women's Division and Farmers'. Union at Black Gully last Saturday was held under very favourable weather conditions. Although the attendance was affected by the fact that most of the farmers in the surrounding districts were busy harvesting there was an attendance of some 400 to 500. Some of those present had come from as far afield as Beaumont, Lawrence, Clinton, and Roxburgh. Possibly there is no better spot in Otago for a picnic. The gully .is beautifully sheltered, the native bush makes a perfect setting, and the slides, swings, etc., provided in the children's playground, all went to.make the spot an ideal one for the Catherine; Mrs W..J. M'Kenzie, president of the Waikoikoi branch, welcomed all present, and expressed the pleasure of the gathering at having Professor Strong coming to speak to the district so shortly after her return from America, and also having Mrs Drake and Miss FMiry 6011 present. She also extended a welcome to Messrs A. C. Cameron and S. D. Blomfield. Before the gathering assembled to hear the speakers, Professor Strong took the opportunity of meeting the members of the various Women's Division Executives and discussing with them plans for the new year." Later on, when speaking to the gathering, she referred to some of her experiences abroad, and to the nature of the home science extension work being done throughout America. On numerous occasions she had accompanied the lecturers on their rounds, and thus had a unique opportunity of studying their methods. Professor Strong then gave a most interesting and graphic description of her experiences. Mrs J. F. Drake spoke of the work of the Women's Division, and appealed to all to give it their warm support. She expressed her pleasure at being present at such an interesting gathering. Mr S. D. Blonifield, a member of the staff of the Farmers' Mutual Insurance and Farm Accounting Association from Canterbury, expressed his pleasure at being present, and congratulated the gathering on the excellence of rural organisation generally in Otago. He stressed the need for organisation on broad lines of national efficiency with more co-ordination of both rural and city interests for the common good. He pointed out that in his opinion the most successful way of combating restricted sales of. produce was to study the requirements of the consumers, and endeavour to meet those requirements more successfully than our competitors. In referring to the Yound Farmers' Clubs he mentioned the wonderful growth of this movement in countries which were competing with us for the British market, and hoped that this movement, so necessary to New Zealand, would get the support it deserved. The last speaker, Mr A. C. Cameron, delivered a short, thoughtful address upon certain vital matters of interest to people in the country. A very cordial vote of thanks to the speakers was carrierl on the motion of Mr G. M. Love (Moa Flat). l

1932-3. 1933-4. Country.. , Bales. Bales. Britain .... 539,822 631,817 Japan .. .. 395,398 392,000 Germany ... 226,620 293.805 Belgium .. .. 173,246 ' 250,802 France .... 281,392 160,080 Italy .... 114,681 138,762 Poland .. 13,957 31,510 United States 3,596 12,748 Netherlands 2,938 6,430 Switzerland 5,761 5,588 Canada .. .. 2,000 4,808 Sweden .. .... 4,059 3,581 Czechoslovakia 2,136 1,996 3,756 1,989 Spain .', ..; ■ 4,019 1,268 Other countries .'. .. 1,690 809 1.775,085 1,937,993

England. Scotland. Denmark. 1889-1803 .. 9.5 9.3 6.5 1899-1903 .. 9.8 9.2 7.8 1909-1913 .. 10.0 9.8 10.3 1923-1927 .. 9.8 9.0 12.4 1930-J931 .. 9.7 ,9;5 14.4 Average yield of agricultural land (including permanent pasture in 100 food .units per acre) 1930-1931 ..' -7.7 9.0 over 13.4