STOCK AND GRAZING NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3752, 9 February 1926, Page 19

STOCK AND GRAZING NOTES.

Weakly stock Sales. Burnside, Wednesdays. Addington, Wednesdays. Waiareka Railway Junction, Tuesdays. Fortnlgtitly. Blversdale, Fridays, Wallaeetowu, Tuesdays. Ashburcon, Tuesdays. Heriot, Thursdays. Winldn, Thursdays. Wyndham, Thursdays. Clinton, Thursdays. Balolutha, Fridays. Gore. Tuesdays. Monthly. Edendale, Ist Monday. Palmerston. 4tb Thursday Winton, 4tn Tuesday. Mataura, Ist Thursday. Tokanui, 4th Monday

Monthly (continued). Duntroon, 2nd Wednesday. Woodlands, 3rd Wednesday. Milton, 2nd Tuesday. Balfour, 3rd Thursday. Thornbury, Ist Friday. Otautau, 2ud Wednesday. Riversdale, 3rd Friday. Waikaka, last Friday. Clydevale, last Friday Periodically as Advertised. Lnmsden, Alossburn, Orepuki, Waimahaka, Waikouaiti. River* ton, Ngapara, and Otago Central Sales.

OTAGO. BURNSIDE MARKET. An entry of 2052 fat sheep at Burnside, compared with 2127 the previous week, proved somewhat heavy for the de mancL The quality generally was only fair the supply of ewes being again very large. Not many prime heavy jheep were penned. The demand was by no means brisk. At the opening sale on prime heavy wethers, values were fully 2s easier than a week ago, and although some improvement occurred later on in the sale, the trend was always down wards, helped thereto by the apathy of the customary export buyers and the big entry. Wethers may be quoted as making up to s£d per lb. The yarding of fat lambs, 890 (2253 last week), proved to be of excellent quality, if somewhat lighter than the entry last week. The demand was easier by about Is per head, heavy lambs again meeting with a demand not at all commensurate with their quality, but reflecting London's disinclination for big lambs, no matter how prime they might be. Lamb may be quoted as making tor light primes up to per lb, tc 421 b about 7£d, over 7d per lb. The yarding of fat cattle, 306 (346 last week), comprised, for the most part, fair to prime cows, with a moderate proportion of bullocks. The demand opened at about £1 per head under last week’s prices for steer beef, to ease a few shillings more per head ere the sale closed. Beef made up to 42s per 1001 b.

The entry of store cattle was large, over 300 head, the quality meagre, few steers being included, and these were passed in at auction. All grades of steers were cheaper, and sales were by no means brisk.

Fat pigs met with a very fair demand also stores. Baconers made to 81d, and porkers to 9d per lb.

NORTH ISLAND STORE STOCK VALUES.

Good growing weather ha» altered the outlook for feed in the North Island but prices cannot be said to have grown to any extent. Still, business is being effected, even if values are away down from last season’s rates. In the Auckland Province, at Westfield market, beef is firm at up to 34s per 1001 b, forward ■tcera to 19, good threc-year-old* £7 to

£7 10s, good two-year-old £6 to £6 15s, grod yearlings to £4 15s, shorn i\*pe lambs 15s 6d to 17s 6d, small 10s to 12s, medium woolly lambs 15s 6d,. two-tooth wethers 22s to 245. In Poverty Bay, two-tooth wethers made 19s to 22s 3d, medium mixed lambs 9s to 15s 6d. In Wanganui I 1 cilding areas, woolly rape lamb mad 17s, shorn lambs 15s to 19s, small sorts 8s 6d to 12s 6d, two-tooth wethers 21s to 255; cattle not wanted. In the Wellington Province, prices indicate little change since our last report. In Hawke’s Bay, yarding continue on the small side; two tooth wethers made 19s 6d to 21s, forward mixed young wethers 23s 3d to 245. good rape lambs 10s to 19s, fair lambs 12s to 15s, small sorts 9s to 1 Is. Cattle unchanged. In the Wairarapa, good ewe hoggets to 275, rape lambs 15s to 18s 3d. culls 6s, mixed two-tooths 15s to 17s 3d, mixed young ewes, 22s to 24s 9d. STOCK NOTES. Stock are doing well in Otago, thanks to the great wealth of feed and pleasant weather now being experienced. Values of fat stock are receding somewhat too fast, but as we have stressed fiom time to time, “London sets the pace,’’ or, rather, Smithfield prices. The freezing companies, use a hackneyed expression, have “got the wind up” in regard to heavy weight lambs; indeed all classes are down, as much on account of the lower price at Home for the meat as for the lower range in wool values compared with last season’s prices. It is the wool and by-products which help the companies out of high-priced lambs, and if these ease or threaten to decline, the farmers who have fat stock must “look out.” The prices for both light lambs and heavies are lower than they were at the opening of the works in so far as those south of the Waitaki are concerned (vide below weekly prices as issued by the N.Z. Meat Producers’ Board). Dalgety and Company report the sale, on account of Mr James Blair, Outram, of 100 five shear Border Leicester ewes, 100 B.L. ram lambs, 100 B.L. owe lambs to a Melbourne (Victoria) client. These sheep are all registered in the Stud Book, and will be consigned immediately. The Minister of Agriculture claims much success with the State Clydesdale stallions operating in certain districts in Queensland. In three seasons, including the present, they have served 1000 mares. The foals so far dropped are said to show plenty of quality and constitution. At the concluding sales at the Hastings Ram Fair on January 30, Romneys realised from 11 to 60 guineas. Lincolns were not in demand, nor Borders or English Lehesters, but Southdowns made from 10 to 36 guineas, 46 and 50 guineas in flocks, and generally were in favour. Mrs Scott, Horvieston, Kinneff, has been awarded a silver medal bv the British Friesian Society for having for three years in succession milked a 2000-gallon cow Findlay Meg, the cow in question, was one of the now dispersed Glasgow herd At the annual meeting of the New Zealand Rod Poll Association the report and balance shoot as printed were adopted. The following officers were elected for the ensuing yoarPatron, Sir R. Heaton Rhodes (Tai Tapu) ; president, Mr J. W. Harding (Waipuku-au); vice-presidents, Messrs A. M'Ken/ie (Otahuti); and W. Leask (Eureka); council— Mrs P. R. Woodhouse, Messrs W. Leaek, A. E. Anderson, J. W.

Harding, li. R. Forster-Pratt, Q. Donald, L. J. Wild, J. F. Shepherd, Norman Inder, A. M Kenrie D F. M Lcod. and G W. It. Osborne; executive—Messrs J. W. Harding (president), A. E. Anderson, N. Inder, L. J Wild, and J. F. Shepherd; trustees, Messrs J. W. Harding and N. Inder; judges and ins; eetors— Messrs A. E Anderson, Q. Donald, J. Donaldson, J. W Harding, B. W. Harvey. Norman Inder and W. Leask; secretary and treasurer, Norn?sn Inder: auditor, Mr H. S. M. Quigley The judge of the Royal Show, Mr Evans (of Lima, Victoria) addressed the meeting on the merits of the breed, remarking that the exhibits at the Royal Show were very creditable, and that he was pleased to see that such an interest was being taken in the breed in New Zealand. He impressed on members the necessity of breeding true to type, stating that appar ently we bad the milk qualifications of the breed, but were lacking in type. He stressed the necessity of breeders using nothing but high-class bulls, in order to breed true-to-type animals. CLYDESDALE NOTES. The Sydney Morning Herald recently reported that Mr George Berry, of Woodville. Trundle, New South Wales, was harvesting a crop of 5500 acres of wheat, averaging six bags to the acre. Every morning 125 horses were harness 1 ,d un fbr the harvesting. Colonel Somerville, secretary of the Ro-al Agricultural Society of New South Wales and the Horse Association of New South Wales, is keenly interested in the horse. In the course of his tmir through the wheat centres in connection with the R.A.S. wheat-growing competitions, he gleaned the fact that many farmers were unable to breed from their mares owing to the absence of draught stallions in their neighbourhood. On the other hand, many stalli owners report having had a most successful season, a big improvement over 1924. Reports from Queensland indicate that there should be a big demand for good, sound draught stallions this year, as rejections under the new Horse-Breeding Act have been very heavy. Clydesdales will be liberally catered for at the Sydney Royal Show, to be held from March 29 to April 7 next. If cash prizes are an inducement to show, then there should he large entries. The prize list is as follows: Stallion (4 - ears and over) —Ist, £4O: 2nd, £25; 3rd, £10; 4th. £5. Stallion '3 and under 4) —Ist, £25; 2nd, £10; 3rd, £5. Colt (2 and under) —Ist, £ls; 2nd £8: 3rd, £5. Colt (under 2 years)—lst £10; 2nd, £5; 3rd, £3. Champion stallion, £SO. Clydesdale gelding (3 yearsold and over) —Ist, £10; 2nd. £5. Mare (4 years old and over, with or without foal) —Ist, £2O; 2nd, £10; 3rd, £5; 4th £3. Mare (3 and under 4) —Ist, £ls; 2nd. £8: 3rd. £3. Fillv (2 and under 3) Ist, £l2; 2nd, £5; 3rd, £2. Filly (under 2 years)—lst, £10; 2nd, £5; 3rd, £2 Champion mare —£25. Tn addition, there are the Clydesdale sires’ produce sweepstakes, for colts and fillies, and the Widgiewa Challenge Cup (a gold cup valued at 100 guineas), for the best Clydesdale female, fi years old or over, bred in the Commonwealth. FROZEN MEAT MARKET. Farmers who have kept in touch with the Smithfield market quotations for New Zealand frozen mutton and lamb will not be surprised at the ’ow prices ruling for fat sheep and lambs, as compared with a year ago. The Smithfield- quotations are considerably lower than they were twelve months ago. Thus mutton. Canterbury quality, selected brands, 561 b and under last year, was quoted at ff.ld. while last week the quotation was 7d, a drop of 24d, equal to 27 per cent.: 571 b to 641 b has fallen 2d. from 9d to 7d, or over 22 per cent.: 651 b tc 721 b a year ago was quoted at 8 Id, now the price is 67d. a drop of Ihi per lb. equal to over 20 per cent. Other brands of mutton. 561 b and under, fell from 94cl to 6fd. a drop of 2hl, or just over 27 per cent.; 571 b to 641 b. now minted at 6fd. was a year ago selling at 83d. and thus are 2d lower, or nearly 22 per cent., and 651 b to 721 b fell from 83d to 63d. a drop of 13d, or nearly 21 per cent. New Zealand ewes, now selling at sd. were a year aero making 8d and thus show a decline of 3d. or 37J per cent. New Zealand lambs. Canterbury quality. 361 b and under, quoted today at lid. were selling 134 d a year ago the decline being 2Jd. or about 20 percent.: 371 b to 421 b lambs, which a year ago were selling at 134 d. or as high ns light-weifht lamb, are now quoted at 9d a fall of 4.1 d. or over 33 per cent. Selected brands of lamb, 361 b and under, now selling at IOJd. a year ago was making 13Id. a drop of 23d. or nearly 20 ner rent.: 371 b to 421 b show a drop of 4 Id. having fallen from 13d to BJd. This drop is equal to nearlv 35 ner cent Other brands of lamb, first quality. 421 b and under, a year ago were selling at 13Jd. now the nrie'' is 10}d. a fall of 3d. or about 23 per cent. TnE SEASON TN AUSTRALIA. Generally speaking, seasonal conditions are reasonably promising over a consider able proportion of the northern half of the continent (says the Pastoral Review). Further useful rains have been reported in Queensland ami the north and central divisions of New South Wales since last writing, which, following on the November falls, should assure feed for some months to come. Tn the very nature of things some districts were better served than others, and some have missed the storms more or less entirely Included in the latter are the western .PoMptfl of Oneonsland and New South Wales, the northern pastoral areas of South Australia, and parts of the Gascoyne division of Western Australia. As there is rain about it is possible these may get a much-needed downpour before long. The Northern Territory and north of Western Australia have recorded scattered storms at frequent intervals lately, indicating that a normal wet season is setting in there. While conditions in the south are hardly so satisfactory as in the north, they min-bt easily be much worse. The bulk of Riverina and Victoria, and agricultural districts of South Australia, are experiencing an exceptionally dry summer. Apart from a storm that affected the western, central, and Gipnslnnd district" cf Victoria last week, little rain has fallen since mid-November, and water

supplies are getting low. Most of the country fortunately carries a fair hotly of dry feed, and stock are about holding their own.

The uncertainty of the outlook is forcing rather heavy realisations of stock, which is tending to depress values in the south. Good grade fat crossbred wethers, carrying about two months’ wool, were selling at from 23s 6d 255, aged ewes to lGs, prime woolly lambs to 255, and ordinary trade description fat bullocks to £l4 a head in the Newmarket, Mel bourne, yards last week. Rates at Homebush, Sydney, while irregular, were a shade higher on the average, due, no doubt, to the better seasonal prospects in New South Wales and also, in the case of sheep, to the fact that skins carry more wool.

It is seldom such favourable harvesting weather is experienced over the wheat belts of Australia as.has been the case during January. True, storms have occurred in some districts, but, considering the wide range and diversity of country under crop, it is remarkable that losses of grain from adverse climatic conditions have been so light. Probably quite 90 per c ut. of the growers succeeded in getting their wheat in without any loss worth mentioning. This will to some extent compensate for the thinner crops, due to the absence of rain during the growing period. The hulk of the grain is clean, but it is somewhat pinched in parts of New South Wales. Harvesting will be completed in all but the very late districts by the time this issue is in circulation. Wheat has been coming into the railway yards in considerable volume during the past month, and although no recent official estimates have been issued it is apparent the total production for the Commonwealth will approximate 120,000,000 bushels. The latest Government estimate is from South Australia, where the Statist in the middle of December forecasted a yield of 27,920,000 bushels from 2,446,500 acres, giving an average of 11.41 bushels an acre.

One cannot make bricks without straw, and in view of the fact that the past month has been composed mainly of holidays, there is not much to report in the wool trade. The most important event, however, has been the reopening of wool auctions in the Victorian metropolis, which took place at Sydney, commencing on Monday, January 11. Last year’s closing sales in all centres were not quite satisfactory, competition being somewhat halting and certainly restricted as compared with earlier in the season, France having adopted a somewhat depreciatory style, in striking contrast to her bold attitude of the four mouths commencing July last. Much interest, therefore attached to the auctions commencing on the 4th inst., together with a certain amount of anxiety as to what the market had in store. Any such was quickly dispelled. as from the jump the auctions went with a vim which was very welcome, due mainly to the support accorded by the Home trade, and in a somewhat minor degree, America. The first-named section set a strong pace in merinos, particularly for average spinners and the best topmaking sorts, forcing prices fully 5 per cent, above closing rates in December, and keeping America busy, if somewhat fitfully, in regard to the best sorts. France did somewhat better than was expected, Germany also giving support, but little help was available from either Japan or Italy. Evidently cabled results of the market created confidence in the position, as with the progress of the week competition widened somewhat, with an occasional improvement in sperialHos Good clearances were made, not much more than 5 per cent, being taken m i-.i the week, which speaks for itself. CANT: "'BURY GRAIN AND PRODUCE MARKET. CHRISTCHURCH February 5. The Australian inquiry for potatoes has developed, and £7 10s, f.o.b. s.i., was paid for one lot, with 5s more being asked by sellers. The Australian inquiry fell yesterday, but revived to-day. North Island interests have shown little desire so far to operate, the April quotation of £6 17s 6a, f.0.b., s.i., not attracting buyers. The ontruck price is about £5. A stronger tone has developed in the oat market, and up to 4s lOd for A Cartons and 4s 7d for B's has teen paid. An inquiry from Sydney for a email lot which was met caused the flutter. Values on trucks are from 4s Id to 4s 2d for A’s and to 3s lid for B's, though specially good samples of Alger ians have been sold at 4s, on trucks. There are few buyers at that price now, the average quotation being 3s 9d. Duns are worth 43 3d to 4s 6d, on trucks. There is a steady inquiry for chaff and forward business has been done at £8 to £8 6s, or about £5 10s, on trucks, and last season's chaff is being -offered at 5s or more lower. One or two millers and merchants have been buying wheat _at from Gs 9d to 6s lOd, on trucks, but the” business so far has not been very extensive. The new proposals that have been made are creating a good deal of interest, and growers are anxious that these should be considered and dealt with promptly, and so let them know approximately what their wheat is worth. A parcel of peas has been sold for export at 7s 3d, f.0.b., s.i. Quotations on trucks are 6s. These is no alteration in grass seed values, as the damp weather has held up samples soming forward. WOODVILLE SHOW. RECORD ENTRIES. WOODVILLE, February 5. The Woodville Show was opened to-day in fine weather. There were record entries, a special feature being the Jersey cattle section. The weather broke this afternoon, and fine rain fell later. The attendance was higher than on the corresponding day of last year. There is every prospect of the function being the best held by the society. The following ore the championships: CATTLE. Friesians. —O. A. Cadwallader’s heifer, Roslyn Alcarta Pieterlge. Jerseys.—Bull—A. C. Lovelock’s Violas Noble of Glenmore; junior champion, 11. R. Benbow’s Jersey Farm Decorator; junior reserve champion, R. L. Horn’s Kuku Golden Crown. Cow—-W. T. Wil-

liams's Violas Queen Bess; reserve champion, R. L. Horn’s heifer, Kuku Duchess. Ayrshires.—Bull, C. B. Morgan’s’ Porirua Victory; champion cow, C. B. Morgan’s Isabel; junior champion, C. B. Morgans Ashlcigh Park Flowwie. Milking Shorthorns.—Cow. S. E. Morgan’s Willowbank Tangi’s Sunrise If; junior champion, J. Delnhaye’s T. V. Rosie IV. Red Polls.—Bull, B. VV. Harvey s Dominion Panama; cow, B. \V. HarveyV Star. SHEEP. Southdowns.—Ram, W. C. Cunningham; ewe, J. Mitchell. The Oete Trophy for the most points in crossbred and fat sheep was won by Frank Ormond. COMPETITIONS. Home Industries.—Points prize, Mrs Wakeford. Maiden Horse Leaping.—E. Olsen’s Flying Star, VV. 11. Gaisford”s Guardsman, Mrs A. J. Rutherford’s Comet. Leaping Steeplechase Style.—VV. Hobson’s Daylight, Miss Maher’s Sturdee, Bruce A lack ay’s Kitty Machree. NOTES FROM THE HOMELAND. (From Our Special Correspondent.) SCOTLAND, December 23. We are having a real old-fashioned Christmas in Scotland this year. For weeks past there have been heavy falls of snow and considerable periods of hard frost. In some localities six to eight inches fell in the course of a day, and in many instances, where drifting has taken place, it lies many feet deep. Farmers who have not their turnips stored will have to endure a lot of worry and discomfort before they can have these brought from the fields to the byres in decent eating condition. Flockmasters, especially those having hill flocks, will have an anxious time, and heavy bills for hand feeding. For some reason or other the Council of the Clydesdale Horse Society decided that in future the Cawdor Cup should be competed for at the show of the Highland and Agricultural Society instead of at the Scottish Stallion Show in March. No particular ground has been stated for the change, for the very good reason that it would hardly be possible to advance any valid excuse for the council’s action. In March the animals are brought out in their true form, and the competition is invariably very keen. When the horses turn up at .the Highland Show they are straight off their seasons, and cannot be expected to be in the same form as in March. The best horses have, of course, most to do, and they suffer in consequence. But the ways of the Clydesdale men—or a section of them at any rate —are past finding out. I will leave the matter at that.

The Scottish Stallion Show' is not to suffer in popularity because the Cawdor Cup has been taken away, thanks to the public spirit and generosity of Mr William Meiklem, Bennoch; V Kirkcaldy. That gentleman has p, ~ted to the Glasgow Agricultural Society, under whose auspices the show is held, a handsome gold cup of much greater value than the Cawdor Cup, to be competed for annually under similar conditions. I have no doubt that the generosity of Mr Meiklem will be fully appreciated, and that his cup will give rise to competition which has never been excelled in the case of the Cawdor Cup. The new cup and the other trophies and prizes, including the Brydon Challenge Shield and the supreme championship, will well maintain the status of the Scottish Stallion Show as an event of national importance. It will be very interesting to watch the course of events at the two shows, and note the placing of the animals. Those who have the best interests of the breed at heart will not hesitate to exhibit at both shows, no matter who are the judges.

Judging by the number of stallions hired up to date, it seems as if a much greater number of mares will be served in 1926 than has been the case for some time. Big premiums are being given for the best horses. One or two have been hired for as forward us 1928. One important lesson to be learned from the Christmas fat stock shows and sales is that prime quality cattle of medium weight or handy shopping size are the animals that are most in demand. 1,113 is a fact which should be noted by all who are catering for the British market. Cattle with nice compact frames and fine bone are worth shillings more per cwt than big, rough beasts that are more expensive to fatten, and when they are finished they go out at less money. Jhe same remark applies to sheep and pigs. Here in Scotland, and especially in the north-east, farmers and feeders are rapidly responding to the public demand by producing the type which is most in request. THE NORTH ISLAND. F-rom Our Own Correspondent.! The fears that were entertained concerning the feed question have been removed in most parts by very heavy showers of rain. In the Waikato and along the West Coast the green hills and valleys tell their own story that there has not been a shortage of moisture during the past couple of weeks. Some heavy rain has fallen, and has got down to the root of things. The result is that grass has sprung up very rapidly, and there is now an abundance of luscious feed for autumn. Root crops are also looking well, and over on the east coast the maize crops are particularly healthy. Hawke’s Bay could do with much more rain, as some of the stations present a very parched look. The east coast requires more rain than the west, and yet the latter seems to get, at times, more than its own share, with a little that should go to the cast thrown in. PROPOSED WOOL CONTROL. Flockmasters of New Zealand will be interested to learn that proposals for wool control were definitely rejected at a meeting of the British Wool Federation held at Bradford. A resolution was

adopted to the effect that it was most undesirable that any attempt should be made to interfere between the woolgrower and the consumer, and contending that ample protection, guidance, and assistance was always available through the existing channels and organisations. SETTLING CANADA. More than 600 families are waiting to coil to Canada under the “three thousand families scheme.” Under this plan 500 have already gone. The Canadian Government provide a farm and the British Government lends up to £3OO to each family for the purchase of stock and equipment. Each settler must possess f 25 sterling upon landing. INCREASING PRODUCTION. Mr J. S. Jessop, a prominent farmer of the Wairoa district, and a member of the Meat Board, expressed the opinion a few days ago that increased production, which is so necessary to the welfare of New Zealand at the present time, can be brought about only through topdressing the pastures. While it is true that there is a certain amount of undeveloped country in the Dominion, he added, it was also apparent that the increase of production must come mainly from the improvement of permanent pas tures. Mr Jessop said that in Southland, from which district he came, top dressing was carried out to a greater extent than in most parts of New Zealand, and a gratifying increase had always followed its consistent use. It might be said that a considerable percentage of the occupied land on the east coast was not producing as much as it should, and until the practice of top dressing became more general, it could not be expected that any great increase in production would be experienced. There was a vast amount of the country at present used solely for

pastoral purposes, which eventually would have to be used for dairying, or else for fattening. When they had decided to build the freezing works at Wairoa, they had done so with the intention of aiding the development of the district. The works had passed and were still passing through a difficult period, but they had proved of great assistance to the farmers of the district. They provided a splendid means of disposing of the fat lambs, and if farmers continued to develop their land and increase their output, the works would have achieved their object. REVERTED LANDS ON THE EAST COAST. In the course of a conversation with a reporter, Mr J. S. Jessop, of the Meat Board, expressed regret that there were many thousands of acres of reverted land in various parts of the district, and with in a reasonable distance of Wairoa there were fully 50,000 acres which bad seriously gone back during the past ten years. The greater part of this land belonged to the Crown, and although infested with blackberry, and generally in a neglected state, it was capable of development. The east coast was one of the few parts of the Dominion where areas of land suitable for close development were still available, and it was to be hoped that the Government would carefully consider the question of the development of these lands. Closer settlement, combined with the judicious use of fertilisers would give the greatest possible increase in production, and it behoved the Government to give consideration to the claims of the producers for the subdivision of land. niGH CLASS CORRIEDALES. A writer in the Australasian draws attention to some very fine Corriedales

at Nigretta East, the stud having its foundation from some sheep grown in New Zealand. The owner of the stud is Mr J. R. Moodie, who commenced breeding operations in 1917. Realising that success depended on procuring the very best foundation stock, he paid 50 guineas for a Eurella ram which was a prizewinner at the 1917 Sydney Show His ewes were drawn from the flocks of the late Mr E. A. Lascelles and Mr D. Macfarlane, both of whose sheep were offshoots from the Australasian Land Co.’s New Zealand flock. He has since bought ewes from Mr Donald Grant, Timaru, South Canterbury, as well as from breeders in New South Wales who have concentrated on Lincoln-merino lines, and through them the Nigretta East stud can be traced back to the parent flock as originated in New Zealand. Mr Moodie proved himself a capable and painstaking breeder, and his stud has achieved many distinctions in show rings since its formation. His record to date is 48 first, 49 second, and 19 third prizes, and, in addition, nine championships and reserve championships stand to his credit. With a ewe of his own breeding he won the championship at the Australian Fheep-breeders’ Show in 1921, and also in 1923, and last year, with a ram of his own breeding, he was awarded reserve ctampionship against three other prominent show exhibitors. The ram that beat his was the high-priced animal brought over from New Zealand by Mr J. F. Guthrie. CALF BRANDING.

In the Waikato the New Zealand Cooperative Herd Testing Association is doing an excellent work in calf branding. No calf is marked unless its dam is a f -roved and tested butter-fat producer and ts sire is a registered bull. The calves are marked by tattooing a number inside

the ear, and each calf has its own number, and complete records are kept regarding its parentage. Mr C. M. Hume, general manager of the association, in discussing the operations of the association, said that it had not paid farmers to rear calves foi sale at five or six months old. The better farmers had killed off all the calves they did not need to keep up the numbers of their herds. As a rule calves have been reared for sale only by the poorer farmers who needed a little ready cash. Some of these calves are now being accepted as dairy cows when they should never have been reared at all. The association aims to rid the industry of cull cows, and knows that this object can be achieved by a system of branding dairy cows. At present numbers of good cows are being slaughtered because buyers do not believe that a farmer would sell a good cow, and there is no method of demonstrating the cow’s butter-fat production. A system of branding would get rid of cull cows and save good producers. TE PUKE DAIRYING DEVELOPMENT.

Dairying is developing rapidly in the Bay of Plenty, as may be gathered from the results of operations of the Bay of Plenty Co-operative Dairy Association, Te Puke. Six years ago the company built a factory that provided for an output up to 750 tons. Last season, however, the intake of cream was so heavy that no less than 1100 tons of dairy produce were manufactured. Had the present season been a favourable one the output would have increased to over 1300 tons. The development has been so marked that big alterations to the buildings and plant have been rendered necessary. A scheme of alterat’Ons has been drawn up to cost approximately £5600. The proposed additions provide for an output of 1500 tons,

I with further buildings capable of handling 2000 tons. The shareholders have authorised the additions, and the work is to be put in hand so that the factory will be ready for operations next season. It is proposed to meet the expenditure by a levy of id or |d per lb of butter-fat, spread over a period of two years. FEILDING SHOW. The Feilding Show on Tuesday and Wednesday proved a big success, as usual. The weather was not too good, but the entries constituted a record. Around Feilding is a vast area of the most fertile country in the Dominion, which in the early days was known as the Manchester Block, and which has been so developed that to-day it comprises the principal stock-breeding districts in the North Island. Possessing as it docs such admirably suited country for such a purpose, it is but natural that Feilding should be well to the fore as a show centre of importance, and the twentythird exhibition, held last week, bore high testimony of the value and quality of the stock which can be produced in the district. All the judges spoke very highly of the exhibits, the cattle, sheep, and horse sections being of a particularly high standard. The championship awards were:— Bulls: Shorthorn —W. F. Jacob and Son. Kiwitea. Ayrshire—J. M'Farland and Son, Aorangi. "Jersey—R. L. Horn, Manukau. Milking Shorthorn—R. V. Brown, Ohau. Red poll—B. W. Harvey. Cows: Hereford —Estate late E. Short, Feilding. Ayrshire—J. M'Farland. Jerseys—W. T. Williams. Friesians—O’. A. Cadwallader. Milking Shorthorn—R. V. Brown. Red Poll—B. W. Harvey. Grade Dairy Cattle: T. D. Hicks. Sheep: Romney ram —J. E. Hewitt, Dannevirke. Lincoln) ram —R. M“Beth, Feilding. Southdown ram—ll. Burrell and Son, Feilding. Southdown ewe—J. Knight, Feilding. Ryland ram —E. J. Ellis.

AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL NEWS.

The Acting Government Statistician (Mr T. Waites), New South Wales, issued on January 27 a preliminary estimate of the wheat harvest of the current season, based upon returns received from the wheat growers of the State, giving the probable results of harvesting operations. The stocks of old season’s wheat and flour held in New South Wales at the end of November, 1925 were (in equivalent wheat) 1,863,000 bushels If the estimated production during 1925-26 of 33,741.000 bushels be added to this, there is available 35,604,000 busheis. The demand for wheat for local consumption is elastic, and varies according to the nature of the pastoral season and the prices obtained. The maximum requirements, including seed wheat, may be estimated at approximately 17,500,000 bushels, 60 that there should be a surplus of at least 18,000,000 bushels available for export.

A report states that the Co-operative wheat pool of Western Australia considers that the official estimate of a 20,750,000 bushel harvest in this State is too high, and that the amount will not be more than 20,000,000 bushels Late advice s from eastern States indicate that the maximum yields would not exceed 28.000,000 in South Australia, 25,000,000 in Victoria, and 30,000,000 in New South Wales, making 103,000,000 bushels for the whole of Australia. It is estimated that the surplus for export as wheat and flour will be 57,507,000 bushels, of which only 33,007,000 bushels will be wheat, and of which it was reported that Japan would require 12,000,000 bushels. The shortage for export might have a further effect on overseas prices later in the year. The Arran (Scotland! Farmers Society entertained Mr Donald MacKelvie at * public dinner on November 20. and presented him with his portrait in oils by a leading painter Mr MacKelvie will lie known as the breeder of new potatoes such as Arran Chief, Arran Victory, Arran Comrade, and Ally. The last two varieties were awarded the Derby gold medal at Ormskirk as the best seedlings in trials, and the latest variety sent out, Arran Consul, was awarded the medal f or lf>2o, as immune from wart disease.

A representative of Reuter has inspected Lynford Hall, Mundford, Norfolk, a large country house surrounded by more than 1000 acres of good pasture and arable land which is being converted into an Australian farms training college for University graduates and public schoolboys with capital desiring to migrate to Australia and settle on the land. Efforts will be made to reproduce as far as possible the conditions of farm life in Australia. The number of students at the outset will be limited to 100. Already many inquiries have been received A commencement will probably be made within a month.

James Donmont. aged 74 years caretaker at the Paterson slaughter vnrcK '■ 1.0 (says the Observer), was a victim of an attack by soldier ants while lying in -u unconscious condition in some scrub at Gvmea Bay, near Cronulla, New South Wales, on January 12, died at St George’s District Hospital on January 14. Jlis face presented a shocking sight. It had been attacked by a swarm of soldier ants. The flesh of his hands also suffered. lie lingered for about 10 hours. More than 600 families are waiting to sail to Canada under the “three thousand families scheme.” Under this plan 500 have already gone. The Canadian Government provide a farm and the British Government lends up to £3OO to each family for the purchase of stock and equipment. Each settler must possess £25 sterling upon landing

Some good rain showers were experienced during the week and it was colder generally throughout Otago. The singling of turnips, nitercultivation, hay-making and harvesting are at present engaging first attention hereabouts, with odd moments at the Exhibition.

The North Otago Times reports that a 40-acre paddock of Dreadnought wheat owned by Mr W. Simpson, of Toknrahi, is expected to thresh out at between 50 and 60 bushels to the acre. A novelty in the form of a threebeaded cabbage is to be seen growing in the garden of Mr Walter Young, of Palmerston North. The three heads are well formed and have firm hearts, and three stalks joining at the ground line. Double-headed cabbages are not uncommon, but a plant with three heads ia believed to be unique.

SENSATIONAL ALLEGATIONS. WANGANUI MEAT COMPANY. MARTON, February 2. Sensational allegations were made at an indignation meeting of Kangitikei farmers, who recently purchased shares in the Wanganui Meat Freezing Company. It was alleged that a canvasser for the company misrepresented the financial position, stating that the new capital would be used for buying stock. A short time afterwards the works stopped operations. It transpires that the recent funds of the share issue will be taken by the Bank of New Zealand. A deputation was appointed to interview the manager of the bank and the Government’s director on the bank, requesting that the recentlyissued shares, amounting to £30,000, be cancelled. Many fanners are involved, and serious developments are likely. Grom f>un n Corrksi’o ~r 1 WANGANUI, February 2. The farmers are greatly concerned over the proposed sale of the works to the New Zealand Refrigerating Company, to which they are strongly opposed. A meeting decided to oppose the scheme, and a general meeting of shareholders to be held at Wanganui to-morrow promises to be rather a lively one. The directors maintain.that the position has been forced by the exceptionally heavy losses incurred last year by the bad market at Home, and the sale to the Refrigerating Company is in the best interests of all concerned. FLOCK-HOUSE BOYS. VALUABLE TESTIMONIES. (Frqm Our Own Correspondent.) LONDON, December 29. A very good work is being done by the Fortomcuth Juvenile Employment Committee in publishing the letters of Portsmouth boys who have gone out to New Zealand under the sheepfarmers’ scheme. In a re cent edition of the Portsmouth Evening News a column and a-half of these intensely human documents does more foi popuiaris ing the scheme and advertising the Dominion than a great deal of official propaganda The boys’ letters are appropriately prefaced with a communication received from a mother. It speaks eloquently for itself. “Dear Sir, -As promised, I am forwarding you a letter from my boy in New Zealand received this morning. I could cry with joy to see he is getting on so well, and hope more mothers will follow our footsteps and sacrifice their love a little for the sake of their boys. Although it was extremely hard to think like that when uiy boy left England, but now I am ever so thankful to know he is being well cared for.” These are 3ome of the statements made by the boys: "You must try and get some mothers to iet their sons come out. They will never regret coming out under such a topping scheme. It is a lovely place and climate." ■‘l am thanktul to be out here aim m good work and with good prospects. Xhi3 is a lovely country, and J hope to get you out here one day, if you are able. If I go steady with my money, I ought to have £'3oo by tiie time I am 21 yeais.’ “The clothes I bought are all to small. I have grown three inches in eight months.” “We get very good food, most of which s home-grown and reared, and we are ail wcil looked after Yesterday, when we went tree planting, we forgot to take the meat with us, but fortunately Mr Johnston, the manager, had shot a stag the previous day. and so we just went and roasted it over the camp fire. Gee! but that meat was good. 1 got one of the hind legs, and intend to keep the hoof as a trophy. Don’t forget, I am quite happy.” THE LITERaah T v-i. One boy rises to heights of eloquence regarding the scenery, “ihe spot where I am writing,” tie says, ‘must be the most beautiful nook in God's own country 1 am settled in a deep ravine, the sides covered with scrub, and great gaunt trees rising on every side. lam right at the deep end of it, where it comes off short hail way down a steep cliff, going hundreds f feel down to the glistening swirling rivet belov* my teet. Although the ravine is very deep mahout 200 ft), the river is still very far beneath me, and 1 gel a perfect view of the bush-covered slopes of the opposite bank, rising some hundred feet sheer, then sloping off steeply through deep, thick, green bush The air is filled with the humming of insects, the occasional musical note of a quail or some beautiful native bird, and the gentle swishing of the river as it laughs and bubbles its way down to the sea.” The social side of life is evidently appre ciated. One correspondent says: ihe boss a3ked me to meet his niece—a girl about lb, and she is not bigger than me; and he told me after work hours to take her for a ride down the road. We have horses, and are enjoying ourselves very much. I think she is a very nice girl—a lot better than those who hang around the top.” DUNEDIN WOOL SALE. WRIGHT STEPHENSON, AND CO.’S REPORT. Messrs Wright Stephenson, and Co. report having ofl’eied a catalogue of 5671 bales, iht* total being disposed of at auction with the exception of 35 bales. Included in the offering was some very nice Corrie dale wool grown by Mr Win. Ayson, Waikaka, Gore the top lot realising 22Ad for 10 bales A comb ewe. Another nice clip offered was that belonging to Mr II 8. Mitchell, The Dasher, Oainaru, the top price of which was for 14 bales of first wether. The following are some of the highest prices in the respective classes: Halfbred.—lo. bar over H 22Jd, 6 20£d, 5 20fcl. 3 I0*d; 14. M and N 22id, 28 193 d, 3 173 d. 6 17id. 3 17d; 6, DR 2Ud; 5 lona 21d; 8, Chestermains 20Ac!; 6 Cluden 17R 10 IBd, 11 lCd 6 163 d; 8, dot in triangle ovor 11W 17^d; 9 Mt. Creighton 17Ad; 9. Moa Hills 20jd, 17 20d; 7, N ovor Abbotsford 20d. 11 I9id 15 17^d; 6, D 4 17R 4 17d, 6 16Jd; 5. VD feonj.) 18d, 7 17d; 4, Hilicrest 17id; 8, Tapui over R 4 17s ; 6, Lake Hawea 17d; 5, Knwarau 17d. 14 17d; 11, HK (conj.) 173 d. 5 17id; 5, Glencoe 171 d; 10, Timaru Creek 18d. 8 17R 3 17d; 7, West dome 18R 3 173 d 5 17Ad, 3 17R 3 17*d 4 17R 10 17d, 3 17d; 3, Bar through spiked circle 18d, 13 17d; 19. Waitangi 17d; 8, Perivalo 17Ad; 4. JE (conj.) 19R 8 17d; 5. Crow’s Foot 17id; 3, Te Onia 17|d; 3, Tokarahi 18(1; 2, Buscot

17d; 3, 3 spiked circle 17d, 5 17d; 4. Killermont 17d; 4, 1-auder 18d 6 17d, 4 17d; 6, Rocklea 17^d; 3, E 5 17d; 3, DV 172 d, 3 17d; 4, Mount Watkins 20R 7 20R 4 I7d. 3 17d.

Merino.—lo, Cluden Mt. Creighton 17Ad, 3 17d; 10, Glencoe I7d, 9 17d; 9 Timaru Creek 17Ad, 8 162 d. fine Crossbreds.—6, U 133 d 3 133 d, 5 13Ad; 4, S 3 153 d, 11 13id; 4, N over Abbotsford 15Ad, 23 16R 39 152 d; 13 14R 13 122 d, 10 13d; 7, it dot over Berwick 14R 5 14d. 3 13Ad, 8 13R 6 14d, 5 in triangle over RW 133 d, 5 13R 6 14d, b 13d; 6, R 8 13d; 11, C 4 i3sd; 6, D over bar 15£d; 3, Woodley over JB (conj.) 13d; 3, bar over 11 143 d; 4. VD iconj.) 13d; 8, Tapui over R 4 15d; o, Tapui over XH 153 d; 9, Glenure 14Ad; 3, Tapui over XH 14id; 7, C over B on side 13Ad; 3. G in square 14Ad, 11 13d; ?. Alta Vad 14Ad, 11 133 d, 5 15<J, 5 13d; 3, Taien IVak 13Ad, 4 13Ad; 5, West Dome 143 d. 5 143 d, 3 14Ad, 4 13Ad; 6. VE 13d; 6. M and N 15R 6,14 d; 5, Waipori 13Jd : 6. Bar through spiked circle l3Ad; 3, Chartlea Park 153 d, 6 13Ad : 8, Horsehoof 14Ad; 4. M 13|d. 5, i- 133 d; 3, UB 13d'; 3, Te Unia 132 d; 5, Manawareka I3^d; 4, bar over FM 14d; 3, M2 14±d 3 13d, 5 Mountvue 13R 9, eyebrow over 2133 d; 5, JT over bar 15d, 7 l3Ad; 8. IG 13Ad; 4,2 Yl4Jd . 6 Barewood 14(1. 8 Glendhue 133 d, 5 13d

Fine Cross-br»d. —4 bales Rocklea. 133 d; 4, Lauder. 13R1; 3, R S on side, ir,Jd; 4, 145, 131 d; 3, V bar, 13*1: 0 DR 14R 5 133 d : 4 DV, 133 d: 3 C over WT. 13R1; 5 Cl. 154(1; 5, Maefarlane Downs. 14Jd. 5 13i{d; 8. Traquair, 14 Jd; 3 WN 14(1; 14, Challenge D bin 143 d; 26. Challenge O bin, 14Jd.

Cross-bred.—ls, R 3 over Pukepito Downs, 13d; 5. 11H 5 3 DB in square. I4d, 7 12(1; 12, Chestermains, 12R 8 lljd; 9. bar over W2 131(1, 5 13Jd; 5, Goodwood, 13Jd; 27. Tapanui 13d, 8 123 d; 6, R dot over Berwick. 123 d, 4 124 d, 3 12jd; 5. Fl.', 13R 5 12$d, 15 Woodley over JB (conj.), 12d. 4 12J4; 16. Benkoi over spearhead, 13d; 11, Tapui over U 4, 12Jd; 5, Butcher’s Steel, 12Jd; 5, JF (conj.), 13d; 5. F reversed D (conj.), 123 d; 9, Gtenure, 13d, 6 13d, 8 l2|d; 6 eyebrow over 5 13d. 4 13d; 6. C over B on side, 12Jd; 11, Marania over J 2,134 d. 3 12fd; 16 Springfield over JE. 13R 14 12d; 3, AQ. 13d; 5, A over point, 143 d, 11 123 d; 13, Ashley Downs over JT, 13Jd; 7 TB over bar 13d, 6 12Jd; 5. 2C, 13Jd; 3, Chartlea Bark. 13d, 3 124 d; 5. Ml*, 13Jd: 4, DY, 13Jd; 7. I Tover bar. 13|d; 8, 1 (h 12d; 8. Traquair. 13d; 4, Craigro.vston. Hod; 3, FM. 131 d; 3. DR, 13Jd; 13. Challenge E bin, 13R Halfbred and Merino Bellies and Pieces. - 7 Mount Creighton Is£d. 9 13d, 7 12Jd; 4, Cluden 13R 6 12sd: 5. 12d; 6, Bar over 11, 151 d; 3, D 4 16jd; 4, VD conjoined 15d. 4 12R, 5, Lake Hawea 16R U I2d. 4 lid; 5. Ben Omar 12. J, 4 10Ad; 3, Kawarau 12d. 6, Glencoe l5Ad, 5 14d: 3 LC over Birdwood 14Jd: 8. Timaru Creek 16R 7 12Ad; 3, Westdome 15d, 8 l4Ad; 5, M and N 152 d, 8 ll|d, 5 lid; 4, Waitmgi i2Ad; 3, Killermont 14|d; 3, Lauder I3|d; 3, DR 14d, 5 123 H; • 19, Challenge W bin l5Ad: 20 .Challenge X bin 13d: 29. Chalonge OC bin 12Jd. Crossbred Bellies and Pieces. —4, U 13d; 5 Tapanui I2d, 5 lOd; 10. N over Abbotsford 15d. 17 U3d, 11 lid; 3, R dot over Berwick I2ld 3 llid, 3 103 d: 4, Ben KOl over Spearhead iOjd; 3, Woodley oyer JB conjoined lid; 3. Tapui over R 4 lOfd; 8. Glenure 12!d 3 IOAd; 3, JC over G Hid; 3. DW IOAd; 4. A over Point lOd : 3, Taicrj Peak Ilfd; 4, Springfield ver JE 10gd: 5, TB over Bar 10(1; 15. Waipori Hid; 3, Horsehoof l2d; 4. evebrow over 2 13Jd: 3, 23 !2d; 27, Challenge F.E bin 5, Challenge II bin 12d: 3 , Challenge OO lid. INVERCARGILL WOOL SALE INVERCARGILL, February 2. The first wool sale of the season was held to-day when prices were on a par with those ruling at recent sales. The sale was not very brisk and the majority of the lots sold wen! to Bradford buyers. The following i s the range of prices:--Halfbred, super, nil, medium 14Ad to 16d, inferior 12Jd to 14R Thrue-quarter bred super, nil; medium 12d to l4Ad; inferior, 83d to ll^d. Fine crossbred super, 16A.d to 17Jd; medium, l4Jd to ISAd; inferior, lOjJd to 13Jd. Medium crossbred super, 13Jd to 15d: medium, Illd to 13Jd : inferior 93d to HR Coarse crossbred super, nil; medium, tCfd to Ilfd; inferior, 8d to lOAd Crossbred hogget. super, 15d to 16Jd, medium, lOd to I4fd; inferior, 7J to 9|d Crossbred wether super, 13d to 15|d: medium. 11 Jd to 12jd; inferior, lOAd to lid. Pieces, first crossbred, 7Jd to 12£d: second crossbred, 5d to BJd. Bellies, first crossbred, 7Jd to lOd; second crossbred 6d to 7^d. Crutchings, first crossbred, 6jd to B£d. second crossbred, 4d to 5R Necks, first crossbred, Ilfd to 13-Ad; second crossbred, GJd to 9Jd. Matted, first crossbred lOd to 10|d. second crossbred. 7Ad to 9R Locks, crossbred, 4Ad to s|d. THE WHEAT PROBLEM. REMOVAL OF DUTY. WELLINGTON, February 2. A large deputation representative of flour-millers, poultrymen, master bakers, and dairy farmers waited on the Prime Minister and the Minister of Agriculture to-day to discuss various phases of the wheat question. The proceedings were not open to the press. The dairy farmers were interested in the matter from the point of view of offal '-applies foi cattle and pigs. The deputation asked that wheat should be admitted to the country free of duty, but urged that the duty of £3 per ton oji flour should be retained. Subsequently, the Minister of Agriculture stated that he had told the deputation that it was hit desire to stabilise the position in regard to wheat and flour as soon as possible in order that the various interests concerned might he enabled to make future arrangements, with a full knowledge of the situation. Cabinet, of course, had to lay down a policy, but the Government would go into the matter thoroughly, and give an early reply. A MILLER’S PROPOSALS. WELLINGTON, February 3. In a letter read at the meeting of the dominion executive ©f the Farmers’ Union to-day Mr T. J Corson, president of the Millers’ Association, made the following

proposals for the settlement of the wheat problem : (1) That in order to make New Zealand wheat prices average 7s 3d, f.ob., the suggested wheat prices should be as follows : 7s 2d foi Tuscan, 7s 4d for Hunters, and 78 6d for Pearl. (2 That the Government should import the balance of the wheat required and distribute it duty free at prices similar to his first proposal. (3 To institute Government control with an embargo on flour. The matter is being considered by a special committee of wheat growers. AN ASHBURTON RESOLUTION. ASHBURTON, February o. The Chamber of Commerce’s produce committee has sent the following telegram to the Minister of Agriculture:— “VVe approve of the Government's action in endorsing a free market tor wheat, and respectfully suggest the serious consideration of stabilising it by an adequate protective tariff, and also the enforcement of the anti dumping clauses in reference to flour and offal. In the interests of the country generally wheat growing should be made attractive to growers '' Copies of the resolution were sent to the Canterbury South Canterbury, and Nortli Otago Chambers of Commerce. SEEKING A SOLUTION. CHRISTCHURCH, February 5. The Chamber of Commerce to-day received and unanimously adopted the report of a special produce committee which was set up to consider the wheat problem The report is as follows: 1. That the action ot the Government in abandoning the control of wheat has the full support of this, council. 2 That the present duty on wheat—namely. Is 3d oer bushel, should be permanently retainer! and thus give growers the necessary confidence to produce supplies of wheat 3. That in oraer to protect fully out local industries it should be recognised a? a general principle that the duty upon a manufactured article should he greater than that on the equivalent raw material used in its manufacture, and that as the present duty on flour (£3 per ton! is only on a par with the duty ori wheat, wh are of the opinion that the duty on flour should tie increased 4. I'hat the Government should take im mediate steps to exercise such powers as mav be necessary to prevent the dump ing of flour, now and at all future times 5 As a means of protection to the consumer voui committee would point out that any duty received on the importation of wheat and .or) flout could he used as a fund from which to pav a subsidy. a s has been done in the past to reduce the sale price of oflnr and bread to the consumer THE BREADSTUFFS AXD PTIO, DUCE MARKETS. *Yiday even:' g. ' lYivau) came uieougus uoui “Broouiuaii, Liverpool, stale tout u.e ueuiuud lor vwieal is rainei better, siiipniemo Cituo,.care moderate. Generally buyers are iiosc tant, oeuause it is uiougnl probable that larger purchases and decreasing Norm American supplies wid be offset uy Die AigeiiUue new crop iimveuient. cjoine leading authorities in England think tlial the Ganauiun pool wiii oc ab.e i-o prevent any serious reaction in puces Shippers in Victoria nave round it Uiffi eait to place wheat ui London at prices that will give them a favourable return ou the purchases, and with easier conditions they have been compelled to reduce their prices (says the Australasian of January Millers, however have- been oonsis lently in the market at prices m excess of those ottered by shippers, but have not appeared to be keen to purchase liberally On the other hand, wheatgrowers have been particularly firm, and since the price has fallen below 6s a bushel on country stations very little wheat is being made available. Most of the flour mills are now running to capacity. While some large commitments are on hand on behalf of over .seas buyers, the lower tendency of wheat prices has made new business in export flour more difficult, as importers have prefered to stand aloof from the market until more settled conditions obtain. Both bran and pollard have been steady Despite increased production, buyers have failed to purchase supplies at concession rates and generally the position looks healthy when consideration is given to prices t.hai millers have had to pay for wheat A stronger tendenev has been apparent in regard to oats. The fact that bolder? are not tempted to reduce stocks materially at current prices is influencing an increased inquiry for better grades, and even feed oats whieb a»-r> r«H*er ouiet. :<re not Fein.> oressed for sale *Seed demands have boon moderate, but an expansion in this connec tion is expected bv traders when suitable weather conditions for sowing prevail Bariev has hoen inactive Apathv displayed bv buyers, however, is not prompting -e!!er= to force business, and little of «ither • T ood English or Dane is being offered Vi-rv little maize hn<* beer* received during ‘he week. hut. sales have been effected e' 4 it al.VhMv hi rhnr nrirec fhnn those ruling a week ago. and the market closetR rrn with an upward tendency Light sun »lie«s have governed the market for chaff •vbieh iQ O chade firmer O" the week Tn soite of the existence envlv in the week of good ord'*r° from ft(ate« nriee* notions have decline 4 „ndor the encp of increased truekine-s frem growing districts LOCAL MARKETS. The wheat position continues involved. In the first instance the Government de cided to control all supplies of wheat and to distribute them to the millers and poultry feeders; then as a result of an agitation by the farmers the Government went bock on its previous decision, and agreed to allow a free market for wheat : now the miller? are putting another pro position before the Government—namely, that the prices for New Zealand grown wheat should be fixed at an average of 7s 3d f.0.b.. and that the Government should import the balance of the wheat required and distribute it duty free The millers also ask that an embargo should lie placed on the importation of flour, the duty on which is at-present £3 per ton That is the position at the present time.

In the meantime odd lots ot wheat are coming on the Canterbury market, and it is understood that growers are obtaining 7s on trucks for this wheat, which is badly wanted by millers for mixing with their Australian wheat Millers are conserving their stocks of Australian wheat as much ns possible, waiting to see what the Government proposes to do regarding im nortations.

It will be some time before any wheat will be available from the Otago district No crops have ye,t been cut The Otago crops are looking well and promise to give good yields, the recent rains to fill out the berries

There is a small inquiry only for fowl wheat, and as there is no locally grown available supplies have to be brought in from Canterbury The present value is 7s 3d per bushel, sacks extra.

Millers’ prices for flour remain un chanced as follows: -2001 b. £lB 10s: 100’s, £l9 10s; 50’s. £2O 2s 6d; 25’s, £2O 10s. Bran. £8 10s per ton. Pollard. £9 10s. Oatmeal- 255. £25; 200’s, £24.

Little interest is being shown in the oat market •’here heing practically no demand or the North Island. On the other hand, f here are no offering.- of last -cason’s oat? from farmers. Stocks of old oats '•re very light in Dunedin and the only demand i« for odd lots for feed purposes The position regarding new o'ts is Jtill governed by the competition ■vl'ich pia\ be expected from Canada Sales

f Canadian oats have been made to North Island merchants at prices equivalent to 4s- ?d per bushel, landed duty oaid. These oats are no? equal to New Zealand A Cartons h*q they are better than our B grade. The rt o!onr is bright, but the linps contain some :eeds of weeds.

Tt will not be long before new seasonOtago grown oat? will be available Some crops have already been cut, but the V enter proportion of the oats re sprinc -own. and these are <1 ill quite green The crop? have been •'ene.ited by the recent rains in a remarkable manner, and there ‘•ko’-kl be some good yields. The present quotation for old oats is 4s tys. f.o b. s.i., for A’s and 4s 7d foi TVs, b,:t not much business is passing These trices are equivalent to 4s for A’s a”d 3? c cl for B’s to the farmer, sacks extra

The chaff market is ('till over supplied •ensignmerits being in excess of the de

rnand Farmers take advantage of a temporary slackness in their work at this time of the year to chaff, and this has caused an over-supply The top value of host, quality is £6 10s per ton. sacks extra, ex truck, and it will take some time to absorb the present stocks. Medium and poor juality is unsaleable, and has to be stored Later in the season may he a chance to ship from this port but it the present time the chipping parity, owing to the heavy charges to f.0.b., is higher than that of Canterbury or Blenheim.

It will not be long before ryegrass will be available in this district, according to reports there will be a much larger quantity available than was at first anticipated. The -eed also promises to he of good quality Canterbury seed only is at pre sent offering locally, and the market for this seed is. if anvthine weaker. Canter bury merchants have been paying fairly high prices and they now find that they are inable to get a market for their pur chases, with the result that they are lower ing their quotations to farmers. Good seed of fairly heavy woight is now being purchased at 4s 6d. s acks extra, on truck** Several lines of ast season’s machine dressed 27-281 h seed are being offered mi (

basis o? 6s 3d. f.0.b., sacks extra, and some sale? have been made at this figure Current wholesale prices for produce lines are as follow:

Chaff, £6 10s per ton. Dairy Butter.—Best milled, bulk, Is Id to Is 2d per lb according to quality: separator pats. Is. Eggs.— Stamped. Is 8d; case. Is 7d. Bacon.—Rolls, Is 3d per lb. Hams, Is Id per !b. Canterbury onions. 16s. FRUIT REPORTS.

Consignments of fruit from Otago Central have been on the small side, the wet weather having apparently interfered with picking Some nice dessert apples of the Wor inester Pearmain variety have arrived from North Canterbury, and a few cases of Gravensteins from Nelson No great quan tity of apples has come forward so far from Otago Central.

Bon Chretien pears are now commencing to come forward.

Supplies of plums are not plentiful. Supplies of Canterbury hot house grown tomatoes have slackened off. Good qualitv t? touching up to Is per lb. The mnrkot is bare of oranges and bananas. The Kaiwarra brought a trail shipment of bananas from the Wingatui at Lyttelton. These were landed in an over ripe condition. 'Hie Wingatui had to take s °roe of the bananas on to Bluff, and will bring them on to Dunedin to-morrow (Saturday). Another small shipment is due in Auckland next week, and some of these bananas may reach the local market the Following week The Waikouniti is bringing some late Valencia oranges, and also pines and passions from Sydney. Supplies of gropes are on the Lh*ii side Locally grown potatoes, in coses, hove a fairly good demand. Supplier* from the north are not arriving in any quantity so for.

Green peas and French beans have a ready sale. Other vegetables have a normal inquiry. Current wholesale prices are as follow: Apples.—New season’s Worcester Pear* main, to 12s (id per case; cookers, 7s to Ba. Oranges—ltalian, half cases to 3(>ik double cases, 455. Lemons.--Italian, 22s GJ per case. Tomatoes.—Christchurch, lOfl to Is per lb; local hothouse, Is to Is 2d. Raspberries.—Waimate, 6d per lb; local, 7s 6d to 9s per bucket. Nectarines. 4d per lb. Apricots.—Small, 5s per half oas*; medium, 6s per half case; choice, to 7s per half case: crates. 3d to 5d per lb. Peaches.—Dessert, 5s to 6s per case; cooking. 4s to ss; crates, 4d to 7d per lb; extra choice a little more. Plums—Dessert, 4d to sd; cooking, 2d to 3d. Pears, 2Ad to 31. Grapes, 2s per lb. Cucumbers.—Hothouse, to 10s per dozenj outside, 3s to Is per dozen. Marrows, 8s «per cental bag. Puas. 2d to 2§d per lb. Rhubarb, lfl to 2d per lb. Lettuce.—Choice, to 2s per dozen; other qualities unsaleable. Spinach, Is per dozen bundles. Cabbages, 4s to 6s per sack of two dozen. Cauliflowers. 8s per sack. Carrots.—New, Is per dozen bundles. New* Potatoes.—Local grown, IJ] to 2d; Tnieri. Id to Hd per lb. New season’s swedes, 8s per cental bag. French beans, 6d to 7d per lb. Runner beans. 4(1 to 5d per lb. MERCHANDISE MARKET. There is very little movement in the wholesale merchandise markets, and business is on the slow side. A supply of sugar is on board the Wingatui. The next cargo will be brought by the Kurow, due about the 14th. There is no shortage of supplies here at the present Another parcel of walnut meat, halves, quarters, and pieces, was landed during the week. A line of Barcelona nuts arrived during the Seeded raisins to arrive show an increased cost. Another brand of cigarettes—State Express 444, 10’s and 20’s—is now on the market. Army Club cigarettes are still in short supply. Smyrna figs, to arrive, show a sharp adl vance in price. Quotations for Russian blue peas show an advance. A parcel of Canterbury onins came forward during the week. All motor spirits have been advanced la 6d per cose as from Hip end of January.