THE RURAL WORLD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22544, 11 April 1935, Page 3

THE RURAL WORLD.

FARM AND STATION NEWS.

By IlusTictis

WOOL SALES, 1934-35 Wool sales for the 1934-35 season have been arranged as follows: Apr. 13—Wellington. 1934-35 ‘SHOW SEASON ROSTER OF DATES Agricultural and pastoral shows have been arranged as follows for the 1934-35 season:— 1935. April 22.—Strath-Taieri, at Middlemarch. April 22. —Mackenzie County, at Fairlie. OTAGO PROVINCIAL SHEEP DOG ASSOCIATION Affiiated clubs of the Otago Provincial Sheep Dog Association have arranged trial dates as follows; Waitaki.—April 8,9, 10, 11. Omarama. —April 11, 12, 13. Tokarahi.—April 29, 30, May 1. Palmerston. —May 7,8, 9. Waihemo. —May 15, 16, 17. Ngapara.—May 20, 21, 22. Miller’s Flat.—May 23, 24, 25. Wanaka.—May 28, 29, 30. Lowburn. —May 31. Upward Wool Trend The tendency in the wool market at the present time is definitely upward and there are very good reasons for the expectation that wool prices will improve still more in the near future. Specialists are not prepared to hazard confident predictions on this score, because they know from experience that the wool market has a habit of upsetting calculations,_ but we should appreciate that wool prices are still very depressed indeed, and stocks in manufacturers’ hands are said to be low. The factors which may be operating to the benefit of wool prices seem to be:— 1. Prospects of diminished supplies next season. 2. Limited stocks of raw material on hand in oversea countries. 3. Low prices for wool, particularly for gold standard countries. According to reports it is improbable that the South African clip will be much more than 600,000 bales next season. The recent drought in that country depleted flock numbers greatly, and although seasonal conditions are favourable now, it will take South Africa some time to reach the maximum output of earlier years. In South America and New Zealand the output of superior clothing wools is not likely to ho increased very much, and it would not be surprising if the prevailing drought in Queensland causes a considerable shortage in the next Commonwealth clip compared with the clip of this season. That raw wool stocks in Britain are low there appears to be very little doubt. According to an official report raw wool in warehouses and depots in Great Britain at the end of February were 25 per cent, below those at the end of February, 1934. Stocks in railway and canal deppts in Yorkshire, which reflect the position in manufacturing centres, were 50 per cent, below the stocks at the end of February, 1934. It is believed also that in European countries and Japan stocks are low. Some manufacturers are bare of wool. In Germany some woollen manufacturing establishments may bo obliged to shut down because of depleted stocks.

Low Prices The low price of wool is. however, the soundest factor upon which to have an opinion concerning market tendencies. A movement from gold such as the depreciation of the Belgian currency, which has occurred, might easily make a great diiference. At the recent"sales buyers tor France have been very active. It may be that the French manufacturers are determined to lay in stocks of wool while it is cheap, as it is at present in terms ot French currency- Even at the rates oi last season, which were 50 per cent, to 60 per cent, higher than the rates of this season, wool was anything but dear to the principal wool-using countries, with the single exception of Japan, and now it is good buying even by Japan, with her greatly depreciated yen. But there is not • much raw wool available to buy, and rates are hardening in consequence, ihe recent improvement in the market was un- , expected a few weeks ago when experts considered that any advance on the then current rates were improbable this season. Yet the market has improved in the interim quite appreciably, and such are the proverbial vagaries of wool.

Ayrshire Bull for the East \n Ayrshire bull. Dandy Gold Bonus, bred by Mr Thomas Knowles, Dandenong (Victoria 1 has been sold for export to China. He is ■by Maesgwyn Prince Alfred (imp., from New Zealand), who was ex Maesgwyn Victoria, who Produced under official test in New; Zealand 16,5071 b milk and 6461 b butter-fat in 365 days. Victoria’s granddam, Maesgwyn Hazel, holds a milk record for the Ayrshire breed in New Zealand with 20,7251 b milk. Her sire’s dam, Maesgwyn Princess, produced 4571 b butter-fat in 228 days She was champion dairy cow at Palmerston North Royal Show, and was sold for 505 guineas at auction. The dam of Dandy Gold Bonus is Dandy Lily, by Beleura Sarchedon ex Solo of Ladybanks, reserve champion Ayrshire cow at Melbourne Royal Show, 1923. Beleura Sarchedon is now the herd .sire in the Willowvale Stud. Dandy Lily produced as a junior two-year-old under Government herd test in 273 days 78321 b milk, 3181 b fat and as a three-year-old 98371 b milk, 4081 b fat. His second dam, Fernhill Betty, is by Merryboy of Glen Lockesley, and produced in 273 days as a junior three-year-old 70611 b milk, 3001 b fat; as a junior four-year-old her record wag 72291 b milk, 3221 b fat, and as a six-year-old 11,06, 1 b milk and 4971 b fat. Merryboy of Glen Lockesley sired Fernhill Rocina, who produced 11,1421 b milk, 5081 b fat. This is probably the first Ayrshire bull sold tor export to the East from Victoria, although several cows were exported in 1934, one of the cows being from the Dandy stud.

Young Farmers’ Clubs Considerable interest is being taken in young farmers’ clubs throughout Otago and Canterbury, especially since the successful young farmers’ meeting which was held in Christchurch some months ago (savs the Christchurch Times). As far as Canterbury is concerned tne movement is progressing, and at this time of the year many meetings are being held throughout the province. At the last meeting of the Canterbury Provincial Council of the New Zealand I< ederatiou of Young Farmers’ Clubs Mr S. D. Blomfield who is in the Canterbury area for the purpose of holding club meetings, presented a very favourable report on the work which is being carried on throughout the Dominion. He stated that as far as the bout It Island was concerned there had been an increase in the number of clubs since the formation of the federation in March of last year of from six to 40. ihfc general "work done by the clubs throughout the province had been most gatistactory. A pleasing point about their work was the genera! increase in enthusiasm in the clubs. There were very few clubs that had needed a great deal of “ nursing,” though it had been recognised that the most important peripd in the existence of any club was during the first few months. Stock demonstrations, field days, debates, lectures and a fair amount of study of various agricultural subjects by individual members of the clubs had comprised the programme of activities. Australian Dairying Australia has - several organisations concerned in the improvement of the dairying industry, but. taking a leaf out of New Zealand’s book, it has now decided to set up one controlling body, the Australian Agricultural Council. Voluntary bodies established by the industry include tiic Stabilisation Committee, which is concerned with fixing of a home consumption price for butter; the Aus-

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

tralian Dairy Council; dairymen’s associations which have been set up in the various States; and the Primary Producers’ Associations, all of which study the interests of dairymen. The Australian Agricultural Council was set up as the outcome of a conference of Commonwealth and State Ministers, and its definite purpose is to establish an organisation that will provide a basis for continuous consultation among Australian Governments on economic aspects of primary production.

TOPICS OF INTEREST, OFFICIAL NOTES.

Wise-cracks for the week:— “ Three women may keep a secret —if two are dead.” "It takes a lot of nerve to succeed, but it takes a lot more to explain why you didn’t.”

The suggestion has been made by the Palmerston Branch of the Farmers’ Union that members should be allowed to pay a life membership subscription of £lO 10s. If this suggestion were adopted and members availed themselves of it, the union would save the cost of collection fees and the members would be free from all further calls upon them.

The annual meeting of the South Taieri Youqjr Farmers’ Club was held at Berwick last week, when the following officebearers were appointed for the current year:—Chairman, Mr A. C. Drake; vicechairman, Mr John Wither; secretary and treasurer, Mr W. Kofoed, jun. Mr R. G. Stiell was re-elected president of the club.

The new season’s work- of the Farm Accounting Association commenced on April, 1, and is now in full swing. Bookings have been made for approximately 1000 farmers, and every day brings in additional inquiries. Mr C. F. Jones present working with Balclutha as his headquarters, and he will be there until the 17th inst. After Easter he will commence his Central work in Ranfurly. Mr H. P. Aitken is handling the bulk of the Dunedin interviews.

Of what use is freedom of thought, if it will not produce “freedom of action?” -—Swift. Last week’s meeting of the Portobello Young Farmers’ Club was addressed by Mr A. L. Thompson, M.R.C.V.S., of the Government Live Stock Department, on the subjects of “Tuberculosis of Stock” and “ Foot and Mouth Disease.” The lecture, which was illustrated with lantern slides, proved most interesting. The next meeting of the club will take the form of a debate on the motion “That Fresian Cattle arc Superior to Jersey Cattle,” and the annual meeting has been fixed for the 23rd inst.

"We did not form the Farm Accounting Association to make profit,” said Mr A. C. Leary during the discussion held at the annual meeting. “ The idea was to give an efficient service to farmers at a chai’ge which -would enable the service to be self-supporting. It is very gratifying to see that our ideal has been realised so soon,” continued Mr Leary. “The progress made by the association in Otago, Southland and Canterbury has been remarkable.”

As is usual towards the close of the financial year, outstanding subscriptions arc coming in steadily. It /would be a very big help to the provincial secretary if members whose subscriptions are in arrears could band same to the local branch secretary, or send same in to the office without delay.' Doubtless, quij.e a number of members are waiting until they have been personally canvassed, but a moment’s thought will show that this involves a great deal of expense. Every subscription which is handed in saves the union quite an appreciable amount in collection fees.

The annual meeting of the Enfield Young Farmers’ Club was held at Enfield last week, when the following officebearers were elected: —Chairman, Mr J. Gibson; secretary and treasurer, Mr R. Presland. Mr D. Malcolm was re-elected president.

A meeting of directors of the Otago Farmers’ Union Mutual Fire Insurance Association was held last week. Reports from all branches indicate,a steady increase in the business of the association. Fire losses for the past twelve months have averaged about the same as previous years. Accident claims, particularly claims of a trivial nature, show a marked increase at all points.

Nominations are now coming to hand for the Provincial Council. Four nominations have been received from the Rox-burgh-Miller’s Flat district —Messrs T. Stockdill, J. Spain, H. Davidson and P. J. Scott. Messrs Stuart Sim (Heriot), W. J. M'Kenzie (Waikoikoi) and C. W. Hallum (Waikouaiti) have been nominated by their respective districts. are again reminded that nominations close on the 30th instant, and that any two financial members can nominate any other financial member for the Provincial Council.

Young Farmers’ Chib activities are again beginning in earnest, and several branches have drawn up very interesting programmes for the winter months. The Five Forks Club had a very successful annual meeting on Tuesday last, the following office-bearers being elected: Chairman, Mr J. Johnstone; secretary, Mr J. MacGregor; Mr M. Austin being re-elected president. The club decided to hold fortnightly meetings during the ensuing year.

The annual meeting of the. Clinton Young Farmers’ Club will be held on Tuesday evening next, the speaker being Mr A. C. Cameron.’ Mr Cameron’s subject will be “ Some Aspects of Overseas Marketing.”

“Why have your farm accountants had to give up doing the work on the individual farms?” asked one. of those present at the annual meeting of the Farm Accounting Association last week. “ Because unless we complete a number of accounts each day we cannot do the work economically. Many of the farmers visited on the farms had their material ready and were at hand at the time for which the appointment was made. Others were out drafting or shifting sheep. Occasionally our farm accountants had to wait until the drafter had left, or there was some other unexpected reason for delay. We would have liked to have continued doing the work on the farm, but we have had, somewhat reluctantly, to abandon the practice and concentrate on certain centres. Now. if we were to go on to one farm, the other farmer wouldn’t like it.” replied Mr A. C. Cameron.

Last week, during the course of a discussion at the Gatlins field day, the question arose of how to keep as members farmers who were right up against it financially, and who, although very keen, had not the wherewithal to pay their subscriptions. Mr George Wilson (Glenomaru) made the suggestion that each branch be allowed to nominate annually three or four members whose subscriptions would be credited as being paid in full, the Provincial Council and Dominion Executive foregoing capitation on such subscriptions. If the branch concerned had no members who required special consideration it could either forego the offer or grant three or four members one free year’s subscription. The idea appealed to those taking part in the discussion, as it was felt that all branches would have to be treated alike, and if the onus was placed upon the Brandi Committee to say who should or who should not got the concession, there

should he little cause for complaint. One farmer might argue that the other man could pay his subscrip,tion just as well as ho could, and this might lead to trouble, but all agreed that the suggestion was worth considering at the forthcoming Provincial Conference.

One of the most successful Farmers’ Union rallies yet held in Otago was organised on Wednesday, April 3, by the various Catling branches of the Farmers’ Union and Women’s Division, and the Owaka Valley Young Farmers’ Club. Those directly responsible for the arrangement were Mesdames George Wilson • and G. C. Capon and Messrs W. Bradfield and Norrish, assisted bv a strong committee. On the day in question several hundred settlers gathered in the commodious convention buildings at Pounawea. and although the elements were anything but kind, the whole function _ went with a swing from start to finish. Mr W. Bradfield presided, and whilst the men listened to a Romney demonstration* by Mr John Miller (Maurigatua) and a fat lamb talk from Mr Taylor, of the Southland Frozen Meat Company, the ladies had a most interesting talk on homo science extension plans from Miss V. Macmillan, of Otago University. Later, after a royal repast served by the local ladies, the men and women combined, and interesting addresses were delivered by Mrs J. F. Drake (Berwick), provincial president, W.D.F.U.: Mrs W. Elliot (Clarendon), member of Otago Provincial Council; Mr M. A. Kinney, provincial president, N.Z.F.U.; Mr W. Lee (member of council), and Mr A. C. Cameron. A liberal afternoon tea brought a very enjoyable gathering to a close. ACIDITY OF THE SOIL NOT INCREASED BY SUPERPHOSPHATE Many agriculturists still wrongly hold the opinion that continued liberal dressings of superphosphate develop an acid condition in the soil. Analytical investigations in the leading agricultural countries of the world have definitely established the fact that this is not the case, and experiments have shown that superphosphate neither causes acidity niir increases the acidity which may exist in the soil; actually, the Americans were the first to disprove the contention that superphosphate acidified soil. “Well-made superphosphate has no acidifying effect on soils,” states Sir John Russell, director of the Rothamsted Agricultural Experimental Station in England. At this celebrated institution, which was founded in 1843, and which since has enjoyed a world-wide reputation for its fertiliser experiments, close attention has been given for many years to the subject of acidity of the soil, and in 1856 an experiment field wag commenced. Since then the field has been manured sdlely with superphosphate dressings of 439 kilos per hectare (equal to approximately 3921 b per acre) given annually. In 1925 its degree of acidity had undergone no change whatever, although it had received over a total period of 76 years 32 tons of superphosphate per hectare (equal to about 13 tons per acre). In 1927 the Rothamsted Station undertook a complete series of new experiments with a view to checking these results, and, for this purpose, a certain number of soils coming from different districts were • studied very closely. At the same time field experiments were carried on in several countries. Increased dressings of superphosphate, varying between 800 and 1600 kilos per hectare (between 713.76 and 1427.521 b per acre) were given. In no case did any increase of acidity occur, and it was even found that, in the case of the two most acid soils, the acidity had actually diminished materially.