Untitled

Otago Witness, Issue 3397, 23 April 1919, Page 11

the> delay in the past, he pointed out that during the last, four years it had been almost impossible to get labour. In 1914 he had expended a record amount in road works. After that both money and men being required to win the war- becamo scarpe, and the amount available for all parts was infinitesimal. ' For the past two ! rears money had been easier, but the manlood was not here, and who would say that it was not right that our manhood should have gone to the assistance of the Empire? The moral effect, apart altogether from their splendid record, was great. Had we not won the war those tracks would not have mattered. There had been mistakes in the past, but it was no use talking of them. He would say on behalf of the present Government that it had done Its best. His staff of engineers was just one-half what it was before the war, but he promised to give all the assistance possible, FARMERS AND PROPAGANDA WORK. At a meeting of Martinborough branch of the Farmers' Union last week . the chairman (Mr A. D. M'Leod) reviewed other operations of the year. He regretted the farmers did not show as active an interest in their organisation as they should. There .were some 30,000 owners of land m .the Dominion, yet no scheme had been put forward for the disposal of produce and successfully placing it on the markets of the world. As a. union the Farmers' Union was one of the weakest, and _ until more funds were devoted to organisation and propaganda work little improvement would result.. The farmers must launch out on bolder and broader lines, and he favoured raising the subscriptions, so that funds might be placed at the disposal of those who were working in their interests. CHARGE FOR STOCK TRUCKS AND FARMERS' UNION PROTEST. A protest has been forwarded to the Minister of Public Works by the executive of the Farmers' Union, Auckland, in refrd to the charges made by the Publio orks Department on lines of railway that have not been taken over by the Railway Department. In replying, the Minister states that it is the practice of the Public Works Department, where a temporary service is in ' operation, to adopt the- Railway Department's' ordinary tariff. throughout. The minimum rate for stonk trucks up to 20 ■ miles is 15s, and this may seem somewhat heavy when the cattle are required to be carried only a short distance, but any def>arturo from the ordinary rate would be ikely to lead to trouble, when a was opened for ordinary traffic, and the higher traffic restored by the Railway Department. The Minister therefore regretted that he oould'not see his way" to authorise any % departure from the tariff rates. V THE OATS MARKET A SINGULAR POSITION. Speaking to one of the largest operators in oats in this market recently, a member of our staff was informed that the present condition of the market is most extraordinary and unsatisfactory. It will perhaps be understood better by all interested in this cereal if we quote the exact words of our < informant as follows: — "There is no doubt that the Auckland merchants tempted many Dunedin as well as other buyers throughout the various parts of the dominion into buying considerable quantities of oats by offering them lines for forward delivery extending from April to December at prices which appeared very reasonable when compared with those ruling for last season's crop. In December last piiime milling and feed oats of 1918 orop were selling at up to 5s 9d per bushel {sacks extra), in store—or equal to about os 2d f.d.b., s.i., —the crops produced in the dominion having proved so short-.that a quantity of Algerian oats had to be •ought over to New Zealand from Australia. It' will bo remembered that the Weather conditions in Otago and Canterbury up to well into January pointed to another poor crop of oats this year f while farmers in many districts were so snort of feed that many of theme were contemplat ing turning their stock into their oats. Weather conditions', changed, however, resulting in the - crops reviving beyond the expectations of everyone, and promising a ?ieid of oats that has not been experienced or many years' past. Auckland merchants, it must bt» noted, after inducing many buyers to enter into contracts with them at prices ranging from 4s 6d to ss_4d f.0.b., S.i, for spread delivery extending, from . April to December, resorted to the American method of 'bearing' the market by offering to book further at a considerably lower level of prices—viz., 3s lOd to 4s 3d, and I believe as . low . as 3s pd f.0.b., s.i., was quoted in one or two instances. At this stage of the proceedings numerous reports were current from all directions relating to the abnormal yields that were being thrashed out in Canterbury ; while* reports were also in circulation to the effect that the crops in Otago and Southland were going to turn out equally as heavy as those in Canterbury, and that, in short, we were going to be blessed with a superabundance of oats throughout the oat-growing centre of New Zealand. "influenced no doubt by all these glowing accounts regarding the prospects of a orop that would prove far in excess of the dominion's requirements, and there being no outlet for our surplus visible in Australia or elsewhere overseas, so'me of the Christchurch merchants apparently became convinced that prices were going to . rule at a lower level than even the Auckland merchants had offered to undertake business at, and so they commenced offering oats for forward delivery extending: from April to December at prices ranging from 4s 3d down to as low as 3s 8d f.0.b.,. s.i., the latter price, I understand, being quoted in only a very few instances. This, of course, just suited the Auckland merchants, whose object from the very beginning was to bring about an utter state of demoralisation in the markets of Canterbury and Otago, sf> that they could step in and cover their extracts, which they entered into as above stated, at prices ranging from 4s 6d to 5s 4d f.0.b., s.i. Consequently the Auckland merchants snapped up the offerings of the Christchurch merchants at prices from " 4s" 3d down to as low as 3s 8d f.0.b., s.i., thereby assuring for themselves a very wide margin of profit, even in the event of values receding still further. "But in their multifarious dealings one with another throughout tho dominion neither the buyers nor the sellers of these oats (on paper), which must aggregate some hundreds of thousands of sacks, consulted 'the growers of this cereal. The position today is most interesting and extraordinary. It is becoming more evident every day that

farmers are refusing to be reconciled into accepting tho low prices that will permit of the' sellers fulfilling their contracts at the prices at which they have committed themselves to put the oats f.0.b., s.i., and consequently it is becoming apparent that tho sellers aro experiencing great difficulty in supolying the oats that are due for delivery "during this month. No doubt many of the sellers were nursing tho hope that the influx of tho new crop from Otago and Southland'would have the effect of helping to depress the oat market generally; but the harvest in these provinces is late, while the growers of the comparatively few offerings that are coming to hand are -very wisely declining to accept the present low rates, or aise they are putting the major portion of their oats into store to be held until prices advance. An occasional line may, of course, be taken up by millers and other buyers who are requiring lines to fulfil Immediate requirements, and farmers are experiencing no difficulty in obtaining prices for any such lines considerably in advance of those obtainable from the merchants who require oats to fulfil their shipping contracts. "It ~seems, therefore, as if the attitude the farmers decide to take up is going to determine what the fate of the sellers of oats is to be, and whether or not the grower is to be paid a fair and reasonable price for his grain or allow the merchants to keep values down to such a level as will permit of their fulfilling their commitments. If the growers throughout Otago, Southland, and Canterbury determine to withhold their oats from sale to any material extern; the position of the sellers will prove a very awkward one indeed, and they will be compelled to pay the farmer higher prices to induce him to sell, or else will run the risk of having their contracts cancelled and of a claim against them in consideration of their inability to deliver the oats up to contract time. Oat growers have the matter entirely in their own hands, as they may, by refusing to accept present prices and determining to store their grain for some months, compel the merchants to pay them a fair and reasonable price and one also in keeping with the high prices at which the sales have been effected. "As regards the prospect of finding a market for our surplus oats this year, I may mention that Australia will assuredly afford an outlet for no inconsiderable quantity of oats' from this dominion, and already Sydney is prepared to accept a fairly large supply whenever freight to that port is available. Provided shipping space can be obtained for Sydney, merchants can land New Zealand oats cheaper in that market than they can import Algerians from Melbourne, while Algerians are not to be compared with Garton oats from this dominion as regards quality. If Australia is exhibiting a disposition to purchase New Zealand oats at this comparatively early stage of the season, there is no saying to what extent the demand from the other side may develop as the Australian supplies become diminished. Another factor that may influence prices of oats in New Zealand very materially is the fact that the winter feed promises to be very scarce throughout a considerable number of districts, and it is also well known that the turnip crops have been a failure in many places. These faots may have the effect of causing growers of oats to retain a fairly large proportion of their grain for feeding to their stock in the form of chaff. "Tho unfortunate aspect of the whole business is that there are two factions of merchants whoso policy is diametrically opposed one to the other. One group of merchants, particularly in Dunedin, have committed themselves to purchases at high prices, which they naturally want to see maintained, while on the other hand there is another group of merchants, particularly iin Christchurch, who have undertaken to supply oats for forward delivery at 3s 8d to 4s 3d, f.0.b., s.i. ' Naturally it is the policy of the Christchurch merchants to cry prices down as much as possible and endeavour to induce the farmer to take low prices so as to enable them to carry through their commitments, while on the other hand tho group of Dunedin merchants who have committed themselves to take delivery of oats at prices ranging from 4s 6d to 5s 4d, f.0.b., s.i., would prefer to see the growers withholding their offerings from sale in the meantime. The growers, after all, have tho last say, and it depends upon what attitude they take as to whether the forward sellers reap an excessive profit or not.

THE ELECTRICAL STERILISATION OF MiLti.

I mrn xr*. hji a iL/>a' It wag in Liverpool that the first serious attempts were made to turn a churn of milk into a lethal chamber for germs. In the year 1911 Mr Anthony Shelmerdine, an alderman of the city of Liverpool, Dr Nathan Raw, and Mr F. 0.. Lewis set to ' work, and after a great failure made a great success. They worked out the exact types of current that killed microbes. They worked out the exact types that destroyed milk, and eventually they found that little phase of electrical pressure, that whilst not destroying milk, would still kill microbes. In describing his work to the sixth annual conference of the National Association for the Prevention of Consumption at Leeds, in July last, Mr Shelmerdine said that when the Liverpool experiments were begun three problems were put before them.

1. Can bacteria _ in milk_ be killed without any alteration' of its chemistry and taste? 2. Can all forms of bacteria be annihilated? \ 3. Can it be done economically and corni mercially ? Tha answers to tho first and last of these questions is yes. Funnily enough the answer to the second is No. It all turns on the exact meaning of the word "annihilated." The Liverpool experiments have proved that bacteria can easily be killed without hurting "the chemistry or taste" of milk. They have not proved that the bacteria can be "annilfilated." So huge a force as that of the microbes in a thimbleful of milk can afford to have a million or two killed without any suggestion of annihilation. There will be plenty left. This killing has never been perfect, but it has been near enough to draw the following report that Professor Sims Woodhead gave on two samples of milk, one of which had been treated for the electrocution of microbes, and the other of which had not. Both were taken from the same churn, one before and the' other after treatment. He said : "The milk is not sterilised in the strictest sense of tho word, but there is a reduction in the total number of bacteria by 99.93 per cent, over a series of 15 daily examinations. In heat-sterilised milk and in pasteurised milk the whole of the bacteria are not de-

stroyod, for the reason that some bacteria resist boiling temperature for some minutes, and that at temperatures below boiling may resist for long periods. The difference is, no doubt, also exhibited towards electricity. "The milk will keep perfectly sweet for at least three or four days after treatment, and this period will cover distribution ana use in all cases of household milk supplies'. The keeping power is much prolonged if the milk is protected from after-contamina-tion.

"The chemical constitution of the mill?. so far as can be ascertained by chemical analysis, is unimpaired, and the taste is not altered in any way. The milk from this point of view may be described quite accurately as 'raw milk.' " —Liverpool's Installation. —

Following on the good reports of the experts, the Liverpool Health Committee has set up a special laboratory, and the technical details of it are of intense interest. Her© is Mr Shelmerdine's description of 'the installation: —

The apparatus generally consists of a glass tube having electrodes therein with the necessary electrical connections, the milk entering at one end of the tube and leaving it at the other end practically sterile, the central electrode connected with one pole of, the transformer and the two outer electrodes connected with the other_ pole. As the electrical supply of th© city of Liverpool is on the continuous system, an alternator, driven by a direct-current motor, "was necessary; but, on the other hand, where elsewhere the' electric supply is already alternating, the alternator can be dispensed with. At the Liverpool Infants' Milk Depot the electrical apparatus consists of a direct-current motor coupled to an alternatingrcurrent a high-ten-sion transformer, > together with a current transformer, a pressure transformer, andthe usual switch gear and regulating devices. The transformers are kept in a safety cupboard, tho lethal tube in' a glass-fronted cupboard, the switchboard so placed that the operator has complete control over the installation and the whole mad© fool-proof. —'From British Dairy World. STRATH-TAIERI SHOW Tho eighteenth annual show under the auspices of the Strath-Taieri A. and P. Society was held at Middlemarch on Monday. Rain, which commenced to fall shortly after midnight on Sunday, continued throughout the whole of yesterday, with the result that the attendance of the public was only moderate. It is a singular fact that during the society's existence of 18 years yesterday's exhibition was the first one on which rain had fallen to tuch an extent as to prejudicially affect the annual exhibition. Generally speaking, the quality of the stock was good, Tpeing quite on a par with the best of previous years. The entries, numerically, also compared favourably with those of previous years. The arrangements were in excellent hands. Mr R. Walker was an excellent secretary, and was assisted by an energetic committee. The Middlemarch Brass Band was in attendance, and rendered a programme of suitable music. The stud sheep were a not strong section numerically, but the quality left little to be desired. Mr D. Mm ray, jun. (Ranfurly), adjudicated, and was pleased with th© quality of the exhibits. Mr F. Atkinson was the-only exhibitor in Corriedales, and showed a particularly good two-tooth ram, bred by Mr L. White (Rakaia), which gained first prize. He was brought' out in good condition, and is a specially good woolled sheep. The same exhibitor gamed second honours with his other entry in this class. In Border Leicesters, the best sheep exhibited was an animal bred by Mr John Miller (Maungatua), Messrs F. and H. Moynihan being the entrants. He is a particularly good sheep, and will doubtless prove an acquisition as far as Messrs Moynihan's flock is concerned. The other prizes in Border Leicesters were won by'Mr W. Bennett. There were only four entries in Romneys—two in aged rams exhibited by Mr Bennett, and two in. two-tooth rams shown by Mr F. Atkinson. All four were most creditable exhibits, being well_ woolled and equally well grown. They gained full honours.

The fat sheep section, which was judged by Mr A. Stevenson (East Taieri) was an exceptionally good one, most of the exhibits being well woolled and specially well grown. In the class for three fat wethers, Mr W. Bennett took first and second prizes with two nice pens, and in the two-tooth freezing wether class the same exhibitor took the pink and blue tickets. In two-tooth butchers' wethers, Messrs R. Beattie and Son took first honours with a good pen of Border Leicester crosses, Mr John Tisdall being second. In the class for maiden ewes, Messrs It. Beattie and Son took the premier award, Mr W. Moynihan being second. Both pens were a credit to the exhibitors. There was a specially fine exhibit of fat lambs, Messrs JR... Beattie and Son annexing the" first prize with a nice pen of Border Leicester crosses, and Mr W. Bennett being second with a pen similarly bred. Mr Bennett had no opposition in the class for fat merino wethers. In the class for Down cross lambs Mr F. Moynihan was awarded first and second prizes with pens of specially good quality lambs. In the pen for three fat lambs, any weight, Mr W. •Moynihan won in a particularly good class with a pen of Border Leicester crosses, Mr F. Moynihan being second with a pen of the same cross.

Mr Stevenson also judged the pig section, which was a specially good one. In the Yorkshire and Berkshire classes Mr W. Bennett had no competition, and won all the prizes. In Taniworth sows this exhibitor showed two specially well-brecj animals., and was awarded first and second prizes. In the class for Devon sows Mr Bennett had no opposition, and annexed first and second prizes.' In the class for sow and litter Mr Bennett also won first and second prizes, his only opponent failing to bring forward his entry. In the class for porkers Mr R. Robertson was first, and Mr D. Menton second, both exhibiting very fine specimens of the Yorkshire breed.

There was a good display of draught horses, Mr _ Jas. Kenyop (Merton) being entrusted with the allotting of the awards. When it is mentioned that the principal exhibitors were tho trustees of the late W. Kirkland (Poplar Grove), Messrs A. Carruthers, John Tisdall, F. James, and P. M'Fadyen, it will readily be understood that the_ quality of the stock left little to be desired, in fact, it would hare been surprising had it been otherwise, as most of these names are almost household words where Clydesdales in Otago are spoken about. Only two entries were forward in the class for yearling colts or •geldings—a yearling colt exhibited by Poplar Grove (sired by Knockinlaw Favourite)

and an animal of the same age, and by the same sire, shown by Mr A. Carruthere. They were placed first and second respectively. There was a particularly good ring of brood mares, Mr P. M'Fadyen's entry being placed first, and the Poplar Grove entry second. In the foal class there was a ring of nine entries, a Knockinlaw Favourite colt, entered by Mr John Tisdall, being placed first, Mr James's entry second, and Mr P. M'Fadyen's third. In the class for three-year-old fillies the Poplar Grove entry was allotted first honourß, second honours foing to an entry belonging to Mr James, ive two-year-old fillies were forward, the class as a whole being a specialy good_ one. Mr A. Carruthers annexed tho pink ticket, Mr James the blue, and Mr Tisdall the white. Mr R. N. Elliott had an easy win in the yearling filly class, with a good quality beast, sired by Knockinlaw Favourite, two entries from the Poplar Grove stud, sited by the same horse, being placed second and third. There were seven entries in the dry mare .class, the judge's choice being Mr John Tisdall's entry, which was sired by Baron Fyvie, and was bred by Mr W. Macaulay (Maheno). Second honours went to an entry by Mr Robt. Tisdall, and third to Mr John Tisdall. In the_ class for mare with two of her progeny, in each instance the young stock were good, but the dam was. past show-ring form. First honours went to Mr A. Carruthers, second to Mr R. Elliott, and third to tho Poplar Grove stud. Geldings were -only moderate as regards quality. Honours were, divided between the Poplar Grove stud and Mr John Tisdall, Messrs Robt. Tisdall, W. Moynihan, and A. Carruthers taking the minor awards. < Tho championship honours in the female division went to Mr J. Tisdall's Baron Fyyie mare, and the certificate in the male division to a yearling colt by Knockinlaw Favourite, belonging to the Poplar Grove stud. A challenge cup, donated by Mr James Coutts, for the best yearling colt or filly, was awarded to the same animal.

The light horse section was judged by Mr W. Dowdall (Maungatua). The entries were only moderate, but the quality, generally speaking, left little to bo desired. Mr E. J. Docherty was the principal exhibitor, arid gained a full share of the prizes. In the two thoroughbred classes Mr A. J. L. Robertson and Mr Docherty wore the only exhibitors, the former. winning a first prize and the latter a first and a second prize. In 15st hacks Mr Docherty had an win, Mr J. Turnbull, sen. ? being second. Messrs Walker Bros, won in a good class of seven 13st hacks, Miss B. Trotter being second and Mr W. Ross third. Mr W. J. Keast'a entry in the list class easily defeated his four opponents, Mr Docherty's entry being second. Mr Keast's entry is only a three-year-old, and gives promise of a good showing career. The same animal also won in the class for best-paced hack, Mr Docherty's entry being second, and Messrs Walker Bros.' chestnut mare third. Only two lady's hacks entered the ring, Mr Docherty's being awarded the red ticket, and Miss B. Trotter's the blue. First prize in the dogcart class went to Mr Docherty's entry, and second to Mr J. Turnbull, sen. Messrs Walker Bros.' chestnut, which has good action, and is full of quality, scored an easy first" in the class for buggy horses, Mr W. Rao being second. The sporting events were interesting, and some good jumping was witnessed. In the class for maiden hunters Messrs Walker Bros, took the red ticket,' and Mr Docherty the white. In cobs, not over 15 hands, Messrs Walker Bros.' entryv defeated that of Mr W. J. Keast. In the class for hunter over six hurdles, Mr E. J. Docherty's entry was placed first and third and Mr Alex. Trotter's second. Mr E. J. Docherty's entries were placed first and second in the high jump. For pony 14.2 hands the first award was annexed by Walker Bros., with Mr E. J. Docherty second. For pony 13 hands or under, the first places were rilled by Messrs J. Pedofsky, E. J. Docherty, and R. M'Fadyen. In the pony trot handicap, 14 hands or under, one mile, H. Bruhns was first and R. Beattie second. The stockman's race fell to Mr E. Peat, with Mr A. Cot•terill second. - The pony trot, 14 hands or under, one mile and a-nalf, resulted in Mr Bruhns securing first award and Mr R. Beattie second award

There were very few entries in the male classes of shorthorn cattle, but there was good competition in cows and heifers. Mr F. James's aged bull was placed first and champion, and Mr P. M'Fadgen's exhibit first in yearlings, with Messrs "Williamson Bros, second. Chit of five entries, Mr W. Bennett gained first for aged cows, and Mr James T. Tisdall first and champion for two-year heifers, and second for yearling heifers. The second and third awards were distributed amongst Messrs Williamson Bros, and Mr F. ; Moynihan. The judge, Mr Alexander Douglas, East Taieri, was glad to see so,many good specimens of the polled Angus,' both male and female, left in the district to perpetuate the breed. Speaking generally of the breeding cattle, Mr Douglas said that the standard had improved greatly since his first visit to the Strath-Taieri in the capacity of judge. Poplar "Grove had things practically all its own way in polled Angus, securing all the prizes and champion certificates, but one. Mr T. Moynihan won first prizes for the /yearling heifer class. Mr T/ H. Pugh and Poplar Grove annexed all the first awards, and both champion certificates in Herefords. The competition was restricted in this section. Mr J. Steel took the second prize in, the yearling heifer class. Messrs W. D. Mason, W. Robertson, and Albert Robertson were the exhibitors in Ayrshires," which were judged by Mr T. Le.wis (North-East Valley). Mr Mason took first and champion in cows, three years or over, second for two-year-old heifer, and first, and second for yearling heifers; Mr W. Robertson first and third for two-year-old heifers, and third for aged cows. The judge considered the first and second aged cows two very good specimens of the breed; the first prize_ two-year-old heifer an animal of nice quality, and the yearling heifers of excellent quality. He described the. first prize-taker as one of the best exhibits that had come under his notice at recent shows, and he considered she would hold her own in any show ring. The Holsteins were all of good milking qualities, especially tha aged cows. The two-year-old heifers were a good all-round lot. The dairy cattle were a feature of the show, the judge considering that the ring of cows most suitable for dairy purposes would have been hard to beat. Mr F. Moynihan was placed first in cows most suitable for dairy puryoses, with Mr D. Menton second and Mr W. Robertson third. The last-named was also first in three dairy cows, with Mr A. Robertson second. Mr D. Menton was first and second for cottar's cow, Mr H. Bruhns scoring third. The first award in two-year-old heifers went to Mr W. Robertson, (the

second to Mr F. Atkinson, and the third £o . Mr W 7 Moynihan. Mr W. D. Mason's exhibit was placed first in the class for a pair of ycarling3, Mr F. James second, an<l Mr Atkinson third. Messrs F. and H. Moynihan won first prize for two bullocks * under 6501 b. Poplar Grove was placed first in two bullocks, any weight, Mr W. Moynihan first for two fat heifers, and Mr W. Robertson first for two calves. The 6300nd and third honours in fat cattle were divided between Messrs W. Moynihan, W. Bennett, and Albert Robertson. The judge remarked • that all the'pens of fat cattle wero well up to weight and quality. In this class, for two bullocks under 6501 b weight, he would have liked to have given a prize to every pen. The first prize pen of bullocks, any weight, were the nicest animals he had examined for some tim&. The condition of the cattle was evidence of the fine season experienced in this district. Comptition was by no means keen In the farm produce section, -which was judged by Mr M. Moynihan. Mr J. Steel showed a nice sample of Tuscan wheat, which . gained for him the red ticket, and Mr F, Atkinson took first and second honours in tli9 class for Cape barley. Mrs Carruthers judged the dairy section* but her task here was comparatively light. Miss Ivy Tisdall gained both first prizes in( the two butter classes, and_ Mr James Tisdall, jun., a similar distinction in collection of pressrves and in jams and jellies. Mrs Carruthers also judged the bakinrt section, which attracted a fair number of entries. In home-mad© bread Mrs_ Qs. M'Hardy was placed first and second in ft class of six entries, and in brown bread Mrs F. Glover was awarded the red ticket, and Mrs "Wilson second. Mrs T. Carruthera won in the three classes of scones and oaten cakes, the second prizes going to Mesdames D. Paterson, J. E. Matheson, and D. Fisher. Tho first prizes in cake classes were won by Mesdames D. Fisher, T. Carruthers, and J. E. Matheson. Miss Lily Tisdall -was allotted first prize for home-made biscuits, and Mrs T. Carruthers annexed first and second prizes in pikelets. There was a good display of field root* In the class for long red mangolds Mr D. Manton was placed first, Mr J. Milna! second. In carrots, Mr W. Guy won the red ticket, and Mr R. G. Reade second. Tn the class for three white carrots Mr Reade was the only exhiMtor._ Mr E. (i. Williamson won two first prizes and ona v second in turnips, the other first prize exhibitors being Messrs John Steel, John Pedofskv, R! G. Reade, W. Robertson, jun ; , and John Milne. There were nine entries in the class for Up-to-Date potatoes. Mr Jos. M'Hardy annexed the first and second prises, and in the class for any other, variety of potatoes Mr Reade secured" tho red ticket and Mr T. H. Pugh the second. The first prize in parsnips went to Mr A. W. Tyndall, and in the collection of tables* to Mr Reade. _ ' ■ ' There was a good exhimt of fleece wool,. which was judged by Mr D. M'Rae. Jn the quarterback class, Mr E. G. Williamson was first and Mr K. Williamson second. In the class for halfbreds Mr J. William, son was first and Messrs Williamson Bros. third. In crossbreds Messrs Fraser Bros. beat Messrs Williamson Bros, The dog section was fudged by Mr A.Stewart, some good oamneo being shown. In a class of 10 entries for rough-coated - collies. Mr John Tisdall took the red ticket and Mr W. Moynihan, jun., second. In the : smooth collie olass Mr H. Bruhns annexed the first prize with a particularly nioe slut, Mr A. Matheson being second. Mr Bruhns s entry was placed first in bearded collies. The entries in poultry wore not numerous, but the quality of tho exhibits was good. Mr A. E. Barsdell (St. Kilda) was judge, Mr A. Robertson secured first and second" awards in black Orpingtons, white Leghorns, brown Leghorns, and white Wyandottes, Mr Murray Robertson first in silver Wyandottes and' first and second in black Minorcas; Mr G. Robertson first in anf. * other variety hen or cock; Mrs E. E. Elliotfc Indian runner ducksf and second in any other variety cock or hen •, Miss M. M'Rae first in geese, and Mr Jas. Tisdall, jun., first in ducks, any other variety, and second in white Leghorns. OUR-YORKSHIRE LETTER. ' (From Oue Special Corbespondent.) BRADFORD. January 30. RESUMPTION OF LONDON AUCTIONS ANNOUNCED. Another meeting of the Wool Council has been held, and been productive of real onlightenment regarding tho future policy of the Government. The Bplendid announcement of Sir Arthur Goldfinch shows clearly enough that the days of State control are numbered, and before long we may expect to seo the entire machine dismantled. The sooner it comes about the better, and everything indicates that the process is not going to be protracted. In past articles the writer has foreshadowed important concessions to the trade, and some of these are already on their way towards beingrealised. It is not generally known, , but there is a spurt in the topmaking branch, of the industry. On the very best authority the writer understands that every effort is to be made fay the department w> get wool through the combs in- order to give spinners a 100 per cent, ration. Lass week-end spinners received a supplementary allocation, which brings up the quantity supplied to 80 per cent, of their consumption in 1916 Manufacturers have already received certificates enabling them to take in 90 per cent, of their 1916 consumption, and as the present rationing period does not finish before March 31, it is safe to assume that any spinner or manufacturer wanting a further allocation will be able to obtain it probably for the asking. Sir. Arthur Goldfinch is very anxious for all alike to speed up, and therefore one may expect to be in a position shortly to say that the whole trade has got back to full consumption. Many mills are still understaffed, valthough pivotal .men aro coming back nicely. Still, there are a good many vacancies, and the discharging of female labour from munition works* should mean a full equipment inmost spinning establishments. Commission combers seem, to be. worst off for wool than operatives, but great efforts are to be made at that end of the trade, because it is understood that the department will put out wool to comb no longer than April 30, leaving the topmakers the privilege and responsibility ol satisfying spinners after the dato namedv

This will be a very big move towards freedom of action, and will certainly lead to less friction than has been seen in the post. WOOL IMPORTS. The -trade will always be tinder a obligation to Sir 'Arthur Goldfinch (Director of Raw Materials). for his able and businesslike statements. At the meeting of the Wool Council he foreshadowed important changes. He dealt exhaustively with the question of wool' imports, telling the 'trado that he estimated that 40,000 tons of wool per month would be availablo for the first ax months of this year, stating that the wool so brought homo would be sufficient to satisfy the requirements of France, Belgium, and Italy, as well as the British Empire. This tonnage, reckoning six and a-half bales to a ton, means all round_ a monthly arrival of, say, 260,000 bales—quite auffioient to meet all prospective requirements. This will be a great relief to confestion in the colonies, and the woota will e welcome at this end. LONDON SALES TO OPEN IN APRIL: The Director of Raw Materials has sometiling enheartening to state regarding the forthcoming London sales. Although no date was stated, it is generally understood that April 1 or »2 will see the doors of Ooleman street saleroom open once more. "It is not expected that more than 80,000 bales can be handled at the April auctions, but larger quantities will probably be dealt with in the following months. There appears to be no hop© of handling efficiently anything like the quantity of wool whioh wiu be required month bv month if France, Belgium, and Italy are to draw largely Vpon London for their supplies. However, 80,000 bales will mark a very encouraging opening, and we expect to see monthly •ales held to the end of the year, witK perhaps the exception of August. The •exi question dealt with was that of the price of tho raw material, and Sir Arthur teid that ''so long as may be necessary to

issue wool outside the auctions at fixed prices, it is proposed to do so." Throughout April prices will be the same as those at which wool is now ißsued, and up to the end of April, perhaps a few months longer, users are to have the privilege of three alternative sources of supply, which Sir Arthur outlined as follows: — (1) Purchases at Government auctions. (2; Purchases at the Government fixed issue prices. (3) Purchases of free wool from all sources . ~ of supply except Australia and New Zealand, at fixed prices by unrestricted bargaining. The above methods of distribution have been decided upon in order to safeguard the trade against excessive competition at the auctions, but the strongest factor of all will be the issuing of wool at fixed prices. The only thing the trade wants to know is how soon the department will lower their issue prices for the raw material, or if wool is going to be issued at to-day's prices. The trade is not too sanguine about this, and one foresees just a little difficulty. For instance, it is expected that the department will, after March 31, perhaps lower their issue prices for tops, and therefore some spinners candidly state that they are going to take in as few tops as possible, and wait for lower issue prices. AH users will go from hand to mouth till the end of April if they see the least possibility of obtaining wool at less money. The idea of the department is to regulate supplies to the trade and also to stabilise prices—two very worthy objects,—and there is no reason why this should not be realised. Those in close touch with the manufacturing end of the industry know how quiet things _ have become since the signing of the armistice. There does not seem to be the least keenness on the part of manufacturers to produce yarns, or wholesale fabric buyers to place new orders for piece goods, the present transition period being altogether quieter than was expected. Trade, it seems, cannot be expected to boom until_ more freedom is allowed in export to Continental neutral countries and to our Allies, and why there should be the present restrictions in the export of anything to France and Italy is beyond the comprehension of the members of the trade. NEXT BRITISH CUP TO BE FREE. Sir Arthur Goldfinch confirmed what the writer has stated during previous weeks, announcing that the Government had definitely decided not to purchase the next British clip. They could not do otherwise. There seems at the moment to be no reason why British growers should not receive a prioe fully equal to what they would have done if the British Government had purchased the clip, and when all is said and done, whether they do or not, it is the soundest business principle that wool should be offered freely by public auction. East Indian wool is also to be free. At future Liverpool sales it is expected that prices will not be -controlled, and that buyers will be able to purchase anything and everything they desire; SOUTH AMERICAN WOOL. The opposition of the Treasury to the unrestricted importation of South American wool has not been withdrawn, and some time longer must elapse before competition on the part of English buyers can be expected in the markets of Montevideo and Buenos Aires. This decision has not perturbed the trade —in fact, some are rather glad that it is so. They see in delayed operations a still lower range of values, and that is what they want. The reader can take it for granted that the policy which has been decided upon is to bring down prices of wool to a reasonable level, and so make it safe for _ users to operate on a large scale. There is general concern among the largest buyers at the present standard of values, and for anyone to purchase largely at prices which are practioally three times what they were in pre-war days makes such a proposition a very dangerous one indeed. It is going to take three times the amount of capital for the same business as was done in prewar days, a factor which is troubling not a few. Prices having fallen to a reasonable level across the Atlantio has been a move in the right direction, and it is safe to say that holding off buying in South Amerioan markets will bring about conditions all the more favourable for the transaction of sound business. After April 30 the Government is to stop operations in regard_ to the issuing of topmaking and carbonising wools, and users will then have a free hand in purchasing and selling what they like. Export of wool and its products Is to be at once re-estab-lished. There is room for a radical alteration in the export of yarns to France, and the Wool Council urge that licenses bo granted more freely for the export of fully manufactured goods.

COMMERCIAL CABLEGRAMS, LONDON, April 12. Rubber.—Para, 23Jd; plantation, 24jd; smoked, 23jd. Homp.—Market inactive. New Zealand high point, fair, Aprii-,1 una shipment, £6O. NEW YORK, April 16. An official forecast of the United States winter wheat crop puts the yield at 837,000,000 bushele.—A. and N.Z. Cable. THE BREADSTUFFS AMD PROimsoduce MAiauvrs Friday evening. The announcement has been made by the New South Wales Minister of Agriculture (Mr Grajiame) that 72,000 tons or inferior 1916-17 wheat have been sold to be shipped! to the Bast, at prices ranging from 4s to to 4s 9d per bushel (save the Australasian). It was mentioned previously that fairly large quantities were reported to have been purchased in Sydney by Japanese buyers, but such an amount as 72,000 tons was not expected. The transaction has given rise to an important question in milling circles in regard to trade in flour with the East. When Japanese buyers were pushing inquiries for the purchase of substantial quantities in the commonwealth doubt was expressed openly as to the buyers' intentions, as it i% known that Japan for some time past has madia strong efforts to secure Australian markets in the East, as well ae those at Mediterranean ports. What quantity of second-grade wheat and flour Japan has lately secured in Australia is not known, but what is wondered! is the effect that the sales will have on the channels supplying flour in the ordinary course. It is contended that the export of flour gristed from f.a.q, wheat consequently will be seriously curtailed. There is little to record of the local wheat market. Few limes are on offer from the south. A good deal of the wheat Wm the Taieri is soft and out of condition, owing to having been thrashed out of stook. A considerable quantity which should have been fit for milling is being sold at low rates for poultry feed. It is estimated that this Taieri wheat would have brought 9dJ a bushel more had it been placed in stack for a few weeks. A good deal of the crop south of Dunedin is still in stook. or yet to be cut, and the recent rains will have a deteriorating effect on the wheat. New Milling Wheat. —According to Government price: South Island, 6s 6d, f.0.b.; North Island, approximately equivalent to 6s lOd. - . P'rioes of millers' lines are as follow: Flour, £ls; bran, £6 10s; pollard, £8 10s; pearl barley, £29; oatmeal, £27. The wet weather has delayed the thrashing of oats, and merchants are finding a difficulty in securing supplies to fulfil the April portion of their forward contracts.. _ This fact, combined with the disinclination of farmers to accept current prices, has firmed the market a little, and the shipping quotation to-day is 4s to 4s Bd, f.o.b. s.i., according to quality. For later months the quotation is 8s 9d, f.0.b., s.i., southern ports. Taking the market all round, it can only be said that it is in a very quiet state. PRODUCE REPORT. Consignments of chaff are about equal to requirements. It is expected that with greater activity in cutting after the holidays prices will be easier. For prime quality the top price to-day is £6 10s. Reports from Auckland, under date April 14, state that sales of Rangitikei have been made at £7 2s 6d, trucks there, forward a few months. Local is ooming forward very slowly now. Blenheim is offering at £6 10s, Pioton, but does not compete with Rangitikei, which is equal to 10s cheaper in Auckland. Business is being done in Rangitikei chaff now. There is a shortage of potatoes for the moment, and prices have firmed to £8 6s a ton, ex trucks, Dunedin, for prime quality. Reports state that the crops are digging out well, and heavy supplies should be available later in the season. Eggs are in very short supply. Dairy butter is also in short supply, and prices have firmed during the week in view of the holiday demand. . Current wholesale prices axe as follow: — Fowl wheat, 6s per bushel (sacks extra). Potatoes, to £8 ss. * Chaff.—'Prime oaten sheaf, £6 to 6s 10s. Oaten straw, £3 10&; wheaten, £3. Onions, 9s to 10s per cwt. Eggs.—Stamped, 2s 5d to 2s 6d; preserved, Is lOd. . Butter.—Milled, bulk, best, Is 4d to Is 4£d; separator pats, Is B£d to Is 4d. Pigs.—Baconers, 9Jd per lb; porkers Bid. Bacon.—Local rolls. Is BJd per lb; hams, Is 2Jd; local ham rolls, Is 4d to Is 4Jd. FRUIT REPORT. Business in the fruit marts has been on the slow side during the week. Supplies consist mostly of pears and dessert apples, and these show a decline in prices. Large quantities of pears are arriving from Canterbury. These, however, are green and hard, and will not be ready for a couple of weeks. The sale of these pears is not brisk, and stocks are accumulating. Fairly large quantities of dessert apples have come forward from Central Otago. The quality is sound, but the skins are blemished, and prices are affected as a result. A few lines of peaches are still arriving from Otago Central. They are, however, hardly of dessert quality. Supplies of tomatoes have fallen off considerably. The majority are half ripe, and lower prices have had to be accepted. Vegetables continue in short supply, and any sorts are quickly bought up. Current wholesale prices are as follow: Apples.—Dessert, 2Jd to 3Jd; Cox's Orange, to 10s; Ribstons, 8s; local cookers, lid to 2d per lb for choice, others, 8s to- 4s 6d per case. Grapes.—Hamburgs, Is Id to Is 3£d; Gros Colmas, 2s to 2s 2Jd. Hothouse Tomatoes. —Local, 7Jd to 9d per lb; Christchurch, to 4d; Otago Centralcases, 8d to 4d; crates, 4d to 4£d. Peaches. —Half-cases, 8d to 4d per lb; crates, to 6d. Pears.—Central Otago, ljd to 2£d per lb; Canterbury, 4s to 6s per case; extra choice, to Be. Plums.—Cooking, ljd to 2£d; dessert, 2fd to 3Jd. Oranges.—lslands, 31s. Nectarines.—4£d to s£d per lb. Lemons. —Californian double cases, 425; Adelaides, 10s to 18s. Rasp berries, 6d to 7d. Cabbages, choice, to 10s per dozen; others, 8s to 6s. Cauliflowers: Medium, 4s to 7s Eer dozen; extra choice, to 12s per dozen, ettuce: Choice, to 8s per case; good, to Is 6d. Carrots, Is to Is 4d per dozen bunches; small bags, 8s to 4s per bag; centals, 8s to 10s: turnips. Is per dozen bunches. Swedes, 2s 6d to 4s per bag; sacks, to 6s. Cucumbers.—Large, 12s to 14s; medium, 6s to 8s; small, 8s to 4s. Greeft peas, 4Jd for prime; others, 8d to B£d. Potatoes.—Local, ljd per lb; sacks, 9s 6d; extra choice, to 10s 6d cwt. Vegetable Marrows. —Large cases, 10s to lie. French beans, to 7d pear lb.

DUNEDIN MARKETS. Mr B. J. M'Arthur, George street, reports paying for produce during the week ending the 22nd inst., as follows: Stumped, fretb lSgg» Honey (J lb jrat), 5/2/3 do« Honey (bulk), 7d lb Salt Butter, 1/2 lb Hon«r<«ectlon), 7/6 doi Hep. Butter, 1/3 lb I Hnn«y (Carta**). llb.fi/Prime Bep, Butter | 21b, 15/- doi wanted. 1/iJ lb | Beeswax, 2/Baoon Pigs, 9d lb | Compressed yeast, 9d packet. Beetle's Rennet, Is 3d. OAMARU MARKETS. (From Our Own Correspondent.) OAMARU, Aprl 19. A part of the week having been given up to holidays, the opportunities for business have been curtailed, but a fair number of transactions in wheat are reported. These include a fail number of good-sized lines., chief amongst them being 900 sacks of mixed Redchaff and Tuscan, about 800 sacks of a mixture, 700 sacks of Velvet and Dreadnought oombined, 700 sacks of Redchaff and Tuscan combined, and 700 sacks of Dreadnought straight. There were a good many other lines of smaller dimensions. A noteworthy fact is the marked decline in offerings of Velvet, for which there is a strong inquiry from the south. Oats are a shade firmer for prompt delivery, but offers from the country are few, farmers generally holding firmly for more money, and some of them having decided to put their oats into store to await developments. There is some inquiry for B grade G-aitons for coastwise shipment, but that class is rarely seen on the market. Transactions were limited to a few modest lines at from 3s 2d to 3s 3d for A Gartons, and 2s lOd for feed Algerians, all net to grower at country stations. The lifting of potatoes has not yet been commenced upon a general scale, and there is no business passing here, most of the tubers lifted going direct to the Dunedin market. RABBITSKINS. Messrs White and Co. inform us that the Australian official export statistics show that the shipment of rabbitskins for the month of January was 1,882,5011b —equal to about 14,000,000 skins. From London they have received cabled reports, dated April 10, _ that 8000 bales were offered at auction, of which 1000 were withdrawn, not reaching sellers' limits. Prime winter does were slightly higher, first winter does lower, and other fair season skins about the same prices as at the November- sales, whilst inferior and runners and suckers showed a considerable fall in value. PROPERTY SALES. Messrs £.' L. Macassey and Co. offered at their rooms on the 15th two freehold properties. The first was a five-roomed house and about half an aero of land, situated in Grey 'street, North-East Valley. Bidding commenced at £6OO, and advanced to £7OO, at which figure it was sold to Mr R. Robinson. The second lot offered was a four-roomed house and section situated) in Hyde street, which was passed in at £430. There was a good deal of spirited bidding at a property sale held by Alex. Harris and Co. on the 15th, when a.piece of land, situate in the township of Forbury, being allotments .Nbs. 114 and 115, block XI, together with the buildings thereon, was knocked down for £220. TIMARU, April 15. At Temuka to-day 10 lots of the subdivision of Guild's Trevena Estate were submitted to auction in areas of 14 to 56 acres, all dairying land. The prices realised for nine lota were from £6O to £7l 10s per acre. One lot was passed in at £SB.