THE NORTH ISLAND.

Otago Witness, Issue 3292, 18 April 1917, Page 11

THE NORTH ISLAND.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

It has conic at last. A beautiful rain has fallen over the southern part of the island, and has given the country a very much-needed wetting. All requirements have not been met, but the fall has been sufficient to rejuvenate pastures, and make it possible for an improvement in winter feed conditions. If the cold weather only hangs off sufficiently long to enable the grass to' spring forward again, farmers will be greatly relieved, particularly those who "were obliged to encroach on their winter feed reserves. There is no doubt that matters were looking rather black so far as the dairy industry was concerned. On some farms herds were dried off, and in other instances milking was reduced to onct a day, so that the season which promised so well at the outset is ending very disapponitmgly. It is true that the values have been good, but the output has not been nearly up to expectations, and at most of the factories in the southern part of the island and well into Taranaki will probably show a falling off in the quantity of butter and cheese made as compared with the preceding season. It 'may be, of course, that the splendid opening and substantiallyincreased output ± when the "grass was growing and the' milk was flowing ' will more than compensate for the disastrous tail end. This information will be available only when annual stock-taking is concerned, and within the next few months this will be presented in the various annual reports and balanca sheets. In the meantime the country has been freshened, and, as I have already indicated, if the cold weather is delayed only until the grass gets a grip, stock will have a very much better chance of going through the winter yn condition. GROWING OF WHEAT IN THE WAIRARAPA. One of the most important events in the Wellington province during the past week was an address given to Wairarapa farmers by the Hon. W. D. S. MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture, on the subject of wheatgrowing. In impressing upon farmers generally the need cf prompt and effective measures being taken to enlarge the wheat belts and devote new areas ot the growing of wheat, the Minister said that the country had arrived at such a stage that they had to endeavour to provide for themselves. State interference was more or less resented, but they had to consider. that they were up against a very serious proposition. He believed they were going to fet the lowest average yield of wheat for . 0 years in the South Island, and, judging by present indications it seemed as if the Government would have to import largely from another country. After reviewing the position and stressing the fact that the outlook in the South Island was not at all cheerful, he went on to show that to meet the requirements of this country it was necessary tiiat 250,000 acres should be sown in wheat. The only returns from the North Island were 11,000 acres. Unless, therefore, they took the matter up s-eriously, they would bo awkwardly fixed. They had arrived at such a position that it was not the easy road they had to take. The Wairarapa, he said, had done magnificently in the past, but they still had to make sacrifices. This was not the time that they should consider the financial aspect. He had consulted with the Minister of Defence in regard to farm labour, and the conclusion had been arrived at that they should grant exemption where necessary. But they could give no guarantee. He was not there to tell peoplo how to grow wheat, but to impress upon them that it was necessary to grow between 6,000,000 and 7,000,000 bushels, and yet, according to indications, they would not have more than 5,000,000 bushels for the coming season. Wairarapa was not a wheat-growing district, but preparations were being made to send experts round so that they might have a springsowing. Sir Walter Buchanan said that it was an erroneous idea about the Wairarapa being unsuitable for wheat-growing. Ho had himself produced 58 bushels of v \heat to the acre. But the area available was small. Mr D. M'Grcgor pointed out that spring wheat yielded better in the Wairarapa than autumn wheat. Mr W. Perry thought that a good deal of wheat might be lost if they went_ in for indiscriminate growing, and on his motion a committee- was set up to give _ advice on the subject of wheatgrowing. SHORTAGE OF WHEAT SACKS. The effort of the Minister of Agriculture to induce farmers to go in for wheatgrowing is likely to have a satisfactory response, and his visit to the Wairarapa promises to bear good fruit. At the conference between Mr MacDonald and the farmers, however, an indication was given that there was not a too plentiful supply of sacks. The question of an alleged shortage was raised by Mr Howard Booth, and in reply the Minister stated that this question had caused a great deal of difficulty. It was being gone into by the GovernVnent. PROSPECTS OF AUSTRALIAN WHEAT. The Hon. W. I>. S. MacDonald, in addressing the Wairarapa farmers, said it had been asserted that New Zealand could get wheat from Australia. If this were true, he would not sav anything move on the wheat question. But he pointed out that last year's supply had gone to the Imperial Government and .'scwhei'e. There was no other source available but Australia. It was only two years ago thab they had had to lend 100,000 bushels to Australia. The Australian market was uncertain. THE FOOD PROBLEM.

The food problem looms up largo at prosent. In tho Wairarapa wheat fields should ho fairly common next season. Hawko's Bay will aiso be assisting in tho growing of wheat. "Rongitikci is sure to go in for increased production, and hopes are ex-pi-essod that the Auckland province will fall into line and grow as much foodstuffs as possible. A practical suggestion has been made through the Star by Mr A. Schmitt. late provincial secretary of the Auckland

Farmers' Union. He states that there are 24,000 farmers in the province, and if only 10,000 of them would, as a matter of patriotism, put down five acres in wheat this season, it would be one way of helping the country in time.of stress. Although Auckland, like Wairarapa and Hawko s Bay, is not considered wheat-growing districts, it is quite within the_ bounds of probability that an average yield of 20 bushels per acre would be a conservative estimate of the yield to bo expected. In the early clays the country around Ngaruawahia and Raglan proved well suited for the production "of this cereal, some splendid yields being obtained. Many farmers put in oats in the Auckland district, and the demand for that grain must necessarily decrease as motor traction does away with horses. Wheat, on tho other hand, if grown this winter, will guarantee the whole Dominion against a shortage of a staple food. If 10,000 farmers in the Auckland province each put in five acres of wheat, 50.C00 acres would be put under that grain. At 20 bushels per acre this would yield 1.000,000 bushels of wheat extra in the Dominion output. Tho cost _of putting clown five acres in wheat is given by Mr Schmitt as follows:—Ploughing, 15s per acre; harrowing, discing, drilling, and rolling, £3 15s; cutting, £7 10s; stocking and stacking, £2; thrashing. £2 10s; cartage of grain. £1; manure, £7; sacks. £1 ss; seed, £5; interest on land, £2. This makes the cost to each farmer who puts down five acres of wheat at a little over £3O, which, considering the high prices ruling for all produce, is not much to risk for the good of the country. THE WOOL OUTPUT.

According to the Minister of Agriculture the total "payments for wool amount to £8,791,759. The following particulars of the State's transactions will be interesting:— Bales shipped 208,497 Available for shipment .. .. 203,737 No space allotted .. .... 99,046 Number paid for 376,487 LUPINS IN BAY OF PLENTY.

The growing of lupins in the Bay of Plenty district has received the earnest attention of Mr Norman Law, head master of the District High School at Tauranga—in fact, this is not the only problem being solved by Mr Law, who, by careful research and experimental work agriculturally, is doing much towards placing the Bay of Plenty farmer on a better basis. The experimental work being conducted must have that effect, inasmuch as that by manurial tests, etc., he is demonstrating the class of crop calculated to give the best results in the district affected. The effect of the lupin on the Taut an gfl soils is now being shown in Mr Law's kitchen garden. He has a small plot planted in tomatoes, one-half of which was treated with farmyard and stable manure, and the other half in which lupins were grown. The product from each plot has been carefully weighed, and the results so far are a striking commentary on the value of lupins. . From die manured portion 29|lb have been obtained, and from the other 64|lb. DEALING WITH UNRULY COWS.

Many, attempts have been made from time to time to deal with kicking and unruly cows, but somehow the old legrope has not yet been superseded. An ingenious device, however, has just been patented by a Taranaki farmer. It is in the form oi a bracelet made of steel, with a chain about Ift in length, and fits on just above tho hock, the time taken to put on and take off being only 15sec. It is a good substitute for tho leg-rope, which is somewhat clumsy, and becomes dirty after a little use. The bracelet can be dipped in water in a bucket and can be kept everlastingly clean. A practical' test was made before Mr W. T. Jennings, M.P., and others, and it succeeded beyond expectations, a lively-going milker with a reputation of being a good kicker having been placed in the "darbies." The invention was brought under the notice of the dairy authorities in Wellington and approved of. N } DAIRY PRODUCE. Some anxiety is being felt as to when the large supplies of dairy produce which have accumulated are going to be forwarded. It is understood that there are heavy holdings of butter at both Auckland and New Plymouth. The wholesale iate of butter for the local trade has been raised to Is per lb; but there is as yet no change ' in. the retail price. Despite tho fact that Danish supplies are reaching Home in largo volume, New Zealand butter is still realising 208 s to 212 s per cwt, and this fully demonstrates that the Dominion product is well thought of at Home. A MODEL DAIRY FARM.

Tho establishment of a model dairy farm in Taranaki now promises early fulfilment in consequence of the efforts of the Stratford A. and P. Association. A special committee was set up to go into the question, and, after viewing certain sites, an option for three months to purchase the interest in lease of sub-section 3, section 13, block 11, Ngaere survey district. It was considered necessary to avoid excessive capital expenditure to go in for a lease instead of freehold, the advisability of eventually securing the land being kept in view. The land adjoins the borough of Stratford, one mile from tho railway station. It is all level, well watered, and practically free from weeds. _ Except for tilling and grazing, it is practically in a virgin state, and therefore offers, a clean sheet for operations and experiments. The area is 143 acres, and it is proposed to work 100 acres as a model dairy farm, and lease the remaining 43 acres to the_ Board of Education for technical instruction and experimental purposes. With a view to securing Government support for the scheme, a deputation wailed on the Hon. Minister of Agriculture, and after due consideration the Minister undertook to grant a subsidy of £3OO per annum for five years, provided the capital expenditure was raised locally. With the aid of tho guarantees of some pub'ic-spirited gentlemen, the necessary financial credit has been arranged, and the scheme has now been safely launched. Practical framing by practical farmers will prevail, and careful records will be kept. The information and demonstrations to farmers must have a beneficial influence on production. FARMERS AND RACING.

The executive of tho To Awamutu Federation of tho Farmers' Union recently entered a vigorous protest against the practice of altering established sale days in order that they should not clash with the raco meetings in tho several districts, the farmers objecting to their interests bcinpf subordinated to sport. The auctioneering companies, in reply, took exception to tho insinuation that they were sacrificing the interests of the farmers, and stated that

the alteration of sale dates was made in the interests, of their eliente. The correspondence which has resulted over the protest was forwarded to the Waikato Executive for consideration, and it gave lise to an animated discussion, some _of the speakers evidently being of opinion that the auctioneers, by altering the dates, were really conserving the interests of the farmers. The meeting unanimously decided to support the protest to the auctioneers on tho matter. • PROPOSED EXPORT TAX.

The most equitable form of taxation is as big a problem as the right kind of tax to put on motor cars, and it is no wonder that farmers are divided as to the most satisfactory system. The present method of taxing income and excess profits has- caused a good deal of irritation and dissatisfaction in certain quarters; but in the majority of instances, the fault has been traced to the failure on the part of the farmer to send a correct statement of his returns, thereby rendering it necessary for the Commissioner of Taxes to take action. Many farmers, however, contend that they have a real grievance, and at the' Waingaro Branch of "the Farmers' Union, in the Waikato, it was decided to ask the Provincial Executive to support the following remit: —"That the Commissioner of Taxes bo approached to frame differently the questions on the income tax returns relating to the relative value of live stock at the beginning and end of the financial year, as the present wording invites the farmer to furnish a return which is not really required by the department, and results in his being unduly exploited. Further, that it be incumbent upon the department to post to every farmer his demand for payment of income and excess profit taxes instead of the onus being on the farmer to apply for the same." The same branch also recommended — " That in view of the present method of levying taxation on farmers having proved vexatious and hard to be arrived at, this branch of the Farmers' Union suggests that the substitution of a tax on exports is desirable." These remits were considered by the ' Waikato Executive on Thursday. The former was adopted, but the latter, concerning the proposed tax on exports, caused a good deal of discussion. One farmer opposed ah export tax, because, he said that such would fall heavily upon the men who fatten and finish stock for export, whilst the breeder in the rough country, who cannot fatten, would entirely escape. These form a very large proportion of the breeders of the Dominion. Another well-known farmer said that he considered the present system was the best and fairest, for by it the man w T ho had tho property had to pay. while under the export tax the man who exported had to pay whether he was making money or losing it. Advocates of the export tax maintained that there was a growing sentiment amongst farmers in favour of an export tax, and that it would prove an easier and less costly method to collect. Eventually it was agreed that the remit be forwarded to the various branches for an expression of opinion. FARMERS ORGANISING. In the Auckland province farmers are beginning to realise the necessity for effective organisation in their own interests, and when the To Awamutu district branches of tho Farmers' Union federated, with an organising secretary, the first practical step was taken. Since then excellent work has been done to bring about coordination, and it would not be surprising to learn that the wholo of the Farmers' Union branches throughout New Zealand became very active in the same direction in the early future. Feeling is certainly running that way, and an incentive to further action will most likely be given by the Auckland Union. Mr T. A. Cooper, who has done such splendid service in tho Waikato, has boon appointed provincial organiser, and takes up his new and enlarged duties at once. In the Wellington province the movement had not yet taken concrete form; hut if Mr Cooper can induce the Povertv Bay farmers to federate, it will not be long before Hawke's Bay, Wairarana. Marawatu, Oroua, and Rangitikei will-he following suit. SOLDIER SETTLEMENTS. Soldier settlements at Guystroke, Marton, and at Makowhai, near Bulls, are* doing splendidly. About 11 returned soldiers are working hard at Guj'Stroke preparing for tho coming dairy season. House® and sheds have boon erected, and a good deal of fencing done. Some of the men made substantial cheques with grass seed, and are cheerfully looking forward to the opening of the next dairy season. The same conditionl? exist at Makowhai, where about 14- returned soldiers have taken up sections of dairy land. GENERAL. - "Some of the paddocks of wheat I had seen in the South Island in the late season returned only six bushels to the acre," said tho Minister of Agriculture at Mastcrton. The New _ Zealand Poultry Association had before it the recommendation of the Wairarapa Egg Circle that egg circle agents be appointed in centres or districts where necessary, such agents to be recognised as the official agents of affiliated circles, through whom all circle eggs must be marketed. If any affiliated circle fail to comply with this arrangement, their affiliation to the N.Z.P.A. will be cancelled. Mr E, Oswald Riley., of Dunedin. raised the first objection, and he expressed the opinion that the proposal was far too drastic. Other members of the conference thought the same, for tho remit was defeated by a large majority. A consignment of 373" pigs from the Hawora district was railed away on Wednesday last. It was one, of the largest lots despatched for some time. The record number was 700 odd.

At a meeting of Wairarapa farmers the Minister of Agriculture expressed the opinion that every person who had oven one-eighth of an acre would bo doing good work to grow soni thing for himsclf. Even if a few" pounds of potatoes were put in an ordinary garden, that would be doing something to ease the food problem.

At a meeting of the Waikato Executive of the Fanners' Union on Thursday. Mr L. H. King, of Wanganui, was appointed organising secretary for the Waikato district. There were 54 applications. The Waikato Winter Show Association is out to increase the membership to 100 before the year is ended, so that it will give the association a larger scope for usefulness, and assist the further development of the Waikato and its surrounding districts.

Mr Duncan M'Gregor said, at a mooting of Wairorapa farmers, tliat years ngo there was sufficient wheat grown in the district to keep two flour mill? Going. At a clearing sale of Mr W. R. Goodrick's stock, Awahnri, the cows submitted

were a fair lot, but tho majority were calving k«e. Prices for the pedigree Ayrshires in most cases failed to reach tho vendor's upsets. Best-''dairy cows sold at from £l3 to £ls 10s; medium cows from £9 to £l2; aged, inferior, and backward cows £5 10s to £8 ss; forward ewes £26 10s; forward lambs 20s; store lambs 15s; breeding sows £2 5s to £3. At a meeting of tho Waikato Branch of tho Now Zealand Farmers' Union it was resolved —"That in view of tho increasing labour and expense in dealing with noxious weeds throughout the country, the Governmnot be urged to experiment by means of cultivation and spraying, so that the most effective method of combating this menace can bo placed at the disposal of farmers." At tho Paparangi (Sheepdog Trials Mr C. -S. Hay's Maid scored first in "Head and Yard," and San in "Open Huntaway." A. Walker's Boy won the all-round event. - Messrs Dalgety and Co. report: "The exports of wool for tho 1916-17 season are 344,623, as compared with 415,780 bales for the corresponding period of 1915-16. Sales amount to 446.052 bales, as compared with 311,897 for the nine months ended March 31, 1916.