THE NORTH ISLAND.

Otago Witness, Issue 3327, 19 December 1917, Page 13

THE NORTH ISLAND.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

THE SEASON. Three weeks' sunshine without rain was beginning to have a marked effect upon crops and pastures, and results of the browning process were much in evidence. Along different parts of the West Coast, however, heavy ram fell at tho week-end, and there was a good downpour on Monday again, so that immense good will bo done. Shearing has had a splen"did opportunity this season. The weather has been fine, and has given flock-masters a good chance to get the wool off tho sheep's back without difficulty. All sheds, where it was possible to get men, were kept going, and the very satisfactory progress made is reflected in the large quantities of wool continually arriving at the various" valuing ports. There has been quite a congestion oh the railway line included in tho area served by Wanganui, and the couple of days' rain came as a welcome respite to get stocks clear. The attitude of Australian shearers has caused considerable comment, and as a number of sheep-owners havo been helping each other, there will bo very few Australians handling the shears in New Zealand this season. It is quite possible, too, -that Australian slaughtermen will be scarce this season. As a matter of fact at a sitting of tho Third Military Service Board, held at Wellington, Mr C. Grayndler (secretary of the Australasian Pastoralists' Union of Workers) indicated that very few Australian slaughtermen would be coming across, as the intrusion of slaughtermen from the other side has caused considerable friction in the past. Crops are coming on well, and in .some parts harvesters'are busy. This is particularly so in the Wairarapa,,. where the harvesting of oats was commenced last week. In Hawke's Bay clear summer weather still continues, with light southerly breezes. A heavy shower of rain on Sunday morning was muuh appreciated by agriculturists, and did not materially affect the shearing, which is now rapidly nearing completion at the principal sheds. Severariine new woolsheds have been erected in different parts of Hawke's Bay, and comprise all modern conveniences and contrivances for ventilation, filling capacity, etc. Taking matters all round, the season bids fair to be very profitable and exceedingly productive. AUCKLAND WHEAT SUPPLIES.

The Board of Trade has been busily engaged in Auckland inquiring into the question of supplies or Hour for the province until the new harvest is available. Information on the matter was given by a number of millers and merchants. ' The shortage will be met by importations of Australian flour, a. cargo of which will be available at Auckland m the present month. During its visit to Auckland the board has made inquiries into several allegations of exploitation in connection with sales of pollard and bran and the prices of petroL Reports oh both matters have been sent to the Government. In regard to tho sale of pollard and bran, the board has appointed as a local inspector an officer of the Department of Agriculture, who will see that the regulations governing the price of these articles are strictly enforced. The board subsequently left for Christchurch in connection with negotiations for the purchase of the present season's wheat crop. HERD-TESTING IN SOUTH TARANAKI. The hord-teslTng returns for the T. L. Joll Association for the period ending November 30 are now available. TEN BEST HERDS.

The average Association cow gave 9861 b milk, 3.8 teet, 37.531 b butter-fat. Tho best cow gave 19051 b milk, 4.5 test, 85.721 b butter-fat. The worst cow gave 3601 b milk, 3.3 test, 11.881 b butter-fat. PAYMENT OF MEAT ON HOOKS. Tho question of the Government paying for meat on the hooks has been discussed pretty freely at Gisborne lately, and at a meeting of the executive of the Poverty Bay Branch of the F.armers' Union a day or two ago Mr A. R. Watson said that ho know a farmer who Ts losing £4OO in interest on the meat he has 'in store. It was contended by other speakers that if the Government paid for meat on tho hooks tho producers would be better able to assist the State in war funds. The present system was crippling the farmer, and was really playing him info tho hands of the American Meat Trust. Mr J. O. Feild, in stressing that point, prognosticated that the position would bo worse in the future. The next thing they would find was that the killing of lambs would be prohibited. If. this were done it would be hitting the small farmer a hard blow, for many of them made a living by breeding fat lambs and black-faced tarns. Already black-faeed rams wore declining in value, and wer? practically unsaleable. Tho president remarked that it would be a dangerous thing to let thom go back into the flock, as they would spoil the quality. It was eventually decided to urge upon the Government to ''make immediate payment to tho farmers, otherwise it was acting to the advantage of the "trust." It was also decided to send the resolution to the

Auckland branch to circularise the branches throughout the Dominion in this direction. BIG INCREASE OF CALVES.

In travelling about the country one cannot help being struck by the very large number of calves to be seen in tho paddbeks, and it is perfectly clear that there is going to bo a large increase in numbers this year. In Taranaki this is particularly the case, and the fact is supported by the inoculation- figures. As an example, "in an area in South Taranaki the number of calves inoculated last year was 3078. In precisely the same area this year tho number has increased to 5041, and there are probably 400 or 500 yet to be treated. With the prospect of a dry season, and with the present high price of pigs, many farmers are wondering whether, after all, they have been wise in keeping so many calves. AGRICULTURAL INSTRUCTION.

The Wanganui Education Board unquestionably led the way in agricultural education, and a good move recently made was the hoFding of a fortnight's camp of instruction at Weraroa State Farm. Sinco the boys came back from there many of them have-been engaged shearing, and the work they are doing is of a very practical nature indeed. Auckland has followed the lead in sending its boys into close on 40 boys from Waihi, Northern Wairoa, and Tauranga schools have been in camp at Ruakura Experimental Farm. These boys will Tie succeeded by 38 agricultural students from Cambridge, Pukokohe, and Paeroa districts. The course includes practical farm work and letters on agricultural subjects. GISBORNE AND WOOL VALUATIONS. The second wool valuation for Gisborne district has' been completed, the top price received by Dalgetys being for a line of A fleeco wool, and as high as was paid for A hogget wool. A very good line of first pieces made 13i-d, an excellent price, whilst other lines made 12|d, 12id. and 12d. The good prices obtained in some cases -for fleece wool clearly demonstrated the advantage to be derived from good skirting. There appeared to bo some improvement since the last valuation in the classing of the wool. The remarks contained in previous reports of woolbrokers are no doubt bearing fruit, and farmers are realising that it pays to give very careful attention to this branch of the work when preparing the wool for valuation. Williams and Kettle catalogued 1495 bales. Tho best prices received for a lot of last year's first Romney lambs' wool from the coast, which made 17gd, and some Romney fleece wool, also from the coast, made 17id. Murray, Roberts catalogued over 500 bales. Their top price was for fleece and 13id for pieces. For' tho information of wool-growers it should bo born in mind that, for wool to be graded by the valuers as A grade, it must be well grown, good colour, and entirely skirted. In the average clip produced in Poverty Bay—viz., a clip ranging from 40's to 46's quality—the difference in price between a skirted and an unskirted wool is id to |d per lb. Unfortunately many clips are showing seed, and it is imperative that any growor should, as far as posible, keep his seedy fleeces separate from those that are free from seed. SKIN VALUATION.

The second skin valuation of the Poverty Bay Farmers' Saloyards Company (Ltd.) has also taken place, the following prices being realised : —First three-quarter to f .w. —fine to lSgd, medium to 13d, coarse to 12£d; seconds three-quarter to f.w.—medium to Hid, coarse to lid; dead threequarter to f.w.—medium to 9d, coarse to lOd; first half-woolled —medium fl|d to lOd, coarse 7£d to 9£d; seconds half-woolled—-medium 7d to Bd, coarse 6d to 7d; peltsaverage 2s 3d each 9£lb, salted 7s 6d to 10s 6d. SHEEP-FARMERS TROUBLES IN THE

MANAWATU. According to, the Palmerston paper a problem which faces the farmers in the Manawatu is that of the native "piripiri" or "utuwai." Wool so affected has hitherto been successfully treated in Belgium. This is no longer possible, and the difference in value is said to be over 50 per cent. Some farmers, by grazing horses upon the lands most affected by the weed, others cattle; but the results are not encouraging. One settler is said to have lost 80 head last year trying to starve them into eat'ng it off. PRICE OF GRASS SEEDS.

The price of grass seeds has been considerably increased of late, and, according to Mr A. H. Cockayne, Government Biologist, the price of nearly all grass and clover seed used in the laying down of pastures is to-day very much higher than it has ever been in the history of New Zealand. "Even before the war there had been a gradual increase in the price of certain of our most widely-used pasture seeds. At the present time, with the exception of crested dogstail and Chewing's fescue, the whole of our main grass and clover seeds show an increase of from 50 to over 100 per certt. above pre-war prices,' said Mr Cockayne. Continuing, he states there is at the present time a general desire on the part of farmers to cheapen their mixtures as far as possible. THE FREEZING INDUSTRY.

.Freezing companies are now getting into swing again. Both big works at Wanganui, the Patea Farmers' Works, and others north aro working. In the Wairarapa about 17 butchers (of whom 12 are mutton butchers) are employed at the Waingawa Works. This number will shortly bo increased. Wether mutton and a few bullocks are at present being killed. Tho wethers arc, however, not rolling along_ in any great numbers just yet. owners being desirous of holding on to their stock as long as possible. There is plenty of feed, and with wool at, the price it is fiockmasters arc desirous of making every post a winning post. At the Waingawa Works there are still 60,000 carcases in store from last year; but it is hoped that these will t.e srupped before .the end of the season. Recent" "additions to tho works have made provision for the storage of another 31,000 carcases. There is now sufficient storage capacity for 300,000 carcases, and it is claimed that no other works in the Dominion have such a capacity. SOLDIER SETTLERS. - The settlement of eoldiers after the war is a problem bristling with many difficulties, and also one to which a great deal of attention is being directed. Many schemes have been promoted and discussed, but the Government policy is still to be announced. The problem was generally discussed at a meeting of tho local executive of the New Zealand Farmers' Union at Gisborne, when some of the difficulties attached to this problem were briefly touched on. The Waimata Branch had forwarded a remit to tho effect that nothing else but a Govern-

mcnt policy would be satisfactory, and that it was the duty of the Government to look after the returned soldiers and that the policy of the -Farmers' Union should be to give every assistance possible to the Government in carrying out its eohemc. Mr Field suggested that the Government wanted the. assistance* of a _ practical farmer to give assistance and advice to the soldier settlers. It was necessary to combine theory and practice, and unless this waa done a great deal of money_ would be spent before many were on their feet. It was eventually decided to circularise the remit among 'the local branches, and to send a copy, to tho: Auckland Executive. A SUCCESSFUL LAND 1 SALE. Tho Donald Estate at Bunnythorpe, between Feilding and Palmers'ton, was sold by auction last week, and the prices paid for land gave somo indication of the values in the district for improved holdings. The area comprised 250 acres, and eight sections were sold a 3 follows: —44 acres at £7O to Mr J. W. Donald; 85 acres at £7l 10s, Mr Ray Donald; 13 acres at £67 10s, Mr R. Mille'tt; 17 acres at £74 Is, Mr John Thomas; 32 acres at £65, Mr J. O'Donnell; 27 acres at £66, Mr D. Trow ; 25 acres at £6B, Mrs B. I. Speedy. DROP IN STOCK PRICES. The drop in stock prices has been cairsing somo anxiety among farmers, particularly the eerious drop, in prices of two-tooth and four-tooth wethers; but there appears to bo no doubt whatever that the present condition of affairs is wholly duo to the finances of the country. Many hill farms, as a Gisbornite pointed out, are just waving with feed, which is as plentiful as last year. Fat stock and wool are fetching prices. as Rood as then, and yet stores are down 3s, 4s, and in eome cases 5s on last year's rates. This will bring home to many, far more than long casualty lists, that the nation is at war, and that the expenses of tho war have to be met, as far as Now Zealand is concerned, very largely by farmers. As pointed out by a contributor to the Gisborne Times, the question that the sheen farmer has to consider now is: " Which is the more profitable—to graze a sheep three or four weeks without profit or to allow his land go back anything from 10s to £1 per acre in value? The managers of a local freezing works believe that they can accommodate every carcase put in for freezing, and no doubt as the fat stock are dealt with at the works the market for the store eheep will regain its balance." If. he concluded, the Government could see its way to treat meat as it does wool and pay ex store, _ 'the farmers would be in a much better position to meet their liabilities than they are today, and in this way the most effective blow possible would be delivered a't the Moat Trust. ..: IN SOUTH AUCKLAND.

A -vieit to the Pukekohe distridt, South Auckland, reveals the fact that farming operations consist chiefly of haymaking and potato-digging, most farmers devoting _ all the available time to the former occupation, their wives and children assisting them as much as possible. In the immediate vicinity of Pukekohe every endeavour is made to work on the " help me and I will help you" principle, and the system of co-opera-tion is working well. This applies not only to Pukekohe, but to other parts as well, as it is characteristic of farmers generally, accentuated no doubt by the scarcity of labour and the growing desire on the part of farmers to render what help they can to,one' another as occasion may require. With regard to the potato crops, considering that the earlier part of the season was abnormally a wet one, the yields as a whole are good, though in a few cases 'the "watery eye" blight is observable. Around Pukekohe. Hill Northern Star and Gamekeeper still appear to be the favourite varieties, and Mr Robert Bilkey, whose experience of extends over 30 years, affirms the opinion that these two varieties are undoubtedly best suited to the Pukekohe soil. As, to the average crop, as far a 3 can at present be ascertained, they work out at about seven tons to the acre. The North Island seed seems to be moro An favour, though some prominent grovyers 'think that good seed from the south gives an excellent second crop.

I3OUTH AFRICA A COMPETITOR FOR BUTTER AND CHEESE.

Mr J. Gr. Broachen, of Pahiatua, secretary of the Rexdalo, Scarborough, Papatawa, and Hopelands Cheese Companies, has just received a letter from a relative closely connected with the wholesale provisioning trade in London, and in respect to this season's cheese the writer expresses the opinion that there would be no question about the Imperial people retaining the cheese at their own price—the position was that it was absolutely necessary for them to have it, and if they could not get it by purchase at a given price they would commandeer it at that end at the fixed prices, which, of course, would not bo likely to exceed the price originally offered to the factory men. Dealing with qualities, the writer remarks that it was unfortunate that both butter and cheese was suffering by delay in transit. "The poor ana irregular quality of dairy produce might not affect your farmers so much |ust now," he writes; "but later on it will be a factor to be reckoned with, more "especially as you will also have to get back to regular channels which have been taken from you by the exigencies of circumstances. The writer then goes on to say that he had seen a very good lino of butter from South Africa. The sample in question was from a line of several thousand boxes which had recently arrived, and was a revelation of what" South Africa could do in the matter of butter. In qualitv and packing the lino was said to bo well up to New Zealand, and the sample in question gave every indication that South Africa was in the butter business "for keeps." and if that was so wo could soon find a worthy rival at our heels, which was another reason whv those who controlled the dairy industry in Now Zealand should be careful not to sink qual'ty for quantity. Just now London could do with any quality of fat foods in any quantity, but when business returns to normal once more it will bf> "quality, not quantity, that makes the milking pay." CANTERBURY MARKETS. GRAIN AND PRODUCE REPORT. (Lyttelton Times, December 15.) The market for 1917 is practically at an end. Chaff could be sold at Auckland ; but there is no chance of shipping it, and merchants have on hand more than they require, so business has weakened. There is no market for potatoes, and no dealing in oats. Reports concerning the oat and wheat crops are more favourable, as the result of the recent rains. Blight and rust have been shaken off to a great extent,

and the fields present a healthy appearance. The prices given below are for purchases from farmers, net cash, sacks extra, delivered at country stations. In the case of wheat tho maximum prices are fixed by tho Board of Trade, on a f.o.b. basis, but no business is passing, stocks having long since been exhausted. Tho quotations are as follows : —Wheat—Pearl, 5s lid" f.o.b. Lvttelton; Hunters, 5s lOd f.o.b. Lvttelton: Tuscan, 5s 9d f.o.b. Lvttelton. Oats—Carton, 3s 6d to 3s 8d; Algerians, 33 6d to 3s 8d; Duns, 3s 6d to 3s Bd. BarleyMalting, 4s 6d to 5s 3d. Peas—Partridge, 6s; bran, 70s; pollard, 1355; oatmeal, 4405; flour, 300 s; chaff, 95s to 105 s. Ryegrass seed, 3» 6d to 4s 9d; cocksfoot, 9d to white clover (farm dressed), 2s Id to 2s 2d; cowgrass, Is to Is 3d. Dairy factory cheese, Butter—Local factory (Ist grade), Is 6d; farm separtor (pats), 1* "Id; dairy (pats), Is; dairy (bulk), lid. Hams, Is 3d; sides, is 2d; bacon rolls, Is 3d; roll hams, I 3 4d; lard (pats), Is Id; eggs, Is 3d. TIMARU MARKETS. (Christchurch Press, December 15.) Thoro is a good demand for wheat, but none is offering. Tho rain of this week will add bushels per acre to most of the crops now in ear, and to tho spring-sown crops it will do incalculable good. Oats aro nominally worth 3s 6d on trucks. There is a good demand from the North Island for oatshoaf chaff, prime lines of which are worth £5 per ton on trucks. Old potatoes are now unsaleable. New aro fetching 2d and 2£d per lb. , 'Good crops of ryegrass and cocksfoot are coming on. Forward sales of cocksfoot are being made at 9d to lOd per lb.

Cows. Lbs milk. Test. 4.2 Lbs fat. 37 1125 48.10 12 S65 4.8 46.56 34 1112 4.1 45.60 37 1150 .. 3.7 42.79 31 .. 1075 .. 8.9 .. 41.57 33 1030 4.0 41.21 43 1005 4.0 40.71 57 1123 8.6 .. 40.34 63 1114 8.6 40.01 23 1084 8.7 .. 39.90 TEN WORST HERDS. 22 705 3.5 24.62 45 775 3.7 23.45 21 805 8.6 23.84 30 847 3.6 30.78 11 812 3.9 31.17 30 817 3.9 31.40 38 956 3.5 33.07 33 1020 3.5 35 52 51 . 965 3.8 86.38 47 1001 3.6 36.54