STOCK AND GRAZING NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3590, 2 January 1923, Page 11

STOCK AND GRAZING NOTES.

Weekly Stock Sales. Monthly (continued). Burnside, Wednesdays. Dnntroon, Ind WedneeAddington, Wednesdays dgr. Waiareka Railway Juac* Woodlands, Brd Friday tion, Tresdaya. Milton, 2nd Tuesday. Wallacetown, Tuesdays. Balfour, 3rd Thursday. Fortnlnhtlv Thornbnry, Ist Friday. Fortnightly. Dnutrooa, 2nd WednesBiversdale, Fridays- day. Ashburton, Tuesdays. Otautau, 2nd Friday. Heriot, Thursdays. Riversdale. 3rd Friday. Winton, Thursdays. Waik_ka, last Friday. Wyndham, Thursdays. Olyderale, last Tuesday. Clinton, Thursdays. Balclutha, Fridays. Periodically as Bore. Tuesdays. Advertised. Lumsdeu, Mossbum, Monthly. Orepuki, Uataura, Palmerston, 4th Thurs- Waikcuaitl, Biverday. ton, Ngapan, and Winton, 4th Tuesday. Otago Central Sale. OTAGO. Although the weather in Otago last week was overcast, it was warm and at times sultry enough for the most frigid of holidaymakers. The wool sale held in Dunedin on the 19th ult. was notable on account of the prices realised generally for Otago-grown wools, irrespective of “counts.” Both fine and ordinary crossbred wool realised prices not anticipated by the most optimistic of brokers, and at times a figure which caused growers to “hold their breath.” Fifty to a hundred per cent, increase on prices ruling for similar wools not so many months ago is sufficient reason for a grower’s gratification, even if “consumers” wonder how they will get along in the future, and long for the “Stone Age” once more. We note that Puketoi Station merino wool (Central Otago) Mrs Watson Shennan, topped the market with 28jd per lb for wether, ewe, and hogget super combing wool for a dozen bales tonic being taken by Ross and G endinin’g and some by the Mosgiel Woollen Factory; the pieces making 21|d per lb, and going to the local mill. Torepuke, Kelso (Alf S Herbert), wool made 24id for the first combing halfbred and 24d for super combing hoggets, and was bought for foreign consumption. The price paid for the Puketoi merino has only once been equalled in New Zealand, and that was in Christchurch at the last sale. Mr W. E. de C. Hughes, of Tokarahi, North Otago, realised 23id for his halfbred ewe. Btronach, Morris, and Co. were the fortu-

nate agents who earned the commission on the foregoing sales. The demand for fine wool abroad and also by local buyers is well exemplified when one finds that such station clips as Mount Royal (Palmerston), Birchgrove (Central) and, Cecil Peak (Central) realised an average for. fleece wool (inclusive of pieces) of 21£d per lb by owners' agents, Dalgety and Co. Of the wool brought for export at last sale at Dunedin it is interesting to learn that England bulked largely, and, of course, the local mills; but only 10 per cent, goes to America. NORTH ISLAND STOCK VALUES. Very little business is being done in stock in the North Island owing to broken weather, show fixtures, and the general holiday-prevailing feeling. Competition is fair, and there is a distinctly better tone in the markets generally. Yardings are on the small side, and will be until January is well advanced. In the Poverty Bay district shorn wethers in good order made to 255, fat lambs. 20s to 26s 6d. In the Wairarapa wethers made to 245, two-tooth (mixed) 10s to 245, two-year-old steers £2 5s to £3, three-year-olds £4. In Hawke’s Bav wethers realised 21s to 25s 6d, two-tooth wethers 2ls, good station yearling steers to £3 ss, two-year-olds to £4 ss, three-year olds to £5, four-year-olds (forward) to £6 3s. STOCK NOTES. The holidays necessarily have interfered with business in stock, but there is evidence that farmers and graziers in Otago are not disposed to accept lower values for any class of animals now putting on condition than a fortnight ago. On the contrary, in anticipation that the freezing works will open at prices for lambs and wethers close up to values rilling last week at Burnside, farmers having the feed (and practically all of them axe enjoying a good season) will await eventualities with equanimity. They are, in fact, on a “good wicket,” and intend to make runs while the sun shines. Wool is coming off in fine order, with the sheep in rare condition, while the price of wool per lb could hardly be bettered. The milk supply is as good, and in many cases in advance, of the quantity handled by factories in Otago and Southland at this time last year. East Africa has been drawing upon New Zealand for Romneys. On December 15 per Ulimaroa Messrs Wright, Stephenson shipped jto consignees in East Africa 14 twotooth stud Romney rams on account of Mr A. R. Fannin, of Taihape, one two-tooth stud Romney ram on account of Mr R. Tanner, Longburn, four two-tooth stud Romney rams on account of Mr Oscar Monrad, and on the same breeder’s account three two-tooth stud Romney ewes. Some years ago Messrs Abraham and Williams, Ltd, consigned to clients in East Africa a number of Romney sheep, and it must be gratifying to New Zealand breeders that sheepmen from the other side of the world should come this way to replenish and improve their flocks after a trial. As noted in a previous issue of the Otago Witness, the highest priced stallion at the northern stud dispersion sale at Lanark, Scotland, in October last was bought for Australia by Mr William Black for 1530g5. To accompany this sire to the land of the Southern Cross (vide our London correspondent’s letter) Mr Black has purchased the Cawdor Cup champion mare Wells Mescal and a two-year-old filly Musa, by Kismet ex Esta, the latter at what is said to be a record figure for a- Clydesdale female. Recently a shipment of high-class pedigree Ayrshire bulls were exported from Liverpool by Mr W. E. Smith, Edinburgh, for India. These bulls are to be used on the native cattle with a view to grading up the milk-producing stock on certain farms which are being conducted largely on European lines. The bulls have all been selected from milk-record stock in this country, as it is realised that only those animals which are descended from proved milkers are likely to be of any use in India. They include representatives from the well-known herds of Auchenbrain, Anehlochan, High Carbeg, Greenan, Lessnessock, Low Milton, and Overton.

At the London dairy show the Bledisloe trophy for the Breed Society with the six best all-round dairy cows went to the Lincolnshire Red Shorthorns. Recently there arrived in Quebec the largest shipment of Jerseys ever sent to Canada. The importation was made by Messrs B. H. Bull and Son, Brampton, and comprised 67 head, made up of 53 cows. 10 heifers, two heifer calves, one five-year-old bull, and one yearling bull. There was a good demand for females at the dispersal sale of the Friesian herd established by the late Mr David Mitbhell. v ictoria. Dairymaid 12th, a seven-year-old cow of fine type, was bought by Mr A. J. Tedoastle. of Toolernvale, for sc*igs (says the Australasian), the same buyer took five other females at prices ranging frorn 25g3 to 38,25. Mr Hannaford (South Australia! paid vugs for Rosey 56th. Rosey 32nd we a to De Sewell at Mgs. Some of the cattle breed societies of England are protesting against the restrictions placed upon the import of cattle to Australia by the Commonwealth Government. TVenty-tihree herds, owned by 20 ccnv petitors, were entered for the Silcock 500guinea Challenge Oup for dairy herds. The breeds represented were dairy Shorthorn, British Friesian, Lincoln Red, Red Poll, and South Devon. The herds were situated in Cumberland, Cheshire, Berks., Bucks., Dorset, Devon, Glos., Herts., Kent, Lancs.. Lines., Northants, Suffolk, and Wilts., and the judges, in their report, state that they found that the very high standard attained by the competitors did not lighten the task of awarding points on inspection. a r ® James Putman’s Friesian herd was placed first, F and T. Neame’s Friesian herd second and W. Hunter’s pedigree dairy Shorthorns third. On the two previous occasions iiion which this competition vv as held Mr Horace Hale, of Worthing, was the winner. He did not compete this year, but the “black and whites” were again sucSEAS oY’S LAMBING. Following are complete estimates of the current season’s lambing, computed from estimated average percentages furnished by the Department of Agricultures inspectors of stock in the various districts. Corresponding figures for the three previous ye-r S together with the actual numbers . of lambs tailed, are also given for comparison. North Island.—

FROZEN MEAT SHIPMENTS. LAMB FOR NEW YORK. The shipments of frozen meat in November show that 15,603 quarters of beef were exported from New Zealand, as against 34 634 quarters in the corresponding month of Tast year; mutton, 63,232. carcasses against 111,202 carcasses last year; and 27 394 carcasses lamb, against ±3,660 carcasses. The shipments for each of the past eleven months show as under:—

Totals .. 33,787 296,087 847,503 The shipments to New York were expected to arrive (says The Dominion) : In April, 20,229 carcasses; in May, 12,746 carcasses, and in August 30,036 carcasses. The August arrival was for New York or optional ; that is, it could be diverted to any other oort. Tile duty on imported lamb since September 21 in the United States has been 4 cents per lb, and it remains to be seen whether 1 New Zealand lamb can be sent to the States with this handicap. A MERINO stud book. The question as to wether a merino stud book is a good thing for the breed or not is a debatable one, and although there are many enthusiasts in favour of its adoption there are many more, in Tasmania at any rate, who strongly oppose its adoption (says The Weekly Courier). Those in opposition point out that Tasmanian breeders have maintained their flocks for many years, and that their purity of blood has not been affected. They contend that the difficulties in the way of keeping records with sheep are so great as to be practically insurmountable, and they argue that if success has attended past methods there is nothing to be gained by adopting fresh measures. As far as the breed itself is concerned, it is quite probable that no good purpose can be served by the introduction of a stud book. But there are other points to consider. In nearly every country incontestible proof of the purity of breeding of stud animals is now demanded, and registration in a stud flock or herd book is absolutely essential. Quite recently Australian breeders formed a Merino Stud Book, and the movement is beipg supported by practically every mainland State. The latest development is the decision of the South African Merino Stud Breeders’ Association to impose a time limit of two years for the entry of “foundation” flocks. For many years the mainland absorbed the whole of the Tasmanian surplus, but recently quite a steady demand has set in from South African woolgrowers. Now

that both these countries have adopted stud books, Tasmanian merino breeders must earnestly consider their future policy. Can they afford to remain outside! 1 By doing so they stand to gain nothing, but probably to lose a great deal. Emphasis must- be laid on the fact that while it would be a simple matter for Tasmanian flocks to be entered in a stud book at the present juncture, each year will substantially add to the difficulties of doing so. The mainland States will get ahead of us with flocks of doubtful purity, while our own untainted sheep will be relegated to the background. Any country which is interested in the export of stud -animals cannot afford to be without its stud, herd, or flock books, seeing that it is one of the first matters which interest buyers, and they, after all, are the men who find the money. A BIG DEAL. BRITISH AND ARGENTINE INTERESTS. The Western Union Investment Company has agreed, states the London Evening News, to acquire tiie whole ot the ordinary and preierence shares of the British and Argentine Aleut Company on the basis ot 00s lor the ordinary and 32s 6d for the preference shales payable in cash on November 15. The purchase is guaranteed by Lord Vestey and Sir E. H. Vestey, Bart., directors of the Union Cold Storage Company. The directors of the B. and A. Meat Co. arc to retire and to receive £30,1100 compensation. Mere than £4,000,000 in cash is involved in the deal. The Union Cold Storage uo. has an issued share capital of nearly £5,000,000. The Western Union Investment Company is unknown to the Stock Exchange, and it is assumed to be acting as a financial intermediary for the consolidation of the British and Argentine Meat Company with the Union Cold Storage Company, of which Lord Vestey is chairman. The British and Argentine Meat Company is itself the outcome of two mergers. The issue share capital is nearly £1,500,C00 (6,449,500 preference), and lor several years the ordinary dividend has been per cent. The net profit last year was £534,9C4. Its assets, which inculde the entire capital of Las Palmas Produce Co., stood m its last balance sheet £4,127,000. The Union Cold Storage Company’s issued capital is £4,780,000. It consists of six, seven, and ten per cent, preference shares and £300,000 ordinary shares. These ordinary shares are privately held, and annual dividends of 10 per cent, have been paid since 1914. The balance at December 31, 1920, showed assets of £10,002,831, and the profit and losa account for the year disclosed an available balance of £467,393. The company owns a fleet of refrigerating steamers cf a gross tonnage of 140,000. —How the Shares Jumped.—British and Argentine Meat £1 shares jumped from 28s 9d to 62s 6d just before the announcement of the terms of the deal was made. According to the report dated March 27, 1922, the directors of the British and Argentine Meat Company, Ltd., were: Mr Sidney Young, 0.8. E. (chairman). Mr Walter Blease, the Hon. A. P. Henderson. Mr W. Higgins, 0.8. E., Lieut.-Colonel Woodbine Parish, C.8.E., and Mr John Alfred Wood. —Britain’s Meat King.— Lord Vestey, head of the Union Cold Storage Company, is one of the most powerful business men in the country. Vestey Brothers, of which firm he is the chief, owns and manages freezing works, cold stores, or cattle ranches in Great Britain. France, Russia. China, Australia. New Zealand, the United States, South America. South Africa, Madagascar, Spain, Portugal, and other countries. Lord Vestey was born in Liverpool m 1859. and raised to the peerage this year. He was attacked because he had lie come domiciled in the Argentine Republic to avoid British taxes. MEAT PRODUCERS’ BOARD WEEKLY PRICES FOR FAT STOCK FOR EXPORT. WELLINGTON, December 22. Tlie New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board advises that the following prices were offered to-day (December 21): Auckland.—ethers—641 b and under, 54d ■ 651 bto 721 b, 5d ; 731 b and over, 4Jsd Second quality wethers, 4id. Ewes—64lb and under, a id; 651 b to 721 b, 4d; 731 b and over, 3id Second quality ewes, 31,d; prime woolly lambs—42lb and under, 9d ; 431 b and over, Bid; second quality, £gd. 'Prime ox beef] 20s per 1001 b; second quality ox beef, 15s per 1001 b. Cow beef. 15s per 1001 b Poverty Bay.—Wethers—64lb and under, bad; 65ib and over, 4|d second quality wethers, 4|d. Ewes—64lb and under, 651 b and over, 3gd. Prime woolly lambs—--421b and under, 9d; 431 b and over, Bgd; second quality, Prime ox beef, 20s per lOClb; second quality, 15s per 1001 b Cow beef, 15s per 1001 b; second quality cow beef, 12s 6d per 1001 b. Hawke’s Bay.—Wethers—64lb and under. s§d; 651 b and over, sJ>d; second quality wethers, s£d. Ewes —641 b and under, 4£d; 651 b and over, 4d. Prime woolly lambs—--421b and under, lOd; 431 b and over, 9jd; second quality, 9jd. Frime ox beef, 20s per 1001 b; second qualitj- ox beef, 17s 6d per 1001 b. Cow beef, 15s per 1001 b; second quality cow beef, 12s 6d per 1001 b. Wanganui.—Wethers—s6lb and under s§d; 571 b to 641 b, s^d; 651 b to 721 b, sid; 731 b and over, sd; second quality, sd. Ewes, all weights, 4jd. Prime woollv lambs, 421 b and under, 9jd. Prime ox beef, 20s per 1001 b . Cow beef. 15s per 1001 b. Christchurch. —Wethers—64lb and under, s|d; 651 bto 721 b, sj;d; 731 b and over, Ewes—64lb and under, 4jd ; 651 bto 721 b, 4d; 731 b and over, 3jd; second quality, 4d. Prime woolly lambs—42lb and under, 9jd; 431 b and over, 9d; second quality, 1 9d. The difference in the return to the grower between kidneys left in lambs and kidneys taken out is equal to id to gd per ib. That is, a grower getting 10s per lb with kidneys left in is getting equal to 10fd to 10!d with the kidneys taken out.

1922 . 1921 . L920 . L919 . 1922 1921 1920 1919 1922 1921 1920 1919 1 M M M M JO M tO tO cn ca <a ca 05 CA Cl J 35 M ca V* V o Q Iti- o CO. 00 -v| 05 "co Vi oo Vi .ag.a.s 1 £2 S S£ =3 H* 00 Number of Breeding S2SS 05 CD gD 4— 1 'V CO CO CA 02 o tj'v V- & SSgw Ewes. <1 00 On CD ! 5 SSS.g d ? 225SP Estimated - Average S C CO i 3,'SggS M Percentage of 1 M H* J § S' Lambing. O CD OO t ■ B CA CA CA C> O S'^ 1 CO CA 00 «3 Co CO CA to H* CA JO p Egsfe OJ CA CO oo Estimated Number "OS C0V| O wenmo t5DO“» CO rfk. t*:*. Vj CA V? 01 “4 tO CA CO CD |U _CA o of Lambs. CD CO S JU jf*. p CA CA Cl Vs 8 , ppj4 CO Off CO sas | V* 'o V» to -q CA 0^41 Actual Number 'wca'co • co Vj to of Lambs rccLfc i CA <1 5d C 2 M Tailed.

J anuary February March April May 3 une July .. . August Septsmber . October November Beef quarters 12,602 ' 21,791 8,672 13,327 8,562 6,113 41,020 73 031 43,052 18,245 15,603 Mutton carcases. 185,339 427,763 410,460 354,101 525,637 198,538 142,508 153,986 191,141 194,830 63,232 Lamb carcases. 422,035 618,226 670,314 507,403 735,888 455,818 556,172 364,491 251,581 69,397 27,394 Totals 262,018 2,847,645 4,678,719 The bulk of the meat lias been shipped to London, and the qua rtities sent to other ports were as follow:Beef Mutton Lamb quarters carcases. carcases. Liverpool 14,442 131,262 622,173 Manchester . 17,163 72,534 67,300 Avcnmcutb . 2,001 23,824 72,217 5,181 8,407 22,802 New York . — — 63,011