NOTES ON RURAL TOPICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3610, 22 May 1923, Page 10

NOTES ON RURAL TOPICS.

Good farming assumes a rotation of crops,

The Fund of Fertility.

the growing ol legumes, and conservation ot inailure, all ot whicn help to maintain

the fertility of the soil. If you sell off the farm tat cattle, sheep, iambs, wool, dairy produce, cereals, etc., theie is so much loss ot plant food. It lias gone for good. The revolving iund of plant food has been tapped, ana so much nitrogen, phosphorus, potash, calcium, etc., have been sold off lor cash. It is a mistaken idea to imagine that live slock farming or dairying can maintain soil fertility indefinitely unless foodstuffs are purchased in considerable quantities; besides heie is rarely done. A IOOOib steer contains tne phosphorous equivalent of over lewt of superphosphate. A 10001 bof live pork contains very nearly a similar amount. An average dairy cow’s annual milk accounts for the removal of fully 701 b of superphosphate if the milk is sold off the farm. Hence the importance of fertilising our grass paddocks and root crops, etc. Apart too, from a certain depletion of soil fertilising constituents involved in the sale of foodstuffs, etc. (wool included), it is much more satisfactory from all points of -view to xortify live plants on the farm with some commercial fertiliser failing a big supply' of finm manure, inasmuch as farm crops are ab.e to offer increased resistance to disease as compared with untreated crops. Of course, a farmer cannot be expected to add fertiliser unless it pays, but he should mine his soil until it is gone beyond profitable restoration. It is a costly matter to bring a .soil back to its old production capacity. Ultimately someone must put or pay back to the soil the depleted elements, and the sooner it is realised the better it will be for the generations who follow after us.

The writer thought the reason why it is

Why Inoculate lor Lucerne.

advisable to inoculate a soil (not known in respect to its capacity for growing

lucerne) was generally apparent, but it appears from a query received this week that there are still some'Doubting Thomases. Many failures in growing lucerne can be traced to the lack cf bacteria which live upon the roots of lucerne and gather nitrogen from the air. Without these useful germs the lucerne must live upon the nitrogen in the soil, and instead of lucerne increasing the soil’s supply of nitrogen it is decreased. One of the benefits of growing lucerne is to increase the nitrogen supply of the soil, and without proper inoculation this is not accomplished. Admittedly, some soils already contain the useful bacteria, but no amount of optic examination of the soil will tell us if such is the case. When lucerne does not accumulate nitrogen from the air, it soon shows a yellow, weak condition, and will not produce full crops or possibly withstand severe winters. That is in a general way, as a fertile soil will doubtless do the plant well under fair conditions, but not hke a properly charged bacterial (right sort) soil. Inoculation assures a plant vigour and strength and a crop worthy to be ranked a “king of fodders.” It is quite simple to inoculate a soil for lucerne. The bacteria which live upon the roots are adjacent to the healthy inoculated lucerne plants in a lucerne area. If some 3001 b of soil are taken from the paddock where a good crop is growing and spread on an acre, it will inoculate the land sufficiently to grow lucerne. The soil should be taken from near the surface, or, rather, that portion surrounding the roots. It. is better in fact necessary, to handle and apply the inoculated soil on cloudy days and harrow immediately, as sunlight soon destroys the germs. Having gone to the expense and trouble of preparing a piece of land for lucerne of unknown capabilities, it is folly and most unwise to attempt to sow lucerne A strike you may well secure, but lack of inoculation may mean just a crop of lucerne and not the growing-on kind assured in aa inoculated soil.

If water is passed through a centrifugal

A Reason Why Cream Tests Vary.

cream separator of the ordinary type, some water will be discharged through the cream spout (declares the Californian Department of

Agriculture). If skim milk is passed through the separator, skimmed milk will be discharged from the cream spout, containing slightly more fat than that which is discharged from the skim-milk spout. Therefore, if thin milk is passed through the separator a lower test cream will be discharged from the cream spout than if rich milk is passed through the separator. Anything which will cause the test of the milk from a herd to vary will cause a corresponding variance in the test of cream. It frequently happens that the milk of the average herd of dairy cows varies considerably in the fat content from day to day. This may be due to conditions which are readily recognised, such as changes of feed, weather conditions, etc. It is more frequently due, however, to conditions which are not so readily observed. It would be difficult to get a group of 50 men together, some of whom would not be suffering from some degree of illness. Some would be nervous, some feverish, some would have a headache, others intestinal disturbances, and so on. This same thing applies to a herd of cows, but they are unable to voice their complaints. Cows that are indisposed express their ailments by a change in the fat content of their milk flow. During a, period of heat the fat content of the milk of a cow has been known to vary considerably. At the same time she may be the cause of excitement among other animals of the herd, thus exercising an unfavourable influence on their milk secretion. A change of, say, 2 per cent, in the milk of one or more cows with a variation also in the amount of milk will affect the fat content of the aggregated milk produced by the herd. A variation of a few tenths cf 1 per cent, in milk produced by the entire herd will multiply itself into a variation of several points in the cream test. Of interest to pig breeders, especially those

Things to Avoid in Pig Keeping.

operating in the hilly country where bracken abounds, are some observations made by Captain H. Leeney,

M.R.C.V.S., in an address on “The Caro and Management of Pigs,” delivered at Hayward Heath, England, recently. No greater mistake was ever made, he declared, than when certain pigbreeders believed that if their animals were fed and housed correctly they w r ould look after themselves. The management was almost of as much importance as the feeding. Dealing with bedding, he said dried bracken made splendid litter, and in addition it made excellent manure for the land. It was very necessary, hovevpr, to make ?|uito sure that the spores (seeds) under the ronds of tlio bracken were quite dead before distributing the manure over the land. Certain pig-breeders were in the habit of giving pigs in confinement a supply of coal

and cinders, which the animals apparently relished, and these, though not providing nutriment, acted as a corrective to tile stomach. Earth was also useful for the same reason, and in addition contained potash, which was very beneficial. Filthy barrels were the natural breeding-places for disease germs affecting swine. Scour was very frequently the outcome of this uncleanliness, and in many cases where he (the speaker) had been called to inspect pigs which were believed to be suffering from swine fever, he discovered they were suffering from an excess of salt. Salt and soda used in cooking and washing up should never be put into the swill tub, and particularly should the liquid after cooking hams and bacon not be used. It was the only animal that grew continuously from start to finish that gave satisfaction. The unthrifty pig was a source of loss, and the reason why some pigs did not thrive was to be found in their pedigree. Too near relationship had been allowed to exist, or some undesirable crosses had been intz'oduced, the result being that the entire strain developed extreme delicacy. Some other causes of failure were:—(l) The kind of dwelling or sty provided, which, if cold, damp, and disagreeable, showed its effects upon the small pigs recently removed from the wean-ing-pens; (2) subjection to draughts and chills—pigs loved sunshine, and their houses should be arranged to get all they could of it; (5) unhealthy and insanitary conditions, which were entirely opposed to profitmaking ; (4) lack of care when first brought to a new habitation. The pig pens should always he kept perfectly clean and be frequently disinfected, for which purpose there was nothing better and less expensive than copper sulphate, or bluestone, three ounces to one gallon of warm water. AGRICOLA. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENT. By Terror. “Bannockburn” (Central Otago) sends four specimens of apples for identification. ——(1) Rymer; (2) Kentish Filbasket; (3) Winter Majetin ; (4) resembles Rome Beauty, but difficult to determine on a single sample. If you care to furnish other samples of No. 4, I shall be pleased to endeavour to elucidate its name. A FARM SCHOOL, AN ASHBURTON EXPERIMENT. ASHBURTON, May 14. A farm school, the first of its kind in the Souih Island, was opened this afternoon at the Ashburton High School by Mr Lill, the county chairman. Over 50 farmers are attending the week’s course. Dr Cockayne (Government Biologist), m a speech, said that the Hon. W. Nosworthy (Minister of Agriculture), who had been unable to attend, had authorised him to say that the Government’s policy was tending more in the direction of instruction such as these schools afforded.

Speeches were also made by Mr Lill, the chairman of the A. and P. Association, the chairman of the Farmers’ Union, and others, all of which indicated that the school was very warmly appreciated. The townspeople are invited to the evening lectures. meat prices. WELLINGTON, May 18. The New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board advises that the following prices were being offered on May 17, 1923: Auckland. —Wethers, 641 b and tinder, 5J,d; prime woolly lambs, 42ib and under, Bid. Poverty Bay.—Wethers, 641 b and under, 5Jd; prime woolly lambs, 421 b and under, Bid; 431 b and over. 7Jd. Hawke’s Bay.—Wethers, Glib and under, old; prime woolly lambs, 421 b and under, 9d; 431 b and over, 8d; second quality lambs, Gdt Wanganui.—Wethers, 641 b and under, 5Jd; prime wooliy lambs, 421 b and under, 9d; 431 b and over, 8d; second quality lambs, Bd. Wellington.—Wethers, 641 b and under, sfd ; ■prime woolly lambs, 421 b and under, 9d; 431 b and over, 8d; second quality lambs, Bd. Canterbury.—Prime woolly lambs, 421 b and under, 9d; second quality lambs, BJd. Southland.—Wethers, 561 b and under, 6d; prime woolly lambs, 421 b and! under, Bjjd; second quality lambs, Bd. SOILING AND SUCCULENCE. “Soiling systems supply succulence,” writes Mr 11. W. Baldwin in London Live Stock Journal. When compared with pasturing, soiling has a number of advantages,” he continues. Some of these are of importance, while ethers have less value. These advantages are : 1. A greater yield of feed from an acre of soilage than from an acre of pasture. 2. There is less waste, especially if stall-fed. o. Soiling furnishes a umlorm supply of feed through the summer. 4. Some authorities claim that soiling keeps the cows in better condition. 5. Soiling tends to increase the average production of the milking herd. 6. It adds variety to the summer ration. 7. It permits a decrease in the amount of grain constituting the summer ration. 8. When pastures are short and the cows are prevented from picking out the choicest grasses, they are often required to eat weeds, many of which will impart an undesirable flavour to the milk. Feeding soilage will prevent this. 9. in ■many cases soiling conserves and permits of a better utilisation of the manure. Despite these numerous advantages, continues Mr Baldwin, soiling also has a number of disadvantages. Probably the two most important, and the ones which have prevented a more widespread use of soiling, are the cost and labour required and the difficulty in providing a. proper rotation or succession of crops. In order that the crop may be used to its greatest advantage, it must be cut daily, and this involves no small amount of labour, especially if the herd is of any size. Also, a number of sowings throughout the season will be

needed to supply a sufficient amount oi feed, and to supply it so that if call be fed while green, and eefore any oi H starts to mature. This also adds to the labour and cost. Variations in climatic conditions, as well as variations in the tunes and sites of sowing, and length ol growing season required by each crop betore it can be cut are factors that add to the difficulty of providing a suitable rotation. Since it is ied every day, the crop must be cut daily, despite the weather, and during wet weather this is disagreeable, to say the least. Many times a soiling crop will fail, due to the same reasons that other crops fail. This will interrupt the smooth running of the system, and it nifty be necessary to resort to dry feeds. If it is possible to place the soiling crops in the regular farm rotation, this should be done. But in case the farm is large, or the fields scattered, it may not be practical. If it is necessary to provide a special plot for soiling crops, it should be located as near the barn as possible for the sake of convenience. Since large yields are desired, liberal amounts of manure should be applied, the soil well worked, and a good seed prepared. For the same reason, a thicker seeding should also be used than is ordinarily made. This lias an added advantage of making a finer stemmed feed • one that the cows will clean up better, and with less waste. If large amounts of crop are fed, the mower, hay rake, hay loader, or corn binder can be used for harvesting. Soilage can be fed on the pasture or in the barn, but when pasture-fed there is more waste, and unless it is fed the first thing in the morning the cows will hang around waiting for it. When barn-fed there is more labour, but less waste, and if fed during the middle of the day the cows will he protected from the midday sun, and, if desired, they can be sprayed as a protection against flies. Barn feeding will also permit of two or three feedings per day, while on pasture soilage is usually fed but once. But when pasture is available. feeding more than twice a day is not considered advisable. The amount fed daily depends on. the amount of pasture and the crops grown. With a partial soiling system, as described here, and the one most generally used, from forty to seventy pounds of green feed will be consumed per cow per day, in addition to pasture. In regard to the feeding of soilage, it may be well to mention a few precautions. When harvesting this soilage, particularly with the hay rake, care should be taken to prevent a large amount of soil becoming mixed with the feed. If allowed to stand around in pdes. especially on hot days, soilage is liable io heat or ferment. Feeding this heated or fermented soilage is very apt to cause digestive troubles. For this same reason —namely, that of fermenting—it is not advisable to cut more than one day’s supply at a time. When weather conditions make it necessary to cut the soilage while still wet. the amount fed should be reduced, as the wet feed will ofien produce scours. As an aid in choosing crops suitable for soilnn- purposes, the following factors may be considered: —Climatic conditions of the section, protein content (when two feeds have the same yield favour the one with the highest protein content), palatability, time required to mature, and ease of harvesting. Leguminous crops are always recommended for soiling purposes whenever it is possible to grow them. Their higher protein content not, only makes them more valuable as a feed than the non-leguminous crops, but they also improve the soil. Since they do contain a higher protein content, it will fee possible to decrease the amount of protein concentrates purchased. And as these are the most expensive of the purchased grain feeds, the cost of the ration is also reduced. STOCK AND GRAZING NOTES. Weekly stock Sates. Monthly (continued). Burn side, Wednesdays. Dantroon, 2nd We<W Addington, Wednesdays Railway Jur.c- Woodlands, 3rd Wedtion, Tuesdays. nesdnv. Wallace town. Tuesdays. Miiton, 2nd Tuesday. Balfour, 3rd Thursday. Fortnightly. ThornUury, Ist Friday. Riversdale, Fridays Duntroon, 2nd WednesAshburton, Tuesdays. day. Beriot, Thursdays Otantan, 2nd Friday. Win ton, Thursdays. Riversdale, 3rd Friday. Wyudham, Thursdays. Waik„ka, last Friday. Clinton, Thursdays. Ol,devale, last Tuesday. Baiclntha, Fridays. Periodically as Sore, Tuesdays. Advertised. Lumsden, Mossbnm, Monthly. Orepuict, ilataura, Palmerston, 4th Thurs- Waiteruaiti, Eiverday. ton, Ngapan, and SS inion, 4th Tuesday. Otago Central Galea OTAGO. Rain fell on Sunday of last week during the night time, but subsequently the weather cleared, and the weather generally throughout Otago was windy, cold, and A start has been made with the ploughing, but it is by no means general. The flood waters have ruined many acres of turnips and potatoes, some areas of the former having been valued at £lO per acre, while potatoes are bound to be scarce and dear ere the spring season arrives. Judging from paper reports, it will riot be from lack of the “bulls’ in the market. At least one good happening as a result of the recent rains—Brer Rabbit outed in some places. BURNSIDE MARKET. The yarding of fat sheep at Burnside comprised 1677, as against 3464 the previous week, the quality being mixed, with no great proportion of prime heavy-weight wethers. There were a good number of fair to prime ewes penned and trade was fairly buoyant at an advance of Is to 2s a head for best lots, but medium sorts underwent no change for the better, while opening sales fared better than later on, when little change on last sale’s prices was noticeable. On the run of prices handy weight wether mutton may be fairly quoted as making up to per lb. Some 889 fat lambs were listed, as against 1026 the previous week, the quality of a small proportion of the entry warranting the attention of export buyers. Although our in and out sale values on the whole were easier than a week ago by 9d to. Is 6d per head, quality lambs making to per lb, graziers’ sorts ranging from 16s 3d to 225. An entry of 235 fat cattle, compared with 370 the previous week, was made of a number of well-finished steers, but halffat bullocks were only too apparent and “braked” prices a good deal. At opening of the sale, rates were up to last week’s best prices, but receded several shillings

a head, and beef only in plaee3 touched 25s per 1001 b, a lot of tillable animals being placed well under this figure. About 200 store cattle, chiefly young mixed sorts, and old and young cows, were penned. Two pens oi fair-conditioned three-year-old Hereford steers made to £6, good station-bred weaners, etc., 25s fo 355, medium cows £2 5s to £3 ss, others unchanged. A comparatively small cniry of fat pigs sold well, and improved on last week’s prices by a few shillings per head, baconers making to 6*d and porkers to 7d per lb, others unchanged. ADDINGTON YARDS. About a similar number of fat sheep as last week were yarded at Addington, the quality being fairly representative of the province. Best grades of sheep made up to the previous week’s rates, but plain ewes and light sorts eased Is to Is 6d per head on the previous week’s rates, exporters securing only a few consignments. Up to 646 was paid for wether mutton, and a 3 low as 3|d for inferior ewe mutton. Tlie quality of a fair yarding of fat lambs was only moderate. Killable sorts made last sale s rates—viz., up to 9d per lb. The entry of store sheep was fairly large, a number of Otago consignments being listed. There was a good" demand, and vames improved, wethers making Is bd a head advance, and best grades of fcreeding ewes appreciating 2s a head on rates of a week ago. Hoggets also moveJ off ■fairly weil. The yarding of fat cattle comprised 430 head, much on a par with the entry of the previous week a dull sale, prices being down 10s to 15s a head. A top of 27s 6d P er 1001 b was noted in some instances, but the demand was irregular. An entry of store cattle of mixed grades and sexes elicited fair attention, station three-year-old steers making to £5 7 S 6d plain two-year-old steers to £3 10s, best springing cows to £l2 lCs, best springing heifers to £9, backward £3 to £4 per head Fat pigs sold rather better than a week ago, and. while weaners and small sorla wore still somewhat neglected, there was an improved sale in so far as medium and well-grown store pigs were concerned. Baconers made to 6!>d and porkers to 8d per lb. NORTH ISLAND STOCK VALUES. Ready clearances are effected of all wellbred stock offering at the various centres in the North Island, but yardings are not large. Beef at Westfield marked in the Auckland province was rather dearer, best quality making to 23s ner 1001 b, forward steers made £4 10s to £s* 15s, forward lambs 12s to 18s. forward wethers to 28s. Iri the Poverty Bay district, at the Matawhero yards, two-tooth wethers were sold at 22s 3d, fair mixed lambs 15s 9d to lbs 9d. mixed in-lamb ewes to 17s 6d. threc-year-old steers to £4 7s 6d, two-year-olds £3. mixed weaners £l. In the Wairarapa yearling steers made £3 to £4 ss, two-year-olds £3 iss to £4 15s, .tliree-year-olds £4 10s to £5 15s, dairy heifers £3 10s to £4. springing sorts £5 to £7, good hoggets 17s to 19s, medium 12s. two-tooth wethers 25s 6d to 27s 6d, small from 235. In Hawke’s Bay two-tooth wethers made up to 255, lambs 13s 6d to 15s 7d, extra 17s 6d, mixed ewes in lamb 23s 9d. medium weaner lieif: rs to £1 12s, springing heifers £7, three-year-old station steers £5. STOCK NOTES. The untoward weather conditions which have been more or less general on farm lands subject to flood waters in Otago, have nipped enterprise in stock buying for ihe nonce. Lands which have usually a big grazing capacity are for the time being ‘‘out of action,” and settlers have incurred, or rather been penalised, through no fault of theirs. Those who are fortunate to own high lands are picking up odd lots of hoggets at relatively low prices, while wethers seem “sticky” in the present circumstances at no better values than a week ago. The condition of cattle generally is good for the time of the year, and the marketing of unfinished stock as “fats’” is depressing the price of fat cattle. Still we believe the demand in the not distant future for heuf will tend towards better prices. It is high time. . . The “eat more beef campaign will help cattle men, as it is out of all reason that beef sellers can for ever carry the sheep owners on their backs. Besides, the litter do not ask for favours. Here is the position as it seems to the writer. A lot of toe primost beef sells “on the hoof’ at 25s per 1001 b, or at 3d per lb, a lot under this price' of course. The hide will make, say, Ud to lid for every lb of meat, while prime wether mutton makes, say, 6d per lb and the sheepskin, say, 2d per lb. Yet, we find that butchers, judging from the respective retail prices of beef and mutton, elect to help out their dear mutton purchases by making the faltener of cattle suffer They, in effect, make good money on all their beef purchases in order that mutton eaters shall not suffer, but how is the beef raiser getting on? There is much speculation in farming ana motoring circles concerning an order that has been placed with a Riverina firm ot agents to buy 250 draught horses, states the Australasian. The horses are being obtained chiefly in the Ternora district for a company in Melbourne, winch, is is said, *3 abandoning a large fleet of motor lorries, and going back to the her seal ravin lorry. One farmer, who owns more than 40 head of horses, states that 110 has been offered £4O a head for all his animals aged less than seven years. , . Live Stock Journal reports the sale ot the Clydesdale stallion Dunure Footprint, owned since his birth some 14 years ago, by Mr William Dunlop. Dunure Maine, Ayr., to Mr John Weir, Townhead, Lanark. In his younger days Dunure Footprint was a wonderfully successful show horse. His sire was the famous Baron of Buchlyvie, and 1113 dam Dunure Idea! I'he dispersal of the weil-Known ' limy stud Friesians attracted a large al tendance at Upper Ilutt, Wellington, on the 15tli inst. Prices were not Inch, and only a few of the best cows and heifers realised satisfactory figures, while bulls were hard to place at anything like values owing to it being too late for use this side of winter. The Piri Land Company, of Wellington, were free buyers, securing two-thirds of the 127 cattle offered. The (op price for cows was llOgns, the 19 offered averaging approximately 42gns per head. De fers realised up to lOOgns, 18 head averaging approximately 46gns. The imported bull Woodcrest Hengeveld Mecthilde war withdrawn at 30gns at auction, but subsequently

parted with at 40gns, while one other bull tnado 4Qgns. Many notable prices were paid for purebred British Friesian cattle at Longford Hail, Derby, recently, when Messrs John Th omfcon and Co. sold Sir Charles Markham's herd of 54 head for £10,039 Is, the average being £135 8s 2d. Mr J. Horridge paid the two leading prices, giving 710gns for the slow heifer Sudbonrne Daphne, and h'/Ogns for Chaddesley Peggy, the four-year-aid. which gave 1728 gal of milk with her j first calf, and also won many prizes at the leading shows last year. Longford Dutch Stately, the heifer calf of the famous cow Hedges Dutch Stately, was sold for 430gns to Mr B. Parkinson, a Yorkshire breeder,, and many other high prices were recorded. The sale also included a selection of 25 head from Messrs I. B. and If. L. Jarmay, Bulkeley Hall. Malpas, Cheshire, which were sold for £2546 ss, averaging £lOl 17s. A striking illustration of the value of grading up a dairy herd by the use of purebred Jersey bulls was cited by Mr J. S. M’Fadzean, of the Victorian Department of Agriculture, at the recent Farmers’ Convention at Hamilton, during the discussion of the scrub bull question. He stated that the Merino Downs properly, owned by Miss Herity and managed for her by Mr D. < . Smith, the 20 best oows during 1920 averaged 212.71 b of butter fat per cow. Jersey bulls had been used in the herd for some seasons previously, and during 1922 their, beifors came into production, with the remilt that the 20 beat cowß during 32 weeks of last year gave an average of 272.91 b of butter-fat per head. The later return was made on natural grass, without any hand feeding. In all 380 head of cows are milked •t Merino Downs. Breeding from Jersey bulk haa greatly improved the hold in

appearance as well as in production. It is the regular custom to weigh the milk of the 380 cows on one day of each week, and a test of each cow for butter-fat quality is made once month for eight consecutive months of each year. Satisfactory sales of Ayreshires are reported from Scotland. Twenty young bulls from the Auchenbrain herd of Messrs D. and W. Wallace averaged £47 Bs. The top price was 88gns, paid for a young bull, Auchenbrain, out of a 11,0001 b cow (in 46 weeks). Mr T. Barr, of Hobsland. paid 78gns to Messrs W. B. Crawford and Sons for a young bull, while a heifer, Jessie 7t.h, by Lessnessock Chancellor, made similar money. The English Jersey cattle-breeders have opened their own dairy and shop in London, and are selling 250 gal of milk daily. Branch shops are to be opened immediately. BALCLUTHA-CLINTON STOCK SALES. Some 4000 sheep, chiefly hoggets, were yarded at Balclutha. There was a good demand, good forward 245, medium 17s 6d to 19s 9d, small 11s 4d to 14s, culls 5s 6d, two-tooth wethers made 22s 3d to 24s 7d, old station wethers 21s 6d, good two-tooth ewes 335, four, six, and eight-tooth ewes (but, uneven types) 275, full and failing ewes (with rams) 17s to 20s, inferior 11s to 13s 4d.

At Clinton there were only a few hundred of sheep penned, and but the half of them sold owing to lack of buyers and general rainy conditions experienced. SALE OF PEDIGREE BULL. Considerable consternation among owners of stock was caused at Pukekohe on the loth mst. as a .result of a judgment delivered by Mr E. W. Burton, S.M., at the iVlag-istrate’s Court in the reserved decision of the case T. M Quilty v. H. Dell, in re a statement of claims: (1.) That on or about the 30th September, 1920, defendants sold to the plaintiff for stud purposse a bull described at the sate as a pedigree Jersey bull “Harbour -Bight” (5317). (2) That after a two season’s trial the said bull has proved impotent. (3) That in consequence thereof the bull is useless for stud purposes, and the plaintiff has suffered serious loss and damage. (4.) That he claims as damages for such loss from the defendants the sum of £IOO. Space forbids us giving here the full text of the Magistrate’s judgement. Suffice to say that judgment was entered against the defendant, Henry Dell, the vendor of the bull, for £BO 15s 7d, less £1 10s the value of the bull according to evidence; that is to say for, in all, £/3 5s 7d, with costs, including court fees and witnesses’ expenses according to scale, less costs awarded defendant on their application for change of venue. Judgment for defendant, 11. Dell and Son, against plaintiff, dismissing them from the action for £2 10s counsel’s fee. Security for appeal is fixed at the amount of the judgment awarded to the plaintiff in _ this court, together with, if appeal on points of law only, the sum of £l2 additional, and if on matters of fact, or of law and fact, the sum of £3O additional. It is probable th-at the defendant will appeal against 'this decision. It would seem a matter that the Breeders’ Associations might well take up, rather than seo an individual handle the matter as results far-reaching. Hitherto, most purchasers of stock have stood any losses incurred through the infertility of either male or female stock, always provided the vendor sold in good faith.—Ao. Ed. FARRER WHEATS. A report issued by the United States Department of Agriculture states that at the office of the Cereal Investigations Bureau of Riant Industry, on February 4, Mr D. E. Stephens, Superintendent of Sherman County Branch Station, Moro, Oregon, gave a summary of the results ol the investigations at that station, particularly those with wheat. He discussed briefly the climate and soils of the Oolumbia Basin of Oregon, and the soil moisture conditions at the Sherman County I’ranoh Station. His report reads: j T ’"" va -luable spring wheat varieties, federation and Hard Federation, introduced by the United States Department of Agriculture from Australia, have demonstrated their superior yield in the varietal experiments at the Sherman S° UI ? tr y Branch Station. The results obtained by farmers with these varieties irom seed distributed through Moro indicate that they will likely replace all other spnng wheats in Eastern Oregon They also have shown much promise in other States notably in Southern Tdaho under irrigation, and in Western Montana.” LAMB SHIPMENTS, 1922-23 SEASON. Compared with the previous season, the lamb shipments have been as under there having been an increase due no doubt to the very high level of prices: ——

ihe increase this season, as compared with last season, totals 153,925 carcasses, not a big increase, but nevertheless satisfactory m view of the fact that the flocks have decreased during the past four years. It is possible, however, that more ewe lambs were exported than the conditions warrant. The shipments of mutton from New Zealand show a considerable decrease when compared with the previous season, and tile shipments are given below:

There is a decrease of 648,450 carcasses, but a fair proportion of last season’s shipments was old meat; even making allowance f<j£ this, there is apparently a contraction in the shipments. Notwithstanding the very low jiriees ruling for beef, the shipments this season to April 30 totalled 184,099 quarters against 131,308 quarters for the same period of the previous season. Killings at all works during 1922-1923 season, commencing November 1, 1922 to April 30, 1923 : In 601 b freight carcases. North Island 3,331,907 South Island 1,361,015 4,692,922 LIVE STOCK SALE NOTE CONFERENCE IN CHRISTCHURCH. In with the sale note for live, stock, a meeting was held in Christchurch between a committee from the Sheepowneis’ Federation, comprising Messrs Acland, KuTherford, Hay, Westenra, and Bogs', Mr Alfred 801 l being unfortunately unable to attend, and members of the Stock Agents' Association —Messrs Abraham, Bennett, and Carey representing the North Island, Herdman (Christchurch), Taylor and Reid (Invercargill), Morris and Sare (Dunedin) for the South Island. Mr Acland was in the chair. The Chairman shortly referred to the objects of the meeting—viz., the new sale note now in use by the agents. He described it as being drawn rip entirely in the interests of the agents, and as giving no consideration t-o the vendor. Further, it was apparently adopted owing to the recent case of D'Arcy v. Dalgety and Co. (Ltd.). He

considered that the old sale note which had been in use for so many years supplied all that was necessary. He also complained that the federation had not been consulted in the matter. Mr Begg referred to the position of the vendor in forward sales, and insisted that the agent, when making such sales, should be responsible for the due performance of the contract by the purchaser. Mr Abraham, on behalf of the agents, pointed out that close on four j'ears ago Messrs Bell, Gully, Myers, and O’Leary had been asked to draw up a sale note which would safeguard the interests of vendors and purchasers. An enormous amount of work bad been devoted to it by Mr Bell, and, finally, by Mr Skerrett, and the cost of the new document was very heavy. The agents had been advised by Messrs Bell and Skerrett that under the old sale note they were taking great risks, and the agents realised that it was impossible to carry on the business under the old sale note, especially considering the different conditions now governing farmers’ business. Mr AbTaham gave concrete instances of the liabilities which agents had to assume under the old sale note, and whilst these perhaps were admissible in the days of low values, they could not be allowed to continue now. He pointed out that no difficulty had been raised in the North Island, and the objection in the South Island was based entirely on the misapprehension that the document originated from the recent case. He stated that the farmers of this country were leaning on the agents very heavily, but tlieir relations were eminently satisfactory, and in his opinion the stock business of this country was carried out more efficiently and cheaply than in any other country of the world. He then gave the following answers to the questions propounded by the Sheepowners’ Federation; 1. Liability of agents after delivery, or even if they authorised delivery of stock. — Answer: That the agents held themselves distinctly liable though they may not have been paid themselves. 2. That in the case of forward sales the agent should be liable for ultimate completion by the purchaser.—Answer: That under no conditions would the agents hold themselves responsible. If the farmer wished to gain a possible advantage, then he must take the responsibility, and if there is any doubt in the matter he should insist on a substantial deposit being paid. 3. That no commission should be charged where a sale for any reason falls through. Answer: That it was not the custom of the agents to charge commission on an incompleted sale, but it would be unwise of them to give up their rights in cases w here the sale fell through owing to the deliberate action of the vendor. 4. That agents should give up the new sale note and revert to the old one. — Answer: That for the reasons given the agents could not agree to this, as the sale note was necessary in the interests ol vendors, purchasers, and agents. 5. That, notwithstanding the case of D Arcy v. Dalgety and Co., the agents would recognise the duty of an agent to make due inquiries a 9 to the financial pos’ tion of any buyer they may introduce. — Answer: That agents have always recognised such duty, as is proved by the fact that this case is probably the first of its kind in regard to live stock sales. They will not, however, recognise any legal liability in the matter. Mr Bennett confirmed what had been 6aid by Mr Abraham in regard to the origin of the sale note. He pointed out that so far was the new sale note from being the result of the D’Arcy v. Dalgety case, it was actually produced! in court when that case was being heard. i Mr Begg pressed the point that the agents should take the liability in the case of forward sales. Mr Bennett, in reply to Mr Begg, pointed out that the vendor suffered no loss, even if the purchaser did not complete. He still retained his stock and could get market prices for them, whilst for any difference he had! recourse against the purchaser. The agents did not encourage forward sales, and whilst he admitted that it was the duty of the agents to see that probable purchasers were financial, thi3 -was universally done. At the same time, an agent was an agent only, and was net required to take such a responsibility. Mr Rutherford moved—- . That after hearing the explanation given by the agents, the federation be recommended to adopt the new sale note. The Chairman, however, could not 6ee his way to put the resolution, as they had not been legally constituted by the federation to deal with the matter. After further discussion a vote of thanks v?as passed to the Agents’ Committee for their explanation, and the matter was left witn the understanding that it should be referred to the federation. TflE NORTH ISLAND. (1 rom Our Own Correspondent.) The weather of the past week has been quite seasonable, — and though there have been showers of rain, it has been mostly fane. 1 notice in travelling round that a £°°d number of farmers are restoring fences, or adding to their outbuildings, whilst others again are continuing with their cultivation for spring crops. The work has teen quiet, but a bit of useful work has been done. Ihe dairy season is now coming to an end, and supplies are rapidiy falling. It "N! not belong until cows are milking machines will ha.ve their annual rest In some parts of the island, however, there is an increasing tendency on the part of cow men to go in for winter milking, supplies being sent'to the cities where good prices obtain. EXPORT OF STOCK TO THE OLD COUNTRY. There is still a good deal of dissatisfaction among sheepmen over the continuance of the embargo on the export of stock to the Old Country, and the matter was well ventilated at the annual meeting of the Wairarapa A. and P. Association. A letter was read from the Corriedale Sheepbreeders’ Association regarding the matter, and assistance was asked in an endeavour that was being made to have the embargo removed. It was ultimately decided that Sir Walter Buchanan and Mr J. G. Uales (President of the Association) interview the Minister of Agriculture in furtherance of the proposal. CREAM PAYMENTS REDUCED. A good deal of satisfaction was evinced in the Waikato over the steadying up of the butter market at Home, but the directors of the New Zealand Dairy Company consider that it will take until the middle or the end of June for an appreciable improvement to be effected. In view of that fact they have reducod the advance payment from the level of last month. The

rates have therefore been-fixed Butter, superfine, creel delivery, Is Mu D ~ -s’ooTellb C l ? r the butter b ' asis i cheese, equal to the fuff' ° I, ow cf .the fact that about a quarter o the year s output yet remains to be so ld the directors considered it advriahlJ t proceed with caution. Mr W CooHfoJl t 0 managing- director iV. I) - Oo pu f ellow, ~ „ ° ® airector, m discussing the nosi ~V' sau ‘ that tfie depression of the market Sfen" 0 i I,ot aSected his company vS only WmTE ten a «° E," JSiaSWS. “clutH? Present season s output has been quitted i 3 quo4d ai d is that butter is quoted at 152 s per cwt, first grade at withoio IlSa ted ’ Witb preservative 1545, and without preservative 1525. The demand qmet at 98 ! e t “fh Coloured <*eese is as we-fl o’, bU i fc the niarket Js regarded Tu U , , liie drc P ln prices is generallv lurch" ivr k huld ‘“S of American purchases, which it is stated, were sacrificed upon a falling market. the AFTERMATH up FLOODS IN the south. o floods in Canterbury are having l far on the /nce of Bovertpotatoes, and in this connection Poverty Bay is particularly affected inasniuch as most of the suplies came from r«Li iK ary :, According to advice red the floods caused havoc among the b r dred6 of , *?*», both in the ground and in pits being destroyed A Gisborne merchant, referring to the shortage of supplies, said that he had seen the iept.es to twenty-nve telegrams to prominent firms in Canterbury and Otago, and m each case it was stated that there could be no potatoes for Gisborne, the reason being attributed to the floods. The average wholesale price in Gisborne a week ago was about £7, but now it has gone up to £9 10s. A week ago the housewife could purchase a sack of potatoes at between ißs and £l, according to quality, but the present price will probably run to £1 6s or £1 Bs. It is expected that if the pessimistic reports from the south are borne out, prices will increase still further. TARANAKI BUTTER. The Make taw a Dairy Company, of Taranaki, has established a Dominion grading rocord for butter, the season closing with an average of 95.07. The previous record, established during the 1921-22 season, was held by the Riverbank Dairy Company, Woodville, with an average of a little over 94 for the season. The butter exported through New Plymouth during the past season —that is, from the companies north of and including Eltham —shows, on the whole, a higher average than that for the previous season. Tarurutangi i s second on the list to Maketawa, with 94.57, and Bell Block is next with 94.52. Midhirst occupies four place with 94.35, and Mangorei fifth with 94.03. OATS AND CHAFF. Algerian seed oats are reported to be in fair demand, blit in view of the fact that it is impossible to import a«y seed, the chances are that this grain will ru’e higher in price. The market is at present well supplied with chaff, but it is considered that prices will not likely ease for this line, particularly as the floods in Otago, Marlborough, and Canterbury may cause a general shortage of feed, and a greater demand for chaff. Growers holding stocks fully anticipate obtaining better prices for their supplies. DRAINAGE OF HAURAKI PLAINS. Although a vast amount of work has been done towards the drainage of the Hauraki Plains, much yet requires to be done to prevent flooding on the occasion of very heavy rains. This was clearly demonstrated a few weeks ago, (hiring the heavy floods, particularly at Patetonga, where settlers became much concerned. In consequence, Mr F. Taylor, resident lands drainage engineer on the Hauraki Plains, has been meeting settlers at the various centres on the plains to discuss matters affecting drainage, and he has been urged to put on two dredges in the Waitakaruru-Moukoro canal. Moro cutlets have also been suggested, as well as that the outlets should be >e<J twice a year before the month of May. Mr Taylor said he did not know if a drainage system which could dispose of 7iin of rain which fell in 23 hours, as had been the case in the recent flood. Judging from reports, there had been places worse off than the Hauraki Plains. With regard to the best means of quickly discharging surplus flood water, he maintained that all energy should be concentrated on the Peake River. Perhaps another two years would see the Waitakaruru canal finished. The banks of the canal were continually falling in, so the progress was naturally very slow. Until the canal was finished he could not guarantee that there would be no flooding on the plains. He could give no definite information about outlets. INSTRUCTIONS FOR FARMERS. “New Zealand’s Grass Lands” was the subject of a lecture delivered last week at the Farmers’ School of Instruction, held at Stratford, the essayist being Mr Bruce Levy, of the Government Biological staff. The lecture was illustrated by means of magic lantern slides. Special reference was made to the hill country vegetation, and the numerous classes of forestry to be found, frequent reference being made to the growth of fern bracken and certain noxious weeds in the hill country of Taranaki-To Wera, Pohokura, Whangamomona districts. At Pohokura, at a height of 130 ft, where a good burn had taken place, it was found that the sowing of Timothy and rye grass did well. At Tahora, after a good burn had taken place, and cattle had been allowed to roam over the country, the sowing of paspalum had proved a good glass, and Lotus major, too, had done well after a burn. A GOOD SEASON. The present season for dairying lias really been phenomenal, and though there is a marked falling off of supplies some of the factories are still having a large output. For instance, in Taranaki the Eltham Dairy Company is still manufacturing two and a-half tons butter daily. The amount is_ reported to be unusually large for this time of the year. PIGS IN THE NORTHERN WAIROA. Reports from the Dargaville district indicate that the pig-raising industry has experienced a good season. Large numbers of pigs are being sent to a factory at Mangawhare, and this fact has given dairy farmers great assistance. Being entirely a home separation district, pig-raising can bo carriod on very successfully.

THE GRASS LAND IN NORTH AUCKLAND. A special writer to the Auckland Star gives some very interesting information concerning a new grass that is being tried in the north of Auckland, and the experiment should prove of great importance to northern settlers. It is named i’emnsetiun olandestinum, and is a Rhodesian grass, specially imported from South Africa some two years ago. Sale by side with this grass is planted Lotus major. The kikuyu grass is flourishing beyond ail expectations. It was not planted from seed, but from the imported roots, an extraordinary feature being that it, has not seeded here, nor in Australia, where it. has also been experimented with. When tlie roots were planted out they showed the phenomenal growth of 24in in 16 days. So as to make no mistake in regard to the development of the grass, a ruler was placed in the ground, and the grass so planted that it grew around the ruler, and the growth v*as under constant observation. It is too soon yet to judge whether the kikuyu grass will be a permanent- slice ess. It. gives every indication or such, and if it is properly acclimatised, the north will have a grass which should be equal to, ii not better than, paspalum. So far it lias proved a great summer grass, but one must not wax too enthusiastic about its qualities until further proofs* are forthcoming. The department, will forward roots to farmers free if they care to give the Rhodedosian grass a trial. South of Auckland the climate is not suitable for kikuyu, as it is very susceptible to frost. Jbe kikuyu grass 1-* cons dered to he very nutritious, and the stock show a decided preference for it. In a separate field, millet and turnips were plante<f. with kikuyu in between the rows, 'the stock were then put in the field to graze, and they finished off the kikuyu before tackling the other feed. Ihe kikuju is a deep-rooting grass, and its growth has a tendency to break up the stiff gum-land, which is an added advantage. An puthorhv on pastures in the north, who has watched the experiments with kikuyu, is of opinion that paspalum will prove a serious »ival to kikuyu. 4 Its real value,” lie said, “has yet to be definitely ascertained, but it has great possibilities. GENERAL. The Agricultural Department officials in the Wairarapa are at present experimenting with poisoned carrots as a means oi destroying rabbits. Of 80 farmers who attended the farm school at Weraroa more * han £0 were young men who have recently commenced farming. In connection with the proposed cowtesting association in the Martinborough district, it is reported that 1200 cows have been promised. ON THE HONOURS LIST. An honour in the dairy world has come to Messrs Starch and Laurent, of Normanby, Taranaki. They advise that their dairycow Nagatina has won a bronze medal in the mature class of 1322 under C.O.R. She gave 12,939.91 bof milk and 718.591 b of fat at the age of .five years 31 days. In 1921 she gave 11,615.51 b of milk arid 629.431 b of fat at the age of three years 352 day's, gaining a silver medal. HAY AND ENSILAGE. Some, farmers have only a crude idea as to the proper time for making hay and ensilage, and the milk producing value of those crops. With the object of giving expert information on the matter Mr J. W. Deem, Moumahaki Estate Farm, gave an interesting address covering these points at the farmers’ school being held at Stratford. The lecturer prefaced his remarks by dealing with the local aspect, but he pointed out that the best time to cut bay was when the grasses were in flower. Much, of course, depended on the weather, but if the grass was cut and rain fell, it would, he said, be far bettor to leave it undisturbed than to move it after it hid liecome wet. Hay needed a certain amount of moisture, and when stacked it should not be less than 110 degrees of heat. In Taranaki there was a deficiency of salt in the ground, and when making hay it was advisable to put salt with the hay. as the absence of it in the crop was the cause of many cows eating sticks and other materials. Again, strange as it might seem, the addition of salt when the hay was wet improved it considerably. The mixing cf salt and water by added moisture controlled the heat. Dealing with ensilage. Mr Deem left no room for doubt as to the value of ensilage, and he predicted that in the future it would be used a great deal on the dairy farms of Taranaki. The time was coming when farmers would not lie able to grow soft turnips, and it would be necessary to obtain some other food. Ensilage, he said, could be used for ordinary and winter feed, and one advantage of this ration for cattle was that it overcame the digestion trouble. Where a lot of grass goes to waste, this could be avoided by using up such surplus grass and turning if into ensilage. The extra labour required for ensilage making was more than compensated for bv the food provided. Advising on the feeding of ensilage crop to cows, Mr Deem said that only 41b or 51b should be given to cows at a start, and at the end of four or five days this could be increased to 4011> a day. Mr Deem expressed the opinion that about. 51b of salt to every ton of ensilage materially improved the food and made it more tasty To all -dock. FARMERS’ SC-HOOL IN THE WAIRARAPA. The Wairarapa A. and P. Association was urged by one of its members at the annual meeting to appoint a committee to work with other societies in endeavouring to get a farmers’ school in the Wairarapa. Sir Walter Buchanan mentioned that in connection with his gift for a chair of agriculture, one condition was that the students should put a considerable portion of their time on the land in experimenting, and he hoped to go into this matter during the coming week. It was subsequently stated that with regard to the training farm at Taratahi, that the Board of Control, in the absence of any trainees, the farm was being run to pay its way. The committee had. however. been hampered for want of finance, and at present were standing to a guarantee to the bank for £IO,OOO. They were trying to make the farm pay until the Government could decide what to do with it. SHEEP DOG TRIALS. The thirteenth annual meeting of the Bay of Plenty Sheep Dog Trials was held at Opotiki last week, the function running ever two days. There was a record number of entries, and some good work was put in by some of the dogs. The results were:—

Novice Event, Short Pull and \%trd. -- G. Joblin’s Jack, 44 points, 1; J. Stansbury's Ring, 37£, 2; A. Neilsoti’s Sandy, 31j, 3. Maiden Dog.—G. Joblin’s Jock and A. Watson's ’Tyke (equal), 44 points, 1; M. Hawkin's llock, 42, 3; D. Waititi’s Joe, 39 4. Long Head, Bring Back and Hold. —D. Erb’s Nip. 39i. 1; J. MTvenzie’s Joe, 2; J. Tiumper’s Rain,, 3. Long Head, Bring Back and Yard.—J. Butler’s Chum, 552, 1; A. Gellert’s Rag, 49i, 2; J. M’Kenzie.’s Joe, 43g, 3. Straight Huntaway.—D. Waititi’s Duff and G. Butler’s Roy (equal), 44 points, i; A. Gellert’s Rag, 30, 3. Mr J, M. Butler’s Cup, presented for the two-dog team scoring the best aggregate, was won by G. Butler. The W. B. Kelly Memorial Cup, to the winner of the head, bring back, and yard event, was won by G. Butler. The Mayor of Opotiki, Mr G. Moody, presented the cups won. In the Tving ( ountry the collie dogs were also on test last weeK, and some flue contests were witnessed at Hangatiki, under the auspices of the Waiterrno Collie Club. The results wore: Maiden Hborl head.—R. Hill’s Waac, 3.8 points, 1; 11. Hunt’s Sharp. 26, 2; R. Sneddon’s Shep, 18, 3. \ Long Head, Bring Back, Hold in Ring.— F. King’s Glenliret. 40 1: H. Buckley’s Flip, 33. 2: R. Mill’s Waac. 25, 3. Huntaway, between three sets of flags.— T. L. Mawson’s Help. 42. 1; J. Dempsey’s Rock, 35, 2: \V. Mirfin’s Tyke. 34, 3. Short-head, Drive, and Yard. —S. Voyce’s Trim. 50. 1 : ■F. King’s Gleniivet, 41. 2; S. Voyce’s Glen. 37. 3. Mr W. Mirfin’s challenge cup w-as won bv F. King; Collie Club’s Challenge Cup, TV 7 . Mirfin ; Mr Kennedy’s Challenge Cup, R. Hill : Farmers’ Union Trading Company's Silver Cur-, T. L. Mawson ; Silver Shield, donated by Farmers’ Union Trading Company. H. Hunt ; go'd medal, donated by • Mr O. R. Cook S. Dawson ; Mr C. W. Wycherley’s Trophy, R. Hill; Mr S. Craig’s Trophy, R. Hunt; Maekav and Jones’s Trophy, G. Sole.

OTAGO A. AND P. SOCIETY

The monthly meeting of the Otago A. and P. Society was held on Thursday morning and w-as attended by Mr D. Andrew (in the chair), A. Johnson. J. Gow, W. Turnbull, A. Mackay, J. Macandrew, R. A. Ewing, R. A. S. Cantrell. H. Turner. E. C. idazlett. H. Price, H. C. Campbell. H. M. Driver, S. Bowman. Apologies were received from Messrs T. J. Gawn. J. Nimmo, A. Fleming, T. Scott, and! Ritchie. The Finance Committee’s report recommended payment of sundry accounts amounting to f-48 14s 5d which was approved. Mr John Hamer, manager for Messrs John Fuller and Sons, wrote agreeing to allow the society the use of Fullers’ and Victoria Hails and annexes for the Winter Show on the same conditions as previously, and also granting permission to heat the Victoria Hall during show week, provided that no damage »s done to tile building. It was decided to recommend the executive to endeavour to arrange for the heating of ihe building. Letters were received from various kindred associations in the South Island agreeing to a conference to be held during show week -and submitting Various remits for consideration. It was decided to hold! the conference on Thursday morning, June 7, and the secretary was instructed to prepare a complete list of all the remits submitted by the various associations. , The executive reported that the application •if Professors Strong and Rawson to give lectures and demonstrations during show week had to be abandoned owing to the difficulty in providing the necessary accommodation and proper appliances to carry out these proposals. The Council of Agriculture (Wellington) wrote enclosing particulars in connection with the establishment of a Royal Society, which was referred to the committee appointed to attend the Agricultural Conference in Wellington. The question of Otago being properly represented at the British Empire Exhibition was discussed, and after consideration a small committee consisting of the president, Messrs James Begg and R. A. S. CantreJl was appointed to see that Otago’s primary products were properly represented at this exhibition. The question of obtaining delivery of goods from the railway on June 4 which was recognised as a public holiday was left in the hands of the executive. The question of securing bands for the show, and catering was left in the hands of a small committee to deal with. The Secretary reported that judges for the factory cheese and butter, farmers’ butter, fruit, knitting, honey, hams and bacon, grain and seeds, potatoes, roots, school exhibits, wool and soldiers' exhibits, had all accepted, and the only two sections that were not completed were the fat cattle section and the bread and scones section. The recommendations from Mr R. K. Smith, Tarras, that the committee should favourably consider the advisability of reopening the merino class at future shows was referred to the Sheep Committee for rape rt. The President reported at length on what had been done in connection with the proposal to connect Taliuna Park by rail. Mr Andrew stated that the whole matter had been referred to Mr Mr F. W. M'Lean, chief engineer, of Wellington, who had rep’ied giving full particulars as to the conditions the department would impose in connection with this alteration to the line. These had been referred to the St. Kilda Borough Council, which body now had the whole matter under consideration. The terms and conditions of the lease of Tahuna Park to the Otago Rugby Football Union was referred to the Grounds Committee with power to act. The Right Hon. W. F. Massey, the Hon. D. Downie Stewart, and the Hon. W. N-os-worthy all wrote notifying that if business permitted, they would be pleased' to accept the invitation to be present at the show. Mr C. Austin, of Winchester, wrote in connection with the prizes for fat stock which was refer-red to the cattle section with a recommendation that the suggestions submitted should receive favourable consideration. The Hon. Treasurer, Mr H. C. Campbell, brought under the notice of the committee a letter received from Mr A. K. Scobie Mackenzie, of Wellington, enclosing £25 as a donation to the appeal on account of S. Mackenzie and Co, Kyeburn Station, and also a letter from Mrs E. Wood, of Beaumont, enclosing £5 ss, and pointed out that both these contributions were voluntarily forwarded. A complete list of judges, marshals, and class stewards required in connection with the forthcoming show was submitted and approved.

It was decided that owing to the unfavourable weather the date of receiving entries by mail be- extended until Monday, 21st inst. The following new members were elected: —Messrs I). S. Middleton, Nelson Young, Kenneth Munro, Frank Hyde, Simon Munro, I), Kane, Wm. Kingan. jun., James Rae, Henry Elliott, F. D. Thomson, Morris, jun., 13. It. Corson, A. W. Scott, J. O Connell, Leo. Lee, Hector Gibson, J. Oliver, JM‘Kav Faulks, Win. Reid, Wm. Tisdall. Allan Crombie, 13. II Barron, Dr Falconer, A. D. Miller, F. Wilkinson, F. P. Stephenson, B. Scofield, W. H. Evans, D. H. Cameron, James Waters, John R. Beeson, H. L. S. Sprosen, Outrani and White, J. KMooney and Co., Williamson, Jeffery (Ltd.), Wright, Stephenson and Co., Ltd. (Christchurch), Duncan Leishman, A. Y.-Sinellie, Gordon P. Duthie, G. S. Tonkinson, Jenson Bros,, J. It. Taylor, A. M. Matlieson, 3* Jackson Purdie, M. Matheson, and A. W. Roberts.

OUR CANTERBURY AGRICULTURAL BUDGET.

(Fuou Our Own Correspondent.) WEATHER DULL AND WINTRY. Apparently tlie floods are over, unless we are to share the fate cf Otago and have a repetition alter a fortnight. The waters receded fairly rapidly, and farmers in the flooded country are now busying cleaving, for the inundations made a mess of some farms, specially to fences and roadways. The aftermath is discernible in many ways, mid it has had a particularly pronounced impression in the grain trade. ihe merchants set out to buy, and when a line of wheat was offered it was eagerly snapped up and the full price paid; potatoes were also in keen demand. ’ Some farmers who are holding potatoes are opening their mouths very wide, and, though it is likely that they will be short before the spring, there is a tendency to exaggerate losses usually, and it will not be surprising that a. good deal more than is justified lias been made of the damage. 'j he .weather of late has been dull and wintry, with an odd sunny day to vary the monotony. It is only on light land that team work has been possible of late, as the soil is saturated in a manner that has not been exceeded for years past. Many districts have already had what would be a normal year’s rain, and even in Christchurch, where the rains have not been particularly heavy, there has been a fall that exceeds the rainfall of some dry years for the whole twelve months. Already there has been a fall of 17in, compared with six inches for a similar period of last year. Canterbury’s driest year in the past two decades was 1915, with a fall of just over 15in. taking the Christchurch fall as the average. ANOTHER FARM SCHOOL, The farm school, organised by officers of the Agricultural Department, was held at Ashburton this week, and there was a good attendance of farmers. The leading experts of the department were drawn upon to lecture, and a number of the addresses were specially instructive. It is just a point whether the syllabus was not a little too diverse, as even a good listener has a limit as to what he can assimilate. To listen to ibree and four addresses a day on a wide range of subjects would leave the average man with a confused mass of ideas which would prove rather indigestible. Probably a mere lasting benefit would accrue if one phase of farming was selected and followed out, leaving another phase -for a later school. One of the most interesting lectures was that given by Mr Bruce Levy upon pasture establishment and the maintenance of fertility. He said that the two most important factors in regard to grass and farming- was the species used and the quantities of each sown, and the treatment meted out to the pasture during its life-time. The natural vegetation of country is a sure indication of the quality of the land, and serves as a, guide as to what grasses will thrive and remain permanent. The tussocks of the South Island were a case in point. They were mainly festuea tussock and poa tussock. Of these two. v lie first is an indication that the pasture will be of the stunted brown type, and the better poa tussock indicates soil where cocksfoot and c-rested dogstail may be maintained, under good management, as permanent pasture. Land that had originally been in flax and toi-toi is of a decidedly better type, and therefore suited to retain the better class grasses and clovers. He divided the various classes of pastures into four groups:—Temporary (one year s duration), short rotation (two to three years), longer rotation (three to four years), and permanent pastures. The temporary pastures were practically uniformly constituted over nearly all” soili The short rotation were also similar, having 251 b of perennial rye and 61b of red clover to the acre. Permanent pastures were of three main types, varying according to the quality of the soil. A permanent pasture mixture for a short rotation soil was: Cocksfoot, 151 b; crested dogstail. 41b; perennial rve, 101 b; red clover 21b; white clover, 21b;—total, 371 b. Permanent pasture of good average firstclass soils; Cocicsfoot. 101 b; perennial rye, 151 b; Timothy, 31b; crested dogstail 21b; Italian rye, 41b; red clover, 31b; white clover, 21b; total. 391t>. Permanent pasture on fertile alluvial or rich swamps; Perennial rye, 151 b; cocksfoot, 81b; Timothy, 41h; meadow foxtail, 41b; poa tiivialis. 21b; Italian rye, 41b; red clover, 31b; alsike, 21b; while clover, lib;—total' 431 b. The constitution of pastures was a matter of special importance in farm management. Unless a good sward was obtained it was considerably handicapped. Briefly the essential points in efficient farm management were the maintenance of the clover content of the pasture and the keeping of a gotxl sward. The maintenance of the clover content of the pasture could best be assured by the top-dressing of the land with artificial manure. Mr Levy stressed the importance of the maintenance of the clovers as they, by their growth, nitrify the soil and also serve to keep cool and moist the other shallow rooting grasses such as perennial rye and cocksfoot. It was important to recognise that the root system of most grasses was cply a temporary structure, and that each grass developed a new root system for each growing period. The poorer grasses had their crow’n and root system deep in the soil, blit ryegrass and cocksfoot were essentially shallow rooters, and unless the conditions were such that the development of this new root; system was possible, it was obvious that ryegrass and cocksfoot would go out. The top-dressing of pastures with artificial phosphatie manures stimulated

clover growths, and if the clover content of a pasture was maintained the grasses would, look after’ themselves. The proper utilisation of stock manure dropped upon the land was a matter that did not receive the attention deserved, and the lecturer urged that farmers should not- neglect the scattering of the manure upon the grass paddoi ks. STORE SHEEP REVIVE. The most outstanding feature of the sale at the Addington yards this week was the decided improvement in the demand for store sheep. The yarding contained some good sheep from Otago and Nelson. The Nelson sheep were the balance of a consignment that was shipped down some live or six weeks ago, when the market was overloaded and were not sold. They had been turned out evidently on good feed in the meantime, and they looked vastly improved sheep. The sheep from the south were principally wethers, fairly fine iri the woo.!, and they met with prices that were well in advance of those that have ruled in the past few weeks. They were chiefly Corriedales. Some of the pens contained sheep that were a full four years old and they would cause anyone buying them for feeding on hard turnips seme concern as to 'whether their teeth would last, long enough to fatten. It is difficult to understand why station owners keep sheep on their properties so long. Bearing the same earmark these lines was a big pen of wethers that had no teeth at all, a fact that was indicated by the price they bought—lls. The number was too large for them to have been missed in mustering on an ordinary run. The owner must have determined to hang on to them for seme reason or other. The loss must have been substantial on the culls. Up to 25s 6d was paid for fhe_ best lines of these sheep, and viewed in the light of what good class wethers were purchased cut- of the fat pens later in tiie day. for the sale was a good one, arid the same remark would apply to all the weTlier sales of the day in the store pens. The Nelson ewes brought prices up round 20s, and this was a good many shillings better than the price offered for them when they were yarded after their arrival a month or so ago. They had lest the jaded look that travel and shipping had left on them, and ihe turning out must have improved their price by 3s or 4s in addition to what the cost of grazing would be to the firm that sent them down. A spirited demand was experienced for all classes and though the price of hoggets was not affected so much ass other classes the sale was a good one, and marked something in tlie nature of a revival, in prices and a generally healthier tone. Home rather weedy Otago wether hoggets sold at 12s 3d. TOWARDS the close. There is ample evidence that the freezing- season will not last much longer in Canterbury, and the fact is exemplified in the number of lambs that are coining into the sale. On Wednesday the number was down to 1600, and of this number many were out of place in this department. Sales were made at as low as 14s, which on a 9d market, indicates that they were very ordinary stores. It was only an odd line in the store pens that made a price lower than this. The season has been a very unsatisfactory one. The only satisfactory feature has been the price, which has kept, consistently good. It has been better than 9d for the whole of the season. The excessive price which fat tellers had to pay for stores and tlie vagaries of the season, the autumn growth being particularly poor, were the factors that made a promising season into a very poor one. So far as the numbers sent off are concerned. Lamb remains at 9d, and mutton shows lit lie change. SOUTHERN BEEF POOR. Only one line of fat cattle was forward from Southland, and this was a truck of steers that were well below the standard cf what southern graziers have been send ing up. Prices were easier, with a very irregular sale for all classes. One of the leading Christchurch butchers recently purchased eight or nine trucks of magnificent bullocks in the North Island. These

were from the Santlon (Man&watu) district, and were of exceptional quality. The big cattle did not sell well, and only three head touched £l4. I’hejße were single steers on account of separate vendors. T he class that sold better was steers that would scale round 80Qlb, and they made 30s a 1001 b in some cases, but there was a lot of wonderfully good cattle sold at prices that would not be better than 24s to 255. The three vendors that receiver* the top prices were (Messrs J. Dench (Waimate), H. Peach (Methven), and Sir George Clifford (Stonyhurst). The southern line mentioned sold at from £6 15s to £9 for six. MEAT CONSUMPTION IN AMERICA. A RECENT DECLINE. (pßOii Our Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, May 17. In his interview yesterday Mr Swift, of the famous Chicago company, mentioned that his firm handled two-thirds of the animals slaughtered for food in the United States. By the cutting down of expenses during the past two years and the cleaning out of inventories, the business was put on a sound basis with a profit large enough to cover dividends. Last year prices fell. In 1921 30 per cent, in cattle, sheep, and lambs, and 40 per cent, in hogs; but there had been a healthy advance in 1922, up to 30 per cent, in the case of sheep and lambs. (Meat consumption is declining in. the United States, said Mr Swift. 'j his is particularly true of beef. We are consuming now over 45,000.C00 pounds of meat a day in the United States, which figures out at about 156 pounds per person in the year, compared with 180 pounds in 1907. Our consumption naturally fell off during the war, as we shipped so much to the Allies. Why has the consumption fallen off? you ask. I think one reason is because many advertisers of other foods have urged people to eat less meat. Tlie preaching of faddists, as well as the anti-meat propaganda during' the war. may have had some effect. High retail prices, resulting from the great demand for the choicest meats, and from the high cost of operitting retail stores, may also have discouraged buying. You have an “eat more beef” campaign, I notice. Well, we have an eat more larnb campaign. The Department of Agriculture has entered the campaign, and in an official statement summarises the position bv urging the people to remember that the live stock industry is of fundamental importance to permanent agriculture, and that for health and vigour we should eat wellbalanced meals, including a variety of kinds and cuts of meat, making such substitutions as price variations show- to be most economical CANTERBURY CRAIN AND PRODUCE MARKET. CHRISTCHURCH. May 18. The potato market is still the chief item of interest. During the week very solid prices were paid to farmers for tubers to fill orders. This was partly brought about by the inability of growers to make their deliveries, causing merchants to go out and buy when few tubers were available. The position has now changed in those localities where the flood was of a temporary nature. Digging was commenced as soon as the ground permitted, and fairly heavy quantities have been got out during tlie past few days. A large proportion of this digging will represent deliveries under the lower prices prevailing prior to the flood, and to that extent merchants are relieved of having to buy on the high values asked by growers. Tubers dug during the past few days show no sign of the ill effects of the floods, but in most cases the 'areas were only temporarily submerged. Some merchants were today offering £6 to £6 5s for whites, whilst yesterday there were sales at up to £7 5s at country stations, with the majority of the growers asking more. Few potatoes to-day ;.ar. be bought from farmers below £7 ss, so there is a wide spread between the two estimates of values. The consensus of opinion, however, is that once the present rush is over prices will firm. Millers are buying wheat much more freely. Few merchants are inclined to the belief

that there will be an exces-s of good milling, a view that is stimulating purchases. Oats ere attracting very little interest, though the market is a shade firmer. Oat, eheaf stacks have sustained a good deal of damage by floods. There is practically no inquiry from outside. Values for A grade Cartons are from 2s 9d to 2s lOd at wayaide stations. Chaff is an item that has been influenced by floods, and growers can get up to £5 5s for good quality for prompt delivery. It is reported that sales at up to £8 15s, f.0.b.,5.i., have taken place for August-Septomber delivery. Up to £7 5s has been paid for prompt delivery. Partridge peas have again firmed in sympathy with the movement at Home. Sales f.0.b.,5.i., have been made at 8s 3d, equal to 7s 3d to farmers at wayside stations. This value is ahead of Home parity, but nevertheless the market is very firm. White Ivories are not inquired for much, and may be quoted at the same 93 Partridge, with little interest in B.ues. Most seed lines are very quiet. Italian ryegrass is an exception, and quotations are 3d per bushel better than last week Perennial, on the other hand, is inclined to be weaker Italian is worth 4s 9d to farmers. White clover remains lifeless at 12d per lb to farmers. The red clover position is dominated by the prospect of foreign importations. The floods have certainly reduced local yields, but quotations of foreign keep values from improving. A few lines have been bought from farmers at tip to lOd per lb, and quotations are from that figure down to 9d. The market is a shade healthier notwithstanding the prospect of importations. The linseed market is not affected by tho Aood damage, it is dependent on outside

demand. Short sellers have been actively on the market, and have paid up to £lB 10s, f.0.b., s.i., equivalent to £l6 to £l6 ss. Much of the linseed was soaked in tho sack by last week's flood and the rain in North Canterbury, but linseed is an oily product that would not be affected by rain as would most other seeds. Machine-dressed fescue has been offered nt lOAd per lb, a substantial decline on last season’s prices.. Following are quotations for produce to be paid to farmers at country stations, free of commission, sacks extra except where otherwise stated: Milling Wheat.—Tuscan, 5s Id per bushel f.0.b.; Hunters, 5s 3d; Pearl, 5s 3d. Fowl Wheat.—New season’s, 3s 9d to 4s per bushel. Oats. — Gartons, 2s 8d to 2s 9d! per bushel; Algerians, 2s 6d to 3s; Duns, 2s 6d to 3s. Chaff.—Up to £5 per ton. Potatoes. —£6 15s i-o £7 5s per ton. Onions. —£3 10s to £3 15s per ton. White Clover. —9d to Is lb. Tied Clover. —8d to 9d per lb. Perennial Kyegrass.—4s 6d to 5s per bushel. Italian Ryegrass.—4n 6d to 5s per bushel. Partridge Peas. 5s 6d to 7s per bushel. Cocksfoot. —4d to 4Ad per lb. Barley.—New season’s malting, 4s 6d to 53 per bushel; old season’s, 3s 6d to 4s 3d per bushel. Cape Bailey.—Up to 3s per bushel. I, in seed.—Up to £l6 10s per ton. Flour. —20011) sacks, £ls 10s; 1001 b bags, £l6 10s; 501 b bags, £l7; 251 b bags, £.17 10s; all per ton f.o.b. Lyttelton, Timaru, and Oamaru. Bran.—£s per ton, f.o.b. southern ports. Pollard.—£7 per ton, f.o.b. southern ports.

AGRICULTURAL AND PASTGRAI NEWS. At a meeting of farmers under the auspices of the Dannevirke branch of the Farmers’ Union (say's a Dannevirke Press Association telegram), on the motion of Mr E A. Ransom, M.P., seconded by Mr K. S. Chadwick, it was decided to support the principle of establishing agricultural banks in New Zealand.

A Wuiroa Press Association telegram says that Mr W. J. Poison, dominion president of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, addressed a large meeting on Wednesday afternoon on matters pertaining to the welfare of the farming- community. A motion was passed unanimously urging the dominion executive to take up the matter of the union entering politics. It also unanimously approved of the idea of dominion agricultural banks. Mr D. Andrew, president of the Otago A. and P. Society, received a wire last week from the Prime Minister advising him that he hoped to be able to arrange to be present at the opening of the Winter Show on June 5. Mr Massey stated that he would advise Mr Andrew definitely in the course of tho next few days. It is stated that 1200 cows have been guaranteed in the Mart,inborough district for the establishment of a cow-testing association Possibly a record has been created by a breeding sow owned by Mr Robert Stokes of the Anchor Hotel, Friskney, near Boston, which has .a litter of 23 line young pigs.

“’file ravages of wna pigs in certain [ harts of the iarar.aki district have been I so great that some farmers have lost 80 per cent, of their lambs through this cause, stared a 1? crest ry Department official recently. 'the department hail tie- I cided, he added, to pay a shilling for every ''•■hi pig killed there, and it was expected that this would result in the destruction of some ihousands. A new variety of wheat has been produced in Alberta, after a three years’ test. It, is stated to yield nine bushels more to the acre than the present champion called The Marquis. The new variety has been named Marquis the Third. About 200 farmers and others attended a field day arranged by the Browns Lime Company, Southland, and the Department of Agriculture last week. Lectures bearing on lime were delivered by Messrs Tennent, N.D.A.. and Alexander, the former treating m the main of the chemical action of lime oit soiis. wtiiie the latter cited instances where the effects of lime to-day on the Sou inland soils were markedly favourable. A good day s educating work was accomplished. Tobacco-growing in (he Tumut (N.S.W.I district is developing into an important industry, and this year s crop is expected to yield more than £30.000 to' the growers. '1 he Premier of Tasmania. (Mr “Hayes), announced last week that the Electrolytic Zinc Company is going to begin at. once the erection of a superphosphate plant that will, in 12 months, be turning out superphosphates at the rate of 50,000 tons a year. The company will supply superphosphates to Tasmanian farmers at the same rate at which mainland farmers obtain the ten iliser. \v hat may prove to be a revolutionary development in the fertiliser industry of tne world has been readied by the Bureau of Sorts, United States Department of Agriculture, which has just solved the prob.cm of extracting phosphoric acid from pnosph-ate rock by heating mixtures of this mineral, sand, and coke to a melting temperature in a fuel-fed furnace. The new process has been worked out on an approximately commercial basis at the department's experimental plant at Arlington, Va. s FARM SCHOOLS. HON. C. J. FARR’S VIEWS. WELLINGTON, Mav 17. *"p need for the establishment of farm schools in connection with the technical education system was stressed by the Minister of Education at the Technical Education Conference to-day. After referring tot he growing popularity of technical education, he said it was obvious that in country centres one main subject should be continually stressed with children—namely, the industry of the land and agricultural science. The Government should provide farm schools for teaching the practical work of the farm. He rejoiced that one farm school was started in the south last week, and he would like to see more of them. There was need for a farm school . after a boy bad had his ordinary education. He hoped as finance improved the Agricultural Department would be able to carry out its part of the pact, after the Education Department had clone its part. SETTLING IDLE LANDS. PROPOSED COMPREHENSIVE SCHEME OF IMMIGRATION. AUCKLAND, May 17. The need for active measures in the settlement the idle lands of the dominion was affirmed at a meeting of representatives _ of civic, commercial, industrial, and farming interests. It was resolved that it is imperative that the Government make it one of its first planks to open up Crown and other idle lands, and that it is justified in raising as much money as may be available for this purpose in terms of the Empire Settlement Act. It was also decided to form a permanent association of delegates to promote settlement. The delegates were instructed to obtain the views of various organisations on a proposal to request the Government to call a dominion conference of various interests at which a comprehensive scheme of immigration and land settlement should be formulated. Mr Massey to take steps to put. the scheme in operation during his proposed visit to England. LONDON WOOL SALES. HEALTHY TONE. From One. Special Correspondent LONDON, March 15. The sales are making excellent progress, and as far as one can see there is nothing on the horizon that is going to disturb the present standard of values. Although the sales have yet a considerable time to go, there is nothing to indicate any further weakness in values, while some say that prices will further harden as the end draws nigh. We shall certainly be greatly surprised if there is any further weakness, and the absorptive capacity of the trade is remarkable. The end of the season is fast drawing to a close in Australia, New Zealand. and South Africa. The biggest part of the new clip is now in the hands of the trade, and yet users have apparently faith in the future, which is leading them to continue operations on a very liberal scale indeed. We are glad that this is so, because it is essential that firm values obtain unless the trade is going to be more or less upset. The fact of the matter is that the offerings contiue to be moderately good, America taking the “cream” of the catalogues in merinos, while France continues to be a very large and active buyer. The well-sustained demand that is every day in evidence is convincing many that tiie worst is over, and though consumption is not at present as good in the West Riding as in France, the raw material is net piling up too much. MERINO CLIPS OFFERED. The week under review has seen some very good wools indeed catalogued, chief of which were from Queensland and Victoria. Among (he latter were wools that have sold up to 37d, Hyde Park making this price for a- real tip-top line of super

John Hanson, of Ferndale, Cal., has a herd of 80 Grade JERSEYS that averages 4801 b of butter-fat, per year. He ascribes this astonishing production to “the use for many years solely of pure bred JERSEY brills.” Buy a pure bred JERSEY bull. The Meadows Jersey Herd, ITeriot, Otago.

7()'s warp combing wools, several lines of itiis brand going to America. The lop lines would giro 62 per cent, clean yield, anu otic home (rude buyer said, if lie had bid Id more America would have gone stJi higher. The tieeee if this same mark made combaok 30d, and iambs up to 28 2 d; pieces same price, bellies 24u, and links I2Jp!. This certainly is a remarkable performance, but then the wool was very good. Last Monday a further excellent display was seen when DA/Mortat solti up to 31 id for the combing, necks pieces sold 2,"4, and bellies 22d. Hero wo had a splendid warp wool, 70\s quality, hut hardly as superior as the previous clip, still it was an excellent lot of wool, and sold splendidly. Woolbrook was a little lighter in condition, the top line of combing touching 32£d, necks 27d, pieces 27d, while the comebacks were fully equal to merino, and sold at 31gd. bellies 16d, even the coarse crossbred making 19d, and comeback lambs 18d. No further comment about, these prices is necessary, for they proclaim eloquently the high-class character of the clips named. It only confirms what we have repeatedly said —namely, that West Victoria can grow wool, the like of which is not produced in any other State in the Commonwealth, with the execution of the New England district of New South Wales, tne latter wools being just a little different to those grown in West Victoria. They are essentially American wools, and anyone buying these will have real pleasure in seeing them through without any difficulty to the finished pieces, when they will have something oi wh eh any manufacturer can afford to be proud. Among the _ Queensland offerings was Well town, a clip we have known for mar.y years. It, always shows 70's quality, but is just a little tinged with red on account of the soil on which the sheep run, and the clip this season is well grown and light. Hie top line cl combing touched 30jd, necks broken 27d, pieces 22d, and bellies This clip is. suited either for the home or the Continental trades, and it was divided between them. AACo/ Blader.sburg can be called a good average clip, sound and well grown, and although burry, it sold well, though there was not that high-class condition that one often sees in Central Queensland wools. The top line of combing made 26J)d, others making 26a to 20d, fleece lSd, broken 23d t pieces 23d to 19d, bellies 17d to 16d, prices which ore 5 per cent, below last, series. A particularly good line of scoured Queensland wools was Hamilton Downs, this being so tar one of the hest clips offered this series. The top line of combing touched 52jd. other lots selling from 50d to 42jd, broken 44d to 36d, pieces 41jd to 33d, bellies 37J to 34 J. 4. and locks 31d. The best line of Queensland scoureds so far catalogued is 25 bales from Afton, a Central Queensland clip, which touched 535(1. Baroona made UCjd, while GDL/Cassels touched 48id. another lot making 49d. The biggest straight line cf grease combing wools was catalogued under the brand of R. Bros. /Ooondooroo, grown in Mitchell, tho offering comprising no less than 137 C bales. This gives the reader some idea of the size of some Queensland stations. The bales average 3301 b each, and reckoning tho weight of a fleece at 81b, the number of sheep on the station can easily he estimated. Ooondooroo is a well-known station, the top line of grease combing touching 26d, otter lots selling from 26d to 20d. lambs lSd to 15d. broken 252(1, pieces 20 2 d to 18d. and bellies 18 2 d. Hero we had a good 64-70’s quality, nice length, a little dusty, but for all that a real typical Continental wool. Vest, Australia has been represented by some very useful clips. Meeberie/J&CB/ Murchison being a good, well-grown clip, the greasy merino combing touching 26d, fleeces 58 j(l to 21d, necks 25d lo 24d, pieces 20id to 17 2 d, bellies and lambs 16d. Here we had a good useful 64’s quality, fairly good length, and in good average condition. Murchison wools this season have not been so well grown as we usually see, due undoubtedly to the- bad season experienced all last year. J&CB/ Boolathana was distinctly more wasty than usual, the combing touching 23jd. necks 20d, pieces 13£d. bellies 16 2 d. and lambs the last being very dear. Margoo/Murchison was in better condition, and sold exceedingly well, there being here a good shaflv staple, good 64’s quality, and a real typical Bradford topmaking wool. The greasy merino combing touched 23 2 d, other lots selling at 29d to 26-id. fleece 27id to 23d, backs 26d to 25d. necks 25 2 d. pieces 24-jd to 22d, bellies 18jd. and lambs 19jd-15id. These are certainly excellent prices, and clearly indicate a sound, wellgrown clip. Woodyarrup was also a good quality, the grease combing touching 29d, lambs 15id, and locks 71,(1, several lots being withdrawn on account of high limits. Taking the sale of merinos, there has certainly been nothing wanting. CROSSBREDS. Every day lias seen a big weight of greasy crossbred from Victoria and New South Wales, but mostly from New Zealand. These have continued to sell very freely, though we cannot see that prices on a par with last series are being made for any description. Unless if be good comebacks and fine crossbreds from Australia that are free of burr. America has been by no means to the fore as a buyer compared with January, and any wools purchased on United States account have to come within Id of the same value as the heme trade would pay. otherwise it is not taken. However, good fine crossbreds are no more than 5 per cent lower compared with last series. The same can be said for coarse crossbreds, but in medium crossbreds the decline is still in many cases 7 2 to 10 per cent. Slipes, too. come very much in the same category, but here America is bv no means as active as she was, the bulk of the wools being purchased on home trade account. Still the demand for these is really good, and even France is taking a fair weight: far more than the majority ever expected to see. CLEAN SCOURED COST'S. The following is a useful table, showing Hie measure cf the decline as calculated on

The general ignorance manifested by some young people sometimes exceeds the expectations of the most pessimistic who condemn the present system of education (reflects the Timaru Post). A youth employed in a business in Timaru was called on the other day to attend to some work connected with the town of Reefton. “Reeflon,” ho remarked in a puzzled voice, “where’s that? In Australia, isn’t it?” On being informed of the position of the town he was quite unperturbed. “I knew they held races there, but I didn’t know where it was,” he said.

a clean basis, the figures being compiled from Messrs Kregliugcr and Fernau's re-

THE BREADSTUFFS AND PIMJu I>UCE MARKETS. Fridav evening. There have been many reports of damage to the winter wheat crops of the United States, and it is confidently predicted that much of the winter acreage will be abandoned. The area sown tg spring wheat in the United States is estimated at 1,000,000 acres below that of last year. In Canada sowing of wheat is still very backward. The crops in Europe promise to exceed greatly those of last year, while the yield of wheat in India this season is estimated to exceed the production of the preceding year by 56,000,000 bushels. With tariffs being tightened almost everywhere, it is good policy to endeavour to tap the markets of the East Jsays the Australasian). Other nations recognise their importance, and lo.se no opportunity to push business there to the extent, if possible, of shutting out competitors from the commonwealth. The deputation last week from the export section of the Chamber of Commerce therefore performed good service in describing to the Minister of Customs the present position of the trade. Mr Chapman was most sj-mpathetic, and, while urging the interests represented to submit a concrete proposal, seemed to convey that the Federal Ministry might subsidise a direct service to Eastern ports. What is wanted is not only that refrigerated space shall be provided, but that freights shall be reduced. Whatever may be the outcome of the requests made by the deputation, the issues - involved are of importance to primary producers in the commonwealth. Still, the appeal for shipping facility practically resolves itself into a demand upon the shipping companies to meet the position at tl.cir own expense, unless either they are suosidised or exporters are prepared to pay a remunerative rate of freight. When the question was dealt with some months ago, the overseas shipping companies made it clear to exporteis that they were most anxious to assist in the development of the Eastern trade. Their position in this respect has undergone no change. But they cannot be expected to divert steamers from other trading routes that give profitable returns to one that on the face of it threatens to result in a loss. The question arises is there sufficient cargo offering to warrant a direct transport service being employed in the Eastern trade, or will traders assist in its development. The oversea shipping companies have intimated their willingness to do their share, and go so far as to say that they would be prepared to place steamers with refrigerated space for direct trading with Eastern ports for 12 months at a very small or nominal profit. It would not come as a surprise if they volunteered to open these routes ev«i if no profit whatever resulted, but it would be unfair to expect them to do this. Exporters in Melbourne claim ’.hat a considerable business could be done wi h Shanghai and ports farther north if a di-cct steamship service were inaugurated. They say that tlie reason why Far Eastern trade goes to the United States and Great Britain is because vessels ply direct to buyers’ ports at a considerably lower iwte of freight than that from Australia to the East. r I he necessity for transhipment of goods for places outside t lie main steamer trading routes involves extra expense, and often damage is done to the goods. Still, os the steamship owners have offered to

do their best, it is incumbent upon exporters to provide adequate cargo for the vessels. In February a case came before the Second Civil Court at Durban, in which plaintiffs sued the Union Government for a refund of £IBO and interest in connection with the flour dumping duty. The flour was shipped from Sydney, and the home value at the time of despatch was £l3 5s a ton, but after making allowances for cartage and minor charges that are not incurred when flour is exported, the home-consumption value was declared at £l2 4s Ski a ton. In Melbourne on the date of shipment of flour from Sydney the homeconsumption price was £l3 10s a ton, and the Cutoms Department pleaded that the dumping duty should be based on this quotation, although a certificate was issued by the New South Wales authorities supporting the shipper’s valuation. As prices of flour in the various Slates of the commonwealth generally differ, it was held by plaintiffs that those that obtained in one State had no bearing on these that ruled in another State, and the presiding magistrate concurred with that view. The result was that the court found in favour of the plaintiffs for the full amount claimed, with costs. LOCAL MARKETS. Offerings of milling wheat are on the light side, as the weather conditions are preventing threshing. Reports from the country indicate that the bulk of the threshing will now have to be left till the spring, it is considered that a large percentage of the wheat in stack will be badly damaged, as \eiy few stacks have been thatched an<J they would hardly be able to run off all the rain which has fallen in the last two or three weeks. Those stacks which were surrounded with water will be ruined, so far as sound quality milling wheat is concerned. Millers, however, are fully stocked, and even if theie is no wheat on offer for the next few months they will not have their operations restricted, as they have sufficient to carry them through. They could, however, absorb further supplies of Velvet. The market is firmer for fowl wheat, and sales can be made at -Is 5d f.0.b., sacks extra. Few lots, however, are on offer, and the bulk of the business is being done by northern ports. Dunedin millers’ prices are as follows: Flour, 2QQIb, £ls 10s per ton; 100’s, £l6 10s; 50’s, £l7; 25’s, £l7 10s. Bran, £5 per ton. Pollard, £7 10s. Oatmeal; 2o’s, £2O; 200’s, £l9. Oatmeal has been advanced £2 per ten. The oat market shows a better tone. There are buyers of B Gartons for May and June delivery at 3s 3d f.0.b., s.i., but sellers are asking Id per bushel more. A grade are also in demand at 3s 5d f.0.b., s.i., but owing to very few lots being on offer from the country there is practically no busings passing. Holders of oats are inclined to wait to see what effect the floods will have on future prices. A very large quantity of cats has also been seriously damaged. A considerable area which was under turnips, swedes, etc., has been badly affected by the flood water, ..and this will necessitate farmers using a far larger quantity of sheaf oats for feefling purposes during the winter than is usually the case. Oats are still being shipped to Australia, but the prices on offer are not on the high side, and apparently not many oats are wanted in the meantime. Inquiries have also been received from London, but as the prices offered are not above to-day’s equivalent (3a 5d f.0.b., s.i.), no business has been transacted. Merchants would prefer to sell in New Zealand at 3s 5d f.0.b., s.i., than -take the risk of sending to London to sell on a c.i.f. basis. PRODUCE REPORT. Local supplies of chaff have been affected by the bad weather, a.nd as a consequence the market has firmed to £5 5s per ton, sacks extra, ex truck, Dunedin. Some of the chaff which has come to hand during the last few days has been heated, having been cut while in a moist state, and this is practically unsaleable. Poor and medium chaff, in fact, is in over supply. Inquiries are being received for shipment, and sales of good quality have been made at £6 15s f.0.b., s.i. This price is equivalent to £5 5s per ton, ex truck, Dunedin. There is a good local demand for potatoes. Sales of sound quality have been made at up to £9 10s per ton, sacks included. This price, however, is hardly likely to be maintained, as the shipping market has weakened. The potato-growing areas in Canterbury have apparently not been so badly affected by the floods, as merchants there are now prepared

to sell at n. reduction of £1 to £1 10s on the rates ruling last week. Ifair average qualitv was on offer in Dunedin on Thuisoay, Tima.ru aril Lyttelton ports, May shipment, at £7 15s f.0.b.. s.i. There arc plenty of sellers at these figures, with no buyers. Eggs are still at high prices. Supplies, however, are commencing to increase. Hams are in fair supply. Current local wholesale prices are as follow : Chaff.—Good quality, £5 ss; medium and light, unsaleable. Potatoes, £9 10s. Dairy Butter. — Bulk, la 5d ; pats, Is sd; milled, Is sd. Melbourne onions, to arrive, £9 per ton. Eggs.—Stamped, 2s 9l; unstamped, 2s 6d to 2s 7d; preserved, Is 10:1 to (Is lid. Bacon. — Rolls, Ls Id per lb; sides, Is. Haras, ls 2d; boneless, Is 3d. FRUIT REPORT. 'Uie fruit marts have been over-supplied with (rears. The demand is confined to sound fruit only. Choice dessert apples are in good demand. Anything under that quality is slow' of sale. Most of the fruit is coming from Otago Central and the Taicri. Heavy supplies of fruitare now held in the local marts. Good cooking apples have a sale at up to 6s to 7s par case. Some nice samples of grapes have arrived from Waikouaiti. Small lines of tomatoes continue to arrive from the Central. The colour and quality are, of course, not now of the best. Pines and passions are expected next week from Sydney. The Moeraki is due early next week from Melbourne via the Blurt. She is expected to bring grapes and lemons, and possibly a few oranges. Californian lemons are due next week, transhipped ex Maunganui at Wellington. The market is short of supplies of pie melons. Further supplies should be available next week. Fairly large quantities of cauliflowers have arrived on the market from Gore, Oamaru, and Milton,, and have met a fair demand. Sound cabbages have a medium inquiry. 'Those coming from the flooded areas have had to be dumped at the tip. Carrots and swedes are in good demand. The market is bared of parsnips. Supplies are expected from th© Morven district in a day or two. The following are the latest prices: Apples.—Dessert Jonathans, 6s to 7s per case; Orange Pippins, to 123; Delicious, to 12s 6d; cookers, 4s to 4s 6d for best; medium, 3s; inferior, 2s to 2s 6d. Pines, 24s to 265. Tomatoes.—Christchurch, 3d to 4d per lb for best; local hothouse, 9d to lid; Central, 4d to Old. Grapes, 2s 6d to 3s 6d per lb. Lemons.—American, 45s to 50s. Oranges.—lsland repacks to 20s. Pears. —Dessert, ljd~ to 2d per lb; cooking, Id to Ifd per lb. Cauliflowers, Gs to 7s 6d per sack; loose, 3s to 6s per dozen. Cabbages, 3s Gd to 5s per -sack; medium, Is to Is 6d; inferior, unsaleable; choice, 3s to Is per dozen. Lettuce, Is to ls Cd per dozen. Beetroot, ls to Is 4d per dozen. Parsnips, ls fid per dozen bunches, 8s per cwt. Carrots, ls per dozen bunches, 7s per cwt. Pumpkins, 6-s 6d per sack. Marrows, 6s 6d per, sack. Pie melons, 10s 6d per cwt. ME R C HANDISE MA R ICE T. Ling fish is again in short supply. A small parcel which came to hand was quickly disposed of. A parcel of Norwegian gild, halves, has just been landed. It is quoted at 9s 6d per dozen. The Rotorua has supplies of a number of English lines, some of which arc badly wanted. Small waxshine has been reduced to 4s. 6d per dozen. Stocks of bon ami are short in wholesale hands. Preserved ginger is now quoted at ls 2d per lb net. Parcels landed recently are showing a high cost. Robinson’s groats and barley are quoted at 17s per dozen. A line of Jordan almonds which has just come to hand shows a reduction in price. Linseed has been advanced in price. Whole is quoted at 23s 6d per cwt, crushed at 255. Certain linos of K. and Oak jams have been reduced in price during the week. COMMERCIAL CABLEGRAMS, BANK OF ENGLAND RETURNS. LONDON, May 17. The Bank of E-nglnrul returns for the we«k ended May 17 afford the following comparison with those of the previous week : Mav 10. Mav 17. Coin and bullion £125,11X3.000 £125,608,000 Reserve 23,496,000 23,799,000 Proportion of reserve to liabilities, etc 10.CN) 10.44 Note circulation 123,776,0»X) 123,4(5,000 Government deposits ... 14,602,000 15,660,000 Other deposits 102.003,000 . 106,723,000 Government securities ... 42,137,000 44,137,000 Other securities 63,614,000 72.226,000 Short loans, 1$ per cent. ; three months’ bills, 2J per cent.

GOVEI {N ME N T SEC U*R T TIE S. LONDON, May 17. The following are the latest quotations for Govt rnment securities, with a comparison with those ruling last week :

LONDON MARKETS. LONDON, May 15. Wheat cargoes are steady at full late rates in sympathy with the American market, but the demand is quiet and prices are un-cli-ifnged. Steamer parcels are steady. May 17. Wheat cargoes are firm, in sympathy with th© American advance, but buyers are slow in responding. Quotations are occasionally 3d to fid dearer, and parcels are firm at fu l ! rate rates. New Zealand May-Junc shipment is quoted at 43s 6d. ® The nominal spot trade is dull. Australian, ex store, is nominally worth 54s fid. Flour is steady and unchanged. Oafs are firm. A grade Gartons, on spot, are quoted at 37s Cd to 38s 6d. Barley 13 quiet. Australian Chevalier, on spot, is quoted at 40s to Ifi3, and New z,ealand mailing at -12 s to 465. Peas are firmer. New Zealand Maples, on spot, are worth 100 s to 102 s fid; May shipment, 71.3 Gd; Blues, on spot, 320 s to 3405. New Zealand beans, on spot, are quoted at 50s to 525. Sugar is unchanged. May 19, Chilled Beef. —Argentine fores, 3d; hinds, 6Jd; Uruguayan fores, 2jjd; hinds, 51 d; other meal unchanged. Coiton. —Liverpool quotation for American middling upland, June delivery, 13.80 d per pound. Rubber. —Fin© hard para, Hid per pound, plantation, first latex crepe and smoked ribbed sheet, 13R1 to 14d. Jute.—Native first marks, June shipment, £2 7s per ton. New Zealand Hemp.—None offering. Copra.—South Sea bagged, April-May shipment, £27 2s 6d per ton. Linseed Oil. —£47 per ton, equal to 3s Bgd per gallon. Turpentine.—ll6s Gd per cwt, equal to 8s 91d per gallon. BUTTER AND CHEESE MARKETS. LONDON, May 17. Butter is dull, New Zealand choicest, salted, 142 s to Ills; ivnsaltod, about 4s premium,; Australian -salted, 13is to 1365; secondary, about 120 s to 128 s. Cheese is easier in view of the large New Zealand supplies afloat. LONDON TALLOW SALES. LONDON, May 16. At the tallow sales 1331 casks were offered and 714 were sold. Low sorts declined fid and others were unchanged. APPLE PRICES AT HOME. LONDON, May U. The apple market is firm. The Armagh and Pakeha's New Zealand Jonathans realised 10s to lls Cd, Cleopatra* 12s to Its. exceptionally good 15s, Dunns lls to 12s Cs, King Davids 9s to 12s, Cox’s orange 2C-s to 22s 6d, Adams 10s to 12s fid. The Berrima’s West Australian Jonathans brought lls to lls fid, Dunns 113 61 to 12s. Prices ex the Diogenes at Hull, were as .follows; —West Australia Jonathans 103 9d to 13s, Cieopatras 12s fid to 15s fid, others 103 to 13s, Victorian Cieopatras 143 9d, others 9s Gd to 12s. The Argyllshire’s shipment to Liverpool brought the following prices:—Tasmanian Cieopatras lls Sd, others 9s 6di to 12s, West Australian Cieopatras 13s to 14s, Jonathans lls to 12s Cd, Victorian Jonathans 10s 3d to 12s fid, Rome Beauty lls to 12s. NEW ZEALAND APPLE PRICES. LONDON, May 17. New Zealand apples are quoted as follows: Jonathans, lls to 12s 9d; Golden Pippins, lls to 12s. —A. and N.Z. Cable. AUSTRALIAN MARKETS. MELBOURNE, May 18. Hides. —Market slightly easier. Values declined from Jd -to I-. 1 ail round, notably on badly-got-up parcels. Barley: English, 4s to 4s 3d. Oats, 3s 8d to 3s lOd. Potatoes, £8 to £8 10s Onions, £4. SYDNEY, May 17. Oats: Algerian feed, 4s 7d to 4s 8d; white, 4s 8d to 4s 9d. Maize, 6s fid per bushel. Potatoes: Tasmanian, £l2 to £l4; Victorian, £l2. Onions: Victorian, £5 15s to £6. ADELAIDE, May 17. Oats: Algerian feed, 3s fid to 3s Bd.—A. and N.Z. Cable. ENGLISH WOOL MARKET. LONDON, May 11. The Bradford wool market i 3 stagnant. There is no business and quotations are unchanged. May 17. At Bradford wo-olholders are firm at late rates but spinners and manufacturers are indifferent. Business is stagnant. BAWRA ANNUAL MEETING. MELBOURNE, May IS. At the annual meeting of the shareholders of Bawra the chairman said the realisation account- surplus at the end c.f last year stood at £1,224,638, while the stocks of wool on hind were valued at £3,718,000, and there was every probability of this valuation being realised and exceeded. The securities totalled £3,254,000, and cash at bankers £1,043,000. The latter was in April last distributed for capital reduction payment. Since January of 1923 Bawra had disposed of an additional 176,009 bales, leaving a balance of stocks on hand at April 30 of 27,000 bales of merino, of which 10G0 were New Zealand, and 610,000 bales of crossbred, of which 235,000 bales were New Zealand. Considerable progress was being m-a.de in connection with the question of making a final distribution to the owners of the 131 G-17 clip. Th© meeting resolved that the capital of the association should be reduced from £19,076,000 to £13,744,000 by the repaymentof 9s per share, thus reducing the paid-up capital value of the previous £1 and lCs shares to 103 and Is respectively. THE OAMARU MARKETS. (Fnoii Ocb Own Correspondent.) OAMARU, May 18. For much the greater part the weather has been excellent during the week—sunny days and cold nights. Though nothing in the way of floods has been experienced, the ground everywhere. has received such a thorough soaking ns it has not had for a long time, a-r.d this is viewed as a preliminary to good crops next season. But whether the encouraging prospect will induce farmers

co sow more widely than they had previously resolved upon remains to be seen. Generally speaking, the ground is still too wet to pirmil of much work being done, Lilt there is still plenty < f time for sowing, and there is a certainty that any seed sown will spring into liiV readily. That was not tho case last year, for the seed lay in tho ground many weeks before germination started, and mu h of it perished with the ultimate re» suit of light crops. Though the volume of business in the local grain and produce market has not bcon great tho Hoods north and south, with tho reports of attendant damage and destruction, have made an impress here. This lias been felt in several directions. In the first place, though local millers, being already well stocked are not buyers except of lines that catch tlieir fancy, there lias been more activity in milling wheat. A good number of sales in modest lines are reported, and, what is much more significant, wheat that was previously looked at askance and pronounced not of prime milling quality is now being accepted for gristing purposes, for whicn it is suitable. This, cl course, is on indication of a belief that the- anticipated surplus supply in the dominion has disappeared, with a possibility of an ultimate shortage. There is still little movement in oats, and few samples are coming -on tho market. A number of growers who have oats in stack arc turning them into chaff, having found that this will pay them better than° threshing for grain. Some business has been dono at a shade over previous prices in some instances. A line of good heavy milling Gartons found a buyer at 3s net at a country station, and a number of A grade Gartons have changed hands at country stations at 2s Od and 2s 10s not, the greater part of the business being done at the lower figure. A parcel o.f rather dirty feed Algerians was taken at 2s 9d net at a country station. There lias been a fair amount of activity in oaten sheaf chaff. Most of the sales were made at from £4 to £1 10s net, on trucks, at country sidings, but for one bright, heavy line £4 15s net was given, and an exceptional line realised £5. There is a good inquiry for potatoes, but few are available, and prices have made a substantial advance. Sales have been made of good table tubers at £9 net, on trucks, and for a special line £lO 10s net, delivered in Oamaru, was given, the purchase being presumably made for local consumption. SOUTHLAND MARKET REPORT. From Quit Own Correspondent.) INVERCARGII.Ii, May 18. Oats.—This marker, has a somewhat easier tendency though prices are virtually on the same level as in last week’s report, A grade netting growers on trucks, sacks extra, 2s 9d, 13 grade 2s 7d. Duns are not much in demand, and it is very difficult for growers to obtain higher than 2s Gi, unless JFor exceptionally fine, heavy lines. Chaff.—There has been no business to record during the week. Merchants are disinclined to operate at anything in excess of £3 15s per ton on trucks, for really prime quality, while old chaff still commands incidence over new. Ryegrass.—Notwithstanding the preconceived idea that the bulk of the ryegrass is in merchants’ hand-3, considerable lots have been offering. The market is somewhat depressed and it is not possible for growers to obtain 5s per bushel on trucks for seed which a few weeks ago would easily exceed that figure. Twenty-four pound to 25ib seed well dressed at the mill is now valued at about 4s 9d per bushel on trucks. The fescue market is in a well-nigh stagnant position, though occasional lines of machinedressed seed are now and then finding Jt market. SHEEPSKIN MARKET REPORT. The Dunedin Woolbrokers' Association (Todd Bros., Bid., Dalgety and Co., Ltd., Donald Reid and Co., Wright, Stephenson, National Mortgage and Agency Company, Ltd., Stronach, Morris, and Co., Ltd., New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Ltd., and Otago Farmers’ Co-operative Association) report as follows: Large catalogues were submitted to a full attendance of buyers. Bidding wos keen throughout, and the- better grades showed an advance of Id per lb on an average as compared with last sale prices. There was a keen demand for pelts, and also fine wool led skins. Quotations as follows:—Merino, Hid to 16d; first halfbred, LUd to Isfd; first faulty crossbreds, 12|d to 13|cl: crossbred, to 12£d; three-quarter wool crossbred, to half wool, half B, to 12}d; half wool crossbred, to 10Id ; quarter wool halfbred, to quarter wool ciossbred, to B|d; half lambs, 9d to ll|d; halfbred hogget, to I21d; crossbred hogget, to lOd; halfbred faulty, 13|d; crossbred faulty, to 9?d; pelts, to 6id (a few extra good brought Sd).

November 1922 23. Carcases. 1921-22. Carcases 28,894 14,322 28,817 December 78,979 J auuary .. 671,316 426,181 February .. 615,415 6(25,691 March .. 656,257 554,777 April -. 412,974 660,122 2,463,835 2,309,910

1922-23 1921-22. Carcases. November 64,327 112,500 December 46,881 41,931 J axillary .. 189,511 180,956 February .. 219,353 415,882 March .. 273,955 371,255 April 86,198 406.151 880.225 1.528.675

port:— Julv, Feb. 9, Mar. 9, 1914. 1923. 1923. per lb. per lb. per lb. cl. d. d. 70's, superior fleeces .. 32 61 GO 64/67, good medium fleeces 301 56 54 60/64's, good medium fleeces no 50 49 64’s, good pieces 28 53 52 60’s, good piece3 27 48 47 58/60’s, gcod medium fleeces 29 48 48 56’s, fine crossbred fleeces 26 37 36 50/56’s, fine crossbred fleeces 231 31 30 46/50’s, crossbred fleeces 18 24 22 46’s, crossbred fleeces .. 17 19 17 44’s, crossbred fleeces .. 16 14 13 36/40’s, crossbred fleeces 151 12 12

FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATES. LONDON, Ma v 17. The exchange rates are as follows: — Par. Mat 1-1. Mav 17. Paris, Ir. to £1 ... 25.255 60.80 6IC55 (Christiania, kr. :o Cl .. 18.15!) 28.17 28.:; i Copenhagen, kr. to Cl ... 18.13!) 24.65 24.82 Stockholm, kr. to Cl ... 18.153 17.37 17.55 Berlin, murks to £1 .. 20.25 205,000 115,000 Rome, lire to £1 22.22 h 04 1-3 Oof, Montreal, dol. o Cl ... 4.86 4.71i 4.7U New York, il.it. to Cl ... 4.86 4.26J 4.26 \ Hongkong, dol. to £1 ... * 28\-'l Yokohama, st. to veil ... 21.50 25A 254 Calcutta, st.. to rpe. 10 to gold £1 17>16 l ♦Determined ay price of silver.

6 Last week. This week. £ s. d. £ s. d. Trap. C p-c ... 58 15 0 58 2 6 War Loan, 5 p.c., 11)20-47 ... 101 0 0 101 2 G War Loan, 3.\ p.c., 1925-2S ... 95 15 0 95 15 O Conv. iOan. p.c. ... 80 5 0 80 5 0 Cwcnith fi p.c.. 1!W4-41 ... 105 5 0 105 5 0 O'wealth 54 P c., 1022-27 ... 100 12 6 100 15 0 N.Z. 6 p.c., 1036-51 ... 110 15 0 107 0 0 N.Z. 4 P.c., 1020 ... 95 5 0 95 10 0 x.z. :u p.c., 1040 ... 8G 10 0 8G 2 6 x.z. p.c., 1045 ... 77 10 0 77 5 0 x.s.w. 64 p.c , 1034-40 ... ... 108 17 G 108 17 G X.S.W. G p.c. 1030-40 ... ... 104 7 G 104 2 6 X.S.W. 52 p. -., 1922-42 .. 100 12 G 100 12 G x.s.w. 4 p.c , 1033 ... 92 7 G 02 7 G X.S.W. 3i P-1930-50 ... 81 15 0 82 0 0 x.s.w. 34 p.c., 1030-50 ... 88 15 0 88 15 0 x.s.w. 3 l».c , 1025 ... 80 0 0 80 0 0 Q’lanil p.c., 1030-49 ... ... 105 5 0 105 5 0 Q' 1.: n 11 4 p.c. 1921 ... 09 2 G 09 0 0 Q’land H pc , 1924 ... 07 2 G 97 17 G O ' I a ml p.c , 1050 ... 89 37 0 no 2 6 i p.c.. 1022-47 ... ... 72 10 0 72 10 O Vie. -H p.c., 1030-40 ... 103 7 G 103 7 6 Yin. 3? p.c., 1021-26 ... ... 07 7 6 07 0 0 Vie. 3.} p.c., 1929-40 ... 80 10 0 80 0 0

Vic. :u p.c., 1029-49 ... 74 15 0 75 15 8. A. IP, p.c., ]!)i?0-10 ... ... l'S 5 0 PJS 12 8 Six ':i p.c., 1915 or after ... so 10 0 ss 1 ) 0 p.c., r.).*?o ... (it. 7 0 08 7 C vv.a. n p.c.. 1900-40 ... 10*5 O 0 1.06 0 0 \v.\. n.c.. 1920-35 ... ... 87 5 0 87 0 0 W.a. :: p.c., 1015-3:, ... So 15 0 SI 0 0 Pas. r '\ p.c., i n;io-40 ... 108 i: C) 108 15 o Ta„ :» p.c., 1020 Jr J ... ... SI! )> 0 8fi 2 c T, s . :i injo-io ... 80 0 0 80 0 0