THE RURAL WORLD

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22964, 20 August 1936, Page 3

THE RURAL WORLD

FARM AND STATION NEWS

By RUSTICUS.

Items of interest to those engaged in agricultural and pastoral pursuits, with a view to their publication in these columns, will be welcomed, Th«y should bo addressed to Rusticus, Otago Daily Times, Dunedizs.

Future of Land

" We are optimistic as to the future for the farmer and anticipate an increased demand for land" says the annual review of Messrs Pyne, Gould, Guinness). "An acre of real estate is still a sound investment and the gratifying results from most farming operations this year must further restore the confidence of investors. If the policy of this Dominion is fiirther to inflate its currency, then the possession of a medium sized farm fully stocked should prove, despite the threatened graduated land tax, a sounder investment than the purchase of debentures or loaning money on mortgage." Demand for Land

A good inquiry for tussock and grazing country continues but, the review continues, there is little offering at prices within buyers' limits. Mixed farms of from 150 to 800 acres have shown the biggest turnover. The inquiry is still very keen and any property offered at a reasonable price soon finds a ready sale. Until recently light sheep country has commanded very little attention, but improved farming methods and the success which has attended the introduction of subterranean clover for lamb fattening, etc., has greatly improved the outlook for this class of land. During the past year dairy land has been more or less neglected, but now, probably owing to recent legislation, the inquiry is increasing every month. Generally there is a steady inquiry for all classes of farm lands, though in the case of tussock country and the larger mixed farms the cost of "stocking up" has a restraining influence. One pleasing feature of land transactions to-day is the fact that many of the buyers possess sufficient capital to make their position secure and in addition they have a sound knowledge of agriculture and stock which greatlv enhances their prospects of success.

Suffolk Sheep Jubilee Members of the Suffolk Sheep Society in England have recently celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the breed's recognised establishment, for the breed flock book was instituted in 1886 with the inaugural inclusion of 46 foundation flocks. Three of the original -flocks have persisted in unbroken continuity—those of Major Barclay, Mr R. Burrell, and Lord Bristol. The initial breed nucleus has greatly expanded, for to-day there are 357 registered flocks of the breed, its fame having extended throughout Great Britain and in both British dominions and foreign countries overseas. Largely accountable for the widely increased favour in which the Suffolk breed is held is the sheep's reputation for " killing well," the carcass weight tending as a general rule to hang heavier than the appearance of the live sheep suggests. The consequence Is trade popularity in butchering circles, a ready acceptance enhanced by the sheep's high proportion of lean to fat meat. Increasing use by mutton sheep breeders of Suffolk rams for crossing with other fatlamb producing breeds to secure rapidly maturing trade types is its own tribute to carcass-building qualities, that during the half-century of progressive development now being celebrated have won widely established recognition. Dairying Prospects

The commencement of the 1936-37 dairy produce season ushers in a new era, marking as it does the taking over by the Government of all export butter and cheese under a guaranteed price scheme, the object of which, says the annual review of Messrs Pyne, Gould, Guinness, Ltd., is to ensure dairy farmers a reasonable return for their labours. It is unlikely that any revolutionary changes in the existing system of marketing in the United Kingdom will be made, and the present channels of distribution will no doubt be used to a large extent. A Minister of the Crown described the plan as a tremendous experiment, which it undoubtedly is, and the outcome will be watched with the greatest interest by all concerned in the welfare of this very important industry. World Grain Production

A report of "grain crops," covering the period 1928 to 1935, which has just been published by the Imperial Economic Committee, England, shows the improvement which has recently taken place in the statistical position of the wheat trade. It appears probable that the world carry-over on August 1 next will be less than 17,000,000 tons. In 1934 the carry-over exceeded 31.000.000 tons.

The report is mainly a statistical analysis of the world production of and trade in wheat, barley, oats, maize, and rice during the past eight years. It shows that the 1934 area and production of each of these five crops was lower than the average for 1928-1933, and that the Empire's share of the total stands at about 23 per cent., though for rice nlone 56 per cent, of the world production is grown within the Empire. The most notable change during this period is the increased production of wheat, barley, and oats In the U.S.S.R., which has recently replaced the United States as the world's largest producer of these three commodities. Within the Empire. Canada was formerly the largest producer of wheat and barley, but India now leads in these crops as well as in maize and rice.

International trade in these cereals and in wheat flour fell generally during this period, -vith the United States the chief rufferer. Exports of these six products from the United States amounted to 5,646,000 tons in 1928. but after a steady decline, to only 547,000 tons in 1935. Canadian exports, which at 11,759.000 tons were abnormally large in 1928, fell to 5,251,000 tons in 1935. From Australia exports have fallen since 1931. but have remained above the level of 1928-1930. The statistics of the importing countries show the other side of the picture; imports of these six commodities into France. Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy fell from 17,479.000 tons in 1928 to 8,861.000 tons in 1935. A section of the report is devoted to an exposition of the forms of import restriction imposed and the duties levied by these six countries which have contributed substantially to the shrinkage of the European market.

land tax. The general effect of the proposed tax will be discussed, and examples of the hardship it will cause in many cases will be emphasised. There was a good attendance at the monthly meeting of the Moa Flat Young Farmers' Club, which was held at the residence of Mr W. A. Yardley, Moa Flat. Mr R. M'Kenzie was in the chair. • It was announced that a lecture on farming subjects would be given at Edievale at an early date, the speakers being Messrs Saxby and Fountain. Several gentlemen also offered their services for talks on agricultural and other subjects during the coming months. These will be notified of dates to be arranged, and were thanked for their offers.

The proposed taking over of the Young Farmers' Federation by the Agricultural Department came up for discussion, and after several members had expressed their views for and against the proposal the subject was held over. Messrs A. M'Kenzie, S. M'Kenzie, and W. Ross, three of the members from the club who were in Dunedin during the Young Farmers' Educational ,','eek, gave brief particulars of their visit. The three spoke highly of the treatment received, and emphasised the value of their sojourn amongst .the business firms of this city. Supper was handed round, and a hearty vote of thanks to the host and hostess, Mr and Mrs W. A. Yardley, for the use of their home for the evening, terminated a successful meeting.

At the Dominion Conference of the Farmers' Union, a resolution was passed that with the object of increasing employment and attracting a good class of labour to the land, this union formulate and press on the Government a scheme for inducing and assisting farmers to provide suitable housing for married farm workers. In this connection, a circular has been received from the secretary of the Labour Department, Wellington, asking for comments on the following suggestion:— "That a more adequate supply of farm labour would be ensured if the Government offered to advance cheap money and a subsidy for the erection by farmers of farm dwellings, suitable for a man, wife and say, three children, and set apart enough ground for vegetablps and recreation as an attachment to the house, the whole to be let at a figure which would cover only net capital cost, at interest equivalent to that charged by the Government and including maintenance but providing for no profit whatever," The whole matter will come up for discussion at the council meeting today, when recommendations will no doubt be made through the Dominion secretary.

The following is an extract from the Agricultural Bulletin issued by the fields division of the Department of Agriculture in connection with the manuring of crops:— "In view of the wide diversity of soil and climate in New Zealand no hard and fast rules can be laid down regarding the manuring of any particular crop, especially since due consideration must be also given to such factors as previous manuring, previous crop and the value of the produce. " Extensive trials have been conducted by the fields division of the Department of Agriculture during the past 12 years on many crops, and although most of these have been conducted in the South Island, they serve as a guide to many other districts, Crop competitions carried out in the main root-growing districts, particularly in the North Island, have also yielded valuable information on the manuring of crops for high yields Taken together, these activities have enabled a mass of information to become available on which to base recommendations, and these can be con sidered sound for average conditions. "It is frequently found that some farmers have peculiar problems of their own to which any general recommendations do not apply, and in such cases specific advice should be sought from local officers of the fields division.

"It should be emphasised thai however sound the manuring may be, it will fail unless other important factors receive attention. Liberal use of fertilisers will not cover up the mistakes of cultivation or incorrect seeding. Unfortunately, the proper cultivation and provision of a good seed bed is often ignored, but on the other hand, the wider use of certified seeds is a considerable step in the right direction, and must have an important, bearing on the efficiency of manures applied." FARMERS' COUNCIL NOT CHALLENGE TO UNION PRESIDENT'S STATEMENT " The Farmers' Council is not a challenge to the Farmers' Union," said Mr G. Trotter, president of the Provisional Executive of the newly-formed organisation, in reply to the observations made by Mr T. T. Murray, president of the Stratford Executive of the Farmers' Union, this week. "It contains all Farmers' Union shades of opinion," he added, "and is not allied with any party." He did not desire to say much for publication at present, said Mr Trotter, because he did not wish to make statements without first submitting them to the Provisional Executive. He would say, however, that the formation of the council was prompted by the realisation of the fact that the present Government was not receiving the sympathetic co-operation of the primary producers, and as a gesture following an appeal for the support of the country by the Prime Minister when the Labour Party was returned.' The movement was not to be restricted to dairy farmers, although Mr Trotter considered that that section of the producers should have been politically organised previously. It was not to bo taken as a necessary inference that the new body would subscribe to the aims of any particular political party. Any person owning rural property or being actively engaged in any branch of the farming industry was eligible for membership, providing he pledged himself to support the objects of the council. "Mr Murray has been ralhei previous in attacking the organisation, as he admitted he knew little about it," concluded Mr Trotter. "He need not be alarmed that its object is to destroy or to disintegrate the good work or good membership of the Farmers' Union. It is quite otherwise. Wt hope to work amicably with the union and to leave it to the farmers themselves as to which they should support. I consider that there is room for both organisations."

TOPICS OF INTEREST

OFFICIAL NOTES

Jock and Mary had been married and had conic to London on their honeymoon. On arriving at Kings Cross, Jock said to Mary, "Tell me, Mary, do ye ken the difference between a taxicab and a tramcar? " " No," said Mary. "Well, then," said Jock, "we'll just tak' a tramcar."

The meeting of the Provincial Council of the Farmers' Union is to be held to-day at 10.30 a.m., when a long and important agenda paper will be discussed.

The Roxburgh-Miller's Flat branch, N.Z.F.U., will meet at Ettrick to-night Addresses on " Local Body Affairs" will be given by several speakers.

A Dominion-wide deputation of farming and commercial interests is to wait on the Minister of Finance, Mr W. Nash, to-day in Wellington in connection with the graduated