THE NORTH ISLAND. THE WHEAT CROP. THE LAND LAWS. ANNUAL HORSE SHOW THE WHEAT CROP A SHEEP DEAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3316, 3 October 1917, Page 13

THE NORTH ISLAND.

THE WHEAT CROP.

THE LAND LAWS.

ANNUAL HORSE SHOW

THE WHEAT CROP

A SHEEP DEAL.

(Fbom Oob Own Cobbespondent.)

Variable "Weather conditions have prevailed in the north. While the Auckland province wa-i. revelling in glorious sunshine, Wellington experienced a howling northerly Very strong winds prevailed, a velocity of 58 miles an hour having been registered by the Weather Bureau's instruments at Pipitea Point. This velocity is equal to a pressure of 101 b per square loot. The raintall was fairly heavy; but along the west coast quito a heavy and steady downfall is reported. Grey reports 2.68 in and Bealey 2.95 in, whilst at Foxton only .46in fell. The Wanganui and Taranaki- districts have experienced welcome showers; but in the Waimarino, up the Main Trunk, the fall of rain on Tuesday was particularly heavy. Tho country, however, is looking really well, and the crops that are in are growing at a great rate. Early oats are coming on splendidly, and promise well, whilst wxieat now seems to be going in fairly solidly. Potatoes are making satisfactory headway; but the warm rains and, at times, muggy -weather have drawn attention to the necessity for spraying. Every means should be taken by growers this season to ensure the bagging of the tubers, and this will be done only by the growing of blightresisters and the utilisation _ of sprayers. Lambs continue to do well, and the dairy industry has never started under better weather conditions. The intakes at the various factories are increasing steadily, the flow of milk being very substantial, and greatly in advance of the quantities received for the corresponding period last year. _ AMALGAMATION OF DAIRY •. INTERESTS. x At an important meeting of dairymen held at Hamilton on Tuesday arrangements for the amalgamation of the New Zealand Dairy Association and the Eureka Co-opera-tive Dairy Co. (Ltd.) were completed. The. scheme provides for the butter-fat producers of Eureka and Tauwhare districts to become suppliers ±o and shareholders in the '■ New Zealand co-operative system, the association having agreed to purchase the factory at Eureka and other assets of the local company. It is understood that the business will be taken ovef by the association at the end of October. .'•''',' A NORTHERN DAIRY HERD. Farmers are beginning to realise more than ever that it pays to keep only herds of reputable milking • strain, and very steadily all over the island herds of best breeds are being built up. Among the number of successful breeders is Mr R. F. Wilkinson, whose name as a Jersey enthusiast is of more than local reputation. His homestead and farm are located on the sloping lands overlooking Pukekohe, in South Auckland, and from the balcony of the house can be seen a glorious vista of Pukekohe in the distance, while the famous Pukekohe- Hill lies close by the farm to the left. Divided into 14- convenient paddocks, the area of the farm is • under 60 acres. Potatoes are represented by five' and a-half acres, and these,- despite the recent bad weather, are already showing vigorous growth. Half an acre, now in fallow, was sown in carrots, while one acre in lucerne shows that a variety in cultivation is practised. Mr Wilkinson is a great, believer, too, in pigs, and he has a fine run for these close by his bush of three acres. As showing what can be done on 56 acres, Mr Wilkinson has 26 head ■ of grown cattle, 20 head from one to two years old, 13 calves, and six horses. These were all wintered on the place,' which means that 65 head iwere fed on 56 acres and kept in good condition. With regard to tho Jersey pedigree stock, six (all registered) had been through the semi-official* test, and their records were as under: —Golden Swan's Girl (age at commencement of test, three years 314 days)—Milk produced, 12,0401 b; butterfat, 563.551 b; in milk, 365 days. Titanite's Lass (age at test, three years 140 days)— milk, 79701 b; butter-fat, 530.441 b; milking 365 days. Titanite (age at test, nine years 277 days)—Milk, 11,1771 b; butter-fat, 513.881 b; milking, 338 days. Browoi Eyes (ago at test, six years 176 days)—Milk, 70701 b; butter-fat, 3154.811 b; milking, 328 days. Rose Tree (age at test, three years five days)—Milk, 56241 b; butter-fat, 517.621 b; milking, 318 days. The Woodlands Belle (age at test, one year 303 days) —Milk, 52851 b; butter-fat, 390.57; milking, 298 days. It should be added that all the animals are grass-fed only. Taking the records of the six cows, • the average is 4301 b butter-fat. It may be added that all the cows are hand-milked. With regard to Eyes, this row commenced her teat on February 28, 1916, ha dher next calf in the following February. Under private test this season, from March to August, she produced 12001 b of milk more than the previous_ year. Great care was used by Mr Wilkinson in the selection of a bull for hisherd, and he purchased Majestic (2432), whose sire was Majesty Fox (imp. - ). Majesty Fox has 13 daughters who hold semi-official records, and these averaged in price £4OO each. Majesty Fox is regarded as one of tiie best sires in the Auckland province. Besides the pedigree stock, Mr Wilkinson has some high-grade Jerseys, all of which are systematically tested. At the present time Mr Wilkinson is milking nine daughters of Majestic, and all uphold the highest traditions connected with the Jersey for butter-fat production. A DEAL IN CALVES. A case of considerable interest to farmers was determined in the Gisborne Court during the past week, John Orr having sued Robert Ewan Jefferson for £92 14s 9d, balance due on purchase of 97 weaner cattle. After considerable evidence was adduced the position was reviewed by the stipendiary magistrate, who said the real question was whether defendant's drover, Sydney Deacon, had authority to take delivery and accept the cattle on behalf of his employer. The evidence showed that delivery was to be at plaintiff's station, Hangaroa, about 70 miles from Wairoa. Defendant did not go for the cattle himself, but sent his drover to take delivery, and states that he gave instructions not to take any under four and a-half to six months old, nor any bad colours. Deacon, who was a man of considerable experience, took delivery, and signed the receipt. He read the receipt, but not the contract. Assisted

by a Native he took the cattle to Wairo4 (70 miles), the journey occupying' six day* over a very bad road. On arrival at Wai» roa defendant inspected the cattle, and expressed dissatisfaction in regard to some of fchem. He rang- up Mr Runciman, representing: Messrs Murray. Roberts, and Co., stating that they *vere not in accordance with contract. His Worship pointed out that there was delivery to and acceptance by Deacon on behalf of defendant. In his opinion the ownership of the cattle passed to defendant immediately Deacon signed the receipt for them. To his mind it would be unreasonable to suppose that, under the circumstances, tile defendant ' could be allowed to drive the cattle a distance of 70 miles from, the place of delivery, occupy* ing six days, and then to claim the right to reject them. After carefully consider* ing the evidence and authorities cited, he had come to the conclusion that defendant by his servant, took delivery, and after inspection accepted the cattle at plaintiff's station. Although he had found in favour of plaintiff upon _ the law, he was satisfied from the evidence that some flf the cattle did not comply with the conditions of contract, and that Deacon should not

have accepted them; but, having done so, defendant was bound by his act. _ At the request of defendant's solicitor he inspected the cattle three months after date_ of delivery, and had no hesitation in saying that he was perfectly > satisfied that they were not 'fit to wean on May 10. Judgment wns entered for £92 14s 9d, with costs (£l6 16s). . TARATA DAIRY CO. Tho twentieth annual report of the Tarata Dairy Co. (Taranaki) states that. the butter made amounted to 47 tons 13cwt 3qr 231 b. Account sales for . one shipment are not yet to hand, and this shipment has been taken at the amount of advance drawn. Since* the date of balancing further payments to suppliers have been made, amounting to £622 5s lOd, which the total so far up to Is 3d per lb for the season. The directors propose to make further payments as circumstances will permit. Approximately another 2d per lb of butterfat; will be available. The new dam and repairs to water-race are now completed, the total cost being £942 19s 2d. Pounds of cream, 237,928; pounds of butter-fat, 90,620; pounds of butter made, 106,843; average test, 38.1; overrun, 17;9. STOCK SALES. The stock sales of the past week have been rather good. ,At Feilding there was a heavy yarding, and bidding for sheep was in and out, good hoggets being in very keen demand. A particularly nice line, offered by Mr W. Brookie, of Sanson, made 36s 7d, which is the highest price so far this season at Feilding yards. The tone of the cattle market was particularly firm, and bidding for all classes was animated. Some of ; the lines sold workeo. out as follow: On account of H. E. Gasnell —mixed hoggets, 23s 9d; on account of Job Palmer—mixed hoggets, 31s lOd; on account of J. E. Walker—wether hoggets, 30s; on account of E. Thomas—ewe hoggets, 31s; wether hoggets, 31s 3d: cull hoggets, 24s sd; on account of E. D. Rogerß (Ltd.) —mixed hoggets, 21s 6d to 325; b.r. hoggets, 265; ewe hoggets, 29s Id to 325; on account of J. Whittaker—forward esves, 25s 7d; fat ewes, 29s 6d; on account of T. R. Callingham—wether hoggets, 30s sd; mixed hoggets, 21s sd; fat ewes, 26s 6d; forward ewes, 20s; on account- of W. Brookie—wether hoggets, 36s 7d; springing cows, £lO, £ll 15s, to £ls 10s; cows in milk, £10; springing heifers, £6 2s, £6 17s 6d, £7 15s, £B, £8 10s, £9, £9 2s 6d, £lO, to £l4 10s and £l6; cows and calves, £8 3s to £8 ss; empty cows, £7 Bs, ,£8 6s, to £10; fat co-73, £ll 7s 6d, £l3 10©, £l4 15s £ls ss, to £l7 6s; three and four-year bullocks to £l6 6s; two-year steers, £9 Is; mixed S.H. yearlings, £5 10s; mixed S.H., two years, £9 Is. At Gisborne good woolly hoggets made from 28s 6d to 31s 3d; medium hoggets, 20s to 23s 9d; cull hoggets, 12s 6d to 13s 6d; shorn hoggets, 24s 7d to 28s: small hoggets, 16s; empty ewes, 20s 6d. Two and four-tooth wethers, of which there, was a considerable entry, made 34s Id to 37s 3d. A line of two-tooth ewes, very good lot, tnade 37s 6d. Ewes in lamb wero neglected, although they appeared good buying at prices realised—namely, 23s to 37s 3d. In the fat pens wethers sold at 36s 6d to 425, and owes 33s 6d. Cattle: Very few fats oame forward. Small steers made £l2 10s; light cows, £lO. In the store pens 71 were sold under very good competition. Yearling steers, £8 10s; 18-months, £9 14s; two to two and a-half-year-old, £l2; mixed yearlings, £6 3s; 18-month heifers, £9'; yearlings, £6 lis to £6 17s 6d; empty cows, £7 15s to £ll ss; heifers, £8 10s to £lO 5s Pigs mot a dragging market.

TROUBLE \ CROP OF TURNIPS.

The Auckland Magistrate's Court investigated the claim of E. 0. Frost, of Tuakau, against A. D. M'Cadle, of Manger g, for £69 2s, the difference between me contracted price (£100) for a crop of turnips and the sum of £3O 18a which thoy realised at auction, together with £lO damages. The defence was that the contract was induced

by misrepresentations—namely, that thero was a good road leading to the turnips, along which the_ defendant's sheep could bo brought; that in, point of fact there was po such road, but a private track, whloh sras unsafe; and, further, that tho paintiff Bad recognised the misrepresentations ana

had agreed to readvertise and offer the sheep at a subsequent auction for sale. The case, which has been further adjourned, is creating a good deal of interest in the districts concerned. SCARCITY OP PIGS. Just recently a South Island buyer asserted that pigs wero hard to get, and in commenting on the statement a Wairarapa farmer said there was nothing wonderful in it. "Why," he said, "even in Master.•ton last Saturday I saw porkers sold tip to 9d per lb at a mart sale." This was, the farmer remarked, quite customary at this period of the year, and was no indication that there would be a scarcity of bacon during the coming season. " If you look up the statistics," he said, "you will discover that there is no shortage, and inflated prices can only be attributed to the operation of rings, which have made themselves evident during the past couple of years." ; He stated that he knew for a positive, fact that one company in the Wairarapa outside the influence of the ring had paid from half a penny to a penny per lb more for its pigs than the other firm operating, yet had sold its bacon in sides at Id per lb less, and had mnde a bigger profit last season than ever before. He contended that the exertion of public opinion, backed up by questions asked, in the House, was likely to keep the price of bacon at s reasonable plane. SLUMP IN HORSEFLESH. A Hawera. breeder who has had a long experience has had something to say concerning the question of the slump in horseflesh, and in the course of his remarks he said he was quite convinced that in the near future there wfll still be a good demand for heavy breeds of horses. He had recently taken a trip through the South Island, and found that for heavy traction, where no great distance was covered, the draught or half-draught was not being -ousted by the motor, and that their use was on the increase. It was in cases where fairly long distances were covered - that motor lorries were prevailing over horseflesh. In regard to light horses, he was not sanguine that the market would improve. HORSE PARADE. The annual horse parade, held under the auspices of the Egmont A. and P. Association, took place at Hawera on Saturday last. Messrs J. Grant and H. Edgar were the sole representatives of the once-numer-ous breeders of Clydesdales in the district. As usual, Mr Grant's horses were shown in the pink of condition and splendidly got E. County King especially looked well. j is a four-year-old beautiful brown colt, with good head and neck and powerful quarters, showing plenty of bone and good legs and feet. His breeding is of the best, and traces him back to Prince of Carrachan, said to have been about the second best breeding horse Scotland ever saw. Prince Thomas, his g.g. sire, was also another great breeder and show horse. A recent importation from Southland, the home of many fine horses, the Clydesdale colt Prince Douglas, was shown by Mr H. Edgar. This colt —he is only two years and nine months old —was bred by Mr R. Kennedy, of Drummond, a celebrated breeder of Clydesdales, a consistent prize-winner, and a breeder whose horses are well known throughout Australasia. Prince Douglas is a bay colt, standing over 16 hands, with good feet and legs. He was shown twice as a yearling, taking first class prize on each occasion and two specials Owing to an accident he was not shown as a two-year-old. His sire is an imported horse, General Douglas, and his dam Princess of Drummond. Both trace their pedigree back to some of tho best THE WHEAT SUPPLY. Tho question of wheat supply is one that is still causing _ some concern-; but it is confidently anticipated that the coming season will relievo the shortage considerably. In my travels around tho country I have noticed that wheat areas ore being substantially extended, and districts which have not grown a grain of wheat for years will have their wheat fields to harvest next season. In the meantime, however, the position appears to be serious, and allegations that farmers wero holding back, large quantities have oaused some uneasiness as well as disgust. The statements made, however,

only bear out contentions held by authorities for som© considerable time that faked reports as to quantities held were, given in by southern growers when the census was taken. "We all know the real reason for the shortage of wheat/' said the Hon. W. p. S. MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture, in the House of Representatives. "We realised that when the wheat was purchased in Australia it was necessary to get the shipments in as speedily as possible." ; He did not think we had need for any anxiety. It was only six weeks ago that the. Prime Minister and liimself were inundated with inquiries from people who said they would have to shut down because they could get no wheat. The information before the Board of Trade was that it was just as much use to ship flour as to ship wheat, Tho Government, he added ; -would have no hesitation in making investigations into the case of .farmers who were alleged to be holding back quantities of wheat. ' SPECIAL CATTLE SALE IN WAIRARAPA.

A special cattle sale, held on account of Mr A. Hair and others in the Wairarapa, was hold at Palnatua, when a total of 1324- head of all classes were, yarded. Included in _ the offering were some good lines of station-bred cows'in calf, and oneyear and two-year steers and heifers. These cattle attracted the attendance of buyers from Wairarapa, Manawatu, and Hawke’s JBay,, and excellent prices were realised. A special feature of the sale was the demand for Hereford bulls, prices obtained exceeding all expectations. These were practically all Short and Levett bred, and varied in ages from five years upwards, prices ranging from 50gs to 60gs, the even head averaging slightly over 49gs per head, a buyer from Wairoa securing two at the lowest and the highest prices above-men-tioned. Hereford cows in calf topped the market for breeding cows—a pen of 40 realising £l7 2s 6d per head, the buyer being Mr R. Stevens, of, Dannevirke. Other lines of good-quality female cattle were secured by buyers from Foxton, Feilding, Pohangina, and Tenui. Best bullocks sold at from £ls 10s to £l6 15s. Inferior cattle (of which a fair number of small yardings came forward) were not inquired for, and the bulk of these were turned out unsold. Altogether 1044' head out of the total entry were sold at the following prices:—Twentyfour conditioned three-year and four-year Hereford bullocks, £l6 15s; 48 three-year and four-year Shorthorn bullocks, £l6 ss; 23 three-year Shorthorn cross steers, £ls 10s; 10 three-year Hereford cross steers, £ls ss; nine three-year steers, £l4 12s 6d; 32 do (medium), £l3 17s 6d; 28 two-year Hereford steers, £l3 10s; 30 do, £l3 7s 6d; 31 Holstein cross three-year to four-year bullocks. £l4 15s; 40 rough three-year steers, £l3; 51 two-year mixed colotired steers. £l2 Is; 13 do, £ll 12e 6d; 11 do, £11; 58 Hereford cross yearling steers, £lO 7s to £lO 8s 6d; 23 yearling steers, £7 13s; 40 Hereford cross cows in calf, £l7 2s 6d; 40 Shorthorn do, £ls; 20 P.A. cows in calf, £l6 15s; 30 three-year Hereford heifers in calf, £ls; 52 two-year empty heifers, £ll 15s; eight fat cows, £ls 10s; 54 three-year empty Shorthorn heifers, £lO 15s ; 10 empty heifers, £lO 7s 6d; 33 vearling Hereford heifers, £10; 37 do, £9 l4s; 14 aged empty cows, £8 2s 6d; 11 do, £7 17s fid; 16 small yearlings. £6 9s: seven do, £6 7s fid; 14 yearling heifers, £6 12s. Various small linos of cows and calves, mixed sex yearlings (dairy sorts), sold at late salevard rates.

QUESTION OF GOVERNMENT PURCHASE. WELLINGTON, September 2b. In reply to Mr Talbot Mr Massey stated to-day that it was not intended to gazette any further particulars regarding the purchase of wheat until the Board of Trade had visited the South Island and conferred with all interested parties. The question' whether all varieties of milling wheat would bo paid for at the same rate would bo decided after evidence had been taken by the board, as would also the question whether the permits to purchase would be for the 'different varieties of wheat in- proportion. The Government would not bo responsible for the purchase of any rejected wheat which did not reach the class of

good milling wheat in good merchantable order and condition. Until further information was available as to the probable quantity of wheat likely to be harvested no arrangements could bo made regarding stores. The question of taking immediate steps to make arrangements in regard to the growing of wheat for the 1918-19 season was at present tinder the consideration of the Government.

POSITION OF PERPETUAL LEASES. (From Odr Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, September 25. One of the anomalies in the land laws of the country is that land held under perpetual lease cannot bo purchased, or rather it is assumed that it may not be purchased for settlement. Those areas were selected in fairly largo blocks many years ago, and now, with tlie improvements made and the appreciation in values, they are capable of subdivision. Mr Anstey referred to a_, case in the House to-day —that of a young man about to go to the front. Ho was unable to sell privately, and the Land Purchase Board would not look at his property for soldier settlement purposes. He suggested that the Government should take power to purchase such holdings. The Prime Minister said ho thought something of the kind would have to bo done. This title to the land was little, if any, worse than the freehold, since they hod the right to acquire the freehold. He thought it would be a good thing for the House to pass this session legislation, if such proved to be necessary, to permit of such holdings being purchased for settlement.

SOME GOOD STOCK PARADED. Tho annual show of horses under the auspices and direction of the Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Society was held at Tahuna Park on the 2Sth, The weather, unfortunately, was most unfavourable. Eor a variety of reasons there was a decided falling off in the number of animals paraded before the judges. That was, however, confined to the draught horses, which have always formed by far the larger section. Light horses were much the same as usual, but they have hot for a number of years constituted a feature of the show numerically, though the quality, in some instances at least, has been well maintained. The draughts have been reduced in number by about one-half, which is attributable to a variety of causes, principal among which is included the fact that prices have fallenof late years, and therefore the encouragement to breed draught entires hag dwindled. The falling off is most noticeable in the aged and three-year-old classes. While the weather was of a decidedly moist character, tho park kept surprisingly dry, albeit some pools of water were lying about, tho improved condition being partly due to the sandy natur-o of tho soil, but especially to the drainage work done by the society. Among tho absentee horses, consequent on the heavy downpour of rain, was an unnamed colt owned by Mr J. W. Blair (Outram). This horse was not forthcoming owing to the Outram railway line being practically under water.

The'aged stallion class included only a small number of animals, but these were of a good, serviceable type, quality being even moro than maintained. The first prize-taker was regarded by the judges as being equal to anything likely to be met with at local shows. This was Buchlyvie's Favourite, belonging to the Donald Estate, Featherston, and he was shown last year tit Christchurch and in the North Island/ and has improved wonderfully since then. He was placed champion quite recently at Christchurch. Scotland's Success is a good solid horse, and runs the premier animal fairly close, yet Jhere was no great difficulty in arriving at a conclusion as to the merits of the two. In the three-year-old class Donald's Estate's entry, Laird Buchlyvie, by Buchlyvie's Favourite, was. placed first, thus repeating his performance at Christchurch of a few days ago, Mr Andrew M'Neil's (Momona) Celtic Guard, by Baxon Bold, out of Bragg, occupying the seoond place. Four colts were entered in the two-year-old class, but Mr James Blair's colt by Baron Bold, dam Bragg, was unfortunately not forward at the parade owing to "the train arrangements being disorganised by flood waters. The quality of the three animals paraded merited the scrutiny of the onlookers. It rained without cessation throughout the judging. Mr James Patrick's colts were in fine order, and Napoleon, a beautiful colt up to a big size, by the great champion Baron Bold, "out of Mary of Oroftheads, secured first prize, with the same owner's High Honour, by Knight of Honour (imp.), dam White Silk, taking second place. Mrs A. Bannatyne's (Waikouaiti) Bonny Scotland, by Scotland's Stamp, also competed.

The Challenge Cup, presented by Messrs Wright Stephenson, and Co., through the Clydesdale Horse Society of New Zealand, for the best Clydesdale stallion shown, went with the championship to the Donald's Estate's Buchlyvie's Favourite. In some of the light horse_ competitions the first prize was annexed without opposition. The only competition was between Mr M'Curdy (South Dunedin) and Mr Kitohingham (Greymouth) in carriage stallions; and between the last-named exhibitor and Mr Dawes (Cumberland street) in trotting stallions. Some of the horses showed quality. Following are the names of the horses shown and the adjudications:—■

CDYDESDADE STALLIONS. Judges: Messrs James Ghrant (Hawea) and P. Martin (Oamaru). Aged Class.

Br.J.'yvie's Favourite (Donald Estate, Featherston), by Royal Favourite —

Third's Rosio 1 and champion. Scotland's Success (Charles MLean, Kelso), by Scotland Yet—Lady 801 l 2 and reserve champion. Boquhan Kennedy (Clutha Clydesdale Horse Club), by Apukwa 3 Lord Kitchener (P. W. Baxrie, Waihoa Downs), by Baron Fyvie 4 ' The other entries shown in competition were: Bonny BTeastknot, Walrongoa Footprint,- Sir Ronald, Scotland's Viceroy, Avon More, Captain Bancor, and Ruby King. Three-year-old Class. Laird Buchlyvie (Donald's Estate, Featherston), by Buchlyvie's Favourite .. .. 1 Coltio Ouard (Andrew MTSeiL Momona), by Baron Bold 2 TWO-TEAB-OLD CLASS. Napoleon (James Patrick, Outram), by Baron Boldt—Mary of Croftheads .. 1

High Honour (James Patrick, Outran:), by Knight of Honour—Whit© Silk .. .. 2 Bonny Scotland (Mrs A. Bannatyne, Waikouaiti), by Scotland's Stamp .. .. ' 8 BIGHT HORSES. Carriage Stallions. J. D. M'Curdy's Man-in Chief, by Marvin "Wilkes 1 H. W. Kitchingham's Midas, by Rothschild 2 Trotting Stallions. H. "VV. Kitchingham's Croesus, by Rothschild 1 A. Dawes's New Zealand), by General Byons 2 Thoroughbred Stallions. E. J. Docherty's St. Petersburg, by Kil- " cheran 1 Pony Stallions. Wm. Pearson's Oral Knight, by Desert Light 1

FIXING OF PRICE URGED. (From Oub Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, September 28. The wheat question formed the subject of some talk in th© House this evening dur* ing the debate on the Imprest Supply Bill. Mr Anstey said the farmers must know early what the price for the 1918-19 .crop was to be. Had it not been for Government interference in a mistaken way wheat would be cheaper in New Zealand than it was at present. The Government had simply fixed the price of wheat, and allowed the millers to buy it as they pleased. As a result some millers had bought a lot, of wheat up, and others had called out for more,- and the Minister of Agriculture rushed to Australia. There was sufficient wheat for nine months, but some, millers were closing down now for the coming season. The Government should take control of the wheat crop immediately after the harvest, and they would then know the exact position. If there was a shortage arrangements could bo made for importing some in plenty of time. The wheat-grower seemed to be treated as a pariah. He was never helped when he had to produce wheat below- its cost of production. There had never been the slightest encouragement given to wheat-growers, though every other ■ndustry—butter, cheese, meat, and wool—i had been encouraged.

A Canterbury sheep deal which has excited considerable interest was advanced a further stage last month. The case came up before his Honor Mr Justice Denniston and a special jury. David Rainsay Hutchison, of White Hook, claimed £1753 9s 2d from Jsd A. Broughton, Southbridge and Riccarton. Mr Raymond, E.C., with him Mr Sargent (in place of Mr Neave), appeared for the plaintiff and Mr Wright for defendant. Mr Acland appeared for the National Mortgage and Agency Co, (Ltd.), which was joined as a third party defendant.

The claim was for the difference between the price at which certain sheep were sold by plaintiff to defendant, and the price they fetched when sold after defendant's repudiation of them. The defence was that there was misrepresentation when-the sheep were sold to defendant.

After evidence and Mr Raymond, K.C., had' addressed the jury and his Honor had summed up, the jury retired, and returned with the following answers to the issues:— 1. Did the plaintiff, by his agents, on the treaty for the sale of ewes, represent and describe such ewes as (a) three-quarterbred Romney "ewes? —Answer: No. (b) Strongwoolled sheep?—Answer: No. {c) Suitable ic* the North Island? —Answer: No. (d) Romney cross ewes? —Answer: Yes. 2. Was the defendant induced to buy the ewes by all or any of the representations contained in issue 1 (a), (b), (c), or (d), and, if so, by which of them ? —Answer: Yes, as regards (d) only, but not as regards (a), (b), and (c). 3 Did the description "Romney cross ewes" mean, according to trade usage in Canterbury, that the ewes were either threequarterbred Romneys or the progeny of a cross by a Romney ram in which the Romney blood predominated to a greater extent than in a half bred ewe ?—Answer: - No. 4. Did the defendant understand the term " Romney cross," when used by the plaintiff's agents, as meaning a sheep in which the Romney blood predominated to a greater extent than in a half bred? —Answer: No. • 5. Were the ewes shipped substantially different from what they were represented to be? —Answer: No. 6. Did the defendant verbally instruct the National Mortgage Company to get Dalgety's to take delivery of the sheep?— Answer: Yes. 7. Did the ewes shipped consist of halfbred ewes and a substantial number of "comeback" ewes? —Answer: The sheep were as follow: —Some had the characteristics of three-quarterbred, a substantial majority of halfbreds, and a proportion of the characteristics of "comebacks." 8. Were the ewes shipped (a) strongwoolled sheep?—Answer: No. (b) Sheep suitable for the North Island?—Answer}! J?or some districts only, (c) Romney cross ewes? —Answer: Yes. 9 Did the National Mortgage pay for. and with tho consent of the defendant, (a) freight, insurance, wharfage, and Bo.rougn Council charges?—Answer: Yes. (b) Receiving and. tailing and paddocking charges ? ' Answer: Yes. 10. On what date did defendant repudiate the sheep?—Answer: March 20, 1917. 11. Were the ewes shipped of merchantable quality? —Answer: Yes. Mr Raymond moved for judgment for plaintiff. Mr Wright moved for judgment for dc fendant.

His Honor said that ho could not deal at present with these motions, which would stand over till ne.xt day. His Honor made a note that all questions of fact not submitted to the jury were left to the court, which would he entitled to draw any inferences from the answers to the issues.

Mr Wright moved that the case etand over for further consideration.

Referring to Mr Wright's motion, his Honor remarked that the case had hot reached a stage when such a motion could be taken. The stage reached was that disputed questions of fact had been dealt with by the jury in its answers to the issued submitted to it. The question now wag when and where the next step should be taken. His Honor suggested that the case might be moved to Wellington before three" judges. As a matter of arrangement coun* sel would probably take the verdict of three judges. Counsel agreed to this suggestion. Further consideration of the case was re« moved, by consent of all counsel, to We**

lington, to a date to bo fixed by the court; all questions of costs to stand over, and all parties to bo at liberty to move. Counsel for defendant (Mr Wright) afterwards filed an application for a new trial On the following grounds:— I That the findings of the jury in answer to issue 1 (a), (b). (c), and issues 3,4, 5, 6, 8 (o), 9, and 10, and that portion of the answer of the jury to issue 2- which finds that the defendant was not induced to buy the ewes by Jhe representations mentioned' in issue 1 (a), (b), and (c) are against the weight of evidence. 2. That his Honor the judge misdirected the jury upon a "material point ' of law in directing them that .the ewes shipped were of merchantable quality if they were saleable at whatever price.