THE NORTH ISLAND.

Otago Witness, Issue 3330, 9 January 1918, Page 11

THE NORTH ISLAND.

(Feom Oub Own Correspondent.)

Just at the moment it is difficult to know where we are as regards weather. One day it is exceedingly hot, the next day it is blowing "great guns," the next it may be warm again, and the following day it is raining. No one can certainly complain of any lack of variety. Haymakers and shearers do not liko it; but dairymen and .thoso who have just put in crops arc not at all sorry to see two or three days wet in the week. Dairymen in particular are enjoying a splendid season. Grass, usually very low and dried up at this time of tho year, is unusually green and prolific, and as a result cows are keeping up production at a great vate. This all comes back to_ the dairy farmer, who is also scoring in another direction. It will be remembered that the terms of cheese sales to the Imperial Government included a clause that the final 10 per cent, should bo paid on shipment. East season this was interpreted in practico as payment when the season's cheese had been shipped. This year factories aro agreeably surprised 'to find that the 10 per cent, is being paid as each shipment is taken. This means that more ready money in the aggregate will be available for suppliers. In the Waikato district suppliers to the Glaxo factory are also doing well. Over five tons constitute tho daily output. The management are running two shifts, thus most of the farmers are delivering their milk twice a, day. The price guaranteed over a minimum of years is 2s per lb butter-fat, with a id extra for tho evening delivery. The suppliers appear to bo well satisfied so far. Taking affairs on the whole, therefore, dairymen have great cause. for thankfulness: Good though last year was, the current season bids lair to eclipse it in every way, particularly if shipping prospects, which have brightened very considerably of late, materialise. All round there is a, very cheerful outlook, and, as remarked by the Prime Minister at Ohakune, the present season was commencing exceedingly well. The wool clip was good, and ho believed it would equal if not be" better . than last year. .Furthermore, said Mr Massey, a remarkable fact had been that, although millions of carcases of sheep and thousandsof carcases of beef had been exported, the numbers of live stock were never higher than at presnt. There was a big increase in the number of cattle in the North Island, compared with a couple of years ago. When one considers all these points, tho dairyman's big year, the woolman's excess of golden fleece, the cattleman's in? creased herds, the agriculturist's advanced cropping areas, Mr Massey may be pardoned for the very rosy picture he paints of New Zealand's uniquo position among the most prosperous countries of the world. We can certainly all_ confidently enter the new year with a feeling of gratitude for nast beneficence on the part of Nature and a feeling of optimism in respect to the next 12 months ahead of PRODUTCION STATISTICS.

In the Gazette of last week there appeared some very interesting figures summarising tho agricultural and pastoral operations of last season and showing the amount of land used for the various pursuits in the Dominion. , Of the 42,744,719 acres m occupation in New Zealand 17,064,797 were under cultivation, 54,242 were under Phormmm. tenax, 16154,021 acres were under native grasses,2,733,306 under fern or second growth, 4 540,525 in virgin bush, and there wero 2,197,828 acres of barren and unproductive lands. The land under cultivation was utilised last year in the following manner:—Grain and pulse crops, 844,642 acres; grasses for thrashing and green and root crops, 1,000,263 acres; under sown grass, 14.971,725 acres; gardens and orchards, 91,244 acres; vineyards, 281 acres; plantations, 66,000 acres. . There are 79,536 holdings in the Dominion, of a total area of 42,744,719 acres, tho average area of tho holdings being 537.43 acres. , Another table showed the number of livo stock in each county, including borouo-hs. The horse and cattle returns are as at° April 30, 1917. The table was as follows:—Horses, 373,600; cattle (includintr dairy cows), 2.575,230; sheep (includini lambs), 25,270,386; pigs, 283,770; goats, 18°235; asses and mules, 320. Tho figures given of the results of the shearing 0 season 1916-17 are interesting. They show that for the whole of New Zealand Hawko's Bay was first with 9 2"8 8461 bof wool, excluding lambs wooK Cook' County, in Poverty Bay district, /was second with' 7,371,0111 b, and the third county was Southland with 7 023,6201 b. The total quantities obtained from the Dominion were. 170.260,4051 bof sheeps wool and 8.532,1001 b of lambs' wool. The total number of employees on all holdings in the Dominion was 94,085 males and 32,313 females. SEMI-OFFICIAE RECORDS.

\nothcr list of semi-officially tested cows appears in the Journal of Agriculture, only one new leader being mentioned. Mr F Mills's (Taikorea) cow Alexandra of Waipaoa (mentioned in my last notes) has made a new record for the class of mature Ayrshircs She is now the leader of the two oldest classes and New Zealand s highest record Avrshiro as well, and her record is an honour to South Taranaki. It is a great loss to tho breed that, owing to Mr Mills, jun., going to the war, the testing of their purebred Ayrshires must be discontinued in the meantime. Mr F. Mills's work during recent years is perhaps second to none in New Zealand. The Fric-sian cow Friesland Tirania has raised her previous record very considerably. Her first record was of outstanding merit at 503.251 b fat, commencing under two years of age. She now adds one more'to tho list of 7001 b butter-fat cows. Monavale Ruby Paxton, bred and tested hv Mr C. C. Buekland, of Cambridge. Waikato, has produced a creditable record in yielding some 2321 b butter-fat above her requirement for certificate. Two other good records are those of Buttercup 111 of Kokatau and Lydia Canary de Kol. Amongst the Jerseys the production of Flos3 V. owned by Mrs A. Banks and Son. Kiwitea (Feilding district), attracts notice. Six hundred-pound butter-fat records are not so common, but thev will command attention for some considerable time in the future. Athena, with 2201 b fat over her requirement, has gained one of

the best certificates for the month. She i' owned by Mr C. W. Rcube, a well-known Taranaki-ite. In 'the youngest class Mountain View's May, purchased at the sale of Mr R. J. Linn over a year ago by Mr Sutton, has done credit to her breeder. Her yield represents some 2301 b butter-fat over her standard. Swastika, with 2201 b over her requirement, also proves herself 'to be of good strain. Tho Tnilking Shorthorns include a 5001 b butter-fat cow this month. Princess of Dtingiv-en has put up a -good record. .The best records were : ' Jerseys. Junior Two-year-old. Me-- "ain View's May (J. W. Odgers, Man- iutu)—36s days,' 7492.601 b milk, 473.5' , fat. Swastika (F. S. M'Rae, Palmerston North)—3l6 days, 7806.401 b milk, 460.381 b fat Waiwetu's Trunin's Lilv (C. W. Reube, New Plymouth)—36s days, 8564.001 b milk, 420.821 b fat. Molma's Gipsy Maid (Wren Bros.. Tokaora)—36s days, 7123.101 b milk. 411.591 b fat. Mature. Floss V (Mrs A. Banks and Son, Kiwitea)—364 clays, 13,807.901 b milk, 621.401 b fat. Athena (C. W. Reube. New Plymouth)— 365 days, 11.948.251 b milk, 570.631 b fat. Fbiesians. Senior Three-year-old. Friesland Tirania (R, K. Macdomdd. Edondale)—36s days, 21,007.551 b milk, 706:551b fat. • . Ma'ture. Butcrcup . 11l of Koka'tau (Cluny Friesian Farm Company. Wellington)—36s days, 14,929.301 b milk. 562.81 lb fat. Lydia Canarv de Kol (C. C. Buckland, Cambridge)—36s days. 16.382.701 b milk, 539.121 b fat. Ayeshiees. Alexandra of Waipapa (F. Mills, Tokaoruj—36s days; 14.636.001 b milk, 582.471 b fat. Jessica II of Haydowns (F. Mii'e. Tokaora)—36s days, 14.257.001 b milk. 523.331 b fat, Shorthobks. Princess of Dungiven (W.Bradv. Woodville)—36s davs, 12,573.801 b milk, 518.031 b fat BIG SHEARING. In my last week's notice I referred to the fine tallies which were put up that week by a board of shearers in Taihape district. Eight Native shearers from Te Aute, Hawkc's Bay, have also put up a ceditable performance. On six consecutive days they shore at Mr G. N. Pharazyn's station, in Dannevirkc district, 1822, 1778. 1743 1748, 1688. and 1800— a total of 10,597. The ringer's tallv for each day was 296. 301, 301, 291, 280, and 295—an average of 294 sheep per day of ordinary working hours. Two prcssers pressed 43 bales of wool in one day in 11 hours. The sheep were shorn in ordinary working hours, and one man o.ut of the eight never shore 100 on any one day, which speaks weli for the others. However excellent t though those performances at 'Dannovirke were, they were completely eclipsed at Taihape, whero what is believed to be the world's record was broken by one of tho Dominion's champion shearers, W. Telia having on .Friday finished up with the world's record tally of 339. The previous best tally was 333, put up by Riano. but Riano's tally was made on lambs. Volla's performance is the more meritorious when it is considered that five hours were occupied on bit? ewes, and this in the latter end of the day, when he would be feeling the strain of his strenuous efforts. On tho same board three other wejl-known shearers also put up first-rate performances under like conditions as regards shearing big ewes. Their tallies would likewise have been fivo or six on with picked lambs. The tallies for the full board of four shearers for the dav were: W. Vella, 339; J. Skinner. 304: J. Qceennn, 264 (with two breakdown?); L. Arr.ur.dsen (wi'th one breakdown). The performances of both Skinner and Quoonan nro excellent, taking into consideration that Skinner was shearing practically on one leg only, and Queenan lost considerable time through breakdowns. Apropos of these big- tallies, it is intereating to note that a few years has made a wonderful difference in the earnings of the " fleece-oh." Only several years back hi was glad to receive 25s a week and found. This year men are receiving 25s and 27e 6d per 100. so that on tho basis of the big tallies now being put up the shearers maks considerably more in one day than they used to make :'n a week a few years back. Of course, the woolgrower himself is on a very much better wioket, nnd it pays him well to get the tvoo! off the sheep's back quickly.

THE HAURAKI PLAINS. Seme interesting- remark.? were made by Ihc Prime Minister in respect to the drainage of the Hauralci Plains. When the draii.-age of <he plains was completed, he said, the district would be one of the most prosperous in the Dominion. The total sum expended by the Government on the dovcloomcnt of 40.000 acres on the Hauraki Plains was £243,000, and less than hall the total area has so far been dealt with. # Notwithstanding the difficulties resulting from the war, 36 miles of drains and roads had been constructed Inst year. He hoped that when the soldiers returned it would be possible to place no less than 50CO of them on the land. He trusted that it would be possible to set aside 10,000 acres of Hauraki Plains for this purpose. Further demonstration of the fertility of the plains was afforded later in the afternoon, when the Prime Minister and party journeyed from Ngatea _by launch to the mouth of the Piako River and thence to the Thames. Land adjoining the river was stated to have changed hands at no less than £4O per acre. The fruition of this big national undertaking serves to show how a well-balanced enthusiast and statesman can make history, and there is no doubt whatever that it was duo to the persistency, foresigh'tedness, and engineering capabilities of Mr W. C. Kensington, 1.5.0., now of Marton, that the big national scheme of draining these valuable swamps was undertaken. Mr Kensington, when in 'the Lands Office, saw the tremendous possibility of the huge area of land then known as the Piako Swamp, if a comprehensive scheme of drainage could be effectively carried out; but it was difficult to impress those controlling the Treasury with the profitableness of the scheme he had in his vision. There is an old saying that " everything comes to those who wait." It proved to be so in Mr Kensington's case. By sheer merit he eventually became _ Under-secre-tary for Lands, and, recqgnising- his great opportunity to put his own scheme into operation, he lost in doing so, and the result is seen to-day in the magnifioent tracts of fertile country that is being opened up. Mr Massey says that he trusted 10,000 acres of these desirable lands would be set aside for the repatriation of the soldiers. What a crowning triumph this would be to Mr Kensington's fine record in the service of 'the Dominion. One might go further and suggest that the name of the plains be altered from "Hauralci" to 'Kensington" to perpetuato the name of this fine old gentleman, who now lives in retirement at Marton. There is no doubt whatever that the drainage of these plains has proved to be one of the best and most profitable investments any Government of New Zealand ever took in the interests of settlement. Mr Kensington's name will unquestionably ever be closely associated with the history of the Hauraki Plains. "DON'T SACRIFICE THE MAORI BRETHREN."

Many are the opinions held in regard to the treatment meted to the Maoris, and it is not an uncommon view that the time had arrived when Natives should be placed on an equality with the pakeha-. Some rather pertinent observations on the matter were made by Sir James Carroll on the occasion of a recent visit to Whakatane. The Native question, said Sir James, was now settling itself into a definite policy. He remembered in 1893 when the Urewera people were in arms anfl turned out the surveyors bag and baggage. The Queen's writ had not travelled through tho Urewera in 1893. The cream of the Maori country had been picked long ago. People said that there were millions of acres, but there were only large areas in North Auckland and the Urewera. He had fought all over the latter country as a boy, and was certain that 200,000 acres unfit for settle* ment would have to be set aside as a scenic reserve. Land to the extent of 230.0C0 acres had been bought, and about 50,000 acres remained to be purchased. The balance must be left for the Native owners. They had an obligation, in which the British Crown was bound to see that the Native race was fairly treated. In all patriotic endeavours and sacrifices made the whites had not outdone the Maoris. On the East Coast, in the shearing sheds, even in the freezing works, the Natives were working loyally. They never read the Riot Act, and they were not bush lawyers. Could it be said that Maori labour had ever given so much trouble as the I.W.W. ? The Maori was a companion in work and a comrade in arms. He appealed to Mr Massey and Mr Herries not to sacrifice their Maori brethren. VAGARIES OF NATIVE LAND LAW.

The vagaries of Native land law were revealed at a sitting of the Native Land Court at Gisborne, when probate was granted in the will of Pomare Horsefall. When a will is vritten in the English language one •of the attesting witnesses is supposed 'to have sufficient knowledge of the Maori and English languages to enable him to be satisfied that the testator understands the effect of the will. In the ease under revie.v the testator know more English than Maori, and there were throe witnesses to its execution. Fortunately, one of those was able to comply with the statutory requirement. DRIFT FROM SOUTH TO NORTH.

Tlio Auckland papers never seek to hide their pleasure at any announcement in favour of a d' - ""; of southern population northward, and yet the question is one that requires very grave thought. It is well-known that there has been a steady rush for the Auckland province, because the unearned increment is there. But does not this call for* a scientific settlement of the land. As recently pointed out by a Wairarapa paper, if the Government were alive to its responsibilities it would sen to it that- the population was fairly distributed, find 'that; 'one portion of the Dominion was not depopulated for the benefit of another. A MODEL DAIRY FARM.

Some rather interesting particulars have been given by Mr J. W. Deem, Government Fields Supervisor, "Wanganui, respecting tho -Stratford Model Dairy Farm. The farm acquired consists of 143 acre.' on the Olmra road, adjoining tho borough of Stratford, and within one mile of tho post office. Tho energies of tho society—for the first year at least—will be chiefly in tho direction of repairing fences, erecting buildings, and providing food for tho dairy herd. A little demonstration work in the way of top-dressing of pastures and 'tho growing of root and fodder crops will bo taken in hand; but it is felt that not very much can be attempted this first season. Owing to the scarcity of feed and tho backward state of the farm, cowe could not Bo purchased until late in tho season,

when there was littlo choic. The committee therefore decided to buy about 30 crossbred cows for tho initial period. Later a more definite herd policy can bo laid down. Tho scope of tho society is practically unlimited, and continuous and enthusiastic attention to the undertaking will undoubtedly bring fruitful results. EDUCATION I BOARD'S ENTERPRISE. The Education Board purposes securing an area of land adjoining this model farm, and establishing on it a residential high school, with a strong bias towards agriculture. The society has also come to an arrangement with 'the board whereby the latter may take over at a cheap rental an area not exceeding 20 acres of the society's farm, 'as required, for school farm work. _ It is hoped that the officers of the Education Board, the Farm Society, and the Department of Agriculture will work in co-operation, and that tho work done will form part of one whole scheme. In working the school area the society will, when convenient, provide horses and implements. On the other hand, it is anticipated that the pupils, under the instructor, will assist in keeping the society's farm records, such as in cropping and cowtesting, also assist at 'times with some of tho lighter farm work. Considerable assistance should thus bo given to pupils talcing tho course in agriculture. They will not only have the theory of agriculture taught them by the schools, but they will be able to participate in approved farm practice as directed by practical farmers. THE FLAXMILL INDUSTRY. There has been quite a stir over a rumour that was in circulation in Wei lington and Manawatu that flax workers were to bo transferred to the harvest fields, and that the Government were going to control the flax industry. How the rumour got into circulation in the first place is a _ mystery, but it certainly passed round with amazing rapidity, and the question was raised as to whether the Government really intended to actually force the men on to the harvest fields whether they objected or not. In the Manawatu district there are about 500 hands engaged in the industry, and the wages of these men run easily into £2OOO per week. This money is circulated in Palmers'ton North; and with the probable loss of this trade it can easily be imagined that there would be a howl of indignation in Manawatu. The Primo Minister, however, was interviewed on the matter, and ho gave the rumour an emphatic denial. He said that the question had never been discussed either by the Efficiency Board nor the Cabinet, ■ and he could not understand how such a rumour was started. This assuring statement should allay the fears of Palmerston folk that one of their district's main industries was menaced in the manner indicated. BIG MAORI MEETING. A great gathering of Natives of the Ngati Tama and the Ngati Tuwharetoa peoples was held at Taihape on New Year's Day. The meeting was one of considerable interest. Younger people had old traditions committed to them, and listened to history which the older men with tribal responsibilities have treasured up. The 'two chief speakers were Hori Pohe and Pine Tuakau—two of the oldest and highest chiefs in the district. George Pohe is well remembered by old colonists as one of the cleverest advocates in the old-time Maori Land Courts, and the assistance he gave in deciding ownerships and partitioning amongst various hapus was highly valued by the then Land Court judges. He virtually put through the division of the Awarua, Motukawa, Ohauka, and Oroumatua blocks, and, coming to the present time, he gave 3000 acres of the Ohauka land to the Government for Maori settlement. OUR YORKSHIRE LETTER. (Fbom Ottr Special Cohrkspokdent.s GREAT SCARCITY OF COMBED WOOL •FOR CIVILIAN USE, BRADFORD, October 25. The shipping problem is very acute in South Africa, just as it is in Australia and New Zealand, and it is a little difficult to know how it is going to be solved. The British Government is naturally concerned about bringing to England all the foodstuffs possible; and while South Africa docs not produce such a variety of things as Australia, wo are receiving considerable quantities of mealies (Indian corn), chilled beef, and other things, which all provide food for the British, nation. After these food commodities wool seems to occupy the next prominent position, while mohair is altogether in tho background. Tho latter article is not regarded as essential for carrying on the war; but tho claims of wool cannot be ignored, and under present conditions is, naturally, receiving considerable attention. 0$ course, if South Africa produced crossbred wool a still bigger effort would be made to bring it home, seeing the demand made for this class of material is greater than ever. At the same time, South African merinos can bo used in the production of certain classes of army fabrics, though they will not turn out the sanio strength of fabrics as crossbreds. Even where essentially merino goods are concerned, tho bulk of South African wools do not possess the same solidity and wearing capacity as Australian merinos. THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSAL. The trade _at this-. end is still without any information regarding the purchase of the South African clip. Farmers have to give a, reply cither in the affirmative or ncgitivo to the Government offer at the end of October, and everyone is concerned regardinsr the futura of the South African clip. Of course, it does, net f.ppeal to Bradford and district like' tho merino clip of Australia ; but: all the same, there are important and extensive relations between the West Biding of Yorkshire and South Africa, and if a census'were taken here in Bradford regarding tho British Government purchase I am confident that there would bo a large majority in favour of the Cape market remaining free. I state this in faco of the fact that any arrivals in this country of new purchases would be automatically taken over by the Government. Still, there is a strong desire on the part of woolmcn to see at least one market remain open for tho buying and selling of wools, and tho possible shipment to tho United States as well as Japan. I have the news that the best combing Capes are being fast acquired by'America and Japan, and some very interesting details came to hand by the fast Cape mail regarding the respective quantities required by the countries named. JAPANESE AND AMERICAN PURCHASES.

Farmers' meetings have been held at uite a number of centres, addressed by

important members of the South African Government. 1 fool disposed to quote the Acting Prime Minister's statement, who, addressing his constituents at Malmesbury, devoted his entire speech to the proposed sale of tho South African clip to the Imperial Government. Dealing with Japan and America, the Acting Prime Minister (the Hon. F. S. Mala-i) said: "The official answer which the Government got with regard to the wool Japan can take ia that there is machinery there to. take 300,000 bales, and +hat she can buy 100,000 to 150,000 bales. Well, we in South Africa can produce 500,000 bales annually, so that when Japan has bought what she" can from us _ there will still be 350,000 bales left which she cannot buy. Then you will have exactly the same position with your wool as you have had with your mealies. Japan may offer a slightly better price; but when she has taken all the wool she requires you will bo left with tho other wool. And what then? Before the war most of your wool went to the Continent of Europe. For the year ended July 31, 1917,_ the value of our wool- exported to the United Kingdom wef £3,755,000; to Canada, £3000; to tho United States, £2,3000,000. and to Japan £1,230,000; .'or a .total"of £7,289,030; and of this J 33,534,000 went to countries other than the United Kingdom, so that the United Kingdom takes more than half now." The total quantity of wool exported to America from South Africa during 1916 amounted to 227,557 bales, compared with 145,512 bales during 1915. America also took from Port Elizabeth alone' 9635 bales of mohair; sheepskins and goatskins, 26,207 bales. STOCKS AT PORT ELIZABETH. The following is a return of the wool and mohair in Port Elizabeth as at August 27, compiled for the information of tho Union Government from particulars supplied to the Chamber of Commerce by buyers, sellers, and warehousemen: Bake. Bales. Wool sold and awaiting shipment to — England 7,907 America ' 22,939 Japan 7,934 Wool at wash or in transit thereto .. .. 15,639 Unsold in stores 3,047 Total .. .. ... ■ .'. ... 57,466 Mohair sold and awaiting shipment 6,111 Unsold in stores • ' 7,641 Total 13,752 STOCKS AT EAST LONDON. The following return has been similarly taken at East London: — Bales. Bales. Wool sold) and awaiting shipment to— England 4,625 America 24,515 Japan .. 8,937 . _ 38,077 Wool unsold 7,733 Total wool 45,810 SCARCITY OF TOPS. Tho trade is still without the revised list of top prices. Six weeks ago it was promised that it should be published before September 30, and a good deal of resentment is being expressed at the apparent dilatoriness of the department. There need be no heartburning on this point, because the trade has had due warning given of advanced values, and if spinners have sold heavily they must be prepared to shoulder any "loss. What to-day is the most important is the .sensible reductioniri stocks of tops, and the outlook for 2ivilian users is anything but bright. As a matter of fact, the whole position, is grave, and export houses are finding increasing difficulty in obtaining supplies. The department itself is shipping big quantities direct to France, Italy, and Canada, and there appears to be i.o room whatever for the middlemen, notwithstanding the . executive of the Wool Merchants' Association attached to the British Association of Woolbuyers have formulated a scheme for recognition. Even stocks of merino tops are anything but heavy, consumption of civilian and export account having combined to lift big quantities off the market. I understand' that arrivals of raw wool in this country have been a little below average during recent weeks; but m the absence of authentic particulars it is most difficult to know how things actually stand. There is a general impression that tho forthcoming advance in Government top values will average all round 10 per cent., which is more than many people think is justified; but it is remarkable that Government values to-day are still sensibly below every other market throughout the world where wool is being dealt in freely. CANTERBURY MARKETS. GRAIN AND PRODUCE REPORTS. (Lyttelton Times, January 4.) Business in the new season's seed and grain has hardly. yet begun in earnest, Although a few parcels are reported to have changed hands. The wet weather has prevented any fair progress being made with oats and barley, considerable areas of which have been out. Reports from the country indicate tolerably, good yields, the heavy rains having successfully dealt with the rust problem. This affected Garton and Dun oats, but Algerians seemed to escape. Wheat fields are promising well, the heads filling well, though there is an abundance of straw on the,heavier lands. Italian ryegrass has been sold at 3s a bushel. The sale has been effected of a few standing crops of oats, but the prices have not. been disclosed. . Canterbury mills, which have been closed latterly owing to the exhaustion of stocks of local -wheat, are expected to resume operations in the course of a few davs, a shipment of Australian wheat now being available. This, however, will not be sufficient to keep the mills running until the new wheat is available from the local harvest, for. owing to the liberal rainfall, tho wheat is bound to be more or less soft and unfit for milling until about March. About 20.000 sacks of Australian wheat have boon imported for the Canterbury milling trade. As far as can be ascertained at present, local millers must still sell flour at tho rate fixed by Government regulation, £ls a ton, although the imported wheat mu<=t cost them considerably more than they paid for last year's supplies from the Canterbury harvest. The Dunedin and Auckland mills are allowed an extra £1 a ton for their flour, on the ground that they have to pay freiprht charges from the grain belt to their mills. But with all i the mills dependent upon the Australian grain/ the local merchants feel they have a grievance against the authorities, who hare as

yet made no move towards putting all on an even footing. Meanwhile, owing to the heavy arrivals of wheat in Auckland and the delay in getting a cargo for Lyttelton, Auckland millers are able to capture markets which Canterbury millers have been building up and-'serving for years. Repo™ B "from Banks Peninsula indicate that the December rains have been very beneficial to cocksfoot, and the yield will probably be much larger than" was expected a month ago. The bulk of the cocksfoot country is just beginning to change colour, and reaping will soon be general. There ; is, as usual, a fair carry-over of last season s seed. The prices ruling for staple lines early in December were purely nominal, and otter no guide as to the value- 6f the incoming harvest, so no good purpose would bo served by their publication, pending the market opening up in earnest. TMARU PRODUCE MARKETS. (Christchurch Press, January 4.) No business is being done in old season's wheat, owing to lack of supplies. It is not possible to do anything with the new crop yet, as no licenses have been issued by the Government empowering brokers to buy. So far a fair proportion of the wheat is laid, and as a consequence there will be a good deal of grain which it will not be possible to class as prime milling. The wheat is well on now. It appears to be well headed, and to have filled out. With a spell of bright, warm weather, the frain should ripen rapidly. iSo far no wheat as been cut in South Canterbury, but some farmers expect to be cutting in about a fortnight. With oats the position is different. A good many oat crops are now in stook. The late-sown _ crops, have improved out of all recognition as a result of the recent rains, but for, which they would have been very little good; now they promise to be very fair. In colour they are particularly good. The winter-sown crops, which are now being cut, are, in some cases, exceptionally good, and it is anticipated that the yield will be above the average. The first thrashing mill out for the season started: on one oat crop to-day. It is reported that a much larger acreage of ryegrass is likely to be saved than was thought would be the case some little time back. Thrashing will commence next week, but there is a good deal not yet cut. What is now in stook will probably be discoloured, but not otherwise damaged. Cooksfoot promises well, and growers are likely to be well rewarded, as prices will r.ule high. Comparatively little business has been done in oatsheaf chaff, but some sales have been made at £o to £5 ss, on trucks, for prime lines. North Island buyers are inclined to reduce their prices in sympathy with the lower quotations from Blenheim for new season's chaff, and buyers here are inclined to do likewise for -the reasons above stated, as well as on account of the extra penalties imposed by the Railway Department in the matter of carriage. The potato crops are well forward, and have a healthy appearance. The area in potatoes this year is believed to be smaller than that of last year. New potatoes are being retailed at l|d to 2d per* lb in small lots, none being ready yet, nor required, for shipping. SHIPPING FREIGHTS A RISE FORECASTED. WELLINGTON. December 23. The Prime Minister intimates that he has reason to believe that an increase of shipping freights is contemplated on New Zealand produce not purchased by the ImEerial Government. Up to the present he as not been supplied with particulars. - The latest increases kin shipping freights affect all produce not handled by the Imperial Supplies Department. The announcement of details here has been delayed by the holidays, the public departments bcVng cither closed down until next week or working with skeleton staffs. The Prime Minister, when the matter was mentioned to him, eaid he had information to the effect that the freights on flax, 'tallow, kauri gum, and other products were being increased by direction of trie Imperial Government, which presumably was finding that the present rates were not remunerative in the face of the increasing shipping costs, but he had not received definite figures. THE NEW RATES ON EXPORTS. The new rates of freight on New Zea- . Jand exports came into operation on Tues- [ clay, and show substantial advances on j those of 1916-17. The advance is heavier J than that shown in the table hereunder, j when pre-war rates are considered, for then ' wool was Sd per lb for greasy, and butter 2s 6d per oox, and cheese per lb; and

hemp was 85s per ton. The 1918 wool rate and rates on some other items have been collected prior to January 1. The increase may be ascertained from the following table: Jan. 1, Oct. 1, 1918. 1916.

The Imperial Government, as charterer of the tonnage, has made the advance in the rates. The shipping companies are interested only to the-extent of their charters at a Blue Book, or fixed rate, and presumably they do not participate in the increased! rate 3 charged. EFFECT ON FLAXMILLING. AUCKLAND. January' 3. Auckland merchants interested in the export of flax and tow are making representations to the Prime Minister -with a\ view to having the immediate imposition of increased freights reconsidered by the Imperial authorities. A deputation which waited on Mr A. M. Myers, M.P., to-day stated that early last September, at the request of the Government, a conference of representatives of the flax industry was held in Wellington, at which the Prime Minister presided. After taking into consideration the cost of production, freight, and other charges, it was decided to agree to a maximum price for "good fair hemp" in London, which meant a reduction of about £l2 per ton on prices then ruling. It was further stated that the sudden imposition of extra charges would mean a loss to Auckland merchants alone of about £25.000 on flax now awaiting shipment. The suggestion was made that the Prime Minister should represent the position to the Imperial authorities, and, if possible, arrange that all contracts proved to have been entered into before the advance in frcijrht should be carried at the old rate of freight, or that flax and tow for Great Britain in store when the increase transpired should be carried at the old rate, be carried at the old rate. It was stated that contracts had been made to purchase green flax, and unless some relief was afforded they would be unable to fulfil their obligations, and the mills would bo closed, affecting between 8000 and 9000 employees and dependents. Mr Myers promised to support the request.

S. d. s. d. Wool, greasy, lb 0 SJ 0 2| Wool, slipe, lb 0 8i 0 n Wool, washed, lb 0 3i 0 n Sheepskins, lb 0 3 0 2J Rabbitskins, lb 0 3J 0 22 Hops, lb : 0 34 0 25 Hair, lb 0 81 0 2i Feathers, lb .. 0 3J 0 23 Hemp, ton . 325 0 200 0 Tow, ton . 520 0 260 0 Antimony ore, ton ... ... .. . 130 0 60 0 Bork, ton . 620 0 105 0 Bones and horns, ton . 208 0 120 0 Condensed milk, ton . 130 0 110 0 Copra, ton . 260 0 150 0 Grain, ton . 165 0 120 0 Honey, ton . 130 0 — Hides in casks, ton . 210 0 130 0 Hides in sacks, ton . 165 0 150 0 Cheese, lb 0 u 0 01 Butter, box 5 ft 3 9 Kauri gum, ton . 210 0 105 0 Kauri gum dust, ton . 200 0 90 0 Leather, ton . 300 0 180 0 Pelts ; „. .. . 210 0 130 0 Meats, canned, ton ... .'.. .. . 130 0 105 0 Sausage casings . 245 0 140 0 Tallow, ton .-210 0 120 0 Waste paper ... . 260 0 140 0 Whale oil . 220 0 150 0 Cargo by measurement,. ton .. . 130 0 105 0 Valuables, per cent. ... . .. 4 p. c. 4p, 2. MEATS. Pork, per lb 0 21 0 1} Boned beef, per lb 0 2 0 ll Veal, per lb 0 2j 0 ll Frozen sundries, lb 0 2 0 1J Rabbits, crates (foot) ... .. 4 6 2 6 Hares, crates (foot) ... ..- 4 6 2 6 All plus 10 per cent.