THE NORTH ISLAND.

Otago Witness, Issue 3275, 20 December 1916, Page 12

THE NORTH ISLAND.

IFbom Oca Own Correspondent.) No rain has fallen during the past week, and the weather, particularly in Auckland, has been intensely warm. The last few days there have been evidences that rain is required again for some reasons, whilst harvesters, of course, are anxious that the line weather .continues until they get their crops in. In Hawke's Bay harvesters are receiving 2s per hour, whilst boys are getting from Is 3d to Is 6d and found. The dairying industry is keeping up at a great rate, and cheese is piling up tremendously. If largo quantities are taken away, as expected, during the next 10 weeks, the position should be relieved somewhat; but there is no doubt that the output of lactones is substantially in excess of last season, owing to the prolific quantity-of feed. Oat crops appear to bo doing well, and some really good yields are expected. There is at present a good demand for fattening lands, and in consequence some big land deals are taking place. This week Ann Bank, the property of Mr B. P. Lethbridge, at Turakina, was disposed of to o'2seill Bros., of Kakatahi, the price paid being in the vicinity of £60,000. The. farm is to be used for fattening purposes.

CLEARING THE ATMOSPHERE. At Gisborne tho various points in connection with the purchase of the wool clip by the Government, raised by the local Sheepfarmers' Committee, appear to have been cleared up satisfactorily. Mr W. G. Sherratt (chairman of the committee) was in telephonic communication with the Hon. W. D. S. MacUonald, and was informed by the Minister that all the sales made prior to the requisitioning had been cancelled, and tho matters in this connection were satisfactorily settled. Regarding tho valuation, Mr Shcrratt expressed tho opinion that when the first rush is over things will go along smoothly. The valuation that has been going on at Gisborne, and which is now being conducted at Tokamaru Bay, was hurriedly arranged to relieve the congestion. When the valuers had been allotted their final stations the committee would appoint a valuer to act in conjunction with tho Government Valuer, and both of these valuers would be paid for by the Government. Should a grower desire to engage a valuer himself, he could do so at his own cost. Provision was also made for an arbitrator to be called in; but in view of the prices already announced, Mr Shcrratt did not think any arbitration would be required. FARMERS' RETAIL BUTTER SUPPLIES. Many private sales of butter were made by farmers to stores and private persons; but this is to bo stopped unless new conditions are complied with. There is now a regulation which is to be strictly enforced, providing "that all such persons must have their butter properly wrapped, and on which is stamped the maker's name (or brand) and address, and the. net weight of the butter is going to be strictly enforced. At first sight this rule seems a. rather unnecesary additional trouble for the dairyman, and no doubt many of them will protest. Action, however, has been taken to protect consumers against light-weight purveyors. SOLDIERS' FARMS.

The sub-provincial executive of the Te Awamutu Farmers' Union Federation held a meeting this week, and discussed the question of management and supervision of soldiers' farms. It was pointed out that if farmers were now drawn in the ballot they were given no time to make arrangements for the conduct of their property, as they had to get into camp right away. If farms were so left it would mean that the land would go back to its natural state, and become a breeding-ground for noxious weeds and rabbits. The question was discussed at considerable length, it being finally decided that the Government should be approached with a view to its officers keeping noxious weeds and rabbits on such farms in ohoclc. It was further resolved that it be a recommendation to branches of the federation to set up committees in each district to supervise the farms of men who have to proceed to the front, but who are unable to make suitable private arrangements. A further resolution was passed suggesting that a conference should be held between delegates of the Farmers' Union Executive, the Te Awamutu Roroiich Council. Chamber of Commerce, and Patriotic Society to endeavour to formulate a practical scheme of district administration. A DISTRICT'S POSSIBILITIES WITH A RAILROAD.

The Commissioner of the Auckland Railway League has just paid a vi: :t to the Stratford railway works, ttie ultimate object of which is the establishment of direct communication by rail between I'aranaki and the King Country, and he contends that the delay in constructing the Te Kawia-Maticre section is costing Auckland the loss of hundreds of pounds yearly through stock going to Taranaki that would otherwi.?? go to Auckland. If the lines were completed to Matiere, he said, there would be thousands of fat lambs leave that district; whereas now they have to bo kept as stores. The saine remark applied to pigs, so this matter closely affected Auckland almost as much as it did the Ohura. The Ohura Valley is

certainly a magnificent one, and should add greatly to the Dominion's land products when properly developed. WOOLGROWERS' CONFERENCE. A conference of wcolgrowers was held at Palmerston North to consider matters arising out of the purchase of the wool clip by the Imperial Government. Mr T. Moss (Eketahuna) was voted to the chair, it was resolved that, in the event of a farmer appealing against a valuation, and the appeal being upheld, the Government shali pay for the revaluation; but where the appeal is dismissed, the cost shall be borne by the farmer. District committees were set up to adjust differences in valuation. It was pointed out that Wanganui was to be a grading port, Mr Ewan Campbell remarking that Wanganui handled more wool last year than Auckland, Tirrtaru, or Invereargill, and if it were made a grading Pprt one-tenth of the wool in the Dominion would pass through it. The chairman said that the Minister had told him over the telephone that Wanganui had been fixed definitely as a grading port. So far it is intimated that storage accommodation can be found at Wanganui for 30,000 to 40.000 hales of wool. Already wool is nouring into Wanganui from surrounding districts, and the season's clip represents a very large sum of money. A GOOD FLEECE. Some fine fleeces have been secured this year, one in particular falling to the lot of Mr R. J Liiin, of Normanby. Wnile on a visit to the South Island recently he purchased a stud Lincoln ram, for which he paid 37gs. After beinsr shown at Stratford two weeks ago, where it took championship honours, the ram was shorn, and the fWee turned the scale at 3411>, which in itself at the present time would be of considerable value. HERD-TESTING. The figures for the T. L. -Toll Co.'s Association (South Taranaki) For the period ending November 27. 1916. arc now available, and are as follow: —

The average Association cow from 47 herds gave 9631 b milk, 3.8 test, 36.661 b butter-fat. The best cow gave 12301 b milk, 6.1 test, 75.031 b butter-fat; the worst cow gave 3151 b milk, 3.7 test, 11.651 b butter-fat. COST OF SETTLING FARMERS' DIFFERENCES. The cost of settling farmers' differences is sometimes very heavy, particularly if the disputants take their trouble to court and bring witnesses long distances. Such a case has just been dealt with at Mangaweka Court, to decide the ownership of a bullock, which was sold last month for £9 10s. The claimants lived at Apiti and Rangiwahia respectively, and when the case was heard at Mangaweka this week both plaintiff and defendant were well supported by witnesses. After hearing all the evidence the magistrate gave a decision in favour of the defer dant (Mr Pratt, of Apiti), and allowed him costs and witnesses' expenses, amounting to £36 18s. As the plaintiff's expenses would be almost the same amount, the cost of the bullock must be a record price for the Dominion. SOLDIERS' SETTLEMENT IN HAWKE'S BAY AND TARANAKI. Tho Hon. J. Allen (Acting Prime Minister) states that in tho Hawke's Bay district 46 soldiers have been placed on 13,285 acres, 18 holdings containing 10,497 acres being used for sheep-farming, 27 holdings containing 2272 acres for dairying, and one holding of 16 acres for poultry-farming. The general progress of those discharged soldiers who aro actually settled and in occupation of their holdings has been very satisfactory, and the freely-expressed feelings of contentment provide a good augury for the future. Fencing, building, and stocking have proceeded rapidly, and with a continuance of ordinary seasons there should be a steady forward movement. Planting, water conservation, and breaking-up for growing winter feed will require attention early next season, and with anything like .success attending these operations, the settlers' prospects should be very good. An area of 209 acres of land suitable for dairying and 45,242 acres of grazing land have been set apart under the Act, and arc still available. Up to elate there have been placed on the land in Taranaki a total of 13 soldier selectors, whoso holdings, aggregate 4383 acres. The Minister states that the new settlers are all practical bush men, with more or less experience in handling lands of the kind; and, having personally inspected the sections prior to application, there is every reason to believe that they will become permanent and successful settlers. As the bulk of these selections have taken place since June last, it is too early yet to speak definitely as to actual progress made; but in every instance it is known that the holdings are occupied, and in the few eases where selectors have applied for financial assistance under the Act the Crown Lands rangers, in making inspections in that connection, report that tho men appear satisfied with the land, and aro already shaping- well. Their operations generally will be along the lines of mixed pastoral farming, as the land, being generally hilly bush land, becomes cleared and grassed. An area of over 30CO acres was specially set apart under the Act, and the whole has now been selected, leaving about 35.000 acres provisionally set apart still available for future operations, as surveys and other preliminaries aro completed. Most of this area is fair pastoral land, but none of it is suitable for dairying exclusively. TARANAKI FARMERS' FREEZING COMPANY. At the annual meeting of the Taranaki Farmers' Freezing Company the report submitted showed that the share capital stood at £24,223 4s 3d, and tho overdraft at £23.101 19s Id; other liabilities (sundry or editors), £21,035. Tho company's expenditure on the siding on railway land, freehold land, fencing, drains, and yards, buildings, plant, and machinery, and other disbursements totalled £67,954 10s 2d. Tho

Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report, stated that slaughtering operations would commence at the new works on December 20. Mr J. C. Cooper, the company's manager, stated that there was likely to be a difficulty in the matter of shipping frozen pork; therefore the company thought it was advisable not to handle pigs at present. With regard to meat taken by the Government and kept some time in the stores, Mr Newton King explained that the company would give storage warrants, which would lie negotiable at the banks, so that the farmer would practically be able to get cash for his stock. Mr Greenwood asked what arrangements would be made for taking delivery of stock from the country districts, which had to be driven to the works. Mr Quin replied that the company would be prepared to find drovers and accommodation paddocks at the owner's expense if the stock were not bought on the farm. The report ami balance sheet were adopted. NEW FREEZING WORKS IN TARANAKI. The new freezing works, built quite close to New Plymouth by the farmers of Taranaki, are now practically completed, and will be ready next week. The cost,_ about £70,000, is rather more than was estimated a year ago, but the directors have largelj increased the cold storage accommodation. The manager (Mr Cooper) is very optimistic as regards the future. From what he had heard, and from what he knew of Taranaki, he stated at the annual meeting of shareholders, he was sure the works would be none too large, and that they would fill a long-felt want. With the trade the works would bring to the harbour, ho was sure they would prove a great help to the port, the town, and the district. The choice stock-owners had of cither selling to the company, to the Government, or consigning on their own account was as liberal as could be wished. He also repeated that at present it was inadvisable to handle pigs. With respect to the prosjoccts, he said that while the war lasted big prices would continue, and perhaps for a little while longer; but no one could say what would happen afterwards, and it was useless to predict. WARNING TO DISSATISFIED DAIRYMEN.

Some dairymen are still pegging away at the Government for making a Jd per lb impost on cheese, and feeling, as they state, that they have been taken advantage of Speaking at a meeting of suppliers on tho occasion of the opening of a factory at Gordonlon (Waikato), Mr R. F. Bollard, M.P., gave a warning to tho effect thai, in his opinion, New Zealand was en tho edge of a volcano, and from the remarks of some Labour leaders an eruption might occur at any time. Many of the dairyfarmers scarcely realised the great problems which tho Minister of Agriculture had to solve at that time, and he was at that time engaged in work in the interests of farmers. He thought, however, that members of Parliament should have been taken more into the confidence of Cabinet on the questions affecting produce. HOW THE TAX WORKS. Mixed opinions are, of course, held as to whether the dairymen have a just grievance against the Government for making an impost of |d per lb in view of the very big prices they are getting for their produce, and the question cropped up at the To Awamutu Branch of the Farmers' Union. To show what the tax really meant, the secretary of a dairy factory stated that he had worked out the tax payable on the month's supply, and he instanced one farmer—whose case was a fair average for tho district —whose tax last month was in the vicinity of £9. WASTED BY-PRODUCTS. AND ADVICE TO PIG-REARERS. Mr D. Nathan, speaking at the opening of a new cheese factory at Gordonton by the New Zealand Dairy Association, mentioned that a good many farmers made the mistake of trying to economise by rearing pigs on whey; but if they followed the experience _ of other countries they would forsake this idea, for it was anything but profitable. It was, in fact, cheaper to throw this away than go to all the trouble and expense of carting it from the factory. On the other hand, more valuable by-products, such as sugar of milk and casein, were being turned down the drains than would pay the dairying wages of the province. FARMERS DOING WELL Sir James G. Wilson is the authority for the statement that farmers >vere doing well. Speaking at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Distributing Company, held at Wellington, he said there was no doubt that prices for produce had never been so high as they were at the present moment. The expenses were very heavy also. If it were not for the farmer he did not know- where New Zealand would bo. Out of £33,000,000 of exports considerably more than £25,000,000 came directly from the land. "'The meat purchase scheme," he said, "had worked well. Personally, lie had not viewed with any very great satisfaction the increase of prices given a few weeks ago. He would have preferred to sec established better conditions of sale. There was cause for concern about the too prodigal slaughtering of our best cattle. He considered that it would be very wrong for the Government to interfere with the disposal of sheep; but he was not at all sure that something ought not to be done about cattle. So much of our best fattening pasture was being used for dairying that the cattle herds tended to diminish. If our stocks of beef cattle came down too low, it would not be to tho advantage of this country, for even after tho war beef would still _ be in very strong demand —at least, a direction should be given to the farmers not to destroy their calves as they had been doing. Perhaps the law of supply and demand would rectify this, because if prices rose farmers would not be so reckless in the killing of their young cattle. FARMERS' FEDERATION AND SHIPPING FREIGPITS. The co-operative system has been of great, service to farmers in particular and the Dominion in general, and the federation of the co-operative societies, which ?s now in course of arrangement, promises to bo a very great 'movement indeed. Sir James Wilson referred to the matter at tho annual meeting of the Farmers' Distributing Company. He remarked that there were a few- initial difficulties still to bo got over; but he had no doubt that they would bo got over, and that in a few years tho federation of the co-operative associations of farmers would have the greatest effect in New Zealand. Tho saw no reason why the farmers should not take a very much larger part in the commercial world. Further reference to the same movement was subsequently mada by Mr E. W. Relph manager of tho North Canterbury Farmers

Co-operative Association, who pointed out that all the technicalities would be dealt with before the New Jfear, and then all that would be necessary to put the scheme into operation would be the appointment of a competent officer to undertake the initial work. It was hoped that by 'the medium ot this scheme the farming community would be able to secure to themselves certain advantages which they could not hope to secure through their respective organisations. There were many matters on which the farmers had hitherto been unable to obtain redress, which he felt sure they could obtain by concerted action. One was the freight grievance. Before the war the freight on a bale of wool worked out at 19s 3d. Then the rate went up to about £2 4s per bale, and now the charge was about £3 5s per bale. It was absolutely hopeless for farmers to attempt to get any redress singly; but if the whole farming community, through their federation, got to work, there was nothing in reason that they could not accomplish. In buying abroad, great advantages would be gained if the societies would pool their orders. They could even go to shipping companies and say that they were prepared to keep a certain number of freighter's constantly employed. Certainly the farmers ought not to stay cuntent to pay the extortionate rates they were now paying for the carriage of their goods. He was sure that the scheme was a good one. Perhaps it would not be able to do much with it until after the war. but meanwhile the farmers should prepare for that time to be ready to start in real earnest as soon as normal conditions were restored. THE AUCKLAND CLIP.

Shearing in the Auckland province has been in lull swing for the past few weeks, and already there are something like 12,000 bales awaiting the attention of the valuers, who commenced operations at the beginning of the week. Several well-known" woolbrokers expressed satisfaction when interviewed with the values already assessed. "The valuers are evidently competent men," said one, "and know their work. Moreover, they have been instructed to treat the grower liberally, and the grading so far has certainly been satisfactory." It was explained, further, that the grower has the right of appeal if he so desires; but any appeal against a «Uuation must be lodged within 48 hours of the date of the receipt of the valuation. The fact, however, that fully 95 pur cent, of the valuations made in Christchuroh were not questioned would indicate that the services of an arbitrator are hardly likely to be necessary. GENERAL. In view of the development of the freezing industry along the West Coast there is a steady demand for fattening lands, and lately several properties have alreadychanged hands. One of the largest deals recorded for some time is the transference of the ownership of Ann Bank, Turakina from Mr B. P. Lcthbridge (Turakina) to the Messrs O'Neill Bros. (Kakatahi, near Wanganui). The purchase money was in the vicinity of £60,000. The new owners intend to devote the land to fattoniiijj. Pea-culture is now receiving increasing attention in the Pohangina Valley, where somo splendid crops have been raised. Mr George Philps, of Pongotea, has disposed of his farm to Mr S. Hammond at £SO per acre. Freezing works buyers are very busy clearing up drafts, etc., before the Christmas holidays. The Wanganui and Feilding agricultural boys attending the shearing camp at Mr Henson's farm, Mount Stewart, near Feilding, put through about 800 sheep and lambs. The flock were particularly clean. The questions of the scarcity of farm labour and the need for organisation were discused at a sitting of the Military Service Board at Mastcrton, whereupon a wellknown farmer sa'd that if he were supplied with a motor car .he would be prepared to see that two or three of tlu largest farms in the district were properly managed during the absence of the owners on active service. Speaking further, the gentleman in question said that there was no valid reason why young and vigorous farmers should be exempted from service, wnile independent farmers over the age limit were idly whiling their time away, yet still anxious to do something in the service of the country. He considered that if the Government would not do something in the way of organisation in the manner indicated, the Farmers' Union should step into the breach.

CANTERBURY MARKETS.

GRAIN AND PRODUCE REPORTS. (Lyttclton Times, December 16.) The grain market is at a standstill. The result of the wheat-growers' conference with the Minister of Agriculture is that farmers will not quit their wheat at under the price (6s 3d a bushel) which they have requested the Government to pay for ail wheat grown during the period of the war, and for a year thereafter. Whether this price will eventuate is not, of course, certain; but it is reported that the Government is prepared to offer 6s in order to ensure that New Zealand shall grow sufficient wheat for her own requirements. Meanwhile quantities of Australian flour are being imported to New Zealand, landing at about £l4 per ton, which is relatively cheaper than New Zealand wheat at 6s 3d a bushel. lhis latter figure, a merchant explains, will send the price or flour to £l7 per ton, necessitating a tenpenny 41b leaf. There is no life in the cereal or seed market generally. The following quotations are for purchases from farmers, net cash, sacks extra, delivery at country stations:— Wheat (normal); Garton oats, 2s lOd to 3s: Algerians (none offering); Duns. 3s; Danish (none offering); barley (malting; nominal), 5s to 5s 3d; bran, £4; chaff. £3 10s to £4; oatmeal, £ljr; pollard. £7; flour. £ls; ryegrass seed 5s 6,1 ■ cocksfoot (131 b), 10d to lid; white clover (farm dressed). Is to Is 2d; cow-r.-rass, 8d to lOd; dairy factory cheese, lid; focal factory butter (first grade). Is 5d ; farm separator (pais). Is Id; dairy (pats), Is- dairv (bulk), lid; hams, Is Id: sides, lid- roll hams. Is 4cl; lard pats. Is Id; Cffirs. Is 2d. Prices quoted for butter are le"ss discount. TIMAJRU MARKET. (Christchureh Press, December 16.) The local grain market is in a state of suspense, pending the findings of the Board of Trade as an outcome of their deliberations with grain-growers this week. It is understood that the Minister of Agriculture and the Board of Tvade will meet the millers in conference next week. Notwithstanding the check given to business as a result of these negotiations, some odd parcels of wheat have been sold on the basis of 5s 9d to 6s, delivered Timaru. The continued dry weather and the hot nor'west

winds have had a serious effect on the crops.

TEX BE ST HERDS. Cows. Lfos milk Test. Fat. 22 1280 3.9 50.55 no 1114 4.1 46.16 55 1201 3.6 43.31 11 1129 3.7 41.92 G5 1051 3.S 40.47 33 1062 8.7 40.00 51 1082 . 3.7 39.82 31 901 3.9 39.12 40 069 4.0 38.97 10 883 4.4 38.77 TEN WORST HERDS 41 739 3.6 27.09 59 906 3.4 30.67 81 847 3.6 30.78 ' 15 797 3.9 31.03 24 90G 3.4 31.03 56 875 3.6 32.06 48 904 3.6 32.98 11 851 3.9 33.51 33 957 3.5 33.89 40 870 3.9 34.25