STOCK AND GRAZING NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3348, 15 May 1918, Page 9

STOCK AND GRAZING NOTES.

Weekly Stock Sales. Monthly (continued). Burnaide, Wedneai. Woodlands, 2ud ThursAshtmrton, Tueada.. day Addington, Wednesdays iVyridham, last ThursWaiareka Railway Juno- day tion, Tuesdays Ualfour, 3rd Thursday .Wallacetown. Tuesdays Thornbury, Ist Friday Duntroon & Otautau, Fortnightly. 2nd Friday Clinton, Thursdays Riversdale, 3rd Friday Balclutha, Fridays las , t F T l^u^ Gore, Tuesdays Clyduvale, last ThursOamaru,' Tuesdays “ a T Wallacetown, Tuesdays Periodically as AdverHeriot, Thursdays tised. Monthly Lumsden, Moasburn, Monthly. Orepuki, Mataura, Palmerston, Ist Monday Waihouaiti, EiverWinton, Ist Thursday ton, Ngapara, and Buutrocn, 2nd Friday Otago Central cJales. OTAGO. During the past week the weather has boon quite seasonable and pleasant in Otago, with perhaps a minimum of sunshine on the coast lands. There has at times, indeed, been a suspicion of frost, while inland in the Centra] area it has been decidedly sharp at night. However, there is plenty of rough stock feed about, and the roots are doing well everywhere, and winter frightens no one. In Central Otago, although one sees a fair number of straw stacks dotted about, still there are a lot of stacks yet unthrashed, and the mills’ progress is slow. The potato crop generally is yielding poorly southern reports, too, being unfavourable. During the week about 100 tons of potatoes wore landed ex ship from Melbourne at tho_ Dunedin wharf. They are unattractive lines, badly graded, and varieties are mixed. It seems that they have been condemned by the Government inspector, although later consideration may permit of their use in some manner. Certainly it would be folly to allow the potatoes to go unchecked into the ordinary channels for distribution broadcast if, as alleged, they arc: infected badly with harmful fungoid disease. The potatoes do not appear to bo affected with “ Irish blight,” but there is apparent some parasitic organism in the tissues of some of the tubers, discernible to the naked eye. Several sections have been recently taken up in the soldiers’ settlements in Otago, and no doubt in time they will all move off. . It is announced that the Minister of Customs is now prepared to favourably consider any applications to export hides and calfskins to British or Allied destinations. The local freezing works have started freezing cattle, and arc taking in some 40 bullocks daily. Exporters have little or no trouble in securing cattle, as they hold strong hands, and individual holders of fat cattle cannot hang to them long at this season of tho year. Some are bought “ on the hoof” and some at per lb. BURNSIDE MARKET. The fat sheep penned at Burnside were for the most part of indifferent quality, with but a few pens of prime heavy sheep. Tho demand for finished sheep with good skins was keen at a shade over last sale’s prices, but light and moderate-quality stock were a bit easier. Exporters were quiet buyers.

Tho fat lambs penned were pf fair quality, with a good proportion of well-grown, unfinished lambs not even up to secondary I quality. The latter sorts (mixed sexes) ! made from 20s to 225, with all primes firm i at the previous week’s values. | The yarding of fat cattle comprised a raided lot, over-many of them lacking finish, and only fit to bo classed as very forward, [ light-carcase sorts. Values were on a par | with market rates of a fortnight ago, exi porters securing a few lots. Best beef I made up to 435, with cow beef about 40s : per 1001 b. The ZOO store cattle forward ■ included about 100 forward steers of two, i throe, and threc-and-a-half years old, and | the balance fair-conditioned cows and small sorts. The demand showed no improveI ment on late rates. Two pens of forward I steers made £l2 5s to £l2 15s, the balance I of the lino being passed. Considering that ! these cattle require roots to make them j 7001 b cattle (freezing weight), it cannot be ! considered a low price, and the fattener j will not make much after turniping them. ; Only a few dairy cows were offered, and sold freely at £lO 10s to £l4 ss. Some 100 I fat pigs were penned, mostly porkers, and j 30 small sorts. For baconera the prices | were up to late rates, but porkers were | a shade cheaper, and small pigs about the same as at last sale. . ADDINGTON YARDS. The quality of the fat sheep penned at Addington was better than those offered at last sale, and were readily secured by exporters and others at values ruling the previous Wednesday. The fat lambs —some 2800 in all—were fairly good, with the usual proportion not up to killable quality. The demand was on a part with last sale’s rates. Only a medium entry of store sheep, mostly of indifferent quality, were offered. No desire for store sheep, however, was evident, and passings were heavy. Best forward wethers were in most favour, but these drag in a disheartening manner. A large entry of fat cattle met with an irregular demand, but generally a lower tendency was displayed and exporters came in but fitfully. There was a rather big entry of store cattle, and all sorts were provided. There was a better demand than has been the case of late, dry cows and young sorts ehowing improvement. Year-and-a-half-old to two-year-old cattle made £5 to £B, dry cows £6 to £9 ss. Rather more useful dairy cows were penned, and met with a keen demand, ordinary calvers bringing £7 to £l4 10s, and extra £ls to £lB 15s. Both bacon pigs and porkers made late rates, while the few small sorts and stores were somewhat firmer than of late. CENTRA!, OTAGO STOCK SALES. The filial series of stock, sales for the season just completed in Central Otago was in every way catisfactory considering • the general trend of values in other centres. There appeared little or no semblance of market values for stock fluctuating to tho degree noted in other South Island stock districts. Between 10,000 _ and 11,000 sheep were offered at the various centres, the majority of them being in good order. Values ruled about Is fid a head under the rates obtainable at the previous series of sales, and this would apply to all sheep classes. At Waipiata fully 7000 sheep were penned, chiefly lambs and wethers, with a few yards of full and failing, mouth ewes. Some big crossbred two-tooth wethers made 32s 3d, and the ewes of the same lino 34s 9d, six-tooth ewes 34s fid, fine-woolled, six-tooth wethers 25s to- 28s fid, medium two-tooth wethers 17s 9d to 20s, halfbred ewes 325, full-mouth owes (not guaranteed) 23s fid to 275. mixed finc-woollcd two, four, and six tooth ewes 24e lOd, failing ewes 15s to 20s fid, culls 14s, fat lambs 26s fid, Romney halfbred owe lambs 25s 9d, wether halfbred lambs 19s, merino ewes 24s fid, and merino wethers 15s fid. About 60 cattle (station bred) were sold, heifers making £5 to £7, cows £6 to £9 10s, yearling steers £3 17s fid, two-and-a-half year-olds £7 to £9 7s fid, and mixed yearlings £2 5s to £5 7s fid. At Oturchua the IECMD sheep penned met with a fair sale at very similar rates as above. Here, too, chiefly lambs and wethers wore penned. Lambs (mixed sexes) sold at 16s fid to 22s lOd, old owes 5s to lls, extra 17s fid, sound-mouthed owes 245. and old halfbred wethers (in good order) 27s 3d At Middlemarch some 1500 sheep, chiefly wethers and lambs, wore offered. Failingmouth ewes (in fair order) brought lls 3d to 14s; some halfbred wethers were passed at 25s 3d ; lambs (mixed sexes) sold at 18s to 21s, and extra 24s fid. COUNTRY SALES. At the Clutha stock sale about 2500 sheep and 50 cattle wore yarded. Included in tho entry wore some 700 fat shoop. Practically all offering were sold at auction, local buyers securing all lines of merit. Ewes ancl lambs comprised the bulk of the entry, and some improvement in recent values was apparent. Good two-tooth owes made to 32s fid. four, six, and eight tooths 28s lid, six ar.d eight tooths 27s 3d. Fat and forward wethers wore passed at 345. Ewe lambs made 25s 3d, and forward wether lambs 20s to 21s fid. A few young cattle penned wore sold at £2 16s, and bullocks passed at £l3. At Clinton a small yarding of 1200 sheep were forward —just about enough to satisfy local requirements. A lino of two-tooth ewes mated up with six-guinea rams made 33s fid, lambs (mixed sexes) 235, forward wether lambs 19s to 21s 3d, others 12s to

15s, thin, sound-mouth empty ewea 17s, and old ewes 7s to 12s. At Palmerston on Monday of last week there was a medium yarding of about 1500 sheep submitted to a fair attendance. of graziers. Chiefly medium lambs and old ewes were penned and a few head of cattle. There was a quiet demand. Forward lambs made up to 233, while the best of the aged ewes were not sold ; old ewes made from 10s to 15s, and ordinary lambs 10s to 15s 3d. At Waipahi the stcck sale was held under atrocious weather conditions. About 700 sheen were yarded, and they met with practically no demand. Some two-tooth ewes made 25s Id (a cheap lot), lambs (mixed sexes) 245, and two and four tooth ewes 325. NORTH ISLAND STOCK SALES. Stock values in the North Island indicate little alteration since our last report. In the South Auckland district best beef makes up to 51s, good 475, and plain 42s per 1001 b, year and a-half steers £6 to £7, store cows £6 10s to £8 ss, calves £2 to £3 10s. In the Manawatu, two-tooth wethers 27s to 295, old ewes in lamb 16s, fair lambs lis 6d to 14s 6d, fat woollies 24s 3d. In Poverty Bay recent prices are not maintained, and passings at auction seem to be common enough, two-tooth wethers sold at 26s to 28s od, medium breeding ewes 21s, while cattle are quiet. In the "Wairarapa, year-and-a-half steers made £8 6s, Hereford calves £7 3s, three to four year old bullocks £l3 to £ls. In Taranaki, weaver steers made £2 to £3 3s, year-and-a-half steers £6 ss, store cows £6 10s to' £B, forward to £9 15s. In the Wellington province grown cattle experienced a slack demand, with young sorts selling freely: Year-and-a-half Polled Angus steers to £ll, Holstein cross steers £B, station-bred weaners £6 to £7, Polled Angus cows in calf £lO 10s, Hereford and black poley bullocks £l4 to £ls. weaners (dairy sorts) £1 5s to £2 ss. In Hawke's Bay, weaners to £7, two-and-a-half steers to £ll, dairy cows (good) £ls to £lB, two-tooth wethers 24s 6d, owes in lamb (fair) 275, forward wethers to 325.

| SALE OP CLYDESDALE HORSES. The competition for tho Trelawncy Clydesdales was very fair, and* although Mr W. Nicholl may not have received prices up to early anticipations, the fact that draught horses are in limited demand at tho present time, owing to the decreased acreage under cultivation throughout tho South Island, would account for tho comparatively low prices. Mares and young stock were sold at auction; but the stallions were passed I in, althogh four were sold subsequently. | Eighty animals were catalogued. The folj Iwing prices were realised:—• 1 Mares.—Amethyst (foaled 1911), by Royal Treasure, 28gs; Glenzier's Pride (foaled 1908), by Glenzier, 36gs; Maple (foaled 1912), by Hall Mark, 47gs; Pride of Craigieburn (foaled 1909), by Premier Pride 44gs; ; Craigieburn Premier Princess (foaled 1908), 45gs; Lady May (Shire) (foaled 1908), by ! Dowsley Sunlight, 51gs:, Dalmeny Dowsley I Nell (Shire) (foaled 1911), 45gs; Lily Ronald | (foaled 1911), by Squire Ronald, 45gs; | Winterseugh Maggie (foaled 1910), by Wini terseugh Hero, 46gs: Trelawney Bell (foaled j -1909), by Lord Ranfurly, 29gs • Grace Darling (foaled 1905), bv Challenger, 25gs; Lady j Graceful (foaled 1904), by Agitator, 35gs; I Trelawney Fanny (foaled 1912), by lan Macj donald, 35gs; Maggie's Pride (foaled 1904), by Willowbank, with foal, 28gs; Wattle ! (foaled 1912). by Hall Mark. 26gs; Waiti- ! kiri Bonnie (foaled 1914), by General Hamili ton, 22gs; Jess (foaled 1906), by Baron Graceful, 51gs; Trclawnev Princess (foaled 1907), by Pririco Robert," 22gs; Trelawney i Pride (foaled 1912). by lan Macdonald. 30gs; | Heath (foalod 1900). by Cedric the Saxon, | 15as : Craigieburn DolHe (foaled 1902). by I Highland Prince, lOgs; Craigieburn Dollio I (foaled 1902). by Highland Prince. lOgs; ' Bell (foalod 1910), by Lawrence Chief, 22gsj Bonnie (forded 19l0), by Lawrence Chief, : llgS. Fillies.—Trelawney Jessica (foaled 1913), I by Baron Fyvio, 27gs; Trelawney Ruby 111 j (foalod 1913), by Hall Mark, 30s; Mvcera I (foalod 1914), by British Time. 45gs; black j filly (foaled 1914), by Rubv Bloem, lOgs; i Trelawny Lady (foaled 1915), by Baron ! Sandy, 40gs; Trelawney Amethyst (foalod j 1915), by Royal Record, I8gs; Trelawney ; Graceful (foalod 1 .915), by Lonsdale Again, 36gs; Trelawney Baroness (foalod 1915), by ! Baron Sandv, 24ga ; Trelawney Jean (foaled i 1915), by Baron Sandv, 28gs; Trelawney I Pride (foaled 1915). by Lord Melton, 12gs; ; Trelawney Belle (foaled 1915). by Baron Sandy, 13gs; Trelawney Heather (foaled 1915). by Baron Sandv. 14gs; Trelawney Heath (foalod 1915). by Baron Sandy. 16gs; Trelawney Bonnie (foaled 1915), by Sir Herbert, 15gs: bay filly (foaled 1915). by Lawrence Chief, 12gs; brown filly (foalod 1915), by Baron Sandy, 17gs; Trelawney Princess (foaled 1916), by Baron Sandy, 24gs; Trelawney Glenzier (foalod 1916). by Bonnie Dunkold, 17J,gs; Trelawney Shepherdess (foaled 1916), bv Roval Acme, Trelawney Benvio II (foalod 1916). by Royal Acme, 30gs; Trelawney Young (foalod 1915). by Banoor, 30gs; dark brown filly (foalod 1916), by Benvio, mgs; bay filly' (foaled 1916), 17Ags. Geldings.—Gelding, 4£yrs, by Baron ' Sandy, 30gsj gelding, 4£yrs, by Ruby ! Blacon, 43gs; gelding. 4|yrs, 15gs; gelling, | 24yr3, by Lord Ranfurly, 20gs ; gelding, I by Moor's Bridegroom, 40gs: gelding, 2iyrs, by Sandy's Heir, 17gs; gelding, by I Farmer's Friend, 17gs j gelding, 2iyrs, by | Baron Sandy, 21gsj gelding, 2|yrs, by i Baron, : Sandy, 32gsj gelding, tyj ra > by Baron Sandy, 21gsj gelding, 2Ayrs, by Auohencruive, 15gsj gelding, 2|yrs, by

Auchencruive, 15gs; gelding, 2£yrs, by Baron Sandy, 13gs; yearling, by Benvie, 17gs; yearling, by Baron Sandy, 13gs; yearling, by Baron Sandy, 15:jgs; yearling, by Bonnie Dunkeld, lOgs; yearling, by Benvie, 12gs; yearling, by Proud Bannerman, 14gs.

THE TREATMENT OF ANTHRAX. Some time ago I referred in these columns (says "Bentleby," in the Australasian) to the importance of acquiring die secret of successful inoculation against anthrax, which for years past has been in tho possession of Mr J. M'Garvie-Smith. It is therefore interesting to bo able to record the fact that the Government of New South Wales has at last been placed in possession of the secret, not by right of purchase, or through any monetary consideration, but as a deed of gift from Mr M'Garvie-Smith. This is a very generous and patriotic action on the part of this aged scientist. Speaking as a layman, I am under the impression that the special value of the secret was not so much in the manufacture of tho vaccine utilised for the inoculation of sheep in several districts throughout New South Wales, but in the preservation of it, or rather, I should say, in the invention of some means which would enable the vaccine to retain its virtue for an almost indefinite length of time. Others have in the past been able to produce the vaccine, but have not been able to fix it 3 keeping qualities. It is stated in Sydney that the Government has decided to suitably recognise the public-spirited action of Mr M'Garvio Smith in making such a noble gift to his country. What this means can only be left to conjecture; but notwithstanding this qualification, the fact remains that this discoverer of the one and only way in which it has been possible to combat anthrax during the last 30 years or so, has made over his secret to an accredited representative of the Government. This gentleman states that the details of the discovery already communicated to him had upset all modern notions of bacteriology on the subject, and that he was hopeful that the new principle evolved by Mr M'GarvieSmith would be found to be applicable to other forms of germ life. It is a wellknown fact that some years ago anthrax was raging virulently in several districts in New South Wales, and that the discovery of this vaccine rescued many a pastoralist from utter ruin. After years of use by partoralists, it had been hoped that anthrax had completely disappeared, so much so that several pastoralists gave up vaccinating their sheep altogether. In course of time anthrax reasserted itself, one peculiarity of the disease being that tho,spores can remain in the soil apparently dormant for -several seasons, and revive, when least expected, under certain climatic and atmospheric conditions. During recent shears it has come to be recognised that this disease has not been stamped out, and that, however long the break between the disappearance and reappearance, there is always the risk that sooner or later it will come to light again. REPORT IN RE SHEEP DIP. The Secretary of the Chamber of Agriculture, Victoria, reported to the Council at the recent meeting that, as instructed, he had interviewed the Director of Munitions, and requested that provision be made for an adequate supply of sheep dip for next season. It appears that the Australian Government does not restrict importations. _ It is the Imperial Government that restricts exportations. Tho arsenic that is used in the manufacture of sheep dip in England is all imported, and so is the sulphur, which comes from Sicily. Owing to the recent land sildes on that island sulphur is much more difficult to secure than formerly, and tho demand has been greatly increased for tho manufacture of munitions. _ Arsenic of excellent quality is obtainable in Australia, and Japanese sulphur is more readily imported into Australia than Sicilian, or any other sulphur is imported into Great Britain, hence tho materials uscd_ in certain dips arc more readily obtainable in Australia than in Groat Britain. The liquid dips aro mostly phenolic in character, being chiefly distillates of tar. If Great Britain could satisfy itself that effective dips could be manufactured locally they would most probably restrict exportation altogether. The Director of Munitions promised that, as soon as ho was satisfied that Australian dips could be manufactured in sufficient quantities and of satisfactory quality, he would make an announcement as to the amount of- dip that would bo imported and also give due notico to Australian manufacturers to enable them to supply tho balance required. Ho assured the Secretary that he recognised the urgency of the matter. Since then the Secretary had learned that tho delay in dealing with this matter was occasioned by negotiations with a British firm to manufacture sheep dip in Australia, but the local manufacturers had now been advised to proceed with tho manufacture of the required quantifies of dip, and there is now no reason to doubt that the supply will be adequate for all requirements. The report was received with satisfaetion. NATIONAL DAIRY SHOW. The applications for space at the National Dairy Snow at Palmerston North aro very numerous, and it will bo necessary to readjust the staging of the competitive exhibits owing to the largo area of the Produce Hall allotted to His Majesty's Trade Commissioner, who is going to make a fine display. There will be many novel and eduoatiye features connected with the show. The Sheep-dog trials f which proved

successful last year, are exciting; considerably interest. The prize list is a generous one, Separate prize schedules may now ba obtained for the poultry and general sections from the secretary, Mr W. T. Penny, box 85, Palmerston North. Entries cloas on the Ist June. The secretary advisef that as Palmerston North is always full at show time, intending visitors should make their arrangements well ahead. WHEAT PURCHASES. The following figures showing the operations of the wheat purchase scheme up to May 7 are supplied by the Government representative: WHEAT THRESHED. Bushel■ Tuscan or Hunter’s varieties .. 885,184 Velvet or pearl 473,004 Seconds 142,928 Total 2,960,444 CONTRACTS TO PURCHASE GOOD MILLING. Tuscan or longberry 2,024,227 Hunter’s varieties .. 623,315 Velvet or pearl .. .. 458,813 Total 3,105,860 FOWL WHEAT. Seconds 287,958 Amount paid to brokers, £643,358 Os Bd.