AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL NEWS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2323, 8 September 1898, Page 14

AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL NEWS.

Mr Gilrufch is visiting Canterbury to inquire into the mortality amongst the lambing ewes in that part of the colony. It is understood (says the Wyndhain Farmer) that Government has engaged a Canadian gentleman as chief dairy expert for New Zealand. Tho young Highland bull recently imported -by Mr G. E. Rhodes, of Clairmont, Timaru, has been released fiom quarantine. The animal is in splendid condition. Some important all eic tions have been made in the West Australian tariff, which may influence New Zealand trade with that colony. Tho reductions in live stock and food stuffs are as follows :—: —

A large number of those interested in dairying in Bay Road, West Plains, Waikiwi, WallacDtown, Waianiwa, and Branxholme districts assembled at the Underwood factory on Thursday, and to them Mr W. T. Murrayreviewed the work of the last two seasons, and pointed out that the company had gone to a very largo outlay to make the works complete in every respect. The firm paid last season over £2000 for milk supplied to Underwood alone, giving employment to a staff of over 30. The demand was rapidly increasing, bul in order to compete in the world's market it was necessary to turn cut milk of highest excellence at minimum cost. This was only possible by having- a much larger supply of milk, as the same staff could treat a larger quantity at a comparatively less cost. The supc^s of the factory rested not on the company only, but largely on the suppliers. The milk must reach the factory in perfect condition, and in order to do this, it was absolutely necessary to give the closest attention to drainage, feed, cleanliness, etc. For milk cooled o\er a Lawrence coolor a bonus of id per gallon would be given. Mr Murray spoke of the necessity of keeping only good milking cows ; counselled co-operation among siipi'lirrs In bringing milk to the~ factory so as to «r»vo time; and advocated housing _ the cows in winter, and so keeping up a continuous supply of milk.— Southland Times.

c Cattle, per head . . Sheep, per head Pig 9, per head . . Cheese, per ib . . Bacon and ham, per 1b Tinned meat 3 . . 31d duty. s. d. 30 0 2 6 4 0 0 3 0 3 0 1£ I New ciutj s. d. 15 0 1 3 2 0 0 2 0 2 0 0| y-