FARM AND STATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3523, 20 September 1921, Page 8

FARM AND STATION.

SHOW DATES

SEPTEMBER, 21-—Canterbury Horse Parade. 27.—Ashburton Horse Parade. 29. —Otago A. and P. Horse Show. OCTOBER. 20—Ellesmere A. and P. Show. 26, 27.—Wairarapa A. and P. Society. 26, 27.—Timaru A. and P. Show. 19, 20.—Hawke’s Bay A. and P. Show’. . NOVEMBER. 2.3, 4. Manawatu Spring Show. 10, 11.—Canterbury A. and P. Show. 16, 16.—Waikato A. and P. Society. 17- —Waimate A. and P. Show. 12-—Taieri A. and P. Show. 23. —Wallace A. and P. Show. 23 , 24.--Ouma.ru A. and P. Show. 21, 25.—Clutha and! Matau A. and P. Society’s Show. 30. —Otago A. and P. Society. DECEMBER. 1-—Otago A. and P. Society. 2, 3.—-Auckland A. and P. Show. 3- Wyndham A. and P. Show. 7.—Gore A. and P. Show. 7- Central A. and P. Society. 13 , 14.—Southland A. and P. Show and Bull Sale. 16.—Owaka A. and P. Show. 17-—Otago Peninsula A. and P. Show. 1922. JANUARY. 24, 25.—Woodville A. and P. Show. FEBRUARY. 7, B.—Fielding A. and P. Show. 8,9, 10.—D'annevirke A. and P. Show and Ram Fair. 14, 15, 16, 17. —Masterton Show and Ram Fair. MARCH. 22, 23.—Ashburton A. and P. Show. MAY. 30, 31. —Otago A. and P. Winter Show. JUNE. 1,2, 3.—Otago A. and P. Winter Show. Secretaries of A. and P. Societies are requested to notify the dates of their shows as soon as these are decided on. These are published free of charge.

“THANKS TO THE BEES.”

A fresh seed is a living thing—it is alive just as much as a hedgehog, which lies motionless through its long winter sleep at the bottom of a hedgerow. Inside the seed is the living plant in its resting stage —the embryo. In contact with the embryo, or, ■within its substance, is the material which will constitute its first food when it resumes growth. Speaking generally fertilisation takes place when the pollen grains fail on the stigma of a flower. Seed does not form, nor does fruit ripen, till after this has taken place, and if it does not occur the ovary usually withers away. Fertilisation takes place in divers way, but it usually happens when the pollen of one flower is carried to the stigma of another. The usually sticky or hairy surface of the stigma keeps the pollen grain in position during the germination of the latter. The wind is an important agent in carrying pollen, and wind fertilised plants generally produce a large quantity o-f pollen dust, —grasses and pine trees for example. The most important agents of cross fertilisation are insects. Bees, for example in visiting flowers in search of nec-tar (honey) become the unconscious means whereby the pollen of one flower is carried to the stigma of another. Anyone who has noticed the delicious odour of a paddock of white clover on a sunny day in December must have observed also the unflagging industry ol the bees, and similarly in a yellow-blossomed field of turnips intended for seed. Assuredly the farmer would be worse off if it were not for the labours of the busy bee. We are induced to touch upon this subject owing to a question put to us by a correspondent in respect to a neighbour’s bees “trespassing” on his pasturage to its alleged detriment. In an interesting journal article by T. Hopkins, at one time apiary instructor to the Department of Agriculture, proves up to the hilt the beneficial influence of bees on agriculture. He quotes Darwin in respect to bees on liguminous plants, to which the clovers belong. “The cross-seedlings have an enormous advantage over the'self-fertilised ones when grown together in close competition,” and gives the following details of some experiments which show the importance of the part played by bees hi the process of cross-fertilisation. White clover (Trifolium repens), several plants where protected from insects and the seeds from ten flower heads on these plants, and from ten heads on other plants growing outside the net (which I saw visited by bees) were counted, and the seeds from the latter plants were very nearly ten times as numerous as those from the protected plants. The experiment was repeated in the following year, and twenty protected heads now yielded only a single abortive seed, whilst twenty protected heads on the plants outside net (which I saw visited by bees) yielded 2290 seeds, as calculated by weighing all the seeds and counting the number in a weight of two grains. Purple clover (Trofolium pratense). One hundred flower heads on plants protected by a net did not produce a single seed, while one hundred on plants growing outside (which were visited by bees) yielded 68 grains weight of seed; and as eighty seeds weigh two grains the hundred heads must have yielded 2720 seeds. Here we have satisfactory proof, says Mr Hopkins, that the effect of crossfertilisation brought about by bees upon the clovers and other plants growing in meadows and pasture lands is the certain production of a large number of vigorous seeds, as compared with the chance only of a few and weak seeds if self-fertilisa-tion were to be depended upon. The agriculturist may ask : Granting that the visits of bees may be serviceable to me

in the fertilisation of my fruit, or my clover, how will you prove that I am not obliged to pay too high a price for

such service's? The writer.-of the article from which we quote cites the researches of the agricultural chemist, and establishes the two following facts- —(1) That saccharine matter, even when assimilated and retained within the body of a plant, is not one of the secretions of vegetable life which can in any way tend to exhaust the soil, being made ut> of constituents which are furnished everywhere in superabundance by the atmosphere and rain water, and not containing any of the mineral or organic substances supplied by the sod or by the manures used in agriculture ; and (2) that in the form in which it is appropriated by bees either from the nectaries of flowers or as honey dew from the leaves, it no longer constitutes a part of the plant, but is in fact an excrement, thrown off as superfluous, which, if not collected by the bee and by its means mace available for the use of man, would either be devoured by other insects, which do not _ store honey, or be resolved into its original elements and dissipated in the air. For proof of the foregoing statements we are referred to Sir Humphrey Davy s “Elements of Agricultural Chemistry,” Professor Liebig's “Chemistry in its . Application to Agriculture u-ikl Ihysioiogy, etc., etc. The secretion of saccharine matter is one of the normal functions of the plant at a season of the year when it is desirable to attract the visits of insects for the purposes of fertilisation, mnd thus the bee. for its special service. Jo any blossom visited is merely taking toll” of the honey as. a fee. Failing this “toll” taken by insects the nectar would quickly evaporate under the sun's rays. To the further question put by tire doubting agriculturist on .behalf' of his stock, “Even if it be admitted that the removal of the lionev from my farm is neither exhausting to the soil nor injurious to the plants of the standing crops, still it. is so much fattening matter which might be consumed bv my stock if it had not been pilfered by the bees. Mr T. Hopkins, in his article, admits that honey consists to a great extent of fattening matter, though it may be allowable to doubt wnether in that particular form it is exactly suitable food for grazing cattle. Although it is guite true that the saccharine matter assimilated in the body of a plant tends to the formation of fat in the animal, which eats and digests that plant, still one may question the propriety of feeding the same animal on pure honey or sugar. Farmers may rest assured that the amount of honev taken—a few ounces of fattening matter j>er acre—-is but modest pay to the bees for benefits conferred. TUTU AND STOCK. To . effect the eradication of tutu on a fair-sized pastoral area grazed by stock is no easy, matter. Although the plant is eaten at times with no harmful results to stock, it is always more or less a menace. It is an aggressive plant, more or less independent of its seeds as a means of spreading, but* capable of in creasing rapidly by its underground stems. There are various Forms of tutu—the tree kinds and those of the shrub nature. At no time can it be said that land growing tutu is absolutely safe to travelling stock" or if they are turned on to with an empty stomach, or after coming off roots, and when the shoots of the plants are beginning to spring. Tn drv seasons when feed is scarce tutu sometimes plavs havoc among stock, or if stock, whether empty or full, are transferred from clean ground to tutu-infested paddocks there are risks of losses. In all ca-ses when sheep are turned on to tutu country it is as i well to be prepared for cases of poisoning. It may reasonably be asked, Why not get rid of the dangerous stuff and'be done with it once and for all? That is tile trouble. As. stated, tutu is a plant of great aggression. After cutting the plant it seems to grow with extra vigour. We have been told to cut and burn to get rid of the pest, but our experience was that tutu thrived on this treatment. There seems nothing to beat grubbing out the offending plants. Mr T. Wait-ekauri, in 1919 communicated his experience in controlling tutu (Coriaria sp.) to the Journal of Agriculture, with goats as follows:—“The first three years I had mv place the tutu cost me 15 'head of cattle. Then I got a few goats, and the last year have not lost a ' hoof through tutu. The way thev are cleaning it up is something wonderful. I believe it would affect them if fenced on it before they got used to it, or if taken a wav from it and then put back on to a lot of young growth. But feeding on it at will, as my goats do, the chances of loss are very small, and, apart from tutu, they eat a big lot of other rubbish. To me they are invaluable.” Various remedies have been attempted for cases of tutu poisoning; but stock, particularly cattle on a grazing run which is fairly mountainous, are not kindly patients. However, someone may like to attempt treatment. The puncturing of the rumen by way of the left flank in order to allow the gas to escape (and the operator to get up a tree) is recommended. Both Dr Fitch ett and Professor Malcolm, of Dunedin, recommend lime-water to relievo distention, and to keep the animal as quiet as possible during convulsion. Four to six ounces of rime-water may bo given. Try it. Bleeding tuted sheep at the eye-vein is frequently beneficial. Unfortunately or fortunately, as the case may he, the farmer is not likely to have those remedies at hand which might be attempted on the probably very excited affected toted animal, so that antidotes are practically barred in practical life. It is usually travelling stock which become the victims of tutu poisoning, and feed-

ing on the plant undoubtedly causes much more trouble when taken on a more or lees empty stomach. There remains, then the question, What is the best thing to P‘ V\ e have said that our solution is tne grubbing out of the plant. If any leaner knows of a method of killing off targe areas of tutu in a cheap, practical w ‘ l -> > we shall be pleased to hear of it in order to benefit others who constantly lose stock m times of scarcity of feed. NOTES ON RURAL TOPICS. An interesting letter from an American,

Armour and co.

citizen relating to the “Armours” appears in lhi3 issue. It is a specious

• , plea on behalf of tree and wide, competition for meat grown in New and has as its object the benefiting i both exporter and producer. It is enough that, the consumer comes in later, aim must take what is going, and presumaoiy good for him- -sometimes there is i 'enty and at other times he must bo sat mod with homoeopathic doses. The writer s contention that, local freezing concexns and exporters benefit by the exclusion of Armour and Company from holding- a license m New Zealand to-day is fruo enoug l. It is also true that the Minister of Agriculture, is convinced that he is playing the game in the interests qt the producers of the morrow. There f no doubt about that. The trouble is, farmers are not worrying about posterity, rfiey want the competition to-day in order to move their '‘fats’’ to London and get the casu. Competition as we know is the me of trade, and unfortunately there is a dearth of it- at present in New Zealand. It is Armour s opportunity. Checked by such automatic safeguards as might be deemed cesnable agamst exploitation, such as making it illegal for an American or foreign firm to own freezing works in New Zealand or acquire any interest in a company, etc., etc., one cannot but welcome all the competition going. Many advantages have been claimed for

A Boom in Tested Cows. 1 00.0 . . 1

the keeping of milk records ot dairy cattio, but it needed a series of very successful sales in England in

1920 to demonstrate the financial possibilities of this side of herd testing, fine Irish Department of Agriculture’s Journal remarks that “it is quite conceivable filial these sales mark the beginning of a new era m which the authenticated milk record will be the determining factor in deciding the value of a dairy cow.” Then follows a fist of sales, a lew of which are here giVv iiOn September 2, at Reading, 77 cows averaging £lO6 16s s d; on September 44, at Oxford, 59 cows, averaging £ll2 6s: on September 23, at Oxford, 62 cows and heifers, averaging £llO 13s; on October 5, T>7, ■bambrmge, 91 cows, averaging Lf4 14s 8d; on October 12, at Yeovil 53 cows, averaging £l2B 7s 6d, and so ' on. U* > saes are thus particularised, and the lowest average was £74, over a sale of 80 heifers. Ihe animals were sold as non-pedigree cattle, and were mainly of the dual purpose Shorthorn type. The record Price was 270gns, paid at Oxford on September 23, for a non-pedigree four-year-old cow qt Shorthorn type, and several cows at tne sates realised over 200gns. J n many case; the sales were dispersal sales, entire nerds coining under the hammer. A few years back says the Journal, such averages would have been “considered highly safistactory tor herds with long pedigrees and oi fashionable breeding. An attempt was made in one case to determine the increase in price attributable to herd-testing. The neid consisted of 32 cows and 67 heifers. -Less than a month before the sale a local varner valued the lot at £3,812. At the sale tne herd realised £6,860, or practically f per. cent. more. The logic of such tacts will surely convert the most obstinate oi non-believers in the worth while of testing. Although “Bawra” limits have been in

Wool Prices Explained.

operation for some months now, there still appears to be considerable misapprehension concerning thoappli-

cation of same, several letters from growers whose wool realised loss than 8d at the last sale writing to the effect that they were under the impression, that no wool could ao so-d under that price (says Dalgety and Co., Ltd., in their Melbourne weekly market report). Under appraisements, when _ the fiat rate was wool realised anything from 2d to 33d, the former price being for dead locks and stains, and the latter for the best merino fleece. Such, being the case, why when the flat rate is B>kl, should no wool be sold at less than that figure? Or is it tiossible that some growers expect 8d for their locks and stains, which, at present market rates, are only worth !to Lid? When the “Bawra” reserves were fixed the average price of all wool sold at the previous series was worked out, and found to be in the region of Bj.d; but as this figure was considered to bo rather on the high side the Government, after due consideration, reduced same to present ..level. The clean scoured basis for the various qualities were —as was the case in appraisements—then worked out, and each lot- of wool given its full proportionate value it was entitled to in accordance with its quality, length, soundness, and yield, good merino being worth from 14d to 16d, medium merino 12d to 14d, ordinary 8d to 10d, good comeback lid to 12d, first X 7d to 9d, t.liree-quarterbrecl 4d to 6d, and Lincoln 2pl to 3j,d, tho super wool being worth 2d more, and ordinary 2d, less than the prices for similar qualities mentioned above. This is not an uncommon trouble with cows, and is sometimes ex-

Retention ol Afterbirth.

perienced witli mares and other stock. There are a

variety of causes which may lead up to such a plight, such as abortion, poverty of condition, or perhaps pre-exist-ing inflammation of the womb. If not removed if decays away gradually a portion decaying in the womb, which causes irritation, discharges, and probably blood-poison-ing. The feverish condition often leads to cessation of the flow of milk. In the mare, says an. authority, the poisonous matter is absorbed quickly, so that the afterbirth should not be allowed to remain for longer than eight hours in warm weather. In cattle after three days, when the afterbirth is quite putrid, there may still be no sign of blood poisoning. Taken in time a warm bran mash is so helpful to the general system that the afterbirth often cornea away naturally. An American dairy expert recommends giving 40 drops carbolic acid in one pint of wafer in the food three times in a day. A more usual remedy ifl

a drench composed of ljib to 21b Epsom stirs and 2oz ground ginger in two quarts warm water. If the afterbirth is retained after eight hours in the case of a mare, or three days in the case of a cow, an attempt at removal should be made. The protruding membrances should be gathered up and fastened to a piece of clean wood, or caught between two pieces of clean wood close up to the opening. Then by twisting round and round in the one direction like a rope they will be naturally worked away from the inside. The old-fashioned method of tieing a weight on the afterbirth is likely to lead to injury, especially in the case of the cow. as the membrances, in her case, are buttoned on to tufts. After removal of the afterbirth the uterus should, be thoroughly irrigated with boiled water a little cooler than blood heat, to which is added lvsol or eome other antiseptic. Permanganate of potash at the rate of 2oz to the gallon of boiled water is often employed. AGRICOLA. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. By Agricola. "Lamb/’ Central, writes in respect to several unsuccessful attempts at rearing motherless lambs, and desires information. Keen the lambs warm, and feed small quantities of food at a time, especially in rhe early stages (half a small cunful). Give the lamb l - esh warmed cow's milk of good quality •.nut not milk which has been boiled) every two hours for a few days, and' then at longer intervals —say, four or five times a day. Notice if the bowels are working, and if doubtful give half a teaspoonful of castor oil, say, 12 hours after the first drink and following on a feeding. Use an indiarubber teat (enlarging the hole slightly) on the vessel holding the milk—a small teapot is as good as anything. Be sure and keep everything in use scrupulously dean anti scalded daily after feeding. ‘•W. W..” B rowns, asks the symptoms of red water in cows? What" treatment should be followed? Should cows in good condition, wintered on turnips and straw, be more liable, to take the trouble than others? Red water in cows as known here is due to dietetic trouble, such as too generous turnip feeding, especially when frosted to cows in calf. It is not uncom-

mon in the spring of the year when tho grass is mushy. Change to pasture is advised, and a change in feeding, giving say, some hay or chaff and something rather better than roots. A rock salt lick kept in a handy place in paddocks is invaluable m these cases. Scouring is perhaps the first symptom noticed, bur yet an aperinrent may be advisable. The evidence of red water indicates that the system is out of order, the fee,! not being suitable for the time. Changing the feed, plus an opening medicine, usually puts matters all serene. ‘".'ab-; riber/' Moonlight, writes: I have sawn lime on grass land; will there be any danger in running breeding cows on it? No. Tlte first shower of rain will dissipate any lime dust adhering to plant growth, wi.ilo the .stuff is not poisonous; in fact, calicum. or lime, is a mineral requirement of the dairy cow.

SURPLUS WETHERS Qt'E- l lON DISCLOSED BY FARMERS. BAf-CI I T HA. September 12. A* the instigation of a number of branches of the Farmers’ Gi.ion in South Otago a conference of delegates was hold in tho ( lutha County ( hambets, Balclutha. on Saturday to consider and discuss the position iii regard to the surplus of wethers and the effect on the low prices of mutton in the yards. Mr John Christie, on being voted to the chair, explained the reasons for calling the meeting. There were a large number of prime wethers throughout the district. • licit unless disposed of by some means would only hang on the farmers’ hands at i !•>-- or be placed for sale in the yards and - i rediic,. value-. It had been sug gested tfi.it the .-iti'plus might be disposed of by freezing, and he understood that the Smith Ougo Fie /ing Company v.as willing to open the works provided il guarantee of • bOQO si p was given. Wool was low •’"d il wethers dropped another half-crown, as was very possible, the situation for growers would he bad. I,otters we,e received from the secretaries of the Lawrence, Tapanui, and Clyde vale branches intimating in effect that up to 6000 wet hers were available j„ the event, of the works opening. Mr A. Mathieson, representing Armours, Ltd-, was in attendance, and addressed the meeting on the position, staling that there were about 3000 wethers uvailabl,. in Central Otago, and the growers tin• •• Lad asked him to attend the meeting and see what could he dono for them. They were willing to send their sheep to the Booth Otago works if they opened.

The Chairman said that the South Otago Freezing Company would not buy, but contended that if local exporters would give the growers 3d or 3Jd the growers could | do just as well and even better by exporting on their own behalf. General discussion ensued, in which it I was the unanimous opinion that unless i something were done to relieve the situation i the outlook for the farmers would indeed [ be bad. It was eventually resolved that tho South j Otago Freezing Company be asked to reopen the works as soon as possible, as there seemed well over 10,000 wethers available, and it was decided to urge farmers holding wethers to send at least a proportion of tlieir holding to the works, and to communicate as early as possible with the company as to how many they were prepared to send. STOCK AND GRAZING NOTES. ! Weekly Stock Sales. WloJithly (continued), Burnside, Wednesdays I Duntroon, 2nd WednesAddington, Wednesdays j day « Waiareka Railway June- i Woodtande, 3rd Friday tion, Tuesdays ! Mil'on, 2nd Tuesday j Wallacetown, Tuesdays ! Re Hour, 3rd Thursday i Fortniahtjv I 'Hiornbury, Ist Friday ! D . . . ® ! Duntroon, 2nd W edne?< Riversdale, Friday f -j ay Ashburton, Tuesdays i ota utau, 2nd Friday - Heriot, lhui.~days Riversdale, 3rd Friday win ton, Thursdays Waikaki, last Friday Wymlham, Thursdays pi-Vx - i.. ; r ■ eesdav Clinton, Thursdays «j wo ' Balclutha, Fridays Periodically as AdverGore, Tuesdays ~u msden, Mossburn, , Monthly. j Orepuki, Macaura, ' Palmerston, till Thurs- \ Waikouaiti, ltiverday 1 ton, Ngapara, and tV iDton, 4th Tuesday i Otago Central Sales. OTAGO. Excepting for some slight ram showers, ’ and rather a low temperature with a sus- ' picion of frost at times, the weather along the coast lands of Otago is seasonal enough. Inland it is bright and sunny and rainless, with frost, and although at times iv looks ominous, the rain holds off. At Owaka during the week hoggets made 14s 6d. forward bullocks £9 Bs, and dairy cows £lO to £l7. At Gore forward wethers made from 17s 9d to 19s 6d, hoggets 7s 6d to 10s lOd, two-t-ooth ewes 20s, sound-mouth in-lurnb ewes 12s to lbs. and old sorts 7s to 9s. BURNS [1 >E \! ARK FT. There was a large yarding of fat sheep at. Burnside, mostly of good quality, and in the main crossbreds, with but few ewes. Medium weight prime wethers seemed most in favour, but all were slack of sale, and prices were back from Is to 2s a head compared with the previous week’s rates, equal to a fall of 2s to 3<s 6d a head during the past three weeks. Extra sheep made 26s 3d to 27s 3d, and prime from 22s to 255. Prime wether made up to 3i.d per lb. and ewe very little above 3d. Fat hoggets were intermixed with wethers, and ewes were not in much demand. Another good entry of fat cattle was yarded of varied weights, but for the most part finished cattle. Values were irregu lar. and a decline of 15s to 20s per head occurred, which makes a reduction in values of 50s to 60s per head during the past three weeks. Best, beef made up to 37s per 1001 b, and heifer close up, but unfinished was considerably lower. About 150 head of store cattle elicited moderate bidding. A third of the entry comprised fair io good steers, the balance being composed of moderate cows, inferior oddments and young stock. A pen of three to four-year-old .Shorthorn bullocks (forward) made £lO 12s 6d, Shorthorn crosses, same age, £7 5s to £9, mixed and coloured steers to £7. conditioned cows £5 10s to £7. Buyer- were there for dairy cows, but ‘‘suspects” do not make great money. The best of lhe cows sold from £ll to £l4. Bigs, a small entry, sold well, both fats and small being taken at firm rates. ADDINGTON YARDS. Fat sheep at Addington were in good supply, the quality being satisfactory. The demand was easier than the previous week, light finished sheep being in most favour. Prices were back Is to Is 6d a head, and passings towards the close of the sale were freely made. About an average entry of store sheep made rather better rates than a week ago, and comparatively few lots were passed. Over 69 spring lambs of varied weight and quality were readily disposed of at 20s to 33s a head. The quality of a very fair yarding of fat cattle was not first-class for the most part, and prices eased up for unfinished light sorts 10s to 20s a head ; beef, however, in places making up to 40s per 1001 b. Only a few store cattle were yarded, and a very dull -ale resulted, only one line—a yard of three year-old steers—making £B. Dairy cows of all descriptions were a good deal easier, particularly doubtful sorts, the best of (lie heifers making up lo £lB. Fut pigs sold well, hut not up to the previous week’s rates, while store pigs wore firm at last sale's prices.

NORTH ISLAND STOCK VALUES. I Values of stock in the North Island keep gradually receding. Checked for a while perhaps, the bidding soon becomes spiritless, and sales are not cheerful places at present. In the Auckland province at j the Westfield market beef of choice quality 1 sold frt olv at 30s, and much prime stuff j round 26s per 1001 b, with unfinished £4 5s to £6. Unfinished wethers brought 13s to 17s, hoggets 8s to 12s, empty two-year-old heifers £5 to £6, and yearlings from £3 10s. In Poverty Bav ewe hoggets made up to 11s 6d and forward wethers 16s 3d. In Taranaki hoggets realised round 7s 6d, two-tooth wethers Is 3d to 14s, good heifers (springing) £l2 to £ls, backward £7, well-grown choice Jersey yearling heifers £9 16s, best Jersey heifers £lB to £25. and ordinary yearlings £2 10s to £3 10s. In the Wairarapa medium hoggets made cs, culls 3s 6d, two-tooth wethers 12s 3d, beat dairy heifers £l7 to £27, ordinary from £5 10s, and yearlings from £2. In Hawke’s Bay hoggets realised round 10s, wethers 11s to 14s 9d, cull hoggets from ss, springing heifers £6 to £l2 10s, and two-year-old steers [medium) £2 to £3 10s. STOCK NOTES. Values of fat stock —sheep or cattle —in Otago have not yet been arrested in the settling-down process, and this at a time of the year when values usually appreciate. Bed-rock prices have not yet been leached. It seems idle to here set out at length the writer's reasons why prices have not touched bottom, beyond emphasising the fact that the tightness of money tends to force stock into the market which, under normal pressure, would he carried on till better times; and this —failing an export outlet—will more than suffice local demands, which, it may be observed, are not, via butchers, absorbing as much beef and mutton as usual, owing to consumers taking in a reef. Owing to fats not. moving off freely (or at low prices) store values keep coming hack. However, there are the ewes and lambs, and even at relatively low prices per lb, it is possible to secure a good return from a fat lamb. A 361 b lamb at only 6id per lb means close up to 20s a head. There is a point which might be noted —viz., if the work® handle many sheep, it is on the cards that big hoggets should be safe buying at a price to-day for sale when fat in late summer. The South Otago Freezing Works have agreed to open for a short period from the 20th inst. This should help the position, and indirectly help “forward hoggets,” as | “killings” at the works will, one would | think, happen chiefly among light to I medium weights, these being in better re- | quest in London than “heavies.” | Owing to it being impossible to export i beef at present costs, the position, helped by an excellent winter and ample feed, lias got steadily worse, and values seem to he gradually levelling down to those of the Auckland province—viz., round 30s per 1001 b, —which would seem to point a warning to graziers to beware buying store cattle at too high prices to-day. Entries will close on the 21sI inst, for the Otago A. and P. Society’s Clydesdale horse show, field on the 29th inst. at Talmna Park. ; It is not anticipated that shearers will : refuse engagements under the Arbitration Court’s recent shearers’ award on the advice of the New Zealand Workers’ Union, as, after all, wool to-day is not worth much. . Indeed, tho writer knows of one shcep- ; owner who purposes leaving his fine-woollecl ! dry sheep practically alone, merely trirnI ming them up in places—verily likely to : prove an uneconomic venture, and entailing ( a lot of handling, etc., the following year. | f.umbing is progressing under good conI dilions, and early lambs are doing well j where some attempt has been made lo ! supply I lie ewes with roots, young gl ass, j etc. ; but rain is wanted, and plenty of it, to assure the season’s prospects. It has been decided to offer £IOO for the horse high jump at the Adelaide Royal Show. The winner must jump not less I than 6ft 6’n. Another £25 has been offered for a jump of 7ft 9in, and £25 for a jump I of 7ft or over. A cable from Melbourne on the 18th inst. . says that Musician jumped 7ft lOin at the Wangaratta Show —a wot Id’s record. I The Canterbury A. and P. Association’s ; annual horse parade will lie held on the Addington Show Grounds on the 21st inst. Fill ries close on the 17(h inst. An average price of £ll9 16s per head was obtained at Ihe dispersal sale of the Thurlow Friesian herd in England for 62 head. Two daughters of the 4500-guinea hull Dunninuld Ihdayemnirsehaap realised i 29flgs and 260 gs each respocl ively. It was announced at the Brisbane Agri- | cultural Conference recently that the j Government had decided to legislate lo provide for the annual registration of all hulls. I The Murchison Times (Western Australia) j states that 9434 sheep were put through at | Beringarra Station for 225 hales of wool. \ The clip represents 13 months’ growth, but ; is regarded as a very good result, since j the sheep were on starvation diet part of I the time. The staple is strong throughout.

Oniy robust sheep survived the drought. In 1918 there were 51,000 sheep, in 1919 22,000, in 1920 11,000, and in 1921 9000 odd. During the first year of the drought 60 per cent, of the lambs perished. MEAT AND SHIPPING. The Australian Meat Trade Journal, in commenting on the Sydney meat-price fixing farce, winds up as follows:—“A badly-bred beast is now worth just as much as a wellbred one. Price-fixing is on a par with most of Australia's legislation—ir, results in everything being dragged down to a lower level. It is shown in the condition of the railways, tho roads, the paths, and gutters, in tire privately-owned gardens, and farming properties, where improvements have been largely stopped. It, is also shown in the broken fences and gates, and in the unpainted houses. History is repeating itself.” So far there is no change in the freight position. Shipowners contend that until expenses are reduced and outward cargo picks up there is not much hope of charges being reviewed. Once tiiat time comes look-out. Before leaving London, llie Prime Minister of the Australian Commonwealth made efforts to further the interests of the .meat trade. As a result of representations tho British Admiralty and Vv ar Office are re ported to be considering tho question of extending special treatment to meat grown, fed and fattened in the Empire. In the course of an interview Mr Hughes said that he had also made representations to France, pointing our, reasons why litev should buy Australasian meat in preference to that from countries which did not. nt-ip in the war. He believes that the oullooK in this respect to be encouraging. Gntil a little more than a month ago the chilled beef trade was in the hands of South America (says the Australasian) but Canada has now appeared as a competitor. 'lhe first shipment of chilled beef from the Dominion was made in July, when the Megantic carried 1090 quarters to Liverpool. On arrival the meat was subjected to expert examination and adjudged to be in excellent condition and of prime quality. Portion of the consignment offered at the Liverpool market excited much interest. South America had been enabled to secure a monopoly of the trade owing to the abundance of corn and other foodstuffs, but now similar condition rule in Canada, although not yet to tho same extent as in South America. The trade promises to develop in Canada, for. as compared with South America, its advantage lies in its geographical position in relation to European markets. It is claimed that the chilled beef can be placed in the English market within a fortnight of its killing. GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND’S TRADE. Particulars have recently been issued by the Department of Agriculture for Ireland to shew the trade in imports and exports at Irish ports during 1919, these being the latest figures available. What they disclose is the extent of the trade with Great Britain. Thus in 1919 the value ot the cattle and beef scut was £7,468,000. or more than the imports from any other country except Argentina. In sheen and mutton Ireland was the fourth largest supplier, its total being exceeded by New Zealand, Argentina, and Australia. Exports of poultry were £2.757,000, and that of butter £4,802,000, as against £5,251.009 from Australia and £3,910,000 from New Zealand. Ibe value of the eggs shipped to ihe United Kingdom was £15,840,000. the next largest imports of the kind being received from Denmark, these being valued at £2,776,000. Taking Irish trade in manufactured goods, imports in 1919 were valued at £79,033,000, and exports at £75,546,000. In farm produce, food, and drink the important part that the rest of the United , Kingdom plays to Ireland as a market •* I shown by the fact that the exports from I Ireland, which in 1914 aggregated £41,6X17,000, by 1919 had increased in value : to £93,709,000, and ranked second to imports from 1 lie United States of America. j THE WYNDHAM A. AND P. SOCIETY. Tho annual meeting of the Wyndham ! A. and P. Society was held on the ICili inst.., Mr G. T. Pa Hey presiding over a fair attendance of members. 'lhe annual report and balance sheet were adopted. The report staled, inleraiia, that the financial position of the son ety was satisfactory. the year closing with a cash credit balance of £74 14s 2d. From this amount, however, has to be deducted the sum of £2O (donated by the vice-president for two special prizes) and the sum of £ll 6s (to i cover accounts outstanding in connection I with the annual social), which leaves an actual cash credit at the general account :of £43 8s 2d. Membership fees collected j during the year amounted to £157 19s 6d, ; this sum being £44 19s 6d in excess of the I previous year’s total. Members’ subscrip | f.iotis outstanding at balance date amount ! to £42 in addition to this. Entry foes show att increase of £8 15s 6d. The prize money paid out amounted to £l7l 4s —an increase 1 of £sl 4s 6d on tho amount distributed in

the previous year. The. gate receipts amounted to £4B 18s, showing a decrease of £2 5s 3d on last year’s amount. As all vehicles were admitted free of charge, this, no doubt fully accounts for the small deficiency. the annual show, held on Ist Do* cember, 1920, was a decided success, the quality of the exhibits being favourably commented on by visitors to the show. Ihe date of the annual show had been fixed for Saturday, December 3, 1921. rhe following officers were elected for tho ensuing year;—President, Mr D. N. Raymond; vice-president, Mr John Smith; committee-Messrs P Campbell, R. Arnett, A Howe, D. E. Caldwell, John Smith. G. Hunter, J. M’Donald. C. Milne, A.' M. L e;r, J. M'K-ay, H. Hunter, R. Shields, A, La dlaw, T. Morrison, and J. Christie. 'lhe advisability of having ono big shew ring was discussed, and a committee consisting of the president, vice-president Messrs Caldwell, M'Donald, Weir, Morrison, Arnott, I.aidlaw, and it. Shields were appointed to go and inspect the grounds with a view to securing the best available site. They wore also asked to confer with, the president of the Racing Club regarding the buildings. LAKE COUNTY A. AND I*. SOCIETY. T he annual meeting of the Lake County A. and P. Society was held on the 10th. inst. at Arrowtown, Mr Leo Lee presiding over a fair attendance of members. The balance sheet showed receipts amounting' to £243 3s 8d and expenditure £241 Os 6d, thus showing a credit balance of £2 3s 6d for the year. The annual show, in spite of adverse weather conditions, was most successful. Mr L. L ec was re-elected president for the ensuing year, with the following committeemen:— Messrs R. M. Paterson, G. S. Edie, A. M“Bride. Thomas Houston, T. J. Cotter, R. Hunter, J. E. O’Connell, P. Reid, Vs". M'J.eod, M. M’Adam, J. P. M'Brale, ,T. \\ . Miller, J. Mackenzie, J. W. Brown, J. Fowler, James M’Lean, H. I). Bruce, S. Cowart, H. Douglas, Janies Brown, and A. Miller. It was decided to hold the show on the third Wednesday in March, 1922. Secretary Tobin agreed to "carry on” for a further term after considerable persuasion. Some discussion took place at the instance of Mr Fowler regarding the matter of securing a stallion for the district, and it was resolved to write to Messrs Caruthers and M’Donald. asking them if they had any intention of bunging one to the district. OWAKA SOCIETY. The thirteenth annual meeting of the Owaka A. and P. -Society was held on the Bth inst.. Mr Craigie presiding over a good muster of members. The report and balance sheet were adopted. The former indicated a satisfactory position. Starling the year with a credit balance of £ll 10», the season had terminated with a ere dit of £52 18s 4d, and a surplus of assets over liabilities totalling £245 9s. Tho membership was increased by 53 last year, hut outstanding subscriptions totalled £l4 14s. The secretary had received a fair proportion of these since the balance sheet was closed. Mr A. North was elected president for the ensuing year. Mr John Logan was elected senior vice-president; junior and vice-presi-dents — Messrs W. Friend and Win, Lawson ; treasurer, Mr George Sheddan ; secretary, Mr W r . Richardson (both re-elected); auditor, Mr G. M. Thomson; Executive Committee—Messrs T. Barr, J. Rosa, W. Cvaigie, A. Crawford, T. A. Maginness, G. Barr. J. Stevens, W. Friend, L>. M‘Neill, W. Wright, James Logan, F. Whiting, G. M. Thomson, G. Sheddan, A. Adam, J. Horan, H. F-lvidge, J. Holland, W. Lawson, J. Duley, B. if. Parker, B. Bradfield, L, Rae, J Ford, O. Andrews, and F. Cooper; Finance Committee- Messrs A. North, W. Richardson, and G. M. Thomson. Ii was decided to hold the show on Friday, December 16, if this date did not clash with other shows in the disirict or surrounding districts. On the motion of Mr Ross, it was decided to join tho Clydesdale Horse Association of New Zealand. Mr Cvaigie, the retiring pr; sident. later entertained some 40 members at Reid's ref freshment rooms, where song, speech, atu story were duly acclaimed. FARMERS' QUESTIONS 1 A NATION PROBLEMS. TIM\RI . September ]6>. The annual me. ling of the South Canterbury branch of tin- Shecp.ou ners' Union to-day heard the secretary of the Christchurch branch explain the shearers’ new award. Regarding the shearers’ demand for 35s instead of tho award rate, it was stated that many shearers had agreed to accept the award. Ono owner had filled his shed by applications by letter. Another, requiring large booking, said he had never before had so many applications. Mr Bernard Tripp raised the question of the taxation of farmers by a land tax. super tax, and income tax. The super tax had boon reduced from 50 per cent, to 33 1-3 per cent., but the land tax was raised, so

that the two were greater- than before. If farmers made no income or made a loss, they had the land and super taxes to pay; while if a town company had no income, it paid no tax. He moved that the Central Executive be asked to circularise members of Parjiament, urging that the super tax be abolished, this being carried. 1 he meeting reaffirmed the resolution passed last year that a yearly export license should be issued to Armour and Co. Mr George Murray was re-elected chairman of the committee THE HIDfTmARKET PROPOSED AUSTRALIAN DUTY, NEW ZEALAND PRODUCERS PROTESTING. (FROM OIK OWN t •OKKESI'ONDENT.) AUCKLAND, September 18. There is at, present a proposal before the Australian Federal Parliament to place a duty of one penny a pound on hides. 'I ho proposal was discussed to-day in Auckland by representatives ot Tunis interested in the hide export trade. It was stated by one export that if the proposal was adopted it would mean a rather serious matter lor New Zealand producers who would have to take a penny a pound lose for their hides is a result of duty, or lose the competition of Australian tanners. 'this would mean from 3s to 4s on each hide. In view of (he present low price of beef, the proposal was regarded as a serious matter for the producers. In a letter from an Australian firm of Slide merchants to firms in New Zealand, It was stated that the proposal had been (introduced into the Federal Uenate by a eons! and Senator, who no doubt was Working in the interests of his own State. On the other hand it was stated that Aus-

tralian tanners require about 75 per cent, of their own hides for grain work, and Australia could not produce enough suitable hides without drawing on New Zealand. Australian tanners, therefore, were sir on guy protesting against the duty being imposed. It was suggested that effort should be made to induce the New Zealand Government to bring pressure to bear on the Federal Government to prevent the duty being imposed. A representative of another firm dealing largely in New Zealand hides said the bulk of the hides exported from the dominion last season went to Australia, probably about 60 or 70 per cent. The higher grades only went to America. The imposition of a penny a pound duty on hides to Australia would mean a loss of about 4s a hide to the producer. He added that the impression among Australian hide merchants was that, the proposal would not be carried in the Federal Parliament. At the same time, there was no doubt that a vigorous protest from New Zealand would be entirely in the interests of producers of the dominion. SOUTH LAND AGRICULTURAL NOTES. • From Our Own Correspondent^ The frosts have kept off well, and if any have been experienced they have been very flight, and have not seriously retarded the growth of gra.-s. The old grass is upon the whole looking better than in the ordinary run of seasons, and the young grass is doing exceptionally well. There is n gc od picking in the old grass paddocks for sheep, hut not much for cattle. Turnips of all sorts are shooting into seed rapidly, and gradually becoming less valuable for feeding purpose.?. Many will have to plough them in, not having stock to consume them, end the ground being required to Be worked for the next crop. There does not yet seem to be so much in crop us at one time appeared would be the case from so much ground being turned over. '1 he remainder of this month and into October may see a good deal sown. It is early enough yet to speak with certainty. When the turnip paddocks are cleared of stock it will be possible to fudge more accurately. The crops sown have started well, and seem going ahead unchecked. The demand for seed to some extent helped to raise the price of A grade- oats, especially Cartons, and if not so much will go into crop as was at one time expected the

price may bold good and possibly improve between now and harvest. 'There is a better inquiry for grass seeds arid clover chiefly for spring sowing. With t!ie prices fairly high tor good seed, there is a stronger demand for seed of first quality. Lighter and inferior sorts are neglected, the idea of purchasers being that if they have to pay a stiff price it is better to do so and have the seed good. With first-class seed so much less per acre is required. The potato market has not improved. Ordinary sorts are almost unsaleable. Unless we have an outside market the potato crop can never be a safe one. There is really no good reason for the Australian embargo, and if it were off. with an unfavourable season or a poorer yield than usual, it would help to raise tire value of a crop and encourage increased production. Numerically the producers in the Dominion so fa.r exceed the consumers, and we are almost absolutely dependent upc,n outside markets, j The Southland Farmers’ Union has been resuscitating country branches that have not been kept going and forming branches where none have hitherto existed. Mr E. Bowman, of Gore, has been addressing the farmers, with the result that a very large number of new branches have been formed. Hie time for doing so- is opportune, as the low prices for products and for all kinds of stock, excepting dairy cows, are so low and the _ money market so tight that the outlook is very- serious, and any system, of co-operation or any form of combination which would give mutual help is needed. The critical remarks of Mr M'Farlane, so long mbentified with dairying in the North island, should arrest attention, and dairymen should lay his advice to heart. He has no hesitation in comparing Southland with Taranaki and other favoured districts in the North Island, and says we have the quality of land and other conditions, and vvitn subdivision, closer settlement, and intense cultivation we could easily support an equal number of dairy factories. He just follows on the lines of those who least understand what is wanted, and what can be done. Extra summer feed must be grown to meet all contingencies--hay, or something to supplement turnips. It may nere be mentioned that several'parties who have never grown extra summer feed, but depend entirely on pasturage, are this season pm ting m at least a few acres for that purpose. Those who have hitherto milked a limited number by hand are now increasing their herds and installing milking plants. A considerable number of factories are enlarging- their buildings for an increased supply, but there is a much greater distance between factories here than up north. It is worthy of not® that in several localities factories are projected for another season, and a canvass is being made tor support. In several instances two or ™ l 'ee hundred cows are already promised. At. Isla Bank, between Drummond arid' Jan-lax, a movement is afoot to have a factory on the Wairnatuku Flat, and 400 cows nave already been promised. N.Z. FARMERS’ UNION BRANCH MEETINGS. After discussion regarding clause 2 of the Rabbit Nuisance Act at its monthly meetmg, the Gatlins branch of the Farmers’ Union decided to support the movement to secure a refund of tines paid under this clause to those who could prove the fining was unjust. The suggestion to prohibit trapping was strongly condemned, it being contended that trapping and the use of netting had proved most effective in the Gatlins district, whereas poisoning was rarely successful. Each district, it was held, should be allowed to use the methods tound to be best suited to local conditions, and every inducement should be given to farmers to work hand in hand with the inspectors and the Agricultural Department in a constant endeavour to get rid of the pest. A member claimed that the sale of eaf.skins should be prohibited. He asserted, also, that the weasel was not an unmixed blessing, as it wag often busy after young birds when it should be after young rabbits. Messrs Craigie and Brough were appointed delegates to the Rabbit Nuisance Conference. Considerable discussion took place regarding the increased assessment of unimproved values. It was lecidod to ascertain from the Valuer-general the method of arriving at this valuation. Reference was made to the fact that many of tire fences bordering on road lines were not stock-proof, and this gave drovers more trouble than if there were no fence- at all. It was resolved to forward a remit to the Provincial Council recommending that the Government be asked to pass legislation making it compulsory that road line fences be made stock-proof. There was a fair attendance at the last meeting of the Middlemarch branch. The proposed amendments to the terms of the mill workers’ award were agrec-d to.—lt was decided to request the Agricultural Department to have an assortment of rabbit poisons kept in stock by all stock I The Chairman read a pamphlet, entitled “ The Truth About the American Meat Trust.” A complaint was made on behalf of the returned soldier members that they received no acknowledgment from the Land Board of money paid in by stock agents as proceeds of stock sales, the board forwarding a sale note, but no advice of the receipt of the cash. —It was resolved to re-uuo'-t the board to send a credit note to each returned soldier of the payments made by agents for stock and produce sold by them. Mr Richardson presided over the monthly meeting of the Tahatcka branch. A number of amendments to the mill workers’ award were, after a lengthy and animated discussion, approved. It was decided to support the Gatlins suggestion that the Thursday train between Balclutha and Tahakopa should be run on alternate Thursdays and Fridays to suit the Balclutha and Owaka sale days. The secretary was instructed to write to the Railway Department, asking that two days be allowed to unload trucks consigned to settlers who live eight miles or more from a railway station before demurrage is charged, as, owing to the lack of telephonic and postal facilities, settlers did not always received advice »in time to enable them to have the unloading done in the time allowed by the present regulations. If was decided to make an appeal to the Postal Department for an improvement upon the mail service to Owaka Valley, Tahatika. and Purekireki. It was stated that a resident in any of these places might receive a letter from Dunedin on Monday, but be unable to reply to it till the following Friday unless a special trip (of several miles) was made to the Owaka Poet Office. Tho Clydevale branch, at its last meeting, received intimation from the Balclutha

Borough Council that it was considering the question of improvements to the corporation saleyards. Messrs Bunn, Powell, and King were appointed to represent the branch at a conference respecting prices for chaffcutting. The secretary was instructed to (1) Ask the Clutha branch t-o call a meeting ,to discuss the question of rates and land tax, with a view to applying for deferred payment of same; (2) to write to the Minister of Public Works requesting that erection of the Pomahaka bridge be pushed on, and to the Minister of Justice asking for the appointment of a justice of the peace at Clydevale; (3) to draw the attention of the River Board to the fact of there being no qualified person to take charge of the boat should the captain be at any time unavailable, and to suggest that an apprentice be procured from the Government training ship. Over u farmers met at Waikouaiti for the purpose of forming a branch of the union. Air A. Fell was voted to the chair. After the provincial organiser had addressed the meeting, it was decided to form a branch, and the election of officers was proceeded with, resulting as follows: Chairman, Mr A. Fell; vice-chairman, Mr J. Birtles, jim. ; secretary and treasurer Mr James Hamilton; auditor, Mr J. M'Aulay. A committee of 13 was also appointed. The subscription was fixed at £l. It was announced that the branch would start with a membership of 44. WILD WHITE CLOVER. By J. P. F. Bell, F.R.S.E., F.Z.S. Tho inclusion of wild white clover (Trefoil alii it-pens) into ordinary seed mixtures, both for permanent and rotation purposes, has practically revolutionised many methods of husbandry, especially the laying down of land to permanent pasture; certainly nothing in the way of improved seed mixtures has anything like equalled the results from the sowing of wild white clover. Ordinary, or commercial white clover has been used for agricultural purposes for a very considerable period, but because of its long contained cultivation and demestication —if tile latter word may be permitted —it has apparently lost much of its original vitality and becomes an easy prey to “clover sickness” (stem eelworm) attack. This degeneracy, together with the comparative absence of phosphates, potash, and lime in many soils, probably explains how clover so frequently disappears in the spring. Since its rejuvenation by ordinary methods is probably both slow and uncertain, recourse has been had to collecting seed from wild white clover produced chiefly on meadows in the south of England. In cases where it is customary to take two crops of hay in succession in the ordinary five course system, of husbandry, which is largely done in the north of England and Scotland, it generally happens that all the clover lias, gone from the second year s crop of hay by celworm attack, and practically nothing is left hut too sterns of the grasses. W ith the absence of clover these grow rank and course, and provide a- very indifferent- pasture for sheep on the resultant fogs. By discontinuing the sowing of trefoil and substituting lib of wild white clover seed per acre the effects are simply marvellous; its effects are not apparent during the first year, but its luxuriant development thereafter can be exaggerated. Whilst it materially helps to bulk up the hay crop, the autumn fogs stand an enormous amount of eating by sheep, and its nutritive properties are well illustrated by the enhanced condition of the sheep. It is well known in agricultural science that ioguminius plants absorb free atmospheric nitrogen, thus the residue of nitrogen left in the soil for the benefit of subsequent crops must be necessarily large. The luxuriant growth of clover is by far the cheapest method cf obtaining nitrogen as plant food, thus a valuable double purpose is served. It has been demonstrated again and again that soil well fed with phosphates in the form of high-grade basic slag, on which wild white clover is grown, is much richer in nitrogen extracted from the air than soil supplied artificially with nitrogenous manures in the form of sulphate of ammonia, nitrate of soda, netrolime, or nitrate of lime. But the advantages do not terminate here, because the effects of stored atmospheric nitrogen, from a vigorous development of clover, have a highly refining influence on the grasses in association with it. Tho spreading nature of the clover necessarily crushes the grasses into closer quarters, induces a tendency to spread rather than to grow coarse " and run to seed, and hence sweetens the general herbage to a remarkable degree. WI hi white clover will grow well even on high poor land provided it has a reasonable supply of phosphates. Its immunity to celworm attack, its excellent feeding properties, and, above all, its capacity to store atmospheric nitrogen in the wartynodules of its rootlets, must create for -t a place in the very first ranks of scientific and practical agriculture. Not only for permanent pastures, but for ordinary' rotation purposes also, commercial value can scarcely be measured, and its introduction on a wider scale may practically revolutionise a grieult me. As the seed of wild white clover closely resembles tout of the ordinary 7 commercial variety it behoves farmers to be careful in purchasing in order to be certain that the genuine article is obtained. Tho seed from the first-named variety is slhditly -smaller, and perhaps more oval in 'formation, but even experts with the use of microscope may- bo baffled in selecting it. Farmers should place themselves in the hands of trustworthy seedsmen who own or rent natural meadows for growing clover, and they will thus be more likely to obtain it pure and genuine. Of course all seed merchants _of any standing ought to he above suspicion; at the same time it is not desirable to take any risks with a difference of from 15s to 18s par lb between tho price of the two varities. Relatively tho price of wild white clover i sci-fi during recent years mav appear ox- I cessive, but (he extra expenditure is infinitesimal compared with the resultant economic advantages. The seed from wild white clover, twice cultivated, has occasionally been tried, and so far, it has maintained its vitality; but whether this hardy propensity would" be retained after a. prolonged course cf domestication remains to be proven. Up to tho present this breed of wild white clover has not been on the market in any quantity, but if its use is extended as rapidly in the future as in the recent past it will require to he produced in this wav to meet agricultural requirements. For the laying down of permanent pasture from I£U> to 21b per acre is sufficient, whilst for rotation purposes Jib to lib is a fair seeding.

i The results will naturally depend a p-ood deal on whether or not the soil is reasoni ably rich in phosphates. j Probably nothing will help to make the country self-supporting- sooner than liberal dressings of basic slag and the extensive use of wild whit© clover. The numbers of stock may be increased, indefinitely arid their quality greatly enhanced by 7 improving pastures, whilst on the arable land Die productivity of cereals, roots, and tubers may be increased to a remarkable extent. AN AM ERi CAM’S VIEWPOINT OF THE ARMOUR CONTROVERSY. TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —As an American citizen wholly dis- ! interested in Armour and Company, I am writing this article with the hope that it may- come before the view of many of New Zealand s farmers and stockbreeders. During times such as the present it is only just tnat the farmers should be acquainted with a 1 the facts. . Too much is bang kept from them m the interests of big business. First, of all, Airnour and Co. is criticised as being a trust. Allowing this to be so—although the U.S. Supreme Court has never termed it such, —it remains a fact that Aimour and Co. and other members of the so-called “Bg Five” are the real backbone , D JjV® American live stock industry. Their T .‘ es . for D e purchasing, packing, and I distribution meat are tile wonder of the | American business world. Trade Commissions and rival concerns tried to have them dissolved under the plea that they had giown monopolistic; but nothing, it seems, has ever been found which would warrant such a proceeding. i° illustrate how indispensable the big packers are, most local i-etail butchers prefer buy mg their meats from them, as they can do so more cheaply than they can buy, slaughter, and dress it themselves. Yet the packers pay the top price for live stock at all times, and statistics show that they realise only a fraction of 1 cent per lb on clressod beef. That is surely not inonopoNone of the so-called “Meat Trusts” are one-man concerns. Their stocks and bonds are at all times on the market for all wlio wish to become co-partners. Statistics will show that Armour and Co. of Australasia (Ltd.) is a corporation organiseel under the laws of Now Zealand, October 1, L. 6, for the purpose of doing an export business in » hat country. f l};e company, 1 lie.ieve, has never had a slaughtering plant in New Zealand, all such work being done by local concerns. New Zealand allows other American and foreign capital to do such business in the Dominion as well as to trade with foreign capital witnout restriction, if such concerns are regularly domiciled there. One can mention them without number. This can only be construed in one way. Local concerns do not care to give New Zealand farmers the benefit of the keen competition which Armour and Co. of Australasia (Ltd.) is in a position to create. ’Tis easily seen "uho is benefiting- by the exclusion of Armour and Co. in favour of local concerns. Not the farmers, but the local freezing houses and exporters. , Ns I understand it, under the Slaughtering and Inspection Act of 1918 a fee of £SO is charged for a license to export meat from the Dominion. The fee is in no way exhorbitant, but the manner in which the license is granted is preposterous. Lender the law the Mini.Ter oi Agr.culture is given absolute discretion in the matter of granting od- refusing a. license. 1 do not wish to infer that your Minister of Agriculture may have been influenced by rival concerns to reject Armour and Co.’s application for a license. T only wish to point out the laxitv of such a law. It might be shown that all their concerns engaged in the meat exporting business were granted licenses with the exception of Armour and Co. The Minister of Agriculture gave no reason for such a refusal, except that lie had perused the report of the United States Federal Trade Commission on the meat-packing industry. No specific reasons, understand, only a direct refusal. Since the operations of Armour and Co. and Armour and Co. of Australasia (Limited) are distinct concerns; tho excuse was a very poor one i.naeed. Furthermore, the findings of tbs Federal Trade Commission have never, to my knowledge, been upheld by our judicial system. Had he perused tho report of the New Zealand Committee, as he should have done, he would have found that no monopolistic operations were being T-o-teov 1 by Armour and Co. of Australasia ‘Ltd.) Armour and Co. of Australasia (Ltd.) have never, to my knowledge, been charged with the violation of any laws of the Dominion. If such had been the case the Government would have acted wisely in refusing a license; for a concern which does not operate within the laiv is not a safe concern lo entrust with the handling of New Zealand’s greatest article of export. As it is, f can see in the refusal only one, more battle won for the middleman at the stockbi coder's expense. Mark, I say stockbreeder’s expense; for Armour and Co. is in n much better position to withstand this indirect confiscation than are the farmers and stock-breeders of New Zealand. Another phase of the question which is generally left out is the power of the Government to revoke an applicant’s license at any timp. for sufficient reasons. Does not this law give the Government the whiphand over “monopolies” at all times? Is there not. something inconsistent about the question? No one can say that the New Zealand Government is not acting within its .rights in refusing this license; but all must agree that the farmers are getting the little end of the bargain. —I am, etc., A. S. Brooks. Vicksburg, Michigan, U.S.A. AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAT. NEWS. The Waihcmo Agricultural and Pastoral Association has been carrying out great improvements to its ground at Palmerston, and when the work is finished it is expected that tho Palmerston ground will be the finest m Otago and South Canterbury. The settlers of the district have organised a system of working bees, the teams and labour being provided gratis. Two terraces have been built up to a height of 10ft or 12ft surrounding the show ring, from which the people may view the competitions in comfort and safety. The ground is in an ideal situation and a break wind is provided by a belt, of firs surrounding the ground. All the improvements will be carried out in time for the next show.

Why does frozen meat deteriorate ? Scientists are not yet able to give a definite answer to the question, and the National Research Council, at its sitting at the Melbourne University, therefore agreed to a motion moved by Dr Gilruth, to the effect that a committee should be appointed to investigate the effect upon meat of freezing, end to determine what improvement is possible in present methods. Dr Gilruth pointed out that the export trade in frozen meat was of great importance to Australia. It might be taken as a fact that frozen lamb suffered little by freezing, mutton suffered a good deal, and beef definitely deteriorated. 'I here seemed to be as yet no definite scientific knowledge as to the reasons for this deterioration. The practical effect was that Australian meat did not get one-tliird of the price of fresh English meat on the British market; it was stated that Argentine meat was selling at a greater price than Australian meat. There should be some scientific investigation into the processes which occurred during the freezing of the meat and the time when it was being held in a frozen condition. The investigation would not cost much, but the results might be of great importance. Last year the Department of Agriculture imported a quantity of sugar beet seed from Victoria, and portion of it was distributed to intending growers. A number of trial plots were sown in Canterbury and Otago and the resulting crops were quite encouraging (says the Lyttelton Times). The maximum yield, however, was not attained, chiefly through the seed arriving about two months too late for a seasonable sowing. Several crops yielded from 18 to 22 tons per acre, and with better spacing of the rows and more attention to thinning this yield could no doubt be increased. It is now time to sow seed for the ensuing year. Mr F. E. Ward, Instructor in Agriculture, states that the department has a supply of seed available. A Press Association message from Timaru says that Mr T. D. Burnett, M.P., who has completed a tour of the South Canterbury co-operative dairy factories and learned that in the aggregate they distributed well over £200,C00 yearly to suppliers, and as dairying was only beginning in this district, helped by the slump in meat and wool, it is expected to vastly increase. Coloured varieties of potatoes are not so much favoured as they were previously. Mr H. E. M‘Gowan, of South Canterbury, writing in the Journal of Agriculture, remarks that “this has been caused through some growers producing a certain red potato which is objectionable for the table, as after being boiled it turns an unsightly dark colour. The only reason why these growers produce this potato is because it is a very heavy cropper (they always grow another variety for their own use). It is most unfortunate that this one red variety has spoiled the whole New Zealand market for coloured potatoes. To the consumer one red variety is the same as another, but some of our red-skinned varieties are the best-quality table potatoes grown.” The wheat crops in the Waiareka Valley have come away well and are looking a very healthy colour, but farmers would feel much more assurance if there was more moisture in the subsoil (writes the Oamaru Mail). A few days’ light rain would cause rejoicing throughout the district. Speaking of the changed return from sheep-farming in the last two years, an Ashburton resident gave particulars of a run of 15,000 acres carrying 6000 sheep at Lake Manapouri, Southland, the receipts from which two years ago were upwards of £2OOO per annum. At the close of last season the return was about £790, including £2BO from the sale of surplus stock, and the remainder from wool, which brought from Id to sid per ib this year, against an average of about Is 6d per )b two years ago. A member stated at the Farmers’ Union meeting at Wanganui that a few days ago he passed a farmer taking a line of steers to the local sales, and he was very nearly offering him £1 lCs to £2 per head for them. He learned later that the farmer had taken (hem to the yards and sold them for 15s per head. The steers were rising two-vear-ods. A line _of sheep offered at the Ashburton sale cn Tuesday presented a good example of the losses which have been occasioned in sheep deals this year (writes the Guardian). The line was one of 950 good ewes which were bought in March for 29s per head. On Tuesday they were entered at the Ashburton sale, and were described as being duo to Romney rams on October 1. The ewes were sold in several lots, and the prices they brought ranged from 8s 6d to 13s 2d, although they were in splendid condition. Therefore, after paying for feed and all wintering expenses, the buyer at the peak price lost close on £IOOO on his deal. Two young sheepfarmers residing in the Akitio district had 74 bales oi wool at the recent Wellington wool sale. They have just received their returns, and Save worked out their profit on the clip, and they are now wondering what it would have been had they sent the wool to London. The clip realised £4lB Is Bd, while the charges were £387 8s 7d, leaving a profit of £3O 13s Id. I he charges were made up as follows: —Shearing £Bl, cartage and boat-loading £27 14s, wool packs £27 14s, receiving, weighing, and cataloguing £lO 9d, freight (from Akitio landing to Wellington) and storage £49 ss, wharfage £3 14s, insurance (in transit) and stamps £1 10s 9d, cartage from wharf to store and insurance £4 0s 2d, shepherd and keep £150; -—total £387 8s 7d. TIIE WEATHER CHRIS' 1 GUI R( H, September 17. The steady, heavy ruin which has fallen since early morning has broken a long dry spell. It was badly wanted and will be a tremendous benefit to crops and pastures. T I.M AHU, September 18. The first good rain for many months set in ye-: erday morning. So far about siu have fallen. It seems to be tapering off this evening. CHRISTCHURCH, September 18. Heavy rain continued throughout the night.. The whole of Canterbury has had a thorough soaking. Reports from country districts state that the lain has been lhe salvation of erops. Farmers are jubilant. WELLINGTON, September 13. The Government meteorologist stated that 112 points of rain fell in Wellington from Friday night to 9 a.in. on Saturday morn-

ing, and 378 from then till nine on Sunday morning, tho total being 490 points, or nearly sin. Considerable rain also fell all about Cook Strait and the East Coast of the South Island. OAMARU, September 18. The spell of dry weather has been broken by a very welcome fall of rain. Slight showers fell yesterday afternoon, but rain came on in earnest at nightfall, and a steady downfall continued all night. The large area in wheat will benefit, and, what is more satisfactory, the growing fears of drought have been dispelled. (From Our Own Correspondent.) CROMWELL, September 17 A cold storm is now raging. This is a striking contrast to the ideal conditions of tho last few weeks. A cold southerly gale set in at mid-day. and snow is now falling. It is lying on the mountains down to a low level. Stormy conditions still prevail, and should frosts follow damage to early fruit crops might result. OUR V A NITR R U R Y A H R TOUT; TURAL BUDGET. There is no alteration in the weather to report as far as the drought is concerned. We are stiff having very dry weather. Up to the time of writing it. is nearly three weeks since the last shower, and in the meantime condiiions have at times been unseasonably warm. Of late there has been an occasional foggy drizzle, giving us a point or two in the rain gauge, but these have amounted to little better than heavy dews. The tendency has been north-westerly during most of the time, and that means further absorption of moisture from an already droughty soil, if that were possible. In many respect.s the weather is delightful, but the enjoyment of it is spoiled by the fact that every fine day means that much delay in much-needed growth. The land is nice and warm. Ail that is wanted is a good rain, followed by periodical showers, to make the country literally flow with milk and honey. TIIE CROPS. Considering tho warm, fine weather we have had, the crops are more backward than they should be. This is, of course, owing to the dry state of the land. On the other hand the wheat and oats are nearly as far forward as usual, the springs usually being later than they are this season. There is a little moisture in land that ia ploughed and under crop—not enough to make plant life get away with a rush, but just sufficient to keep it moving. In the northern part of the province, though rain is wanted, conditions are better than they are south of the Rangitata. There has been more rain in North Canterbury than in the south, especially towards the foothills. The crops in those parts are well forward, and promise very well. There is more grass there, too. than in the south, but all over rain is wanted to bring away the feed now that the lambing has started. There is a big area in wheat, this year. It is thought by some that the total for the Dominion will not be loss than 400.000 acres. This, however, seems to be an over-estimation. Of course, there are many who have more than doubled their area, and there are many districts that have gone in for wheat after a lengthy spell. It is safe to say, however, that 350,000 acres are sown, and it is possible that the higher estimate may be nearer the mark. All the crops have been put in early, and should stand a fine chance if the weather is at all propitious. We do not want a big flood; a series of showers about lin at a time would suit us much better. The crops and grass are in much tetter condition to stand a drought than they were last year. They have not be subjected to an oversupply of moisture: the land is open and free instead of being baked after heavy rain, as was the case last spring. Indeed the ground is so free in some parts that it is not safe to harrow the crops for fear of pulling up tho plants. Rilling is being done, and in the meantime many of the crops nro_ being left with that operation only. Bowing is still going on. mostly on turnip land. Right through the season and up to the present there has been a big demand for seed wheat and oats, a sure indication that a great deal of land is being put under crop. LAMBING TIME. Lambing is now in full swing, and the weather is very good for this important time. We usually see some ram and rough weather during the lambing, and we are torn between two hopes this season. Wo do not want to have weather similar to that which was experienced last lambing. At the same time tho crops and grass require rain f and in some instances ward it badly. The grass is short, but it is very good in quality and the sheep seem to be doing all right on it. The turnips are not quite done yet, and numbers of farmers are lambing a portion of tic ir flock on roots, and turning off the freshlylambed owes ns opportunity offers. This year the green crops that were put, in for spring feed have been disappointing, and there will be practically no feed for sheep on the wheat Generally speaking, m October the wheat is so far advanced 'that it, can be stocked, but that will not be the case this season unless there is a change very shortly ind< ed. There is a good deal of speculation as ro what wi 1 be the result of a bumper crop next harvest. ! lie millers cannot absorb it all as it is thrashed, and farmers will have to hold heavy stocks unless the Government makes arrangements to take it over. The. matter is being discussed by formers, everywhere, and (he Farmers’ Uni' li is dealing with the question. There is every prospect of a good lambing iiiis season. There are some ewes certainly that are too poor to give good results, but tho most of lh m are in good heart, and should do well. The lambs scorn to he a big size—bigger (ban they frequently are when the ewes are comparatively fat. A good deal of dipping has been done lately, both in regard to dry and wet sheep. In some eases it has been found that ticks are numerous, and ewes a fortnight or so from lambing are being put through apparently with lio jj) results. that both ewes and lambs will bo better for the dipping later on is certain, and there can be no question at all in regard to the wisdom of putting dry sheep of all sorts through. They will require less attention during the spring, and they will give a cleaner fleece at, shearing. The markets are ail to pieces. There is no fixity about it. Fluctuation occurs at every sale, and values are really determined by what the owners will accept, as bed-rock itiyl what the buyers can rake up. .Some who held in the autumn or who bought in expecting a rise in values now

are finding a difficulty in carrying their holdings owing to tho tardiness of growth in the grass. Luckily tho turnips stood well through (he winter, and they have been drawn upon right up to the present time. RABBITS. Tire dry weather has been especially kind to thy rabbits, and they are increasing in consequence. There are to be seen numbers of half-grown rabbits already, and even in the back country nesting began unusually early. Owners have been bsuy poisoning of late, with varied results, it is found in Some parts that the rabbits .are getting very shy of phosporised pollard. In consequence oats lias been treated with phosphorus, and the poison is being laid after the pest, has been fed with pure oats for a few days. Strychnine is also being used with oats and with carrots, and some very good kills have resulted, lhe practice of feeding them for a time is evidently an excellent one. It throws them off their guard, and then they take the bait, freely. Strychnine is not such a safe poison to handle as phosphorus, and after tho bait has been laid the dead rabbits must be picked up and the carcases buried. It is a deadly poison, and the rabbits get no distance from the poison before they are stretched out. Phosphorus can be used with very good results in the same way—that is, by first of all feeding the rabbits, —and it is probable that this system will obtain to a greater extent than formerly. It is said that in one instance nearly 1500 rabbits were got with an onuce and ia-ha'f of strychnine. This is a fine kid, and the poison was well worth the price paid for it—l2s 6d an oz. Trapping is being discountenanced in most districts, and there are a o-reat many owners who will not allow a trap to be set on their properties. That the natural enemies kill numbers of rabbits is proved beyond doubt, and in trapping these are seriously thinned out. I have found this spring quite a number of barrowfuls of dead young rabbits, the resu’t of attacks by ferrets, stoats, or weasels. Fumigating is being resorted to m some cases, and it is stated that this is a fine method of getting out the rabbits that are left after poisoning. East year about this time we had a flood that must, have, killed thousands of young rabbits in the burrows. This season there has been no hindrance to their increase, and the post, is noticeably thickening even in the agricultural districts. SHEARING INDUSTRY SHEARERS TO REFUSE ENGAGEMENTS. ' VV ELLINGTON, September 14. The executive of the New Zealand Workers’ Union has advised Mr C. Grayndlcr (general secretary) to notify all shearers arid shed hands to refrain from making engagements under the Arbitration Court’s recent shearers’ award. It is understood that shearers cannot be compelled to leave their winter employment. In the course of a statement made to tho press, Mr Graynuler said that the attitude of tho shearers will affect the whole of New Zealand. 1 ho shearing industry cannot afford to be held up for a fortnight, and if the present determination of tho shearers lasts for a month, sheep owners will be compelled to catpitulate. Several sheep farmers who were interviewed said that the attitude of the shearers was not altogether unexpected, but the farmers would help themselves and each other, and would pull through the crisis. SHEEP OWNERS NOT ALARMED. CHRISTCHURCH, September 14. t ‘ ‘ Present, indications all ijoint to the eonelusion trii.it sheep owners, spoi3.lving fr oris* rally, will have no difficulty in oStaining all the labour required, ’ said Mr Nicholson, secretary of the Canterbury Sheep Owners' Union, to-day “Applications for shearing are coming in freely, and those shearers I have come in contact with since the award ■was made have almost without exception expressed _ satisfaction at the court's decision in this case.” Referring to the fact that shearers, as reported from Wellington, were remaining in their winter employment, Hr Nicholson said it would be readily understood why shearers left their winter employment under ordinary conditions, because they had a prospect of making considerably increased wages from shearing This season, under the new award, would be no exception. It was well known among shearers that their earnings could be at least doubled as compared with ■winter employment. A shearer also, when he left his employment, came away with the whole of his earnings in a lump sum. This was impossible to other workers under award conditions in town. Mr Nicholson instanced a ease of one shearer who assured him that be gladly left his occupation as a bootmaker every season to go shearing, and worth I not miss it for anything, as he regarded ir almost in the nature of an annual holiday, and doubted whether there was any other class of work so well paid. The early shearing in Canterbury will commence about lhe end of the present month, and tho season will be in full swing by November. WORKERS’ UNION’S DECISION. WELLINGTON, September 15. The executive of tho New Zealand Workers’ Union, which has already instructed shearers not to accept engagement under tho new award, has now decided to fight for last year’s rates. MAORIS LOYAL TO TIIE COURT. HAS i INGS, September 17. At a large representative meeting of Maori shearers and members of the Nl.it.aara Association, held this morning, iho shearing position was fully discussed, and tile following resolution carried:- —“That the time has arrived when all classes should make a. sacrifice, and as the Arbitration Court is the law of New Zealand, we, as lawabiding citizens, should observe tho law, ami go to work at. award rales, in accordance with the promise already given. We advise ail loyal Maori and pakeha shearers to do the same.” NAPIER. September 14. In conversation with a reporter. Mr W. C. Prime, secretary of the Hawke s Bay Sheepowners’ Union, gave an indication of the feelings of farmers in this district in reference to the advice of the Executive of the New Zealand Workers’ Union to shearers and sirs! hands to refrain from making arrangements under the Arbitration Court’s recent award. “ in our opinion,” said Mr Prime, “this threat is absolute bluff. In the first, place, it is intended to throw dust in the eyes of tho public by trying to make tjhem think that shearers are being ill-used,

■ an d asked to accept ridiculously low rates °f pay, whereas tae great majority of the men realise that the rates are fully equivalent to those earned by other workers, and higher than many of those engaged in tlio | industry can stand. As a matter of fact, 1 we know tnat tile great majority of shearers ; that is, actual workers, not officials of lhe union are more than satisfied with the award rates. In many parts of this district shearers are alteady anxiously looking for work, and have expressed themselves as perfectly willing to go ahead at the award rates, if Air Grayndler's threat were intended seriously, ail I can say is that he and the officials of tile union were very illadvised in their own interests. Their atto hold up shearing cannot succeed, both for the reason already mentioned, and by reason of the fact that so many farmers, on account of tho financial stringency, are forced to do their own shearing. Mr Grayndler’s threat will probably be the means oi inducing other farmers who are not actually forced to do their own shearing to now make arrangements to do so. : I he danger to Mr Grayndler’s union lies in the fact that their action may induce many who otherwise would have employed shearers to do the work themselves. Quite i a number of young farmers, particularly ; among the soldier settlers, who had not thought of doing their own shearing, be- : cause it is a generally accepted custom to employ shearers, if they find they can get along without shearers once, will have learned to do the work themselves, and in future seasons will continue to do so. Mr - Grayndler is making a lot of the fact that wool prices show a tendency to rise. He quite overlooks the fact that rises are conipara lively small precentages, but even though the rise were as much as 50 percent., even that would not bring prices up to half what they were during the commandeer, or up to a paying level. For in- • stance, 50 per cent, on 4d brings the price : only to 6d, whereas the commandeer price was probably Is 3d. The statement that , farmers cannot afford io have their shear- ; ing held up a fortnight, and that they | would capitulate in a month, is also wide ! of the mark. Even if delay is likely, time would not matter. There is no desperate hurry to get the wool away to the sales on ! account of the surplus already on hand, and with the market rising, a little delay might be to- the farmers’ advantages. j AUSTRALIAN UNION’S WARNING. J SYDNEY, September 14. j The Australian Workers’ Union has j issued a warning to shearers against going I to New Zealand, as there is certain to | be trouble there through the action of the ; Arbitration Court in reducing wages in the shearing industry. CANTERBURY GRAIN AND PRODUCE MARKET. (Lyttelton Times, September 16). Few changes have taken place in the grain and produce market this week. Late , rates have been maintained in practically every line, though in most not a great deal j of business has been dene, j The market for Gart-on oats is very firm ! and prices still show a tendency to advance. | As a result of the recent rise in values ; farmers are offering their oats a little more | freely now, but the market is by no means over-supplied, and buyers cap bo found for all the lines coming forward. Algerians ; remain about the same, and there is little demand for them. If anything the chaff market improved somewhat during the week, an increase in the number of inquiries from the North Island being responsible for this. t Recent values in ryegrass, cocksfoot, and j clover have been maintained, and generally i the seed market is steady without any great rush of business. Ihe recent rise in the nrico of potatoes has been maintained, but consequent upon some 15,000 sacks being shipped to Auckland from Lyttelton and Timaru at the be- .-■■'-■ "ug of this week the demand from northern merchants has fallen off to some j extent. _ Still several local merchants are I optimistic about the potato market, and they anticipate a further rise in the near future. However, at present Auckland merchants do not seem to be prepared to offer more than 60s per ton f.0.b., s.i. Local merchants are not too keen on selling a-t this price, especially as, owing to the small offerings from farmers, they do not hold large stocks. 'I he following are quotatic is for produce to bo paid to farmers, at country stations, free of commission, sacks extra, except where otherwise stated:— Miffing Wheat. —According to Government prices: Tuscan, 7s 9|d f.o.b. ; Hun : ters, 8s 03d; Pearl. 8s 3|d. Oats. —Gallons. 2s 9cl to 3s: Algerians. 2s 2d to 2j 4d. : Chaff.—£3 (nominal). Perennial Ryegrass,—3s, 6d to 4s 3d. Italian Ryegrass.—3s 6d to 4s. Cocksfoot.--6,1 to Bd. Bariev.—3s to 3s 6d. Cap . P.nr’ey. -2s 6d. j Red Clover.—ls to Is 2d. i White Clover.—ls to Is 4d. j Potatoes. £1 15s to £2. | Peas. Partridge, 7s to 7s 6d. | Linseed. - £ls to £l6. | Flour.—According to Government prices: ! £2l per ton, f.0.b., Lvttelton, Timaru, and Oamaru. Bran. —According to Government prices: £6 to £5 10s, according to packing, f.o.b. southern ports. Pollard. According to Government j prices: £9 to £9 10s. according to pack- ] mg, f.0.b., southern ports. I SOUTHERN DAIRY FACTORIES. MILTON. Tile annual report of the Milton Dairy Company states, inter alia, that 66 tons of cheese were sold to Messrs A. 11. Turnbull and Co.. Christchurch, as agents for Messrs W. Wed del and Co., London. Tho balance of the output, apart from what was required for local sales, was disposed of to Messrs Bray Bros., Dunedin. All the elieoae was sold at a satisfactory figure, and your directors were able to make a | progress payment to suppliers of 2s per lb ; butter-tal . while another 9d per lb has now ; boon credited to them by way of final payment. making 2s 9d for the season. The qualify of the choose turned nut contineos to be uniformly good, reflecting credit, on Mr J. Begg’s capable management. Milton cheese again secured an honourable position in the Otago A. and lb Society's grading competition. After writing off £73 Is 2d for depreciation and paying off £3O of the cost of the | new water system, there remains a credit ■ balance of £143 10s Id to lie carried fer- ! ward. Out of this the d'roHors lcenm- ! mend the payment of a dividend of five

por cent, on paid-up capital, which will abeoro £6B 5s 6d. During the year I\l 1 J. 11. M‘lntosh resigned his seat on the directorate, and Mr J. F. Robert was appointed in his place, ann will hold office during the balance of Mr M'lnto&lTs tenure. Messrs Joiin Mi !«■: and R. H. MicheHe. retire by rotate-:. ami. being eligible, oiler themselves for re-election. The auditor (Mr .J. •!. Lane) also offers hiii:*- If for re-election. A resolution was pa-srd recommending the directors to take ir.t- consideration the purchase of a first-cla?..- hull, with a view to improving rite ilairy-herds of suppliers to the factory. THE NORTH iSTAND. (I'tlom Oub Own Correspondent.' At the time of writing everybody was hoping that much-needed lain would hold off until after the third test- between the Springboks and the All Blacks, though really there were no signs that the weather was likely to break. As a matter of fact the continuation of the dry spell is causing farmers ;dl over the country a considerable amount <>f uneasiness. Practically no vain of vaiue has fallen for over a month, whereas usually spring showers keeps the grass moving. At pre>ent pastures are iangui>hin'j, and in a number of cases new gra>s paddocks shows signs of dying off. This is most unusual ar tins time of the year, and dairymen are becoming most apprehensive concerning the dry conditions and the serious losses that may be enta led. In the Waik ato the outlook is not at all bright, ami farmers would greatly welcome a consistent: vain for a few days. In llawke/s. 1 >a\ matters are likely to be very bad again without 1 here is a good fall soon, and some parts are already assuming a parched look again. Those associated with the A. and ]*. Association are <;u:tc enthusiastic over the corning Spring Show to be. held towards the end of next month. Do spite the depression caused by the low values of mutton and wool, there has been no reduction in the amount of prize money, and arrangements are being made to assure the success of the annuel exhibition of the province. THE BIT,TVS VALUK. Those who take an intelligent interest in herd raising frankly admit that prior attention should be given to the hull, and this fact was recently stre-sed by Mr J. (J. \V. Murray, a. well-known dairy farmer, when discuft&inp I lie question of systematic herd Meeting It. breeding dairy cows, said Mr Murray if w;;« not ne-i"-s'iry to have pedi

gree cattle, although the sire, which is .'aid to be half the herd, was better to bo pedigree. It was, however, essential that lie should have a good constitution and come from good milking strains on both his sire’s and dam’s side. If dairymen were to go through their herds and try to place all their cows according to merit prior to weighing and testing, they would get the biggest eye-opener they ever had when the numbers came up. He spoke from experience. On their own farm they had believed in getting the best bulls they could, and had tried to improve the herd by throwing out the duffers, in spite of that, however, it was found that they had on the farm matured cows which were boarders. VALUE OF TESTING. Mr Murray then went on to show the value of testing, and his observations, containing’ as they do a cons ido able amount of information. 1 make no apology for send ing bis notes on his investigations in full, as I am sure they will be of interest to all readers of tin* Y\ it ness who are engaged in dairying. “We started the season 1912-13.” said Mr Murray, “by testing systematically, and our herd consisted of 103 cows and heifers, which total averaged 243.41 b of but tor fat ; 30 mature cows aver aged 263.41 b; 12 four-year-olds averaged 302.511>, beating the mature cows; 22 threeyear olds averaged 2741 b; and 59 two-year-olds averaged 192.61 b; of these 59 two yearolds. 24 were brad bv us and averaged 223)b. and 15 were bought—they averaged only 140.81 b. I think we milked only four of the bought ones the following season. We ha 1 33 cow's and heifers, out of 103, to make records equal to the requirements of the semiofficial standards. They were aged as follows: 14 two year-olds. 10 throe-year-old*, six four-year-olds, and three mature cows. The best, cow that season made 388.61 b, and the worst made 51.11 b. Wo retained 63 cows for the 1913 14 season; they had averaged 281.51 b; the 35 rejected cows and heifers had averaged 169.711). “Next season, 1913-14, we milked 97 cows and lunfers, or six less than the previem*season, but they averaged 27311>. which works out at 1414.91 b more than the lier l for the previous season. The mature cows, 39 in number, .averaged 309.61 b, the 17 four year-olds averaged 3flolb, 2.2 three-year-olds averaged 266.21 b, and tin* 28 two-year-olds averaged 219.31 b. Our heifers before, as well as after we began testing, were sired by bulls from tested cows. 'That year w* bad 55 cows and heifers to make, equal to the requirements of the semiofficial standards; seven mature rows, six four-year olds, 11 three-year-olds, and 11 two-year-olds. For next season we retained 20 cows and heifers, which bad averaged 2831 b, and the 15 we

had turned oft 1 lntd averaged 22,8.61 b, we also lost two good cows. The cow to give the best record gave 439.11 b of fat, and the poorest gave 53.81 b. The bottom place was always filled by a two-year-old. For lhe season 1914-15 we milked 101 cows and he fei?, and, as the records will show, they only averaged 255.41 b, which was an average drop of 17. GU, per cow. This, however, was easily accounted for, as we had an exceedingly dry season, and but for the fact that we had so much ensilage and hay they would have been much lower. The 37 mature cows averaged 242.31!); the four-year-olds, 17 in number, averaged 296.21 b. beating the mature- cows very considerably; the ihrce-ycar-clds, which numbered 25. a\<e raged 247.61 b; and 22 bwo-tyear-elriU averaged 200.7!b. Only 20 made records equal to semi-official standards; three mature cows seven four-year-olds. four three-year-olds, and six two-year-olds. The best cow gave 4001 b of fat. and the lowest 80.41 b. Our experience is that two-vear-ohh: more easily reach the semi-official records, and that as they age it is harder for them to qualify for the Registrar of Merit. On account of my brothers going to the front wo culled exceedingly heavily for 1915-16, a ltd for the first time we sold some heifer, of our own breeding before vesting- them. <)nt. of last year’s herd we retained 40 cows and heifers which had averaged 292.11 b, and sold 55 which had averaged 215.71 b. The present season. 1915-16, is not quite finished, but by careful calculation, under, rather than over, estimating the yield. 1 find that our herd has done exceedingly well, averaging 302.71 b. This herd is smaller than for a good many years, and numbers 65, and also a few of last rear’s strippers, whose records have not been included. The 27 mature cows in the herd averaged 34711), the 11 four-year-olds averaged 332.21 b. the sox three-year-olds averaged 274.61 b, and tie 21 two-year-olds averaged 246.91t>. Out of the herd of 65 there were 39 which made records equal to the semi-official standards 14 mature raws, nine four year-olds, two three-year-olds, and 14 two-year-olds. I hope that in a few years' time, by coni inti ing on these lines, our whole herd will make an average equal to the requirements of the Register of Merit. NORTH AUCKLAND LANDS. The Government is evidently keenly alive to the preservation of our remaining forests, and no risks are to be taken in settling lai: Is that, may be a danger to standing trees. For instance, the Waipoua State forest., with its many thousands of lordly kauri’s - the finest kauri forest left in the Dominion, has some good land adjacent to it which is required for settlement purposes. The Fat titers' Union has been mak-

ing efforts to induce the department- to open up these Crown land blocks 4 and 8 in the Waipoua survey district, but the Commissioner has now advised the Auckland provincial secretary of the union that the matter of opening up the blocks for settlement, has been under consideration several times during the last, year or two, blit the obstacle is that it is in close proximity to the Waipoua State forest. The Forestry' Department is of the opinion that if the land were opened for settlement the Stale forest would be in danger of destruction, a« it is only separated bv a road from the blocks mentioned. The Commissioner intends to make further investigations to determine ■ whether anything can be done to meet: ihe wishes of the union, but it is to be sincerely hoped that any pressure will not be sufficient to cause a danger to the forest, which is a magnificent asset to the Dominion. There are so few of these forests intact that those remaining should not be molested or endangered in any way, and it is hoped that the Government will not be influenced to depart from its present policy of preserving our remaining native forests. RABBITS IN ROYKRIY BAY. Tile Rabbit Board operating in the Gisborne district is doing its best to keep the country clean, and is partly successful. Some parts of the country are fairly free. | but some of the outlying portions of the board's area are causing some anxiety. It appears that last- season the country did not receive a general poisoning, us the Government inspector made an inspection last November, and, finding the country fairly clean, tie thought patch poisoning in places sufficient. Results have proved otherwise. At a meeting fit the Rabbit Board Inspector M’Gill said that the rabbits j were now comparatively had, and if the | permanent men on certain sections were j removed on account of the Government's i objection to the expenditure, the money | would have to be spent just the same in patch poisoning. It was stated that the Government's objection was not so much the amount of expenditure as to the difference between the wages to individual rabbi ters employed by the board and the ■ department.. iiiis, it appeared, represented 2s per day per man, hut those concerned were quite convinced that better results were secured by the board’s men, and this was proved by the condition of the country. In view of certain parts being considered bad ii was suggested by members of the board that Inspector M’Gill undertake a joint inspection with the Govern ment inspector. MORTALITY AMONG COWS. A few weeks ago J mentioned in these notes that a number of cows had died m the Manavvatu district through a mysteW | oils cause. I have now learned that a | disease is also prevalent along the coast in I the Taranaki province, a good many c-ows | having succumbed to it. The trouble ; affects the animals like paralysis catching | them a few days before calving. Once the j cows are stricken it seems hopeless to try j and save them. The department has been communicated with on the matter. KILLING THE APHIS. An experiment that will be watched with the greatest of interest is now being made with ladybirds, a consignment of which having been received from California by Dr Tiilyard, biologist to the Oathron Institute, Nelson. .since his appointment Dr Tiilyard, who is a distinguished economic entomologist, has been conducting a series of very valuable experiments with the enemies of farm and garden pests, with a view to cheeking arid subduing the ravages of the numerous species of injurious insects which, unfortunately, are ail too common in the North Island. The objective in introducing these ladybirds is to liberate them in aphis infected districts, particularly those where the destructive species operates so disastrously among apple, rose turnips, cabbages, etc. For instance, in Taranaki last autumn the turnip crops suffered severely from the turnip aphis, and according to Mr W. W. Smith, curator of tlie New Plymouth Domain, when the fruit industry in New Zealand was imperilled thereby five years ago by the ravages of the cottony cushion scale. Mr Koebeli, a German entomologist, introduced a consignment of another species of ladybird from California into New Zealand to cope with the scale insect. In a few years they swept the destructive pest from the orchards, and thus saved the fruit industry. The liberation of new ladybirds is to be carried out as widely as possibly in the Taranaki district, and it is to be earnestly hoped that the experiment will be crowned with success, and that the days of the turnip aphis are over. VALUE OF’ DAIRYING. It is interesting to note that last year ihe value of exports from Taranaki was £5.095,762. equal to over £SO per head of population This speaks volumes for ihe value of dairying to a district. Of course, these figures cover the exports from New Plymouth, Waitara, and Patea. AUCKLAND'S FROZEN MEAT TRADE The secretary of ihe Auckland Farmers’ I'lv (‘/.ing Company has compiled an interesting return covering the operations of the company since 1904. Ii is as follows, tlie respective periods covering being from July I to June 30, the decrease in cattle killed for export during the past season being accounted for by the serious decline in the price of frozen beef on tlie English market .making it unprofitable to shin cow beef:

NORTH OTAGO FARMERS' COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION. ANNUAL MEETING. (FROM O U R O \V N ( /OR U F.S I’ONDEXT.) OA.MAUF, ‘September 17. The annua! ineoiiuu; of the* North Otago Farmers’ Co-operative Association was held to-day, Mr .J. N. Taylor. chairman of directors, presiding over a much smaller gathering of shareholders than usual. The report and balance sheet presented disclosed ihe fact that the year had been an unprofitable one for the association. Commencingl with a. credit balance from last year of £7947 14s 4d. the year closed with a bala nee of £4589 8s Id. From this the directors recommended ihe payment of a dividend of 7 per cent., free of income tax. The chairman, in explaining the position, said that, owing to tlie decline in

'a w if most of cur stable products, the revenue from the commission side of the business had practically disappeared, the shrinkage in wool earnings alone amounting to £2OOO, while land and stock sales had also suffered to a very great extent, and it was estimated that the total decline in the direction named was fully £SOOO. In addition to this, the depreciation in the value of the association’s merchandise represented a further £6OOO. In this connection the chairman said: —"While it is tlie policy of many of the larger warehouses and retail establishments to spread their loss due to depreciation over two years, we decided to cut our loss at once and depreciate our stocks to the fullest extent, thus enabling us to commence operations on a sound basis at the commencement of this year.” He also remarked : "Included in the debit side of the profit and loss account are the rebates and bonuses amounting to approximately £3OOO, and if this amount is added to the balance available for o'istrihution. you tvill arrive at the actual result of the past year’s operations, the loss for the period being infinitesimal.” The part of the chairman’s speech of the most general interest was his reference to the question of company taxation, which I quote in full ns follows:—"With regard to the question of taxation as it affects companies, there can be no doubt that ihe present system is crushing the very life out of manufacturing and commercial enterprises, and if economic disaster is to be avoided the large trading and producing concerns must be relieved to some extent of this enormous burden which for the past, few years they have been called upon to carry. The tax this company will be called on to pay in February next is computed on our balance sheet for the year ended July 31. 1920. The profits disclosed last year were £13.728, and we shall have to pay in income tax alone approximately £6OOO. the rate having risen from 7s 6d to 8s 9 3-5 din the £. As an example of the manner in which the excessive income lax causes increased charges to farmers I will quote from an article on the subject recently published. If a person invested £IOOO in one of the large farmer turning companies to-day be would pro-

bably expect a return of not less than 7 per cent, from his investment. In order to earn a dividend of 7 per cent, the company must earn a further 7 per cent, to pay to the State, and this it must get. out, of the farms, plus ihe cost of earning it. Further than this, tlie investor would bo dissatisfied with his investment unless the company made some provision in the balance sheet for reserves and possible losses. If these reserves amounted to 4 per cent, of the paid-up capital it means another 4 per cent to the Stale, and if you add the other 8 per cent, on to the 14 per cent, which has already been paid by the farmer one soon realises the seriousness of the position.” The motion for the adoption of tlie report was seconded by Mr J. Mill, of Port Chalmers, and was carried. The retiring six electors were re-elected, and a hearty vote of thanks and confidence was voted the directors and staff. LONDON WOOL SALES. MKR.'NOS THE MOST POPULAR AND SELLING BEST. From Our Special Correspondent. LONDON, July 21. Since the opening, the sales in Coleman street have gone fairly well, but there certainly is very little progress in the way of an upward tendency of wool values. Directly more buyers from Yorkshire and the Continent assembled, merinos slightly appreciated. but signs are not wanting as we write that with more urgent wants coveted buyers have lowered their limits, and are now prepared only to buy on tlie opening basis of values This is somewhat disappointing to B. A AY.lb A. in particular, and one feels that even Australian growers cannot, but be disappointed at the course of the market. Great hopes were ex pressed that B.A.W.K.A.’s firm reserves would lead to increased competition and pave the way for permanently higher prices. The most experienced in the trade frankly stated in May and June that the higher values would not be permanent, and that the determination to sell more wool would inevitably mean lower prices. There is no doubt that the sales in Liverpool and Hull during the vacation paved the wav for lower prices, and ii seems .is if the trade can ahsorb with comfort only 100,000 bales monthly, that is if June values are to be maintained. Taking things all round, prices have lost, ground 10 per cent, since the close of last auctions, and there will have to be a sensible improvement in manufacturing conditions in Yorkshire. France, and Germany if wool values are to rise materially. Many serious factors are making against higher prices; not that: the trade wants low priced wool, but from a manufacturing and financial standpoint—two very important factors: - there is not the buying power necessary to push prices permanently to a much higher level than where wool stands to-day. Many buyers state frankly that they have never known a big trade be done when w'ool has been unusually cheap. So-called experts keep telling the commercial world that we are on the eve of a great revival, avid that at the end of the year every mill and factory in Great Britain will be on full time. Everybody hones that this will he an accomplished fact, but the majority have their doubts. However, actual trade conditions are epitomised to-day in Coleman street, and they leave much to be desired. MF.RTNOS SELLING BEST. Ii can be truthfully ratid that fine wools an- selling best and making the highest prices. This is one of ihe most remarkable features of the present situation, and is clue entirely to the tendency of public taste. Even to-day when the buying power of the general public is supeo-* d to be greatly reduced one frequently finds iivai only the best aval finest fabrics are bought. Goods obviously made front coarse wool are not wanted, which, of course, is having its inevitable effect upon ihe pries paid by spinners and manufacturers for fine wools. A very good line of central Queensland wools Isis Downs—has been sold this week, which realised up to 33d for scoured merino fleece. Other lots sold ar 32d to 30(1 ; pieces, 2? id to 18d; locks, lod to lid; and lambs, 13d. Another good central Quondam! clip was offered in the scoured stale. Manuka being represented by some very good lines, though a little seedy. The combing touched 26gd. clothing 24i,d and 232i1. fleece 26d. broken 211 d, necks 21d. pieces 17£d to 15<1. looks lljd, and lambs 11-jd. f'entral Queensland hae always been noted for producing some very good 70’s wools, and though occasional!r

somewhat tender, as a rule there is quality, handle, and stt ie, which appeal to tuuws who are wanting fire merino wools. Luai year’s Australian drought played havoc with sorao of the clips, J?ut sucn marks as Isis Downs, Malvern Hills, Northampton Downs, and Nice Down are clips whicn never lack competition, and never will. West Australia has been represented this series by some very good wools, and Bradford topmakers have felt perfectly at home in valuing and purchasing these. _ The Murchison district of West Australia is now producing some excellent coming wools, which are selling up to 17d in the grease. Some of the clips are exceedingly well grown, showing good 64’s qua lily, a full three inch staple, and a yield up to 50 per cent. These wools being free of shiv and burr aro very acceptable to topmakers and spinners, and on the whole they produce a very full handling yarn and fabric which suits the West Elding trade remarkably well. The offerings from. Victoria and New South Wales have not been great, although up to 20fl has been made for greasy merino combing and 15d for greasy comeback. Even New Zealand merinos have sold this week up to 16d, a clear proof that fairly good prices are forthcoming when the wool is clean and well grown. On the whole values are still 7g to 10 per cent, below the close of last series, and while withdrawals are at times numerous, the merino section of the catalogues is selling well. CROSSBREDS IRREGULAR. One cannot but feel disappointed with the course of crossbreds. Every day the selection is good, some of the best clips grown in New Zealand being catalogued. Apart from 55’s and 58's wools the decline is now all round 10 per cent. This is very regrettable, because crossbreds last series were cheap enough in all conscience, but the present decline is only evidence of trade being bad and the raw material not going into consumption as it should go. It ma kes one feel sick to see really excellent 48’s halfbred fleeces selling at 8d to Si-d, and deep Lincoln and Leicester lots as low at 6d. There ! as been this week a very good show of shoes, and it is current gossip that B.A.W.R.A is carrying colossal quantities of these, up believe well up to 400,000 bales. ’1 here will have to be a radical change in trade before these wools can be sold, for neither the blanket nc.r the tweed trade is in such a- state as to lead to manufacturers buying these at all freely. It is true that good half-bred sliped lambs are selling from 15id to 16d, and they aro cheap at the price. When we come to fine crossbreds. they are moving as low as 12d, while Lincoln and Leicester classes are selling from 7d to 3d. Wo say frankly that these prices are disastrous in view of what they nave cost, and_ unless the writer is greatly mistaken freezing establishments this year will lose heavily. Scoured crossbreds are selling at relatively low prices, all because the Scotch tweed industry is slack, with mills on average running very little more than three days per week, and not always that. What sells best is undoubtedly fine ha’f-hred and croasback classes, but when one gets below 50’s prices are disappointingly low when viewed from the grower’s standpoint. One to-day misses very materially active American competition, even in crossbreds, but Germany continues to buy medium classes freely, and one cannot help but think that the old demi lustre yarn and piece trade which was a lug line in ore-war days shows unmistakable signs of returning. THE BREADSTUFFB AND PRODUCE MARKETS. Friday evetaing. Information contained in a cable message received by Lindley Walker Co-operative Wheat Company (Melbourne) from its Liverpool repr< - is that the official estimate of the Canadian wheat crops is large, and that the Kuropean harvests are fully equal to expectations. Broom hall's” preliminary estimate gives the total surpluses in exporting including new supplies from Argentina, Australia, and India, as 684,000,000 bushels. The requirements of the United Kingdom and the Continent are predicted at 536,000,000 bushels. Perhaps Russia also may need 40,000,000 bushels, and countries outside of Europe may require 66,000,000 bushels. The recent reduction in the price of wheat for flour for export to the East and South Africa does not appear to have influenced an increased trade in flour with those countries (says the Australasian). Orders have been received fairly consistently, but in most instances represent small quantities for regular customers. A moderate parcel has l>een booked for South Africa, but the export

trade in dour at present is providing very little work for the mills. "Broomhall," in the Liverpool Corn Trade News of July 26, remarked: —“Harvesting in Europe, is now in progress nearly everywhere. It would not be correct to say that the wheat harvest is in full swing, but it is certain that in every country, except those of the northern region, winter cereal crops are being cut or gathered, and generally the results are favourable and equal to expectations. This is the case with wheat in Mediterranean lands and France, rye in France and Germany, wheat and rye in Austria and Hungary, and wheat and winter oats in our own country. Rumania and Bulgaria send favourable crop reports, but their wheat crop is small. Russia crop news is very bad, and the spring-sown cereals in western and northern countries aro fairly certain to bo short. LOCAL MARKETS.

There is nothing now to record in the milling wheat market. Farmers have now apparently placed all their lines. The. demand from the North Island for fowl wheat has slackened off, owing to tire Government having permitted a limited quantity of Australian wheat to be imported. This Australian wheat can be landed in New Zealand at 6d per bushel under the- Government maximum price for fowl wheat. Few orders for seed wheat are now being executed, as most of the growers have finished sowing. Milling Whe-at. —Accoi ding to Government prices: Tuscan 7s 92d f.0.b., Hunters 8s o£d, Pearl 8s 3fd. Millers' prices are as follow:—Flour, £2l 10s per ton; 100’s, £23; 50’s, £23 10s; 25's. £24. Bran, £7 per ton. Pollard, £lO. Pearl barley, £lB. Oatmeal, 200’s, £2O; other quantities, £2l. The oat market has taken a sudden upward trend. At present most of the buying is confined to South Island merchants, who, however, have been operating heavily during the past few days. B Ga-rtcns were sold last week at 3s s|d, f.0.b.5.i., but the price stands to-day at 3s 7d to 3s Bd. The advance in price has been brought about by a fear that there may be a shortage of supplies this year, but it remains to be seen whether this fear is warranted. Moreover, the position in Australia has to be taken into consideration. Feed Algerians are quoted there at the present time at 2s sd. There is, in fact, a difference of about Gd per bushel in favour of these feed Algerians as compared with New Zealand B Gartens. Should the New Zealand market continue to advance a demand may set in for Australian Algerians. Merchants in Dunedin are, however, operating with caution, raid watching closely every phase of the market. A few lines are on offer from the country, but growers’ ideas cf value are so high as to preclude shipping business to the North Island at a profit. PRODUCE REPORT. Consignments of chaff are on the light side, but, on the other hand, the demand is quiet. The value of good quality is £5 5s per ton, sacks extra, ex truck. Medium quality is slow of sale at £1 IQs to £5 per ton, sacks extra, ex store. The potato market is a little firmer. The North Island is now offering £3 per ton, f.0.b.5.i., for prompt shipment. This price is equivalent to £2 10s per ton, sacks extra, ex store, Dunedin. Sales have been made at £3 per ton for freshly-picked lines. There is only a fair demand for pressed whealen straw at £3 5s per ton, delivered m Dunedin. Oaten is quoted at £3 15s. Dairy butter is in short supply. Onions are slow of sale. Current wholesale prices are as follow: Chaff: Prime, to £5 ss; medium and light, £4 to £5. Potatoes: Prime quality, to £3. Eggs: St a mpeci, Is 6d; plain, Is 4d to Is sd. Dairy butter: Pats, Is lOd; milled, Is IGd. Melbourne onions, 10s per cwt. Margarine, lOd per lb. Bacon: Rolls, Is 3td per lb; sides, Is 2Jd. Hams, Is 4d. FRUIT REPORT. Business has been brisk in the fruit marts during the week, and all consignments of Sydney fruit have been cleared. The next shipment of New South Wales-grown fruit is on the Kauri, which has sailed for Lyttelton. This fruit will be railed to Dunedin, and .is due to arrive on Tuesday or Wednesday next. A small line of Island oranges met a good inquiry. Doorman oranges and Sevilles are almost unsaleable, as the manufacturers of marmalade have ceased buying. • The Ivanna, which is due to-morrow (Saturday) from the north, is bringing- some bunalias and Island oranges. The demand for apples is poor for this time of the year. Only choice quality is inquired for. Small and inferior are practically unsaleable. Fair quantities of lettuce and rhubarb aro arriving on the market, and are meeting with a sound demand. Cabbages are not too plentiful, and good quality sells well. Cauliflowers

are in over-supply, and wholesale prices are very low. Large-headed cauliflowers were sold on Thursday at 2s per dozen. Current wholesale prices aro as follow: Apples: Mostly Stunners coming forward. Extra choice, to 14s per case; prime, to 12s; medium, 7 s Gd to fis Gd; small, 5 s per case; cookers, large size, C»s Gd to 7s Gd : medium, 4s to -4s Gd; small, 3s; Lord Wolseloy, 9s to 9s 6.1. Lemons: California, 45-3 to 50s; Adelaide, 22s to 255; Sydney, 16s. Oranges: Sydney, 24s to 2Gs; mandarins, to 27s 6d; navels, 24s to 28s. Passions, 25s to 30s. Pears: Choice Winter Coles, to p' or lb; others, 3d to* 4d. Pines, to 365. Potatoes: Sacks, 5s to Gs. Table carrots, Is per dozen bunches; 53 to- Gs per cwt. Parsnips, Is per dozen bunches; sacks, 53 to 7s. Cabbages: Best, t-o 9s; medium, 3s to 4s per sack; inferior, Gd to Is per sack. Rhubarb, 4s Gd to 5s Gd per dozen bunches. Cauliflowers: Choice, 2s 6:1 to 3s Gd per dozen; medium, Is 6d to 2s per dozen; sacks, choice, 1-s to ss; prime, 3s Gd; medium, 2s to 3s. Beet, Is per dozen bunches. Lettuce: Choice, to £s per dozen; prime, 3s to 3s Gd; small, Is to 2s per dozen. Spring onions, l|d to 3d per bundle. Celery, 3d to Gd per bundle; choice, Is. Leeks, 3d to 4d per bundle for best; others, lid to 2d. MERCHANDISE MARKET. Kerosene has been reduced in price by Gd a case as from to-day. Coleman’s mustard has also been slightly red ueed. The price of bulk dates is firming, and in some cases slight increases have- been made. Hawaiian pines show a slight increase in price on the local market, where supplies are getting short Ayers’s Sarsaparilla has firmed in price, and is now quoted at 60s per dozen. A further shipment cf Comp coffee essence has arrived on a bare market. There are no stocks of formalin in merchants’ hands at present, but the market will be replenished by a shipment in the next boat from Melbourne. Large packets of Yellow Three Castles tobacco are practically unobtainable, but the smaller sizes are available. Eno’s fruit salts are getting into short compass, and current quotations are 39s a dozen. There are practically no stocks of sago and tapioca in merchant’s hands. Merchants have no stocks of Golden Eagle tobacco in 4oz plugs, but 2oz and 3oz plugs are available. OTAGO LAND BOARD The monthly meeting of the Otago Land Board, held last week, was attended by the Commissioner (Mr R. T. Sadd), Messrs T. A. Monro, J. Smith, C. J. I ruler, and G. Livingstone. The fotlov. iog applications were granted: —Patrick Francis Carroll purchase of an area adjoining section 85, block I, Cairnhill district, now known as section SI; Joseph Wilson for grazing license over sections 23 and 4, block 11, town of Kelso, also for permission to cut hedges and plough the land to put it into ordfer for grazing; D. L. M‘(Joll, who was recently granted a coal license over part section sa, Duncan Settlement, permission to deposit dross on one of the Grib sites opposite said section; James C. Kerr for an area of about g acre of section 125, Pukeavva Settlement, to enable him to got access to the overflow from the dam; John Pedofsky for a re hearing of his application for section Bs, Poplar Grove Settlement; The Glen-ot-chy Scheelite Mining Company, Ltd., for a sawmill license over parts of sections 3437, block 11. Part S.D. ; Jas. D Littlejohn and Alexander Littlejohn for licenses over sections 2 and 3, block IX, Crib sites, town of Hull: Wm. Joseph Smith for a grazing license over an area of one aero between

sections 37 and 71, block X, Tuapeka Bast district; Mrs R. Ferguson for a lease of Education Reserve, section 10, block XXXIII, town of Lawrence; Mrs J. Russel! for a grazing license over an area of about seven acres between block IX, town of Kelso, and the Pomahaka River; R. Somerville, a license for grazing purposes over sections 21-23. Pukeraro Town, 29, block VII, Tokarahi Settlement, and land between these sections and the river; Mrs A. Kroon yearly license over section 14, block XVI, Dunedin and East Taieri district (Crib site) ; M. M'La-ughlin yearly li-

cense over section 6. block 69, Ganiaru Town ; Si his Lfore, Frank Johnstone, and J. N. Dyke, as trustees for the residents of Waipiata. license to occupy the unlct lands on the Town of Komako for grazing purposes; section 12-0, block X. Leaning Rock district, 6a 3r 3p, Onus. Richard Roland : Charles Simonson area in the Town of Alexandra offered for sale by public auction, section 5, block XXXIV, surveyed area, 2a Or 23j>; James Walcott, section 123, block X, Leaning Rock; Macraes Commonage Committee to have the names of William ITareus and David Peddie inserted in the license in place of those of Alfred A. Cockerel] and Robert Benzie, who had left the district; Messrs Brook Bros., permission to cut flax on Gabriel’s Commonage and on run 527 (Bellamy) held by Felix Flannery; Lanriston Timber Company, to have sawmill reserve area increased by the addition of part sections 1, 2, 14, and 15. block I, and sections 5,6, 7, and part section 8, block IT, Tautuku S.D. ; Wright, Watson, and Harrington, for a sawmill license over an area of 500 acres of their reserved area and being part sections 1. 4, 12. 13, and 14, block I, Taufmui 5.1)., also to have reservation over parts sections 2 and 3 cancelled, and to have part section 1, 14, and 15. block I and part section 6. block 11, added to reserve; improvement conditions on section 3a, Wuitahuna Settlement No. 2 (lessee J. T. M‘Caw) : improvement conditions on section 6a, Waita.lmna Settlement No. 2. (lessee Annie Wallace) ; improvement conditions on section sa, Waitabuna Settlement No. 2 (lessee Mrs Emily J. Brown); M. Francis for permission to cut down a few trees in plantation on section 44, block IV, Maorowhonua (subject to supervision by ranger). The following transfers were approved: Section 15, block VIII, Swinburn (193 acres), Alexander Mackay to James Baird; section 17, block VII, Swinburn (171 a 2r), Margaret Mackay (the proposed administratrix of the estate of the late Angus Maekav) to William Niooll Cathro; sections 8, 19. block TX. Marmvlienua (34a 02..), and section 57. block VII. Marmvhonna, Town of Pukeraro (14a Ir 38 p). Jas, A. 1). M'Kenzie Hutton to John Stonenian Adams; sections 28 and 29, block (IT. town of Hyde (2r), Owen .John Laverty to John Laughton; section in block 111 (25a 3r), Tuapeka West, and section in block 111 (6a), Tuapeka West, Creighton Reid to Christian M‘Murtrie; run 593 b, Wart Hill and Benger

(1950 a), Herbert Breen to Arthur Robert Frame; section 78, block 1, Naseby (42a Or 25p), John Lore to Philip George; sections 1-6, block 111, W aynestown (2r Ir 21p). section 1-3. block VIII, Waynestown (la 2r 34p), and residence adjoining, Annie M‘Donald Kennedy to Duncan Gillies Beaton; allotments 15 and 25. Janefield Settlement (6a). Edward M‘Alister to John Brmsdon. (This was approved, provided the ranger’s report was satisfactory.) ’i he following applications to transfer half-interest were approved:— Section 20. block IV, Upper Taieri ; sections 18 and 31, block I, Rock and Pillar (460-2-39) ; section 32, block I, Rock and Pillar (138-3-00): section 22, block I, Rock and Pillar (277-1-00) ; section 38, block I, Rock and Pillar (9-1-09); section 29, block I Eock and Pillar (65-1-16); section 11, block IV. Upper Taieri (100-1-29) ; section in block IV, Upper Taieri (76-2-20); section 39. block I, Rock and Pillar (6-0-26) ; section adjoining 29, block I. Rock and Pillar (17'; Geo. Byres to Nathaniel Reed. Section 78, block V 111, Leaning Rock (11a), and section 71, block IX, Loaning Rock, Ann Smith to v. chain Henry Smith. lhe following, applications for the expenditure of thirds and fourths were approved :—Bruce County Council, £1 6s 8d; Vincent County Council, to £438 9s. (as amended); Clutha County Council, £ll7 Us 6d : Southland County Council, £4 8s 4(1; Taieri County Council, £9; Maniototo County Council, £316 6s lid; Maniototo County Council, £lO6 11s Sd; Lake County Council, £l7 11s 9d; the Tuapeka County Council submits a schedule of (thirds and fourths), £3O 7s 7d. lne authority of the board in terms of section 74 of (die Land Act, 1908, was requtred for the refund cf £6 12s, valuation tor improvements on section 18,' block VI Kyeburn district, to Mrs A. 11. S. MacrrV:e» original licensee. —Approved. Iho board was requested to authorise the Receiver of Land Revenue to p.ay to the party entitled the sum of £23 18s 6d, valuation for fencing on section 40, block X, Maruwhenua S.D.—Approved. Ihe board was requested to authorise the Receiver of Land Revenue to pay the sum of £75 9s, received as valuation for fencing on section 41, block X, Maruwhenua S.D., to the parties entitled thereto.—Approved. D. C. Payne, lessee of pastoral runs 1710 and 171(1, Waikouaiti County, renewed his application for conversion of tenure to small grazing run under section 32 of the Land Laws Amendment Act, 1914. Deferred for inspection by board. Exemption from residence on section 36, block VI, Lauder, held under renewable lease No. 348 by Mrs L. V. Gordon-GJass-ford. —Twelve months granted. The Land Board was requested to cancel flax license neld by F. Flannery over portion of run 527, Beaumont district. —Cancelled. Application to transfer section 59a, Steward settlement (62a 2r), from Alexander Copeland and Arthur Hooper to Frederick G. Mount-ford and James Inglis Paul. — Ranger to report. Sections. 22 and 51, block 111, Glenomaru S.D., having been selected, the board was requested to authorise the receiver of land revenue to dispose of the valuation paid for improvements.—Approved. Disposal of section 61, block IV, Catlins district, \V. E. Walker.—Resolution granting section to Mr Walker rescinded. O. Selman, lessee of sections 62 and 64, Maerewhenua settlement, applied for permission to remove from section 64 a tworoomed cottage and place it on section 62. Approved. An application to' transfer section? 6 to 8, block X, Mount Hyde (911 a 3r 34p), from Percy James Lister to William Norman was referred to the ranger to report. Alexander Griffiths applied for section 14a, Hilderthorpe settlement.—Resolved that Mr O’Connell bo given notice of determination of lease and to grant area to Mr Griffiths: arrangements to be made for Mr O’Connell to take off his crop. .J. c. Edmondston applied for an additional 10ft of land on the east side of his present miscellaneous license on the foresh ore, Moeraki.—Deterred for inspection by Mr Munro and Mr Livingstone. Donald M'Laren applied for a license over an area on the foreshore at Shag Point, in block IX, Moeraki district.—Deferred. John Hawley applied for an occupation lease over an estimated area of 10 acres in the north-eastern corner of section 1. block X, Loaning Rock district.—Approved, provisionally. Wm. Noble applied to have area held by him under yearly license offered for sale b.y public auction, section surveyed being 1, block IX, town of Alexandra; area, 6a 2r 55 perches.—Land to be offered for sale at auction at an upset of £l7 10s, with improvements (£ls;. John Lothian applied to have the area held by him under miscellaneous license increased by 2 acres adjoining the north boundary.—Declined. An application for a yearly license over sections 120, 121, 123, block X, Leaning Rock (6a 3r 31p, 16a 2r 32p, 18a Ir), by John Lothian, was declined. Hoad Office wrote suggesting that the application of Affix. Raymond Andrews to purchase an estimated area of 200 acres adjoining section 10, block XIII, Rimu district, bo dealt with under the Discharged Soliders’ Act instead of under section 129 of the Land Act. —Approved. COMMERCIAL CABLEGRAMS. FOE FIG X EXG IT A Xfi E R A TES. LONIXJX, .September 15. The foreign exchange rates on London afford the following comparison :

COVERXMKNT SECURITIES. LONDON, Sept ember 15. The following are the latest quotations for Goveminent securities, with a comparison with those ruling last week :

LONDON, September 15. Wheat cargoes are steadily held owing to the strength of America, but business is small. Australian, ex quay, is quoted ait 74s 3d. Flour is steady. Australian, ex store. 27s 3d.Oats: Quiet. New Zealand, ex quay, 433, Beans and peas are slow of sale at lata rates. Sugar Granulated, 56s 6d. The Bradford market is. active, and quotations are hardening. Butter is very slow of sale. The Government prices have been reduced further—Australian by 5s per cwt, and New Zealand by -Is. The cheese market is dull. New Zealand white, 108 s; coloured, 100 s to 101 s. ( In the money market short loans era quoted at 3| per cent., three months’ bills at 4| per cent.. Consols at £lB, and New Zealand 4 per cent, at £B6. lls J °B<P r: Spot ’ £37 13s ° d ’ £orwK! ' d - £G9 Lead: Spot, £23 ss; forward, £22 13s. Spelter: Spot, £25; forward, £25 IDs." Tin; Spot, £155 23 6d; forward, £157 7s Gd. Silver, 3s 3gd per oz. September 17. Frozen Mutton. —Canterbury, heavy. Gd * South American, light, G\d. * Lamb—Canterbury, light, 12|d; medium, 124 d; heavy, lid; seconds, 12J. Southland, 12Jd. North Island, selected, 121 d • ordinary, lljd; South American, light, 10'd; heavy, 9Jd. Frozen Beef.—New Zealand, new hinds, 61“ l Uruguay, fores, 4d; chilled Argentine fores, sd; hinds, 9Jd. Cotton.—October shipment, 13.10 d per lb. Jute.—Firm. Old crop, September-October shipment, £3l 10s to £3l 15s per ton. On a final estimate the crop will be 4,100,000 bales compared with G. 250,000 last year. Hemp.—September-November shipment. £3B. ‘ ’ Rubber.—Para, 12Jd; plantation, SJd; smoked, 9Jd. Copra.—September-November shipment. £3l 03 per ton. Linseed oil, £3B per ton. Turpentine, 6Cs 9d per cwt.—A. and N.Z. Cable. TALLOW SALES. LONDON, September 14. At the tallow sales 1657 -casks were offered and 1173 sold at full late rates. * PIGIRON AND STEEL INGOTS. LONDON, September 12. The production of pigiron and steel ingots last month showed a marked increase compared with July. Forty-six blast furnaces wore operating, compared with 13 at the end of J uly. AUS TR A LIA X MARKETS. MELBOURNE, September 16. Barley : English, 4s 9d Cape, 3s 9d, 3s lOd. Oats, 2s 7d. Potatoes, £3 10s, £5. Onions, £2. The final wool sale of the September series found competition animated and prices practically on a par with the highest rates realised during the season. Hides are firm All good-conditioned advanced Jcl, and other sorts are unchanged. SYDNEY, September 15. Oats: Algerian feed, 3s 2d to 3s 3d; milling. 3s 6d; white feed, 3s 9d to 3s lOd. Maize: Yellow, 5s 3d to 5s Gd; white, 5s to 5s 3d. Potatoes: Tasmanian, £1 to £lO. Onions: Victorian, £4 to £O. ADELAIDE, September 13. Oats: Milling, 2s 7d. PRIVATE CABLES. Tho New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company has received the following cablegram from London, dated 14th instant: Tallow.—We quote present spot values tor the following descripions: Fine mutton, £2 19s 6d cwt; good beef, £2 18s; mixed, £2 113. Fairly good demand. Frozen mutton, old to 7yd per lb. Frozen lamb, Is (Rd per lb. Frozen Beef.—Hindquarters, s£a per lb; forequarters, 3Jd. Market dull, with downward tendency. New Zealand butter, £ll 4s per cwt. Market dull. Cheese, £5 4s to £5 8s per cwt. Market slow. The National Mortgage and Agency Company is in receipt of the following cable from London: —“The auction has closed firm, buyers operating freely. We quote merinos, h-alfbreds, and medium crossbreds lid, coarse id dearer, compared with close o£ last sales: we quote clo-ssbred slipe unchanged.’’ Messrs Murray, Roberts, and Co. have received the following wool market cablegram from London, dated 15th inst.: —-“Sales closed firm, 95 per cent, sold; all sectiona operating. Compared with opening rates, good greasy and scoured merino advanced 10 per cent.; inferior merino 5 per cent. Fine crossbred is up 5 per cent; medium and fine crossbred, par to 5 per cent.; coarse crossbred shows no change. Slipes irregular, advanced 5s to 10 per cent. ; lambs neglected.” A comparison of prices is given below:

Year. Lambs. Sheep. Cattle. 1913-11 . .. 87,066 21.671 10,888 1911-15 95,8-12 21,076 1915-16 . . 1 11,17.3 48,41G 47,611 1910-17 . .. 01.351 27,297 24,561 1917-l-S 74.085 106,519 19,587 1915-19 78,272 149,211 30, / * l 1919-20 56,836 96,013 22,698 1920-21 75,612 67,042 10,461

Par. Sept. 12. Sept. 15. Paris (fr.) 33.362 51.73 52.97 Christiania (kr.) 18.150 28.67 28.73 Stockholm (kr.) ... 1.8.159 17.25 17.17 Copenhagen (kr.) ... 18.159 21.27 20.93 -Montreal (dol.) 4.86 4.19 4.13 New York (dol.) 4.86 3.74 3.6:)* Yokohama (yrn) 24* 31i 31* Hongkong (dol.) ... m m 321 Perlin (mark) 24.48 398 405 Calcutta (nip.) 10 to gold sov. 16£ 163 PANIC OF ENi '• LAND P E-TERNS. LOXIX >X. •September 15. 'Flie Pank of England returns for the Week ended September 15 afford the following coin parisons with those of the previous week :— Sept. 8. Sept . 15. Coin and bullion £ 126,589.000 £ 126.952.000 Reserve 20,428,000 21,653,000 Preport ion of reserve to liahi lilies, per cent. ... 13.08 14,98 Note circulation 124,433,000 125.208,000 (lovemment. deposits ... 15.479,000 15,053.000 ()ther deposits 140,870,000 1 29,548,000 Crovornment securities 74,047,000 61.2 ‘42,000 Other securities 70,827,000 70,810,000 Short loans, S* per cent.; three months’ bills, 4* per cent.

Last week. This week. PCT cent. Imp. Con £47 17 0 £43 O 0 5 per cent. Imp. War loan... 83 5 0 88 17 G cent. Imp. War Loan 87 10 0 83 2 G -1 V r cent. C’wealth Loan... 99 5 0 99 7 6 5£ Per cent, ("wraith L -an ... 95 12 0 99 7 6 N S.W. 4’s. l:i.‘,8, Jan.-Julv ... 77 10 0 77 7 a N.S.W. Si’s. lflSj-oO, Jail.-July 03 7 0 63 5 0 N.S.W. 3’s, 1935, April-Oct.... *07 5 0 GO 15 (t N.S.W. SVs 97 5 0 97 0 0 N.S.W. Ci's 102 17 6 102 17 « Vic. 4' s, 1921-G, Jan.-Julv ... 83 5 0 89 0 0 Vie. 3 Vs, 1929-19, Jiin.-iulv... *03 5 0 63 2 G Vic. 3 ’s, 1929-49, Jan.-July ... 57 7 6 57 2 6 Q ’ 1 a i id 4’s, 1924, Jan.-Julv ... 93 0 0 93 0 0 Q'la rid SJ’s, 1921-24, Jan.-July 83 17 G 88 17 6 Q’land 3’s, 1022-47, Jan.-Julv 68- ► 0 O 50 0 0 N.Z. 4 s, 11129. May-Xoy. ... 85 12 0 80 0 0 N.Z. Si’s, 1940, 3 an. -July ... 70 0 0 70 0 0 N.Z. S’s, 1:14-., April-Oct. ... *G0 12 0 00 12 fl S.A. 3’s, 1930, Jan. -July 52 0 0 51 15 0 14.A., Si’s, 1945 or after 08 10 0 08 5 0 i as. i s, 1920-40, Jan.-Julv... 09 5 0 09 0 0 Tits. 3 ’s, 1920-40, Jan.-Julv ... 63 0 0 64 0 0 W. A. Si's, 1920-35, Mav-july 72 0 0 72 0 0 W.A. 3’s, 1915-35, Mav-Xov. 08 10 0 63 15 0 * Kx dividend. LONDON MARKETS

56's, sideling GO J an. 20. Apl. 15. June 20. Aug. 30. Sep. 15. per cent. .. 50's, yielding 65 — It ISi itj loi per cent 44/46’s, j’ielding l-i i Hi 13 ii Hi 72 per cent. .. 36/40*8, yielding 10 7i 8i 7i 7i 75 per cent. .. 8J 5i 6} 6 6