STOCK AND GRAZING NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3274, 13 December 1916, Page 9

STOCK AND GRAZING NOTES.

Weekly Stock Sales. < Monthly (continued). \ Burnsiile, Wednesdays Matanra & Waikoualtl, : Ashburton, Tuesdays Thursday Addington, Wednesdays Riverton, 3rd Thursday : Waiareka Railway June- Wyndham, last Thurs- , tion, Tuesdays flay F*rtnj§htly. Balfour & Thornbury, j Clinton, Thnrsdays Ist Friday Balclutha, Fridays Duntroon & Otautau, : Gore, Tuesdays 2nd Friday Oainaru, Tuesdays Kiversclale, 3rd Friday Wallacetown, Tuesdays Waikaka, last Friday J Heriot Monthly. Periodically. Palrncrston, Ist Monday Waipiata, Lumsden, j Ngapara & Winton, Ist Mossburn, Orepuki, I Thursday Clifden

BURNSIDE MARKET. The yarding of fat sheep at Burnside was of very fair quality, and, except some 200 in tho wool, were all shorn sheep. Although the sale opened at the previous week's rates, they were not maintained, and a marked decline was apparent when the last race was sold, all sheep being back Is, and in places 2s a head. Graziers secured several pennings. Fat lambs made, on ac- i count of the limited, number yarded, higher prices than at last sale. ! The supply of fat cattle was over-great, particularly in heavy-weight animals, while good sorts ,of cow<3 were cheaper. Tho latter made from 35s to 41s, _ and primo steer and heifer beef, handy weights, to 45s per 1001 b, marking a decline on last sale of about 20s a head. Tho demand for an j entry of 30 mixed store cattle was very firm, forward empty cows and heifers being in favour with buyers. Included in the entry were 20 bulls. A few dairy cows were sold at up to £l2 Iss, a number mak- j ing round about £9; but the offering was meagre, and the quality for tho most part indifferent. Fat pigs evoked prices fully up to recent rates, while the-30 small stores were eagerly taken at enhanced rates. 1 [Xote.—No sale will be held in tho Burn- i side yards between Christmas and New i Year.] j ADDINGTON YARDS. There was a largo yarding at Addington of fat sheep, tho quality being first rate. The demand was easier than at the previous sale, and values gradually receded, tho later sales having an indifferent run. Nearly 1000 fat lambs were entered, and freezing buyers were bidding at round about 8d per lb, lambs making from 22s 6d to 275. The entry of store sheep was large, and comprised all sorts. If best lines realised late rate 3, backward sorts at least were easier, as a result of local dry weather conditions. Tho yarding of fat cattle was very fair indeed. .Freezing buyers were operating in the heavier cattle; but still beef came back a bit compared with last Bale's rates A medium entry of store cattle evoked a demand fully up to late quotations, a line of Waimato very forward three-year-old heifers making £l2 10s. Dairy cows arc sought after, a fow good sorts making from £l3 10s to £ls 10s; others about £7 10s. Fat pigs made enhanced . rates; but stores met with a dull demand. i COUNTRY STOCK SALES. The usual stock sale at Balclutha was not ! hold last week, tho local show engaging the j attention of graziers und others. I At Clinton tho yarding was but a small j ono, comprising just a few hundred sheep, with a large attendance of graziers and others. The sheep offering were out of the wool. Some two-tooth wethers made 22s 9d, and tho two-tooth ewos 26s 9d. At Palmerston few sheep were forward, hut an entry of about 200 head of cattle was offered. Prices wero firmer, and all practically sold at best rates obtainable at j Burnside of late. NORTH ISLAND STOCK VALUES. Values of stock throughout the North Island continuo firm, and cattle particularly j are sought after. In the South Auckland district recent prices obtained include the I following:—Yearling steers, £6 10s to £7 7s; forward and fat cows, £ll 5s to £l3; others, £9 10s to £11; year and a-half to i two-yoar-old heifers, £6 to £8 7s; mixed hoggets, 29s 6d; woolly wethers, 41s to 48s; | shorn, 30s to 445. In tho Manawatu dis- \ trict prices remain much tho same; cer- j tainly no higher. Mixed two-tooths, 29s 6d; hoggets, 33s 6d; year and a-half steers, £8 15s; empty heifers, £8 10s; throe-year- j old steers, £l4 10s. A line of 200 fat bullocks was sold by a grazier in tho Foxton ! district at £2l per head. In Taranaki store ; empty cows realise from £8 5s to £10; yearling heifers, £5; and dairy cows, £l2 to j £l4.- In tho Wairarapa, at Pahiat.ua, two-! year-old steers made £lO 5s to £l3; three- j year-old steers, £l4 5s to £lB 17s; threo ! And four-year-olds, £l6 to £l9: four and j five-year-olds to £l9 16s; mixed two-tooth ; and four-tooth wethers, 30s to 355; hoggets, j to 375; full-mouth ewes with lambs. 48s to 50s; old ewes with lambs 445. STOCK NOTES. Tho Otago A. and P. Summer Show at j Tahuna Park was favoured with a number | of quality stock exhibits from tho Canter- j bury provineo, ancj northern breeders should | bo well satisfied with their successes, as the.y secured no fewer than eight championships in cattle, sheep, and drai gh ses, and ; Otago people are well plci3ed Mi H. E. j B. Watson's fine draugh! mares secured both tho championship and the reserve, tho ' Samo owner winning the Jersey bull and ersoy cow championships In cattle the

Killinchy breeder. Mr John Nixon, was equally successful in winning both the Shorthorn bull and cow championships, besides other prices, while Mr Waddell took tho reserve ticket in the former class. In tho sheep sections Mr John Stringfellow, of Tinwald. scored heavily in Dorricdalcs, taking tho ram championship and a number of other first prizes. Mr John Glassy, of Ashburton, sent down some choice fat sheep, and annexed three first prizes, while Mr Boag romped homo with the championship ticket for aged bullocks. The fact that tho championship in tho fat cattle section was awarded to a two-year-old heifer should be some encouragement to those who are in favour of marketing beef at an early age. How is it that no entries of purebred pigs came forward? This is usually a most interesting section, and an effort should be made to induce breeders to exhibit their stock. The demand is, perhaps, so strong at the present time that owners' stock have been drawn upon to such an extent that they deem it unnecessary to exhibit; but the show's interest is lessened, and it is to be hoped that the deletion is but temporary. For the month of October, 1916, the stock exported was as follows to the named destinations: —Ninoty-nino sheep to Eastern Pacific, 96 cheep to San Francisco, 19 cattle to Eastern Pacific, 35 cattle to Australia, 42 pigs to Eastern Pacific, 1 p!:g to Australia. Tho stock imported comprised one Jersey bull from Londo.i to A. Morcland, Papatoctoe; one Shorthorn bull to J. C. N. Grigg, Longbeach; besides some half _ a clozon collie dogs to James Lillieo, Lochicl. Mr S. P. Mackay has imported from Spain (says the Pastoralist Review) a nine-year-old jack donkey, costing 300 gs, to bo used at his property, Mundabullangana, Port Hedland, W.A. A meeting of tho council of tho Australian Clydesdale Horse Society was held on the 21st ult. Considerable business _ was effected, not the least being the decision to sot about the compilation of a register of competent judges of Clydesdales. CATTLE NOTES. A spirit of hopefulness is strongly evident all over tho United Kingdom. Good cattle, preferably in the fashion (says the North British Agriculturist), are wanted, and it is clear that there aro plenty of bidders for the animals which carry th*»ir breeding on their backs. In tho miclst of a tremendous war tho Shorthorn is out for victories of its own.

British papers report that great prices wero paid on October 10 at the annua! salo of Shorthorn calves, belonging to Mr William Duthie, of Collynio. For 23 bull calves the average price was £616. Tho highest price was 2200g5, paid by Mr Matthew Marshall, Stranraer, for a red roan bull calf of tho Clipper family, named Clipper King. This is a world's record price for a Shorthorn calf loss than six months old. The Edgcoto Shorthorn Company paid 1400 gs for a red bull calf of tho Uppermill Bessie family, and 1050 gs for a red roan bull calf of the Golden Drop family. Mr Duthie had an average of £177 for 15 heifer calves, with a top price of 400 gs, paid by Mr C. E. Gunther for a roan calf. The total sum realised by the sale was £16,837. At the Uppermill sale on tho same day 13 bull calves averaged £l6O 16s 3d, and eight heifer calves £l7O 4s 7_d. Chief Goods, a roan, of the Bellona strain, by Collynio Chief, made 480 gs, going to Iho Hon. O. B. Portman, Goldiccfce. Golden Treasure, a. red, of tho Brawith Bud family, was bought for his Majesty the King at 450 gs. Royal Plate, a dark roan Rosewood calf, by Breastplate, sold for 420 gs. A roan heifer of the Nonparicl family reached 300 gs. Mr Samuel Sandy's dispersal sale of porligrco herd of dairy Shorthorns a few miles from Chester was considered tho most important fixture sinco the Tring Park dispersal. Twenty-eight bulls averaged £120; 87 cows, heifers, and calves averager! £121; making a total of nearly £14,000. For an in-calf cow 580 gs was paid, and 550 gs was paid for a last July's bull calf. A great sale of Holstcin-Friesians took place at Homo recently, the famous Gorstage herd. For tho 39 lots an average of £lO7 14s lid was obtained. The imported bull Mietze's Victor made sOogs, while a seven weeks' old heifer made 105 gs. and a yearling 106 gs. Tho top price paid for females was 170 gs. Nine youngsters by imported bulls averaged nearly £B2.

SHEEP NOTES

Tho demand for Romney Marsh sheep durinsr October for export (says the Farmer and Stock-breeder) has been very keen. Mr J. E. Gorton (Quested) consigning 40— three to Australia, two to Now Zealand. and tho balance to Buenos Aires, Falkland Ishmds. and Punta Arenas.

Messrs Finn sent away 25 to the samo destinations, Australia taking one, Mr Geo. Farmer sent 10 ewes to Australia. For tho month of October various other breeders sont consignments, making a total of 167 rams anel 45 ewes.

Tho highest price for a ram in a season does not usually fall to the black-face Scottish mountain breed. At Lanark, in September £3OO was paid for a shearling ram bred by Mr J. Clark, of Muirkirlc. This is the highest price obtained in Great Britain this season for a sheep of any breed. Tho average for 570 shearling rams was £l6 7s 9d. At Kelso a Border-Leicester ram, owned by Messrs Cameron, of Westside, was sold for £230. and another of tho samo consignment renchod £2OO, the average for the lot being £72. Other prices for Border-Leiccsters were £l2O and £llO.

Tho top price at tho annual sales in Perth, W.A., for merino rams (150 gs) was secured by a local breeder, Mr J. W. Broun, for a ram bred by himself. Mr C. Sanger, of South Wangamong, obtained 62|gs for a stud ram, and his selected rams made from Bgs to 13igs. Mr Thomas Millear, Dcniliquin Stud Park, obtained from ogs to llgs lor flock rams. South Australian breeders wero well represented : price, ranging from sgs to 30gs. Lincoln rams sold at from sgs to 154 gs, Border Leicesters from 7£gs to 17gs, English Leicesters from 4gs to ogs, Romney Marsh from 6gs to lOgs and Shropshires from 4gs to sgs. Mr Osborne, the Romney Marsh-breeder, of New South Wales, paid llOgs for Mr J. G. Quested's champion ram, No. 71, of 1915, and another from tho samo flock gave 36gs. Ho also secured Messrs L. 11. and G. W. Finn's first prize wool ram and fourth prizo yearling ram at 75gs. Mr J. S. R. Crawford, of Orange, New South Wales, paid 220 gs, the highest price at the annual sale <ht Ashford, Kent, for the third prize yearling ram, No 33 of 1915, from tho Quested flock MEAT SUPPLIES OF THE UNITED KINGDOM. Many interesting facts showing tho trend in live' stock matters in tho United Kingdom aro given in the report on tho meat situation, just issued by ihe United States Department of Agriculture. Information on the changes shown in some 40 meatproducing countries was collected by tho American commercial agents in the various countries (says tho Live Stock Journal of October 6), and, as far as possible, those shown between 1890 anel 1914 aro certainly of great value in connection with the present position of supplies and prices. So far as numbers of cattle are concerned, it is stated that a full and r- >~-onabiy accurate record shows a, gain of only 1,147,000 cattle in Great Britain and Ireland from 1890 to 1913, in which latter year the cattlo numbered 11,937,600. Tho cows and heifers of this latter year numbered 4,318,000, and tho other cattle _ 7,619,000. Substantially, tho samo rate of increase is found in cows and heifers, as in other cattle. It will bo remembered, tho report points out, " that England is a groat breeding ground for tho supply of purebred ' cattlo to the United States, Canada, tho Argentine, Uruguay, Australia, Now Zealand, and other countries." Tho United- Kingdom is also doscribed as " a country of remarkable uniformity in its relation of cattlo to population, although in the long period of years, extending from 1890 to 1913 a slight decline is observable. In the earlier years of the period tho ratio was about 0.29, or 0.30 of tho animal per capita, and this gradually fell to 0.26 of the animal in recent years." So far as sheep are concerned, ''Britain has been for many years tho world's principal breeding-ground for purebred sheep, and their number has been pretty well maintained for 22 year 3 until 1912 at about 29,000,000 to 33,000.000. From 1912 to 1913 a decline from 28,967,000 to 27,629,000 sheep is reported, so that in 1913 tho United Kingdom had less sheep than in any year as far back as 1690. Indeed, a decline in number of sheep is observable since 1909, when tho number was 31*840,000." The relation of sheep to population is, for the United Kingdom, a record of declino since 1890, with an occasional fluctuation. In that year there was 0.84 of one sheep per capita, and in 1913 the ratio had fallen to 0.6 of one sheep. Right up to tho time of tho outbreak of war tho trend of meat prices was upward. In 1905 tho mean price of fat cattle, first quality, was 6fd per lb, followed by yearly increases to 8d per lb for 1913. The \ rico of fat sheep, first quality, declined from Bid in 1905 to 7£d per lb in 1909, followed by an increase to 9|d for 1913. Pig prices changed irregularly, anel were as low as s|d per lb for 1908, and ns high as .7td for 1913. From 1905 to 1913 tho mean wholesale price of English beef throughout England and Wales increased from s£d per lb to 6|d per lb; of Argentine chilled hindquarters from 4id to B£d per lb; and of Argentine frozen hindquarters from 3id to per lb. From 1905 to 1913 tho mean wholesale price- of English mutton increased from 4|d per lb in 1906 to 4|d in 1913. During the same vcars the average price of English pork has increased from 6id per lb for 1905 to BJd per lb for 1913. During the same period the wholesale price of imported pork rose from an average of 6d per lb to ono of 7id per lb. All these figures are based, it should be noted, on the yearly averages. This grouping of facts relating to tho trend of matters relating to live stock and meat supply is of special interest at a moment when prices aro attracting so much attention, and when a committee at Homo has also issued a report bearing on special measures that might bo taken. The American report indicates that meat shortage—■ in comparison with population—is a worldwide problem, which has boon growing in importance from the commencement of tho twentieth century, and it is well to realise that this fact must be recognised if any remedies are to be effective now or in afterwar days.

Although pigs in tho United Kingdom rapidly decreased from 4.250.000 In 1911 to 3.306.000 in 1913. tho number was about stationary on tho whole from 1890 to 1911, although there were considerable fluctuations. In the United Kingdom, it is pointed out, "swine have always been regarded as providing important articles of food." So far as the number per head of the population is concerned, the general trend has been downward from 1890 to 1913, with

0.12 of on© animal per capita in the former years, and 0.07 of one animal in tho latter. There were, however, many intermediate fluctuations.

Very good records wore obtainable of tho consumption of meat per head of the population in tho United Kingdom for 18 years from 1891 to 1903. Reduced to five-year averages, with a three-year average for tho later years, the per capita consumption remained at about 1201 b of beef, mutton, anel pork for many years, or extending back to 1896. For tho five years preceding that year tho consumption averaged 1121 b. The range of beef consumption, including veal, for the four periods into which the 18 years are divided was from 551 b to 60U> per head per annum; of mutton consumption, including lamb, from 251 b to 271 b; and of pork consumption, from 311 b to 381 b. Tho per capita consumption of home-produced meat during the 13 yeais declined from 741 b to 641 b, whilst the similar consumption of imported meat increased from 38lb to 551 b per head. AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL NEWS. Mr J. Talbot (chairman of tho South Canterbury Farmers' Union) made an interesting statement regarding the South Canterbury wheat prospects at a recent meeting of the union. " Tho chief interest, so far as the publio is concerned," ho said, "is centred in the wheat area. The actual returns sent in account for about 200,000 acres and it 'is estimated there may bo about 18,000 acres not returned, or 218,000 as against 330,000 last year. It is at present doubtful whether last season's crop together with a stated fairly large carry over from tho previous season will provide sufficient wheat to last until tho present growing crop is harvested. Assuming that thcro are 218,000 acres, which is, I think, doubtful, it will require a yield of nearly 35 bushels per aero to provide sufficient wheat to carry through tho year 1917. Thero is every prospect of a good crop this year, but an estimated average yield of 30 bushels per aero is, in my opinion, as high as it is safe to reckon upon, considering that a good many light and inferior paddocks of wheat are to be seen to be set off against tho many good ones. In my opinion tho area that will be sown next year must still further decline. Work on tho farms is at present being carried on under groat difficulties, and the work of grain growing, which involves so much labour and is attended with so much risk and anxiety, must be curtailed, and in some cases, dropped altogether for the time being."

At a recent meeting of the Southland Farmers' Union (says the Southland Times), Mr M'Lean said that the supply of rennet was becoming a burning question with dairy suppliers. There was a scarcity now, and next year no ono knew if any would be obtainable. - In the North Island a company hael been set up in order to obtain calves' veils. In the speaker's district each supplier was asked to supply ono veil for each four cows he milked, and they could understand what effect that would have on the stock market. Fanners wanted to rear their calves, and if they had to kill them it would be a very serious matter indeedi He had noticed that the Woodlands Dairy Factory had turned out first-grade cheese after having used pepsin, which cost only about one-third the price of rennet. His own district had urged the Government to take the matter up, and see if the waste products in freezing works could not bo utilised for the purpose. Tho matter was referred to the executive.

For the purpose of securing information with regard to the six worst noxious weeds of arable lands and grass lands throughout tho Dominion, and tho best methods for their eradication or prevention, the Board of Agriculture requests the co-operation of farmers and others on the land by completing a form which it is sending out for distribution by tho fields inspectors of tho Department of Agriculture. Anyone desirous of co-operating with the board in this matter can obtain a form from any of the inspectors named, or from the secretary of the board, Wellington. It is desired that tho forms should be completed fnd returned to Wellington not later than December 16, 1916. The information it is specially desired to obtain is what weeds in each district are causing tho greatest amount of harm; also particulars with regard to tho methods of eradication which have been adopted in tho district .and have proved efficacioTis.

The novel defence successfully set up by dairymen summoned in a London suburb for selling milk containing added water has excited considerable interest, not to say incredulity. The inferior quality of the milk apparently was not questioned, but the farmers contended that tho milk had' not been tampered with, and that the deficiency of butter-fat and other solids could only bo accounted for by tin? fright to which tho cows were subjected during tho recent Zeppelin raid. To the uninitiated this may

seem to bo an insufficient explanation, bufl experienced stoekowners know well that any circumstance 'which excites the cows, or in any way disturbs their normal equanimity, is reflected without fail in the quantity and quality of their milk yield. The effect is not equally pronounced in all cases, as cows, like human beings, vary greatly in temperament ; but it is not to be supposed that even the most staid member of the hetf<s would bo unaffected by an occurrence. of the kind mentioned.

A Batlmrst message statea that a party of soldiers selected by the Government haa begun work at Montavella orchard, which tho Government has agreed to purchase from Mr E. K. Wolstenholmo for about £BOOO. Mr J. G. Bryant (Director of the Resumed Areas for Soldiers' Settlements) accompanied the party. The first operations entered upon are in the natura of . cherry picking. Later on the area will be subdivided and worked on the group system. This system has never before been. attempted, and Mr Bryant is anxioua to prove its merits. By this method each soldier will be given an orchard area of about 10 aores, with two; acres of paddock. The proposed u.iidences will involve about £4-00 each. The Government will also provide tho horses, machinery and implements. All tho fruit will be handled in the one central shed, and put on tho market as that from tho Montavella Orchard Settlement. Tho whole of the produce will thus be pooled, ana a certain percentage deducted from tho net receipts for the hire of machinery, horses, etc. The gradual repayments will enable tho areas to become the absolute property of the soldiers in the course of time. Tho object is to have the settlement Bclf* supporting, and in this connection other lines, such as agriculture, pig-raising, beekeeping, and dairying will bo introduced. It is thus hoped that all the requirements of tho soldiers and their families will be introduced directly. It is understood that negotiations are proceeding between the Commonwealth Govern, ment for a big sale of meat to the Imperial authorities for army and naval purposes. From authoritative sources it was ascertained that tho Federal Government _ will put a bar on the export of meat from Australia, and tako over the control of the meat trade, as in tho case of wool and wheat. In the sale of tho wool clip, about £30,000,000 is said to be involved. &rA the meat deal will run into big figures. Boaid* are to be appointed to arrange and details on tho lines of tho Australian Wheat Board.

Farmers in Lincolnshire are, it is said, having a good time- with their mustard crops, thousands of acres having- been grown this year. The seed is realising about 12a or 14s a bushel more than in normal times. The question of enlisting the services of pupils of primary and secondary schools during the harvest was discussed at a meeting of the Southland Farmers' Union on Saturday. Some members" were of tha opinion that the services of the children would be of little use, but this opinion was not general. Mr M'Queen said the idea, if given effect to. would very likely be of great benefit to farmers, not only now, but it should be a universal rule after the war. Eventually it was decided to support the suggestion. A meeting of threshing mill hands, chaffcutters, and harvesters was held at Blen. heim to consider the question of harvest wages. The resolution passed at an informal meeting, held previously, that no one present would commence harvesting at lesa than Is 6d per hour and found or 3s per hour and not found, was confirmed. AU the workers at the meeting (over 100) agreed to join the Agricultural and Pastoral Workers' Union.

The daily intake of milk at tlio Mataura Island Dairy Factory now reaches 3000 gallons. The directors have this season Installed a new pasteuriser. The export of butter and cheese from Auckland for November showed largo increases over that for November last year. A Methven correspondent writing to the Ashburton Guardian, states that what prob. ably constitutes a record for shearing in the Ashburton County was made at Mount Harding, Methven, on Thursday week. J. House, P. Gilmour, V. Rouse, and J. Rossi, all local men, put up the fine tally of 801 sheep between them in Bhr 15min. The highest tally was put up by J. _ Rouse- (212 sheep), and the lowest was 192 sheep. The latest sheep returns show that North Auckland flocks have increased by 217,665 during the past five years, and that tha increase over last year is 100.661. As the northern pasturaore ages it becomes suitable for sheep, especially in hilly territory, and throughout the nine counties embraced in the North Auckland peninsula a decided preference is being shown by settlors in the back-blocks for sheep in place of cattle. Many station holder in the Mastcrton district are thia year personally assisting in shearing operations, owing to the shortage of labour. Some are doing the pressing, others are fleooc-picking, while not a few are assisting- in the mustering. Many of the early oat crops in the Winchrnore, Lauriston, and Lyndhurst districts have been cut and stooked.

A line of 250 stud merino ewes, purchased by Mr A. W. Rutherford, jun., Brookdale, from Mr A. J. Murray. Mount Crawford, South Australia, have arrived at their destination in good order. Although the sheep were transhirjne<J three times there were no losses

EXPORT OF PRODUCE.

WELLINGTON, December 7. The produce entered for export last week was valued at £557,252, including: Butter £231,651 Cheese 70,794Moat 100,428 Hides 23,742 Flax 47,789 Wool 63,511