THE RURAL WORLD

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23223, 22 June 1937, Page 3

THE RURAL WORLD

FARM AND STATION NEWS

By RUSTICUS.

Itema of interact to those engaged in agricultural and pastoral pursuit#, with a view to their publication in these columns, will be welcomed. They absttld be addressed to Rusticus, Otago Daily Times, DunxftWi

SUMMER SHOW SEASON DATES FOR 1937-38 Agricultural and pastoral shows for the 1937-38 season have been arranged as follows: November 19 and 20.—North Otago, at Oamaru. November 20.—Taieri, at Outram. November 26 and 27.—Otago at Tahuna Park. November 27.—Clutha and Matau, at Balclutha. November 27.—Winton. December 7 and B.—Gore. December 11.—Wyndham. December 14 and 15.—Southland, at Invercargill. Secretaries of A. and P. Societies are invited to forward particulars of show dates for inclusion in the above list.

NEW ZEALAND WOOL SALES ROSTER FOR 1937-38 SEASON The following roster of New Zealand wool sales for the 1937-38 season is announced. It has been arranged by the’ New Zealand Wool Brokers’ Association and the New Zealand Wool Buyers Association:

The April dates are tentative only, and are subject to alteration and/or cancellation, according to the quantity of wool offering.

NEWS FROM CLUBS

At the next meeting of the Palmerston Club on Friday, Mr J. M. Smith, of the Department of Agriculture, Dunedin.: will speak on “Manures and Manuring.”

The Papakaio Club met on June 1 with a good attendance of members. Six members were appointed to assist on the Papakaio Ploughing Match Society’s Committee. Mr J. B. Chapman was the speaker for the evening, and his subject, /‘ Maori Legends,” proved most interesting.

, The monthly meeting of the Enfield Club was held on June 7, with a fair attendance of members. Discussion of the minutes of the meeting of the Dominion Executive took place. The lecturer for the evening was Mr H. Doyle, M.R.C.V.S., veterinarian of the Department of Agriculture, Dunedin. The subject. “Tuberculosis in Cattle. Pigs, and Poultry,” was admirably illustrated by a fine collection of lantern slides, and proved most interesting and informative.

The Otiake Hall was the venue of the meeting of the Upper Waitaki Club on June 9, there being a good attendance of members. General business was discussed.

The Tokarahi Club met on June 14, wtih a full attendance of members. The Lincoln College week was discussed, as was also the forthcoming combined concert. Two new members were enrolled.

The monthly meeting of the Upper Clutha Club was held in the residence of Mr J. S. Hunt, Maungawera, on June .1. There was a good attendance. General business was discussed, after which Mr G. G. Calder, instructor in agriculture. Alexandra, gave a very interesting and informative talk on “ Farming in Patagonia.” At the next meeting of the club at the Wanaka Hotel on June 30. Mr J. M. Smith, of the Department of Agriculture. Dunedin, will speak on “Some Matters in Connection v/ith Malting Barley.”

The West Taieri Club met on June 3 in the Agricultural Hall at Outram with a fair attendance of members. Arrangements were made for the annual social which is to be held on June 24. Lecturers for the year were decided on. „ . Members of the Farmers’ Union then joined with the club when Mr D. S. Robinson, apiary instructor of the Agricultural Department, in charge of Otago and Southland district, gave a talk on the honey bee and honey industry of New Zealand, and its assistance to the farming industry of the country. The extent to which beekeeping is carried out in New Zealand astonished many of the members present. The talk was illustrated with coloured lantern slides which considerably added to the interest of an interesting lecture. Questions were invited and replied to and Mr Robinson was accorded a hearty vote of thanks.

The following is a further article by Mr S. H. Saxby in the series of pasture plants:— Paspalum Dilalatum lias no common name in New Zealand and is al-

ways referred to as “Paspalum.’' It belongs to a large group of grasses, practically all of which are natives of tropical or semi-tropical climates. Paspalum is grown extensively in the warm high fertility districts of Australia and has also been grown for many years in the warmer districts of the North Island of New Zealand and in a few isolated patches in favourable districts in the South Island. The writer has very little knowledge of its behaviour in Otago and would welcome any information that club members may have regarding this. It is known to have been grown successfully as a specimen plant on the Taieri and recently a number of plants have been put out in several pastures in parts of Otago for observation. It is essentially a late summer grass and in the north is used largely in combination with ryegrass which provides the early spring feed, thus forming a pasture which has a long and high production period. It will stand a fair amount of cold, but it is thought that under grazing conditions it would be killed out fairly soon in most parts of Otago. Even if it did thrive in Otago it would have several disadvantages, not the least of which would be its twitchy nature. It has very coarse creeping underground stems which are very troublesome on ploughable land. Its chief disadvantage, however, would be that it would produce very little feed as by the time is summer growth had become well started the winter would be on it again. It is a very coarse broad-leafed grass frequently growing to a height of about four feet.

The leaf sheath is flattened like that of cocksfoot, and it has a long white ligule, behind which are a number of long hairs.

Club members who intend to attend the special short course at Lincoln Agricultural College - from July 19 to 23 are advised to make early application to secretary, District Committee of Young Farmers’ Club, Department of Agriculture, Christchurch. Details of the course may be obtained from club secretaries. YOUNG FARMERS’ TOUR TRIP THROUGH CENTRAL OTAGO INTERESTING FEATURES At the end of last week the touring party of 36 young farmers from Eastern Southland clubs returned to Gore, having spent an instructive and enjoyable five days’ tour through Central Otago districts. Mr W. Faithful, organising secretary, who was in charge of the party, stated that the welcome extended and the hospitality bestowed upon the visitors at, every centre was such as to be almost embarrassing in its generosity. One of the chief objects in a tour of this description is establishing cordial relationship with farmers and young farmers’ clubs in other districts, and, further, to gain information, and an insight into the various types of farming, and the problems confronting farmers in the districts visited. In the course of the tour the party was the guest of four farmers’ clubs in Central Otago, each of which had arranged a very interesting programme. The tour started from Gore on Monday at 11.30 a.m. Lumsden was reached at 1.30 p.m., where the party was met and entertained at luncheon by the Lumsden branch of the Farmers’ Union and Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union. During lunch items were given by members of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union. In the course of an address, Mr G. A Hamilton gave a most interesting outline of the history of the district to be visited. Mrs Clouston, president of the Lumsden branch of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union, and Mrs Ward, past Dominion president, also spoke and wished the 'party a happy and successful trip. In reply, Mr Faithful thanked the Lumsden Farmers’ Union and Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union for their kindness and good wishes, and Mr E. Gutschlag moved a vote of thanks on behalf of the visiting young farmers. The buses then left for Queenstown. Much interest was shown in the new lakeside road and the rugged grandeur of the mountain scenery. The party arrived at Queenstown at 5.30 p.m., and attended a dance that evening. At 8 am. on Tuesday the party was met by members of the Arrowtown Young Farmers’ Club, which had arranged a trip across the lake to Walter Pealc and Mount Nicholas stations. Unfortunately heavy mist shrouded the peaks surrounding the lake, so that much of the beauty of the lake scenery was lost. However, upon arrival at Walter Peak, the party was welcomed by Mr and Mrs J. Mackenzie, who had very kindly provided morning tea. This was very much appreciated, and Mr T. Cross called for a vote of thanks to Mr and Mrs Mackenzie. The camera enthusiasts were busy taking “ snaps ” frofn vantage points, but time was limited, and all re-embarked for the run across to Mount Nicholas Station Mr Mackenzie conducted the party through the woolshed. Although machines are installed, all the shearing is done with blades. The wool scouring plant was next visited. Owing to the uncertainty of markets, Mr Mackenzie explained, they did not scour their wool last season, but it would, nevertheless, have paid them to do so. A most interesting and instructive talk was given by Mr Mackenzie on the wool-scouring plant and process, and the handling of the wool on the drying ground; also on the changes that had been necessary during the past few years in the grazing management of the run. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr Mackenzie on the motion of Mr E. Horrell.

The party then set oil for Queenstown via Bobs Cove. After lunch the buses left for Arrowtown, visiting Reed Bros.' flourmill en route. A most interesting time was spent with Mr Warring, the miller, who took the tourists through each phase of the process of converting wheat into flour and oats into oatmeal, The pig farm, where the pigs are fattened on the oat dust and grain offal v/as also visited, and the impression gained was one of cleanliness and efficiency. Mr Faithful thanked Messrs Heed Bros, and Mr Warring for their very interesting demonstration. One bus load comprising 16 members of the party also visited the Arrowtown cheese factory whore they were shown round by the manager. Afternoon tea was served in the Arrowtown Hall, and the buses then left for the Crown Terrace. Upon reaching the top of the terrace they were mot by Mr Thompson, president of the Wakatipu Farmers’ Union, who described the system of cropping employed on this land during the last 50 years. After all that time barley as good as any in New Zealand was still being grown, but now artificial fertiliser, generally superphosphate v/as being used, In the evening a dance organised by the Arrowtown Young Farmers’ Club was attended, Mr H. Porriman (chairman of the Arrowtown Young Farmers Club) extended a welcome In reply Mr Faithful expressed the hope that the Arrowtown Young Farmers’ Club would visit Southland. The buses left Arrowtown next morning at 8.30 o’clock for Hawea, via Kawarau Gorge and Ripponvale, stopping at the recently-constructed Roaring Meg power house, where power is supplied to the Alexandra-Cromwell district and to the two dredges. The party was shown round by the engineer in charge. Upon arrival at Hawea, .Mr S. Kane (chairman of the Young

Farmers’ Club) welcomed the guests, who then partook of luncheon. After thanking the Young Farmers’ Club and the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union for their kindness, the party visited Mr J. Hunt’s property, where much valuable information was obtained. Mr Hunt exhibited to the party an imported Southdown ram, demonstrating the salient features of the breed. The stud Southdowns were also inspected. A vote of thanks to Mr Hunt for a very interesting time was proposed by Mr E. Gutschlag. A trip along the edge of Lake Hawea to The Neck was enioyed by all. A view was obtained of the two lakes. In the evening a dance was attended. Mr Kane and Mrs Allison (president of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union) welcomed the guests, and Mr Faithful replied. At 8.30 on Thursday morning the buses left for Earnscleugh, via Tarx-as, Cromwell, and Clyde. Interest was shown in the irrigated areas, and the new electrical dredge at Clyde was photographed by the camera enthusiasts. At Earnscleugh, where lunch had been prepared, the party was welcomed by Mr N. Iversen (president of the Farmers’ Union), Mrs Timmings (president of the Women’s Division of the Farmei's’ Union), the Mayor of Alexandra (Mr W. Bringans), the chairman (Mr Ritchie) and members of the Vincent County Council. Mr M’Ginnis (chairman of the Fruitgrowers’ Association). and Mr E. Weaver (chairman of the Alexandra Young Farmers' Club). Mr Faithful x'eplicd. In the afternoon the Lower Manorburn dam was visited, also Mr Muir’s farm at Galloway. A demonstration of the Border system of irrigation was given (the water had been specially turned on for the purpose), and, after partaking of afternoon tea. which was supplied by the Galloway Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union and very much appreciated by the visitors, the buses took the party to the foot of the Crawfords. As it was getting too dark to go to the top to see into Ida Valley, all returned to Alexandra for tea. In the evening they were guests at a concert and dance in the Town Hall.

At 8.30 a.m. on Friday the buses left Alexandra for Roxburgh. Morning tea awaited their arrival on Mr Kinaston’s properly. A very interesting lime was spent on this farm. Mr Kinaston gave a very interesting demonstration on Corric'dalcs. and a number of questions were asked. Pastures were inspected, including some 15-year-old swards, carrying six sheep per acre. After thanking Mr Kinaston a visit was paid to Mr G. George’s fruit-packing shed where a demonstration of grading machinery in operation was given. Mr Young and Mr Kinaston were thanked by Mr W. Bindley on behalf of the visitors, and a move was made to Roxburgh township, where an excellent luncheon was enjoyed by all. Mr Kinaston and Mr B Gilmour. chairman of the local Y.F.C. welcomed the visiting young farmers. Mr and Mrs Craig also spoke mentioning that they were pleased at any time to help the clubs alone if it was in their nower to do so, Mr Faithful replied The buses then left for Gore, via Miller’s Flat Rac's Junction and Waikaka At Miller’s Flat Mr G. Dun called for a vote of thanks to Mr G. Caldcr, district organiser of Y.F.C. in Central Otago, for the assistance he had given in making the trip a success, and at Crookston the members of the party made a presentation to Mr Faithful, at the same time (hanking him for a very enjoyable tour.

Centre. Auckland Opening 9 a.m. time. 1937. November 27 Napier 9 a.m. December 3 Wellington 9 a.m. December 8 Christchurch 9 a.m. December 13 Timaru 8 a.m. December 17 Dunedin 9 a.m. December 21 1938. Wellington 9 a.m. January 10 Napier 9 a.m. January li) Wanganui 9 a.m. January 20 Auckland 8 a.m. January 24 Christchurch , , 9 a.m. January 31 Invercargill 9’a.m. February 4 Dunedin 9 a.m. February 9 Wellington 9 a.m. February IS Napier 9 a.m. February 21 Wanganui 2.30 or 4 p.m. February 2b Christchurch 9 a.m. March .3 Timaru 9 a.m. March -7 Invercargill 2 p.m. March 11 Dunedin 9 a.m. March IS Wellington 9 a.m. March 22 Auckland 9 a.m. March 26 Wanganui 9 a.m. March 30 Napier 9 a.m. April 4 Christchurch 9 a.m. April 8 Dunedin 2 p.m. April 12 and/or 9 a.m. April 13 Wellington 9 a.m. April 22