RETROSPECTIVE AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL AFFAIRS IN 1886.

Otago Witness, Issue 1832, 31 December 1886, Page 19

RETROSPECTIVE AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL AFFAIRS IN 1886.

(Continued from page SI. ) ,

The low price of the wool clip 1885-86, and the impending scarcity of winter feed, overcame any reluctance previously felt in regard to culling. Alike on station and on farm the flocks were purged of all aged, weakly, and indifferent sheep. As we recently remarked, "ordinarily sheep of this class (aged ewes, &c.) have been held over on the chance of surviving the winter, and they invariably contributed the great proportion of fatalities. The lambing is regarded as favourable, and with few complaints of losses during the winter, the increase for the year must be considerable. A gentleman having frequent official communication with the district sheep inspectors, and who has just completed a tour of the province, informs us that the percentage of lambs is high even in the Lake districts, and the grasses everywhere extraordinarily luxuriant. The total number of sheep in the colony on May 31 in each of the following years was: — 1883 — 13,108,329. 1881 — 13,978,520, increase 072.291 1885 — 14,516,801, „ 588,231

The returns for the year ending 31st May 1886 have not yet been published, but competent authorities estimate the number at that date at slightly over 15,000,000. Concurrently with the increase very much more attention than was customary formerly has been given to the improvement of the various pure breeds of sheep and the crossbreds. The agricultural shows of the season — that is, those of importance may have been deficient in some departments, but the classes for sheep were well filled, and buyers were plentiful for rams having sterling merit to recommend them.

During the year under review cattle breeding has made but slight progress, and already there is a scarcity of animals that could be fattened with any prospect of a profit. This want will be more keenly felt ere long, and the Southern markets will have to depend on increasing supplies from the North Island. The export trade in Ayrshire cattle has lately received a check, but from causes unconnected with the intrinsic merits of purely bred animals.

The successful New Zealand-bred draught horses at the Melbourne and Sydney agricultural shows brought the stock of the colony into prominent notice, and it will be the fault of breeders if they fail to profit by the reputation acquired. A danger threatens, however, and to which it is desirable attention should be directed. In exchanges from Queensland and New South Wales it has been stated that New Zealand-bred Ayrshire cattle and horses have not fulfilled expectations, and it has been broadly hinted that pedigree is a matter of manufacture. In Victoria barefaced misrepresentations have also been made and the delinquents have escaped. The frauds are easily worked, and the parties concerned knowing that Australian newspapers are not likely to be seen by many New Zealand breeders have no fear of detection. It is desirable in the interests of owners in this colony of purebred stock that an example should be made of parties concerned in these disreputable transactions, whether as agents or vendors. With a much larger area under cultivation in 1886 for the crops to be utilised in 1887 (and these crops exceptionally promising), the outlook is incomparably brighter than at this time last year. Grass is everywhere abundant, and all kinds of stock are rapidly approaching top condition. Wool is higher in price than at last season's sales, and though there has been a fall lately there is not much probability of a further decline for manufacturers in the United Kingdom, in Europe, and in America have no reserve stock on hand, and the supply from South America will be admittedly short. There IS a promjse of a, reduction, ja freight gbarge&for

frozen mutton, and this of itself will be a great boon to producers. Notwithstanding large shipments from India, wheat is gradually advancing in price iv the Home and European markets and, in view of deficient harvests in in Europe and consequently greatly increased requirements, it is extremely improbable that prices wil drop to the low standard of 1885-86. In these colonies — Australia, New Zealand, aud Tasmania, the new crops will come upon markets bate of grain of all kinds, and into empty stores, for stocks are nearly depleted. It is probable that our large export trade of grain and provisions to Australia during the past eight months will lead to further developments, especially Avith New South Wales and Queensland. New Zealand roller mill flour is already in high favour in the 'colonies named, and there is a large and steady demand for oatmeal, while during a considerable period of the year no better market could be found for superior dairy produce.

Contrasting the present aspect of affairs with the position at the ' corresponding periods — say January — in 1886 and the two previous years, it is patent that the agricultural and pastoral industries are now in a much more healthy and hopeful condition, and that we are on the eve of a prosperous future.