AGRICULTURAL NOTES FROM THE HOMELAND.

Otago Witness, Issue 3313, 12 September 1917, Page 12

AGRICULTURAL NOTES FROM THE HOMELAND.

(Fkom Ocb Spzotai GowiupnNniffT.l GLASGOW.. July 12. Many difficult problems confront the fanners of Scotland at the present moment. Perhaps that most difficult of solution is how to maintain in all its fullness the milk supply of the country. Of course, the subiect is one which calls for attention in England as well. The canny-going directors of the Highland and Agricultural Society have had courage enough to give approval to the recommendations of the Advisory Committee appointed by the Food Controller. They arc, in effect—(l) The need for a supply of labour; (2) the preservation of heifers and milk cows of the best _ dairy type from immature slaughter: (3) in the distribution of food supply the necessity for giving a preference to dairy stock over stock kept for other purposes; and (4) the necessity for cultivating nitrogenous crops, and the cultivation of such crops as are necessary for dairy cattle. Dairy-farmers in general "are not, however, content to leave matters there, and they are doing their level best to convince the Board of_ Agriculture for Scotland, and, through it. the Secretary for Scotland and the interested Government departments, that there _ is likely to bo a serious shortage of feeding stuff's. It is urged that the country cannot hope for an adeo.uate supply of milk unless there is a sufficient quantity of foodstuffs reserved for dairy stock. As Mr Alexander Cross, of Knockdon, pointed out. it is estimated that there are 350,000 dairy cows in Scotland, and in order to feed these during the off season 175.000 tons of artificial imported feeding stuffs are required. How these are to be obtained is a question which will require close and constant attention before the winter sets in. A new regulation under the Defence of the Realm Act which has aroused a good deal of discussion, and not a few protests, is that which provides that "an occupier of an agrioultural holding in Great Britain shall not sell or part with the possession of any horse used, or capable of being used, for the cultivation of the holding, except with the authority of a licensegranted under this regulation. The Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, in relation to any holding in England and Wales, and the Board of Agriculture for Scotland, in relation to any holding in Scotland, may, by license, authorise the occupier of a holding to sell or part with the possession of a horse if the board is satisfied that the cultivation of the holding will not be thereby prejudiced, or that for any other reason the issue of such a. license is necessary or desirable, and any license so issued may contain such conditions as the board thinks desirable. The board may authorise any person or any body constituted by the board under these regulations to exercise on behalf of the board the power of issuing licenses." In Scotland the granting of licenses has in most cases been delegated to the County Agricultural Committees, and where these arc composed of men who know the circumstances, there is not much trouble; but sometimes there are busybodic-s who stick hard and fast to what they imagine to be the letter of the law, and they cause trouble. The regulation is certainly an absurd one, as no sensible farmer would dream of selling a horse he required for the cultivation of his land. _ . The Clydesdale Horse Society is doing a real service to agriculture by appointing a committee to deal with the trouble known as joint-ill in foals. A special sub-com-mittee of scientific experts has been at work for some time, and the results arrived at «o far' are eminently satisfactory, the bacteriological investigations having been the means of isolating seven distinct microbes which have beeen identified. Many valuable foals have succumbed to tins trouble in recent years, and if a remedy can be found for it a national service will be rendered bv the Clydesdale Horse. Society. Some of the other breed societies, including the Shire Horse Society, are assisting in the matter, and it is hoped the Board of Agriculture for Scotland may lend its help. The Highland and Agricultural Society is nibbling at the question; but, as usual, it does not seem prepared to give of its great wealth to facilitate the inquiry. The dale men will not stop short for all that. The men who are entering upon sheepfarming in Scotland under present conditions are entailing a heavy responsibility. Valuations have been abnormally h gh.Here is a sample of the Blackface valua"on in the case of the farm of Morenish, near Killin. in Perthshire:-Ewes and fambs, £lO2 per clad score, with threefourths of a ewe and lamb short out of each 20; yeld ewes, £73 per clad score with the same ehott; ewe hoggs, £6B 10s per clad score, with 10 short out of the lot 16 three-year-old rams at £l9 each, and 201 two-year-old rams at £24 10s each. All shotts at one-third less pnce.-[For the Sf°ormation of those not familiar with the Scottish phrases it may be added that tWfourths of a ewe and lamb short means that 75 per cent, can be rejected, or taken at one-third the price.] Short pedigree dairy Shorthorns are making remarkable headway. The beamed deep-milking cows of the North of England ipar™cular!V those of the County of Cum-berland-took the fancy of some of the leading agriculturists of the country some vears Lof and their efforts to bring them into the Herd Book have been crowned with success. Two sales of this class of stock have just taken place in England, and some remarkable prices have been obtained. The first was that of the late Lord Lucas's herd at Wrest Park. Ampthill, Bedford=hiro when the average for S2 head wis the 'splendid one of £lB7 lis Bd. this being a record for cattle of the land. The highest price was 810 gs given for Primrose Dairymaid, a winner at the show of the Roval Agricultural Society of England. Mr Watson (Weathcrby, Yorkshire) was th« buvcr, and the runner-up was Mr X. <A Pu'llinger, from the Dumfries district- «

Scotland. The average for 81 cows and heifers wa3 £lB5 Bs, and the average for the 11 bulls sold was £203 14s. Of tho latter the Royal winner, Premier Gift, made the best price oi 710 gs, the buyer in this case also being Mr Watson. The second salo of dairy Shorthorns was that of Mr D'Arcy Taylor (Tho Rocks, Marshfield, Bath}, and in this case tho average for 43 head was £133 Os s£d. The 33 cows and heifers averaged £l<-8, and the average for 10 bulls was £B2 6s 4d. Mr James Birkmyro, of Ingmanthorpe, Wctherby, who was also a purchaser at Wrest Park, gave exactly 2000 gs for four animals. He paid the top price of tho sale for Salmons Kate, oalved in 1914 —namely, 650 gs. Other historio sales of dairy Shorthorns are those of Mr Sandy, which had an average of £l2l, and the dispersion of the Tring Park herd pf the late Lord Rothschild, where the average was £lO4. There ia no question about dairy Shorthorn with the short pedigree is booming. Phenomenal prices have been obtained by the early potato-growers in Ayrshire. On the farm of Morriston, En the Carrick district, occupied by Messrs Q. and W. Dunlop, the average was £9l 12s 4d per acre, n this case the top price was £125 per acre, and 10 other lots went into three figures. Mr J. D. Hastings Forbes (Jameston), in the same district, had the highest price of £165 per acre for a lot of two acres three roods. The e/verage in his case was £97 3s per acre. On tho farm of Warren, occupied by the same gentleman, the average was £ll7 14s 7d, the whole making three-figure prices. One lot of 6a 2r 39p went to £137 per acre In South Ayrshire, too, the prices were very high. A seven-acre field brought £ll6 per acre. Of the 13 lots on the farm nine made £IOO or over per acre. The growing of early potatoes entails a large expenditure in artificial manures; but the prices this year must leave a great margin of profit. Moreover, a second crop of rape is grown, on which sheep are fattened off. The Duchess of Argyll (our own Princess Louise) attended at Roseneath the other day and seemed highly pleased at having the opportunity of personally presenting to two of her workers on the home farm longservice medals and certificates awarded by the Highland and Agricultural Society. The recipients are Mr Angus Campbell, shepherd, who has seen 33 years' continuous service on the farm, and Donald M'Lellan, ploughman, who has had 30 years' continuous service with the Dukes of Argyll. In handing over the medals the Princess very graciously wished the old servants long life and good health so that they might remain in her service for many years to come. " Too old at 45" is not the rule in Roseneath. Mr Alexander Cross, of Knockdon, Maybole, honorary secretary of the Highland and Agricultural Society, was present on the invitation of the Princess. He mentioned that there were now over 500 of these medals given to long-service agricultural workmen, which showed that there •were still in Scotland a large number of men who continued in one place when they were fortunate enough to get a good master or mistress.

The Earl of Rosebery, K.G., K.T., Dalmeny Park, Edinburgh, has been re-elected president of the Highland and Agricultural Society.

Free gift sales are the order of the day in Scotland at present, and in no section of the community have they attained a larger measure of success than when under taken by agricultural societies. In not a few cases, they have been held annually since the outbreak of war. That which took place under the auspices of the Renfrewshire Society recently was the means of raising over £3OOO for war funds. The local fleshers at Greenock raised £4OO in the same way. "Snowball" bidding ,s quite common, and in many instances animate and articles are 3old and resold many times. Wo are going to have a conference of agriculturists under the auspices of the Highland and Agricultural Society in Edinburgh next month. Mr E. j. Russell, D.Sc. (Rothamsted), and Si:r Stewart Stockman, the eminent veterinary expert, are to take part in the discussion, while Dr Hopkins (Cambridge) is to introduce the subject of "Animal Nutrition." We will bo having more expert opinion; but what we want most at present is practical experience of the common-sense order. DUTTEDTN MARKETS FABM AND DAJBT PHODTJCB. Mr B. J. M'Abthtjb (successor to Mesars M'llroy Bros.), George street, reports paying ior produce during the week ending the inst., as follows: \ Stamped fresh Eggs Honey fj lb pat), 3/6" 1/2 doz Hon. y (bulk), sf' lb Salt Butter, 1/1 lb H-uey (.section), 7/- doz Sep. Butter, 1/2 lb I Houey (Cartons), )b,t!/I iilb, 15/- doz | Beeswax, 1/4. v Compressed yeast, 7d packet.

HIGH COMMISSIONER'S REPORT. WELLINGTON, September 10. Tho High Commissioner hits cabled as follows (Note: Tho quotations, ' unless otherwise specified, are the average market prices on spot): Meat. —There is dissatisfaction on account of the maximum prices of meat, with the zesult that there are small supplies of homekilled beef at the Smithfield market. Theso are selling at ll£d to 13d. Home-killed mutton of almost all grades is selling at 13d. New Zealand mutton, B|d per lb; ewe mutton, o^d; New Zealand lamb, lOd. The arrangement regarding Argentine mutton and lamb has been terminated, with tho resuit mat prices are higher. Argentine mutton, Argentine lamb, ll£d. New Zealand beef: _ No supplies are available with the exception of New Zealand boneless beef, which is selling at lOd. Argentine beef (quotations nominal): Plinds, 12|d; fores, 9|d. Butter and Cheese. —The maximum prices remain unchanged for both butter and cheese. The butter market continues firm, and stocks are very light. There are no supplies of Danish, Argentine, American, and New Zealand, and no quotations. Irish creamery, 206 s per cwt; unsalted, 2C'Js; Danish unsalted, 212 s to 2175. The cheese market continues firm. English Cheddar, 132 s per cwt. New Zealand, United States flats, and Canadian are selling at the Government price—l3os Bd. Hemp. — l"he New Zealand market con tinues firm owing to a decrease in the supply of Government graded fair Manila, together with tho fact that the details under Government control have not yet been announced. Small sales have taken place during the present week. New Zealand highpoint fair, afloat, £92; common, £88; New Zealand fair, October shipment, £B7. Wheat. —Tho market remains as last reported. English (quiet), 73s cd. Oats.—The market is quiet, and small

business is doing at about the quotations already given. THE OAMARU MARKET. (From Ouh Own Correspondent.) OAMARU, September 8. Outside of odd small lots—the surpluses from seed reserves —there is nothing in this market in wheat, tho wholo product of the last harvest having passed out of growers' hand.'!. Millers still hold sufficient stocks of wheat to keep their gristers going for a whilo, but some will require further supplies. There is very little doing in oats, which are scarce. Some good feed Gartons have changed hands at 33 lOd net, delivered in Oamaru; and a line of fair Algerians was taken at 3s 5d net, at a handy country siding. There is not much activity in potatoes, many growers refusing to break their pits at present prices. Table Up-to-Dates have changed hands, at country stations, at £3 ss, £3 7s od, and £3 10s net, according to sample and railagt distance. A little business has been done in seed potatoes, for which, however, there is not much demand. Quotations are: Up-to-Dates, £4: Gamekeepers, £3 10s; Elephants, £3, all net, in trucks. SOUTHLAND MARKET REPORT IFbom Ode Own Correspondent.) IN VERCARGILL, September 8. There has been a fair inquiry in oats from nortnern rnercnants, more particularly for forward delivery, but local merchants are not disposed to quote for any distant deliveries. The 'JL'e Anau is leaving to-uay with some 12,000 sacks for northern ports, this being much the largest shipment made for some months. The quantities in store are limited, and the idea is prevalent that prices, which are decidedly lirm, may increase to some extent, if not shortly, before the end of the year. Present values to farmers are on the basis of 3s 9d on trucks, for A grade Cartons, at stations not too far removed from the port. Although the demand for chaff is purely local, prime qualities are readily saleable at £5 5s per ton, en trucks at handy sidings. A few inquiries have been made from northern ports, but no business has resulted on account of both the necessarily high quotation and the great difficulty in securing any guarantee of freight being avadable.

Grass seeds of all descriptions are in keen demand, both wholesale and retail. Sales have been made wholesale during the week of 291 b to 301 - machine dressed rye grass, at 7s 6d per bushel. Heavier weight seed is worth from 3d to 6d per bushel extra. Considerable inquiries have been received locally, also for cocksfoot and Timothy, but the local production of a. theso grasses is not in excess of retail requirements. Clover seeds of all descriptions have taken a sharp rise during the week, almost the only pasture grass a. normal values being crested dogstail. The hemp market is practically unchanged, except that during the week some business has taken place at £57 10s per ton, on trucks. Millers are not anxious to sell, as they still place a good deal o credence in the rumour that the Imperial authorities intend shortly to commandeer supplies. GRAIN AND PRODUCE SALES. Messrs Dalgcty and Co. report: —Oats: All coming to hand are meeting with a, ready sale. There is a strong demand for any good, bright, heavy lines suitable for seed, and for these slightly advanced rates are obtainable. Feed lines have been in fair demand, while damaged and inferior lines are not so keenly sought after. Prime milling and seed lines, 4s Id to 4s 3d; good to best feed, 3s lOd to 4s; medium to good, 3s 7d to 3s 9d; inferior and damaged, from 3s 3d per bushel (sacks extra). Wheat: The few consignments coming forward are being disposed of in small quantities lor local feed requirements, and the prices obtainable for best whole fowl wheat are 6s to 6s 3d; medium, 5s 6d to 6s per bushel (sacks extra). Potatoes: There is a good demand for choice freshly-picked lines, which are firm in price, but very few of this description are offering. *lhe bulk of the tubers in store require picking over, and are more or less faulty. For these there is not the same inquiry. Choice freshly-picked lines, £4 to £4 7s 6d; medium to good, £3 10s to £3 15s; others, from £2 per ton (sacks in). Chaff: The market is moderately supplied with bright, heavy oaten sheaf, and all consignments coming forward meet with a ready sale on arrival at quotations. Medium and light lines are in fair demand. Best oaten sheaf, £6 5s to £6 10s; medium to good, £5 10s to £6; damaged and inferior lines, £4 10s to £5 5s per ton (sacks extra). Messrs Donald Reid and Co. report:— Oats: The quantity on offer is small, and the market is firm for all classes. Prime milling and seed lines meet with good inquiry, and lower grades are more saleable. Prime milling, 4s Id to 4s 3d; good' to best feed, 3s lOd to 4s; inferior to medium, 3s 4d to 3s 9d per bushel (sacks extra). Wheat: There is practically no milling wheat offering. Sleed lines are scarce, and it is becoming more difficult to secure suitable samples. Fowl wheat meets with good demand, and is readily placed at, for best whole wheat, 6s to 6s 3d; medium to good, 5s 6d to 6s per bushel (sacks extra). Potatoes : Prime freshly-picked lines are in better demand, and for choice lots slightly better prices are obtainable. Most of tho stocks in store are of medium quality, for which the demand is not keen. Seed lines have little attention: Best table potatoes, £4 to £4 ss; choice, £4 7s 6d ; medium to good, £3 10s to £3 15s; others, £2 10s to £3 3s per ton (sacks included). Chaff: Only moderate supplies are corning forward. The demand is chiefly for prime oaten sheaf, and all consignments of this description are readily sold at satisfactory prices. Medium quality is not offering freely, and is now more readily placed. Best oaten sheaf, £6 5s to £6 10s; medium to good, £5 15s to £6; light and discoloured, £5 to £5 10s per ton (bags extra). OTAGO FARMERS' HORSE BAZAAR. Tho Otago Farmers' Co-operative Association of New Zealand report:—Wo held our weekly sale in our bazaar, Crawford street, on Saturday, and offered an entry of 30 draught and light horses to a surprisingly large gathering of country and town folk. There seemed to be an e>ceptional eagerness on the part of a good number of buyers of spring carters *nd harness horses to secure a better class than has been in the market for some time, and fortunately the entry comprised a few

of the class required, which met with ready sale at advanced rates. The number o! cart mures and geldings was limited, only about a dozen being offered, most of which changed hands at fairly good values. 'ihe market lis fairly firm now for sharp, cliffy horses, suitable for plough teams and tip cart work in town. Quotations : —Young, sound, sharp, cliffy geldings, £25 to £2B; extra heavy horses, £26 to £32; seven-year-old and over mares and geldings, £l3 to £2O; and what is usually termed aged, £lO to £l2; vanners and spring-carters, £l4 to £2O; light sorts of harness horses, at fluctuating prices. SOUTH CANTERBURY FARMERS' ASSOCIATION. . TIMARU, September 4. The South Canterbury Farmers' Co-opera-tive. Association had a successful year, and under ordinary conditions would have been able to make a full distribution _ oi the profits. New taxation prevents this. Provision has been made for part of the usual discounts and commission rebates. A dividend of 6 per cent, on preferential and 7£ on ordinary shares hag been declared, and a bonus of 4 per oent. granted to the staff. The directors deoided to invest £IO.OOO in War Loan inscribed stock.