Testing: the of Seeds. TO THE EDITOR.

Otago Witness, Issue 2325, 22 September 1898, Page 6

Testing: the of Seeds. TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, — The Agricultural department, in dealing with this subject, satisfies itself that grass seeds sold in the colony germinate in degrees between 20 and, say, 60 per cent. In to-day's Times Messrs George G. Stead and Co., of Christchurch, inform farmers that the te3ts mad© with their seeds by tiTe Canterbury Agricultural College show from 86 to 95 per cent. Could not this firm, through one of the Christchurch members, move in Parliament for a return of the names of the various : houses from whom the department made its purchases for testing purposes? This information would help the farmers to discriminate between the true and the tricky in the trade. In this disclosure we have, another instance of the disastrous effects arising from the cutthroat competition of the day, which is enootiraged not a little by the buyers' partiality for that other evil of our social system — unjust cheapness. — I am, etc., N. Sutherland. Dunedin,. September 13.

The Government of Tasmania have decided to provide ihe sum of £60,000 to commence the works for deepening the bar of Macquarie Harbour, under the plans submitted by Mr O. Napier Bell, M. Ins., O.E. Macquarie Harbour is tho outlet for the rich mineral district of Zeehan and Mount Lyell, has an area of 72,000 acres, with deep water all over it, bwt the sea bar has only a depth of 9ft. The Rev. John Muirhead, pastor of the •South Dunedin. Baptist Church, was married on Tuesday, 13th, to Miss Pratt, who arrived recently from England to share his life here. The marriage was celebrated in Wellington at the residence of Mr A. Hoby, L.D.S., president of the Baptist Union. The Rev. Charles Ballaston officiated. The deacons of the Vivian street Baptisb Church and their wives were among the truests. Misses Grace and Erica, Hoby and Naomi Dallaston were the bridesmaids. At the luncheon, Mr G. Carson, M.li.li. for Wanganui, proposed the health of the bride and bridegroom. The happy pair will reach Dunedin for the first Sunday in October.