THE RURAL WORLD

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23865, 20 July 1939, Page 3

THE RURAL WORLD

FARM AND STATION NEWS

By RUSTICUa

TOPICS OF INTEREST OFFICIAL NOTES

Brown: What was the worst storm you ever encountered. - Jones: Oh,; it raged at about 280 word* a minute, i ¥ ¥ ¥ i. By a large majority, the recent Dominion Conference of the Farmers Union decided to raise the minimum subscription of the Farmers’ Union to 80s per annum. The Otago delegates fought very hard to have this reduced to 25s per annum, but. unfortunately, were over-ruled by the conference. -The Auckland delegates pointed out that two years ago they reduced their subscription from 30s to 255, and the effect on the membership was negligible, the 25s being Just as difficult to collect as the 30s. It was pointed out by many delegates that at the present t&ne many provinces were unable to pay for afleouate secretarial work because of the lack of funds. It was also emphasised that with the growing organslation in Labour union and other circles, it was absolutely essential that the organisation of the Farmers' Union b| strengthened, and this immediately entailed adequate funds, for the purpose. Manv delegates who went to the conference with the intention of voting

ihiwr- ®# fot«r«*t to (liom «ng ased in *ipric«!»ur«l and pastoral punofto Wth a view to their publication in these columns, wil! be welcome*. Tlmt should b« addressed to Rusticun, Otago Daily Times, Dunedbfc

against an Increase in subscription changed their minds after they heard the discussion, and voted for the Increase. The Otago delegates moved an amendment to the effect that the minimum subscription be 235, but the amendment was lost, the subscription being fixed at 30s per annum.

An amusing Incident at the conference occurred when Captain Rushworth, of Auckland, was making an impassioned appeal to the conference to take some sort of “ direct action ” in order to bring things home to the people of the Dominion that the farmers were determined to get justice. He snoke in a general way and indicated steps which might be taken, such as refusing to send supply milk to the cities, refusing .to buy New Zealandmade products, refusing to pay accounts. drastically reducing production and so on. He did not get much of a hearing from the South Island delegates, to whom the suggestions did not appeal. At this stage, Captain Rushworth rose and asked if the conference were “real men," or if they were only “ Portuguese troops.” A “ wit ” at the back relieved the tension by saying. ‘‘Wo, we are Mortgagees’ troops.”

The question of “political action" occupied a Rood deal of time at the recent dominion Conference, and although ultimately a resolution was passed which gives the Dominion Executive an instruction to go into the question and report upon the matter. It may be said here that., with possibly two or three exceptions, the Otago. Southland and Canterbury delegates were all opposed to the idea of “ poll ■ tical action." One speaker pointed out that south of the Rakaia all farming constituencies (with possibly one exception— Osimaru) are represented by Nationaj Party candidates, six out of the seven representatives being farmers of the very best type, and the seventh. Mr W. A. Bodkin, being a very keen supporter of the rural point of view. All these candidates had been put into office by farmers, and prominent members of the Farmers' Union were on their committees. In face of this, it was not likely' that Canterbury. Otago and Southland would support a mov* for “political action.” * v v

At the Dominion conference, during the discussion on a remit put forward by Auckland reading as follows: “This conference objects to the fixing of cartage charges for groups of counties, and to all fixation of cartage prices during the transition state of the transport industry,” one speaker stated that he had made inquiries as to how the rates had been arrived at and he had been informed that the rates were based on one lorry doing 15,000 miles per annum. Reckoning oja 300 working days per year, this meant an average of 25 miles return trip per lorry per day, or 50 miles one-way trip per day. In other words, less than .three hours’ work per day. It was recommended that every province should have a committee to fight the transport charges, ... , -r«as»—Jf. tf If

The following comments upon the' question of the control of rabbits is contributed by an Ota&o farmer, who has had a lifetime of experience on Otago and Southland run country. He knows what he is talking about and hits remarks, should be worthy of attention, ,

-.•'‘As several people are airing their views in the press on the control of rabbits, the following may be of interest to some of those interested. On an Otago station 40 years ago rabbits were a pest and the owner was repeatedly fined for having too many rabbits on his land, in spite of the fact that he had men on all the time at so much a skin. Under new management the rabblters were dismissed and men put on at a weekly wage to keep down rabbits. The station was ring-fenced with rabbit-proof netting. In less than three years the rabbits were a thing of the past. On a Southland sheep run, rabbits had practically eaten the run out. The run consisted .of about 2000 acres ploughable ground and 16,000 acres hill country, mostly rabbits and bidi-bidi. The 18,000 acres could not carry 6000 sheep. The ground was trapped every winter by ” professional rabblters ” but the rabbits were more than holding their own* Under new management, the trappers were put off and poisoning resorted to. In the months of July and August, when feed was scarcest, men were put on laying poison on the bare places, one man oats, next pollard. After new year, men were put on with hillside ploughs to scratch a furrow wherever horses could walk, and where horses could not go men with small hces chipped a sod and laid poison pollard. One man was kept on all summer digging out nests on the sunny faces. This happened over 20 years ago. To-day, that property is one of the finest small runs In Southland, and shears over 12,000 sheep. What was formerly rabbits and bidi-bidi Is now silver tussock. Trappers kill too many stoats and ferrets, When trappers were put off the natural enemy got a chance and anyone knowing this run and its history must be convinced the natural enemy have proved their worth."

One of the highlights of the Dominion conference of the Farmers’ Union was the deputation of 600 member* of the Farmers’ Union and Women’s Division, which waited in a body on Messrs Fraser. Lee-Martin, Mason and Webb, who received the deputation in the absence of the Prime Minster, Mr Savage. The largest available room in the House —the Social Hall —was packed to the doors, many members of Parliament and others standing in the passage outside. The six matters which were placed before the Government were as follows: (l) The necessity for allowing the exchange rate to rise to its natural level; (2) the question of a temporary stay of proceedings to prevent farmers in financial difficulties being sold up pending the decision of the Government following the Royal Commission’s report; (3) the unfairness of fixing the guaranteed price for dairy produce at less than the recommendation of the special committee set up by the Government; (4) the difficulties in getting suitable farm labour owing to the drift ot Public Works; (3) the inequity of hospital rating and the increases which are likely to accrue from the working of the Social Security Funds; (6) the Increased transport charges due to Government control. The seven ladies who spoke on the farm labour question were all farmers’ wives and most of them were actually working in the cow sheds themselves. One, the mother of six children, all of school age. painted a graphic picture of hard work in the cowshed, getting breakfast, cutting lunches, etc., and sometimes having to go over and give a hand with neighbours who were laid up with ’flu. Another lady of 65 reported that their man had left them and they could not get other help, so she and her husband, aged 70. had to milk 30 cows night and morning between them. The other matters were very efTcctivily presented by able speakers, chosen because of their knowledge of the. subjects concerned. We have every reason to believe that the ; Government was very impressed with the sinceritv of the speakers and the strength of the deputation generally. This was all the more satisfactory- because of the fact that the suggestion for deputation came from the Otago delegates.

EDUCATIONAL COURSE

YOUNG FARMERS’ WEEK

The seventh annual Young Farmers Educational Week will commence n Dunedin on Monday evening next, July 24. Seventy-three enrolment* have been received, and it is explored that others will come to hand f-tdore the end of this week. So far number? from certain districts are very pointing. several Young Farmers Clubs having failed to respond to the invitation to be represented. . The following have notified their intention of attending the course:— R. Walker, W. McNoe W Labes R. Cochrane (Lawrence Y.F.C.). ElliOjt Howell, Frank Howell James Howell (Middlemarch Y.F.C.) H, R. Holgate. S. Rutherford. John Dippie, James Maxwell (Stirling Y.F C.). C. G. White J. H White. G. B. Wilson, R. C. Whyte (Otama Y.F.C.). Bruce Hunter. Elliott Mitchell (Wyndham Y.F.C.). Erie Gutschlag (Waikaka Y.F.C.), C, Butler J S. George (Balfour) Owen Potts (Woodlands). M. Rea Jack Evans (Crookston Y.F.C.). D. Ross (Moa Flat Y.F.C.). John K. Allison. G. Moore (Milton Y.F.C.). Neil Hamilton (Upper Manuherika Y.F.C.). L. A. Henderson (Roxburgh Y.F.C.), R. S. Rowley (Upper Clutha Y.F.C.) W. M. Hansen (ArTowtown Y.F.C.), G. A. McLean (Upper Waitaki Y.F.C.); R. Pearce. A Cowles (Pleasant Point Y.F.C.). C. Palmer (Waikouaiti), All, Taylor. Colin Cochrane (Milton), George Boss. Leslie Ross (Clinton). Norman W Goughian (Glenomaru), C. W. Ross (Owaka) Colin McNab (Tahatika). E Roulscon. D. Burnside (Hillend). David Chittock. Gordon Whitefleld (Kelso). John W. McCall. David Crawford (Waikoikoi) Herbert Hall (Lawrence), Robert W. Weir (Raafurly), Alan Mathias (Waipiata) Thomas M. Flannery. Eric Jones Jack Davidson (Poolburn). Scobie Harley (Cambrian). Reg. B, Butler (Alexandra). Jack Whiting (Clyde). James Campbell (Bannockburn) A. Scaife (Pembroke). Noej May, William Trevalhan (Tarras). Thomas Henderson Paterson, John H McDonald. Ivan Hamilton (Otapiri) Alex. Galt. Rex. Anderson (Hokonui). Edward A Chilton (Otautau), Arthur Humphries (Tuturau), G. Howarth (Mataura). David Clark (Wright’s Bush), Robert J. Lamb (WaikaWa). M McFadyen (Morton Mains), J. O. Henderson. J. Graham (Kennington). The course will closely follow the lines of those which have proved to be so successful in the past. Lectures will be interspersed with visits to educational and cultural institutions, and an opportunity will also be given for those attending to see several major industrial plants, These will include the Railway Workshops at Hillside and the Roslyn Woollen Mills This year the lecturers include Professor J. R. Elder. C.M.G., who will speak on “The New Zealand Citizen and the Empire Mr D. S. Chisholm, M.A (headmaster of King’s High School) “Propaganda”; Mr W. G. McClymont. M.A., “The Influence of Sheepfarming upon the Exploration of Otago”: Mr W. R. Brugh, “Shakespeare”; Mr H. Ninnis (a member ol the Shackleton Antarctic Expedition). “ Dogs Dr H. D. Skinner, “ The Museum in Relation to the Country ”: Mr P. O. Smellie, “ Citizenship Mr A. C. Cameron, "Modern Developments in Business.” Among other

things an opportunity will be given to the visitors of seeing ■the various departments of the Technical College at work. It is expected that the course will be attended by approximately 100 young farmers drawn from all parts of Southland. Otago and South Canterbury Mr A. C. Cameron, chairman Otago and Southland Council. New Zealand Federation of Young Farmers Clubs, will be in charge. WOOL IN EUROPE INTEREST IN DISPLAYS WIDER AMERICAN MARKET Tnough the production of staple fibre, an artificial wool-like material, manufactured from wood pulp, has increased many-fold since 1934, now outstripping the rayons and similar artificial materials and displacing wool in several fields, it is clear from world statistics that the countries which have gone furthest in the use of synthetic fibres have done so from economic necessity and not from choice. Germany. Italy and Japan are together responsible for more than 80 per cent, of the total world production of these fibres. They are countries aiming at raw material independence, but they are. nevertheless, very mucn interested in wool and woollens. At the Leipzig fashion display earlier this year the wool stand staged by British manufacturers and the Wool Secretariat, representing New Zealand, Australian and South African woolgrowers. attracted the widest Continental interest, and Italy has been as keenly interested in a later display made by the South African Government and the Secretariat at the Milan Fair, in April. The display took the form of an exhibition of high quality woollens and worsteds, fine knitted materials, and undenvear with photographic backgrounds of South Africa, New Zealand and Australia Last month a combined display was made by the secretariat and the recently-formed Belgian Wool Committee at Brussels, so that from its original plan of encouragement of a wider use and of fostering a better appreciation of the possibilities of wool in Britain, the work of the secretariat, whose New Zealand representative is Mr F. S. Arthur, has widened to the Continent of Europe, and also to the United. States, where a branch office has been established. One of the most effective contacts with the Continent and the United States has been the “ wbol library,” which is a huge sample catalogue of standard and new weaves and materials, from longaccepted suitings to this year's printed woollens and gossamer evening fabrics. Great Market in United States There is a tremendous field for an increase in the consumption of wool in the United States, where the per capita consumption of wool—representing 4.11 b of greasy wool per annum —is only one-half that in Britain and m the dominions; and, with a population of 130,000,000. an increase of lib of wool per capita would have a tremendously important influence on the United States demand in the world wool markets. The three wool-grow-ing dominions, through the secretariat, have combined with British manufacturers in the staging of an attractive display at the New York Fair, and a good deal of publicity work is being conducted otherwise to interest Americans in woollen textiles to a greater extent than at present. LATEST MATERIALS lERSEY FABRICS AND PRINTED WOOLLENS SEEN IN LONDON Dish-cloth coloured, cloth-finished jersey is a satin-smooth-surfaced material so firm that it tailors to perfection and looks particularly striking as.,a background to black. One of the suits in this colout has a high corselet cut skirt banded at the natural waistline and down the edge ■of the front inverted pleat 'by black grosgrain—the jacket has short sleeves and beautifully squared and padded shoulders, a straight sweep across the neck and gathered shoulder yoke. An* other has a black and oyster jacket worn over a black flared skirt. Spotted coarse grained jersey suits attract attention, too. One in dark blue with bright salmon spots looks marvellous. Fine printed woollens are being made into the all-day frocks that were seen about so much during the cold spring. The “ Odd Jacket ” In Striped Wool Jersey

Odd jackets In the same type of firm wool jersey are a success in sweet pea colouring; some are strapped with military-looking froggings and are equally good-looking over town frocks or country clothes. The elasticity of the jersey makes them casual and comfortable to wear. “ Debonair ” perfectly names a smoky cream jacket-frock. The dress with stitched pleated skirt has a little starched Eton collar of blue: the jacket is bound round pockets and cuffs with powder blue and plum-coloured woo) braiding. Bluebell is a Priest-grey dress of tailored jersey piped on the bodice ■with blue to match the belt and little stiff collar. Chalk striped jersey jackets look good in plum and white, or dark blue and white.

"Little Boy” Jackets A new type of jacket is the “Little Boy” pattern in light or dark grey flannel, loose hanging with a chic but casual look, just like a small boy's coat. Good with trousers or beach wear, and very new looking over morning frocks. The four-piece is a great problem solver—lndigo blue turn-up trousers, a white-striped-blue blazer of flannel, a reversible blue or white big coat with deep pockets both sides, and a gored skirt as a trouser alternative. It provides a complete travel or sports outfit. Coats in the Grand Manner A swashbuckling coat in the grand manner is turning out to be a great seller. In coloured woollen, it has a full skirt, tremendous bell sleeves and built up shoulders. PRICE OF CHEESE NEW ZEALAND 23 PER CENT. LOWER COMPARISONS WITH MAY, 1938 (From Our Own Correspondent) LONDON. June 12. Trade for imported cheese was slow for the greater part of May and quotations declined sharply, but there was a marked recovery towards the close of the month. Prices for New Zealand cheese were very considerably below last year’s corresponding figures, the Imperial Economic Committee states in its Weekly Dairy Notes. The price of New Zealand finest coloured and White was lower by 23 per cent, than in May, 1938, being 53s 9d per cwt. as compared with 70s per cwt. Canadian cheese fell by 7 per cent, from 78s 9d per cwt to 73s 3d. Quotations for home-produced cheese, both Cheddar and Cheshire types, appear to have been generally below those ruling in the same month last year. Arrivals of New Zealand cheese during May totalled 88,300 crates, as against 136.500 crates in April and 85,800 crates in May last year. Prospective arrivals xor the next few 7 months are as follows, with figures for a year earlier in parentheses:—June, 133.200 crates (118,800); July. 111,500 (121,500); August, 82,800 (73,800). Gradings of New Zealand cheese during May were 23 per cent, below last year’s corresponding figure, while stocks in store in New Zealand at the end of the month were 500 tons less than a year earlier. Only 7000 crates of Australian cheese were received at United Kingdom ports during May as compared with 14,100 crates in May last year, but 16,600 crates are expected from this source during June, js compared with 14.200 crates a year ago. Arrivals from South Africa during the month totalled 3700 crates, as against 3800 in May last year, but no further shipments have been advised for arrival during the current month. Some 49,700 boxes of Canadian cheese were received, as against 47,700 boxes a year earlier. Offerings for grading in Canada from the beginning of the season to date have been 4 per cent, above last year’s corresponding figure, but offerings during May were little heavier than in the same month last year. The output of cheese in England and Wales during April was 14 per cent, less than in April last year, but it is not unlikely that in May production was little different *rom that of a year earlier. «