DOMINION DAIRY SHOW.

Otago Witness, Issue 3513, 12 July 1921, Page 11

DOMINION DAIRY SHOW.

FIXE DISPLAY AT HAWERA. The twelfth Dominion Dairy Show was opened at Hawera on Tuesday, July sth, and was continued during the remainder of the week. The display was one of all round general excellence, and from every point of view excelled any of its predecessors. The entries were in excess of last year, and natfaxally one of the main features was the exhibition of dairy produce, which was well and attractively staged, the cheese being especially so. The entries were free from mould, and credit was due to those responsible for the storage of the produce. Indeed, both butter and cheese looked very attractive, and the neatness of the get up and finish by the factories had been assisted by tasteful decoration with manuka and holly. The roots were most impressive, and spoke eloquently of the productivity of the Taranaki district, particularly when farmed under proper conditions. There was a great exhibition of school work, both islands being well represented in the various competitions. Hastings (Hawke’s Bay) District High School won the writing shield, and Petone Convent the essay shield. A very distinctive, interesting, and reliable exhibition was found in the South Taranaki Educational Root Growing Hall, where various sections were shown in co-ordination. There was, first of all. the stands exhibiting roots grown at the Mafia Demonstration Area, the Stratford Model Dairy Farm and Demonstration Area. Then there was a display of roots selected from crops that competed in recent field competitions, held under the auspices of the Farmers’ Union. Moreover, there was an excellent display of roots grown in connection with the South Taranaki Boys’ and Girls’ Agricultural Clubs. This was the largest display of the room, and comprised many fine mangolds and swedes that reflected the greatest credit upon the youthful growers. The show was officially opened bv the Hon. C. J. Parr, Minister of Education. CHEESE. Best three white. —Carrington, 95 points, Belvedere. 945; Greytown, 94. Best three coloured. —Belvedere, 94£ points; Low garth, 94; Dalefield, 93T Taranaki championship. —-Low garth, 94£ points; Job's Tengutu. 93: Waipapa, 92£. Best two coloured or white. —Carrington, 85 points; T.owgarth, 94£ ; Kuku, 94. Best two coloured or white, for managers and branch managers who have never won a first prize. -.Toll’s Tengutu, points; Alton, 93; Waipapa, 92. Best two coloured or white, open to first assistants. —Lowgarth, 95 points; Belvedere, 94i; Dalefield, 941,. Best single cheese. —Lowgarth, 95 points( Xulcu, 94|; Belvedere, 94.

Best case of cheese. —Kuku, 95 points; Belvedere, 944; Carrington, 94. Case of cheese, open to registered factories.—Kuku, points; Hukanui, 914; Island. 914Special Prizes. —Henry Lane and Co’s challenge cup—Belvedere Dairy Co., 139 points. Straw. Savill, and Albion challenge cup —Lowgarth Dairy Co., 7 points. Viking Rennet special—Kuku Dairy Co, 1, Carrington Dairy Co. 2, Lowgarth Dairy Co. 3. A L. Wicks’, Ltd., special—Carrington Dairy Co. 1, Pembroke Dairy Co. 2. Lonsdale’s challenge cup—Kuku Dairy Co. BUTTER. Best box of factory butter. —Shannon, 95 points ; Shannon, 944; Levin, 94. Best box of butter, made by first assistants.—Shannon, 944 points; Levin, 94; Ka'taia, 934Best box of factory butter. —Hikurangi, 95 points; Shannon, 944 ; Levin, 94. Best box, for export.—Hikurangi, 95 points; Levin. 944; Midhirst, 84. Best box of butter. —Konini, 934 points; Shannon, 93; Moa, 92g. Special Prizes,—Gold medal for most points in open classes to makers in South Island—Golden Bay (15. C. Wad worth) 166 points. Geld medal for most points in open classes to makers in North Island—Shannon (J. Aim), 2824 points. AGRICULTURAL AMD PASTORAL NEWS. In reply to a cable message, the Minister of Customs (Victoria) learns from the United Stales that in America the price of an international harvest-binder is £56 Bs. The duty on this machine when it enters Australia is £25 4s, making the price to the Australian farmer £Bl 12s. The price of a Massey-Harris binder in Ontaria is £6O 12s. In moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet of Goldsbrough Mort, Ltd., at the annual meeting, the chairman, Mr J. A. M. Elder, in the course of his remarks, said that Australian produce had to compete in the world’s markets; and that competition was growing more severe every vear. Wool was below pre-war value, yet the industry was paying ever-increasing ! costs in the form of working expenses, i which were heavier than those of most comj petitovs abroad. Freights were also much I too high. Relief would have to be obtained in both these directions if the in- | dust ry was to thrive. General working exj ponses on station had gone up by over 70 | per cent, since 1917. the increase being- still greater when compared with pre-war years. ' For the period ended March 31 last, the ! cost, of working was 24 pier cent, more than j that of (he previous 12 months. Stock I statistics showed n further serious decrease j in nnmheis of sheep, and the'total, taken i from latest Government returns, was down I to little more than 73 millions—a decline of searly six millions on the figures shown in

the company’s last year’s report. Except in the great droughts of 1900-1903 and 1914-15 the present numbers were the lowest for many years, and over 30 millions below the figures of 1891. Although their efforts were somewhat discouraged by most of the stock agents, the farmers of the districts of Waipahi and Arthurton have persevered successfully with the movement for the construction of yards m which sales may be held at regular intervals. The nearest sale yards at present are those at Clinton and Gore, distant about 10 and 16 miles respectively, and the interference of the increased motor traffis with the driving of sheep has, it is held, necessitated the erection of the new yards, which the owners—the Waipahi Sale Yards Company—have decided to open next Monday, when the first sale wil be held. An announcement appear elsewhere concerning a new device, The “Marvel” Cooler; cools and maintains the temperature of the separated cream at a level representing an immediate drop of 30 degrees. The advantages of this cooling apparatus, ensuring non-souring, will be apparent to all. THE NORTH ISLAND. fFTtOM Oub Own Cobbespondent.) Probably for the first time this season we have had a real taste of winter, 'ihere has been a lot of rain, and frosts have been severe, particularly in Hawke’s Bay, where in some parts growth has been checked. At the same time the season has been wonderfully good, and the absence of practically any • heavy cr continuous rains in Hawke’s Bay has been favourable for the sheejS farmer. For instance, at Otane and further south, the first lambs of tne season have made their appearance, anc. the mild conditions prevailing have helper 1 the woolly babies considerably, their condition being excellent. Judging by report there is every indication of a good season. Nearer Hastings no first lambs have as yet been reported, but during the next week a large number are expected. In that district orchardists are busily engaged just now in pruning and tidying up their properties, arid also in discussing with one another the best methods of dealing with the threatened danger of fire blight. Quite a large number of fruit growers have got rid of their hawthorn hedges, and they are now waiting for farmers to do the same. Some growers, too, are dilatory in attending to the matter, and as a result tin* Growers’ Association is taking steps to making the destruction of hawthorn hedges complete. In the Rangitiku, Oroua, Manawatu, Wanganui, and Taranaki districts stock are wintering well, much better than was ever expected at the commencement of the winter season. Growth may be checked by frosts, but grass has had a wonderful start, and the whole country is looking really well.

In the Auckland province a rainfall above the June average for the past 66 years was recorded. The total fall for the month was 6.85 inches, while the average was 4.46 inches. AUCKLAND’S BUTTER” AND CHEESE PRODUCTION. The splendid dairying season iff the Auckland province is reflected in the quantity of dairy produce handled by the Auckland Farmers’ Freezing Co. A total of 770,000 boxes of butter was received into the company’s grading stores during the season, as against 491,770 for the corresponding period of 1919-20, an increase of 278,230 boxes. During the months of May and June this year 24,736 passed into the stores, a decrease of 272 boxes compared with the quantity received during the two corresponding months of 1920. While the production of butter was greater for the season the returns of cheese were less, the figures being 155,784 crates for 1920-21, compared with 164,891 for the previous season, a difference of 9107 crates. The reduction is attributed to the fact that during the recent season several cheese factories changed to butter manufacture, whilst some suppliers went over to glaxo. GISBORNE HOSPITAL FARM The Gisborne Hospital farm has not realised anticipations from a commercial point of view, and the Hospital Board are now faced with rather a severe problem. When the farm was purchased, it was thought that the products would not only supply the hospital with milk and vegetables, but that it would also prove selfsupporting. This has not been realised, and the Hospital Board ate now faced with something in the form of a “white elephant. Evidently those responsible for purchasing the farm were actuated by the best of motives, but the business aspect was apparently sunk in the sea of enthusiasm. The committee of investigation now finds that new buildings, to cost approximately £2OOO are required, whilst the farm is not really Suitable for the purpose required. It is considered that later the farm will be too valuable for dairy purposes, and the question is what is to be done with if. Owing to the financial stringency there is not much demand for such a property, whilst for the same reason the board cannot get money to erect the buildings, so necessary, the old buildings being rotten and beyond repair. There was some plain speaking about the matter at the meeting of the Cook Hospital Board last week, and it was shown that that body was so anxious to get the property that it threatened the trustee to take the land underthe Public Works Act if he would not sell. The board was not content with a lease; it wanted the freehold, and this eventually cost the countv about £2lO an acre. That sum capitalised at 5 per cent, with rates worked out at about. £ll 10s or £l2 per acre before the board got anything out of it After due consideration it was eventually decided to adopt the special committee’s report to carry on until a favourable opportunity occurred to sell. The committee considered that if the property could be sold without loss it would be wise and prudent, to do so. MARKETI NO PEODUCE. ! The marketing of produce to the satisfaction of the grower is a question that crops up at every farmers’ meeting just now, and the (Ministers of the Grown must have’ their pigeon-holes literally crammed with resolutions as to the light course that should be adopted and the proper steps j hat. should be taken to ensure the farmers’ produce being properly controlled, and shipped away direct to the consumer’s door waiting to receive it. For instance. at. a mooting of the Manawatu Sub-provincial Executive of the Farmers’ Union, held at Levin, the following remit from Foxton was heartily approved and ordered to be sent on to the Minister of Commerce and

Industries:—“That, in view of the falling prices of meat, the time has arrived when meat and other products should be controlled by the producers to the Home consumers, including- shipping, cold storage, and the establishment of a selling floor ou the English market.” During the discussion it was suggested that all rreezing companies should combine for the purpose of handling the meat from the producer to the consumer, and that the produce should not be put on the ordinary markets. One delegate mentioned that a certain dairy company was now sending its produce ou its own account to new- markets in the E4st, with very satisfactory results. That, of course, is the sequence of enterprise, and when other bodies of farmers show the same independent spirit instead of wanting to be. spoon-fed by the Government the whole time they, too, may expect to reap what they have sown in the field of enterprise and independence. Sucn resolutions as the above cut iy> ice, as the Government can do nothing more than it is doing, particularly as regards shipping, without the financial support of the farmers. The producers could have had their own shipping line long before now had they provided sufficient money to capitalise the business. While the majority talked and xaassed resolutions to be forwarded to Government, the Poverty Bay farmers acted, purchased their own vessel, and are running her without the assistance of Government. The producers of Poverty Bay have certainly led the way in the matter of initiative and enterprise. FARMING PROSPECTS IN AUCKLAND. Farming prospects in the Auckland nro- ■ vince are distinctly good. The early winter is described as one of the mildest experienced for several years. The steady, warm rains, with very few frosts, have caused a -wonderful wealth of grass, and feed is so abundant that there is not much likelihood of any shortage this season. KING COUNTRY AND WAIKATO. In the King Country only one lieiyvy frost has been experienced this season, and in consequence there is a fine growth of grass. Ail classes of stock are wintering really well. The mild winter lias also had excellent results in the Waikato, where the warm rains came on just in time to renew the growth in pastures that had suffered through lack of moisture. It has been somewhat colder during the week just ended; but even if frosts do follow one another quickly there is a good bite in the paddocks, and it is no-t contemplated that there will be any shortage of food. BETTER DEMAND FOR STOCK. All round there is a much better demand for store stock, and the market- has greatly improved. This is not characteristic of any one particular district. As a matter of fact the stock markets of a.ll the provinces show a distinctly better tone. HEAVY FROSTS. Latest reports indicate that a couple of severe frosts have occurred in Hastings district. No damage has been done, but gardeners are exercising special care to prevent any occurring. Land that is ploughed will be greatly benefited. DEALING WITH GROWERS OF BLACKBERRY. Blackberry is a curse in the Poverty Bay district, and steps are to be taken against those who are indifferent to the need of seriously grappling with the position. Mr R W. Dyer, S.M., made no bones about his treatment of a large number of town and country residents who came before him at the Wairoa Court for failing to destroy blackberry on their properties. Fines were imposed on offenders ranging from £2 up to £5 with costs. DEMAND FOR DAIRY CATTLE. There is a 'good demand for dairy cattlein Taranaki, several farmers being desirous of establishing new herds. Most of the inquirers are looking for good stuff of approved milking strain, and it is quite -evident that farmers are realising that it more than pays in the long run to pay higher prices for good grades or pure-breds. Several sales held in the North Island recently proved convincing that progressive farmers considered it better to pay up to one, two, three, oven four hundred guineas for aristocratic heifers than a few pounds for the common garden variety _of cow. Of course, many dairymen operating on a small scalo cannot go that high, but the figure-s some of them are prepared to go demonstrates that quality is now the controlling influence in purchasing dairy cattle. | lift BKEADSTUrrs AM> PRODUCE NAUKETS. Friday Evening. The announcement of the Victorian Premier that the Government had decided definitely to discontinue the wheat-pooling system is in accordance with what Mr Lawson intimated (says the Australasian). As the desired information in regard to assurance of shippers that they would be able to finance the coming crop was immediately forthcoming, only one course was open to the Government, and that was to restore the handling of wheat to pre-war agencies. Despite the growers who favour a continuance of the pool, the opinion is expressed that were all wheatgrowers to participate in the unofficial ballot the majority would welcome a return to free marketing conditions. The decision of the Ministry has been made at an opportune time, for had it been delayed difficulties would have presented themselves m making arrangements for handling the coming crop. Country agencies have to be arranged, shipping facilities provided, and charters made. These matters all take time. Now wheat-handling firms can begin to reorganise their staffs for dealing with the coming harvest. - Although a basic price of wheat to meet the Bntish flour- market has been established by the Australian Wheat Board, few orders for Australian flour are now being received from London. Export demands from other countries are . relatively insignificant, and the result is that many of the flour mills in Victoria are forced to curtail gristing. Homo country mills are closed and others are working part time. The small export business in flour has created a fair demand for noth bran and pollard for shipment to Queensland! ai}d New South Vales. LOCAL MARKETS. Milling Wheat.—According to Government prices: Tuscan, 7s BJd, f.0.b.; Hunters, 7s lljd; Pearl, 8s 2Jd. Several parcels of wheat have changed hands for July delivery, and millers are keen buyers at the full Government rates. A shortage of milling wheat is anticipated, and millers’ are now taking up lines of a quality which they refused to accept earlier m the season. Fowl wheat is in good demand, and close on the maximum Government price is being realised fiar luaaa ea store.