BRITAIN AND REFRIGERATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3757, 16 March 1926, Page 12

BRITAIN AND REFRIGERATION.

Producers are apt to view the export trade in refrigerated produce entirely from their own standpoint. They are inteiested more particularly in the products which they sell fer consumption abroad, and give little heed as to whether that same produce is a disturbing factor or not to the farmers of Great Britain. The trade, for instance, in refrigerated beef, mutton,, lamb, pork, and dairy produce is immense. Probably half the meat requirements of Great Britain comes from abroau, and the British meat producer thus faces a competition which, although for the most part is more or less frozen foodstuffs, is nevertheless somewhat startling. Net so very long ago the British farmer held the best of the meat trade in many provincial towns and rural districts.' Powerful organisations now cater for his trade, certainly with refrigerated products, but nevertheless sound foodstuffs. A report recently issued by the Ministry of Agriculture upon the trade in refrigerated meat says, inter alia: “A study of the marketing and distribution of moat in this country has to take account of four classes of goods. First, there is the meat from stock which has been bred on farms in Great Britain; secondly, and from a marketing point of view closely allied, is the beef imported “on the hoof” from Ireland, Canada, or elsewhere, whether for immediate slaughter or for fattening; thirdly, there are the imported supplies—such, for example, as Dutch pigs—which reach this country as fresh-killed meat; and, lastly, there are the supplies of meat which, owing to the distance of the country of origin, are received in a chilled or frozen condition. From the consumer’s standpoint these classes can, fo. convenience, be reduced to two—namely: (1) freshkilled meat, and (2) chilled or frozen, the dividing line being the process of refrigeration. “Of these classy, the trade in refrigerated beef, mutton, and lamb has teen selected for description in this report, partly in order to form a background for and a natural introduction to a complementary investigation into the marketing in this country of live stock and fresh meat, and partly because, owing to its high degree of organisation, it presents, in any event, a simpler descriptive task. Trade in refrigerated pork has been reserved for consideration as part of an investigation now proceeding into the marketing methods and problems of the pig industry in this country. “Refrigeration implies gometning more than distant origin and condition of the meat on arrival; it usually implies other differences, including a difference in price. It is true that fresh and rtfrigerafed meat do not constitute simple price-groups in themselves, but in the price-scale, Scotch, English (including stores which have returned to the market as finished beef), and Birkenhead (i.e., Irish and Canadian) sides belong, for example, to the roper end of the price-table, whilst chilled and frozen belong to the lower. Tn times of shortage of chilled or frozen supplies, the price differential is less marked, but it is, nevertheless, a noteworthy factor as a rule. A further difference : s that, with the exception of chilled beef, refrigerated meat can be held in cold stores, which form, as it were, a reservoir into which supplies can be conveniently diverted during times of excess, and from which they may be withdrawn during times of shortage. This is, however, an advantage which, as time goes on, is tending to disappear, for the ideal condition, ccmpiercially in which to bring meat to this country, is chilled and not frozen, and. this, at present, implies consumption within five to six weeks of killing. Finallv, careful grading gives the refrigerated meat trade some analogy to the package, trade in other commodities. Carcases being graded according both to weight and quality, a retailer can order his precise requirements from a wholesaler by the mere mention of brand, quality, and weight. In the case of good freezing works the grading for quality is so regular that the retailqjr can usually depend on obtaining wlmt he has ordered without having first to examine the produce.’* Necessarily the price obtained for a steer in the country districts of England and Wales is affected bv conditions ruling in distant Argentina. Similarly, English lamb prices are influenced bv conditions, say, in New Zealand. Again the methods of distribution pursued by the importing firms which have brought “dressed” meat into the very heart of the English countryside are bound to renct on the marketing of Home produce. Hon)© producers must

take heed of the great international meat industry, as it affects them profitably or otherwise. Indeed, the British meat producer is facing a competition which is changing and intensifying. He cannot even console himself with the thought that all the trade is within the Empire. Some day, possibly, but not yet. In the meantime we extend our sympathy, and continue to send our frozen produce Home, but let it be of the best in the interests of the individual and the Empire. SILAGE FOR STOCK. In reply to a correspondent in last week's issue regarding silage and its making, we said, inter alia-“Silage is made of any green forage by excluding the air from the mass of green material, the object being to imitate, and, indeed, improve upon, the tightly-pressed dung heap, and by excluding the air to prevent oxidation, which brings in its train fermentation, decay, and loss. Generally speaking, the more thoroughly the air is excluded the greater the success in making silage.” Any surplus vegetation, if intended to be made into silage, it may be explained, should be cut when fully grown, but before it has matured its seeds. A crop may be allowed to come into ear and flower, but should be ensiled before the seeds absorb all the nourishment contained in the stems and foliage, but not so early in the plant's life that a light crop results. The risk of wastage in making very succulent , forage clover, for example, into silage is very great, unless allowed to wilt for a day or two after cutting. The temperature of the heap should not be allowed to rise above 100 degrees. The building of the heap or stack makes satisfactory progress under a system which ensures command of its varying temperatures It is best to cut sufficient material to build, say, four or six feet depth of green forage at a time, and allow that to develop beat, unless the stuff is exceptionally succulent, when it may be allowed to “wilt” for, say, a day. Then add another four to six feet of newly-cut material, after, say, a two days’ wait. It depends upon the class of material handled. The pressure of the second lot of stuff expels the air and stops fermentation of the lot below, and so on, when mechanical pressure is put on the whole. The best silage is made at about 130 degrees, and is neither “sweet” nor “sour.” The latter keeps best when opened out. The feeding value of silage depends, of course, upon its quality, that is to say, upon the material from which it is made. Inferior grasses and weed growth are not as nutritious when ensiled as maize, or lucerne, or good grasses and clovers, etc. First-class silage is at least as good as hay, while stock are fond of it. Mr W. Dibble, of the New Zealand Department of Agriculture, writing in 1918, says, inter alia, that dairy cows fed on silage do remarkably well. He says that good silage is superior to hay, and will not impart a bad flavour to milk. On this point he is emphatic. When Ceding silage to dairy cows during the early spring months, it should be given in the morning, and hay in the evening, allowing about 201 b daily. There is no doubt silage is useful at times, while the fact that it can be made when the season for haymaking is unfavourable, cannot be ignored. Silage or hay, it is immaterial. The main thing is to save all surplus growth. We recall to mind one wild period years ago in Southland, when the cold and rains experienced in early spring were more bracing than they are at present, and stock feed ' as exceedingly scarce. In this September-October time, the grass had not even commenced to make visible growth. Our straw stacks and roots were about finished, but fortunately we were enabled to weather the pinch of hardship by opening up some pit silos which had been filled with oats and legum mixture some months previously. All stock proved greedy feeders, the sheep cleaning rp every straw. The material, it may be explained, was loaded from the pit into a cart, and thinly scattered on the grass paddock to the sheep in a similar manner to feeding straw to cattle. The method of making silage is immateiial, as in pit, stack, or silo it depends

upon the temperatures whether sour, sweet, or burnt silage results. A wide range is permitted, however, but it may be observed that the use of a thermometer is advisable, if only to indicate the trend of temperatures from day to day. Extra pressure decreases the heat, and vice versa. NOTES ON RURAL TOPICS. Following upon dipping, reports of losses of sheep have recently Poisoning been observed in New of Sheep. South Wales. Mr Rose, New South Wales Veterinarian, states that arsenical poisoning, associated with dipping, may follow as a result of any of the following factors: (1) Sheep actually swallowing the dipping fluid while in the dip. This is largely preventible by careful handling. It probably only accounts for a few old sheep. (2) Absorption of the dipping fluid through the unbroken skin. This would be liable to occur if the dip were mixed to too great a strength or if the sheep were dipped when overheated. In these circumstances the losses would tend to be heavy. (3) Absorption of the dipping fluid through broken or wounded surface in the skin. About one-tenth of the amount of arsenic required to kill by swallowing is necessary to kill in this manner. Dipping too soon off shears and injuries caused by gras, seeds must be considered in this connection. (4) By licking the wool of other sheep in closelypacked draining pens. (5) By eating grass, herbage, or trefoil seed saturated with dipping fluid in the holding yards. This factor may be eliminated to some extent by holding the sheep in the draining pens for sufficient time. In two of the cases recently reported the deaths are considered to have been due to the sheep eating trefoil seed. In acute cases the following symptoms may be noted: —Salivation and thirst, profuse diarrhoea, which may be bloody; sheep rapidly become exhausted, fall down, and die. Death follows in eight hours to a few days, according to the severity of the case and the condition of the sheep. Weakness or paralysis of the hind legs, trembling, and coldness of the extremities may be seen in the less acute cases. The most constant change noticed on post-mortem is an intensely red inflai lation of the lining membranes of the fourth stomach and intestines. The liver is usually yellowish in colour. In regard to treatment, the specific antidote for arsenical poisoning is freshly precipitated iron hydroxide. It is not possible to keep this on hand for emergency use, as* it must be made up fresh, but it should be possible to secure it at short notice from a chemist.

Rams when highly fed sometimes suffer Bams from bladder trouble. In . ... England it is not uneom*n . mon in rams and wethers, i men s. 'X’he disease is especially seen in rams in high condition when being prepared for shows or the saleyard. The Agricultural Gazette, in explaining the cause of the death of a three-ycc.r-old ;am which a correspondent of that journal had been feeding for a show, remarked that the animal had died as a result of- bladder trouble, which, it avers, is caused by high feeding and an insufficient supply of drinking water. In these conditions the urine becomes highly concentrated, and there is a deposit of phosphates of lime and magnesium (gravel) in the bladder and urethra. urethra (or tube carrying the urine from the bladder) is very long in the male, and has a very small orifice. The tube becomes blocked with the deposit, and the urine cannot be expelled from the bladder. It accumulates until the bladder is distended and p "n sets in. Lastly, the kidneys become diseased, and thj animal dies. Trer.'.nent is hopeless; but the disease can be prevented by judicious feeding—a not too liberal supply of rich, artificial' foods, a sufficiency of green fodtier, and a plentiful supply of water. Ewes do not become affected, because the urethral passage is larger and shorter than in the male. Although the writer would not go so far as to say that “silage “Sifaga was a dairy essential,” a Dairy some dairymen have no Essential.” such qualms. One successful feeder, in stating his experience, says: “Silage is an all-year feed. If the pasture dries up, as is too often the case, silage tides one over. If the cows are heavy milkers silage can profitably be fed with good pasture, for the variety of succulence encourages the cow to eat more. In some places silage takes the place of pasture entirely. For the average man it will do better if it supplements it. Silaee has also proven its adaptability for replacing hay; but here again it will be better to feed it with hay. Silage and lucerne are the fundamentals of success. Those who criticise silage are the people who have never fed it. The careful man who has used it would not think of trying to run a dairy without it.” In reply to a question anent the cause or reason why dairy cows Scabby get scabby teats, the Live Teats. Stock Journal says: “Scabby teats are usually caused through having the hands wet when milking. We have never had scabs develop on our cows’ teats, although when we have purchased cows at times and their teats have been very scabby, we have been able to cure them. Hie udder of a cow which is washed down with warm water prior to milking, and then dried with a towel will not develop scabby teats when dry hands arc used for milking. Even through the hard winter we have kept cows’ teats in good order by following this simple method. An occasional rubbing with some dairy ointment after milking helps to keep the skin in nice, pliable condition. The milker, also, will find a great improvement in hu own hands, especially in winter time, if he keeps them dry, and washes them occasionally in warm water. The best method we know for healing

scabs on teats is to saturate each scab with methylated spirits after milking. The cows will sometimes kick a bit, as the methylated spirits sting; but the spirit dries up the scab in a surprisingly short time, and it drops off, leaving a clean skin underneath.” AGRICOLA. CASUAL NOTES FROM THE HOMELAND. (From Our Special Correspondent.) LENGTH OF SERVICE. A remarkable case of continuity of service came to light the other day when Mr Peter Duff, farm manager, Pitnacree Estate, Strathtay, was entertained at a banquet in the Palace Hotel, Aberdeen. Mr Duff had served in one capacity and another on the same estate for the long period of 45 years. Mr Duff’s father held the post before him, and between them they had administered the affairs of the estate for the lengthy period of over 90 years. This record will be bad to beat even in Scotland. It speaks volumes for the stable, reliable natures of both employer and employed. LANDED ESTATES AS COMPANIES. It is becoming quite the fashion in Scotland for land owners to float their estates as limited liability companies. Viscount Novar and Sir John Stirling Maxwell, two of the most extensive proprietors north of the Tweed, aid this some time ago. Now we have the Dalliousie Estates (Ltd. with a capital of f 70,000 in 10,000 ordinary and 60,000 6 per cert cumulative preference shares of £1 each. The subscribers are the Earl and Countess of Dalhousie, Brechin Castle, Brechin. Ano her is the Drummond Estates (Ltd.), with a capital of £40,000 in 10,000 ordinary and 30,000 6 per cent, cumulative preference shares, both of £1 each. The subscribers are the Earl and Countess of Ancester, Drummond Castle, Crieff. A third is the Stoua thall Estate Company (Ltd.), with a capital of £40,000 in 35,000 A ordinary and 5000 B ordinary shares of £1 each. It is believed that by transferring tlitfir properties into a company they will be more economically managed and that the burden of taxation will not be so great. These properties have not actually changed hands except to the extent of qualifying certain jiersons to act as directors. A LADY PRESIDENT. After the phenomenal success of the Ayrshire at the London Dairy Show the members of the Herd Book Society are in great heart. At their annual meeting they have made choice of a lady president for the first time in their history. Mrs E. L. Houison Crai/furd, wife of Brigadier-general Houison Craufurd, of Dunlop, Ayrshire, has for quite a number of years taken a leading part in promoting the interests of the breed at home and abroad. At her estate at Dunlop she has a first-class herd of Ayrshires, and all along she has shown marked ability • and enterprise in its management. A number of years ago she established a record in price by giving 2000gns for a bufl at the dispersion of the late. Mr Andrew Mitchell’s he:d at Barcheskie. This was regarded ns a big venture. Some years later, however, she established another record. At Mr James Howie’s • annual sale at Hillhousc, Kilmarnock, Mrs Houison Craufurd fancied the calf Howie’s Hot Stulf as the best of his age she had seen, and in the ling she could not be beaten. There was a lot of competition, but she held on until the hammer fell at 1700gns. Mrs Houison Craufurd’s enterprise has been more than justified by the success of the bull, which still heads her excellent herd. He has bred well both in respect of males and females. The last time I was at Dunlop one side of the byre contained a string of cows by Hot Stuff which could not be

excelled anywhere. He was a noted prizewinner in the show ring, and his stock have also done well. At the last “New” Show at Ayr, where the finest animals of the breed assemble, his gets carried off the points prize, giving a substantial lead to all the other bulls competing. Mrs Houison Craufurd has already served on the council of the society for some years, and she has judged at quite a number of shows. PROPOSAL TO DEHORN AYRSHIRES. Mr A. W. Montgomerie, J.P., of Lesnessock, who had just returned from judging at the great show in Canada, raised the question at the annual meeting of the breed society of dehorning Ayrshire ca'tle. He said that for a number of years ne had been approached by 1 ading breeders vho desired to get the horns off the Ayrshire. There was, he said, a considerable amount of damage done each year as the result oi the cattle boring each other, and consequently it might be better to do away with the horns. The feeling of Englishmen was, he thought, that they would much prefer the Ayrshire if the horns were taken awav. It was decided to leave the question over in the meantime. ALL-CONQUERING DODDIES. The position which the Aberdeen-Angur breed of cattle has gained at the leading fat stock shows constitutes a very remarkable record. At the Smithfield Show in London the championship prize for the best animal of any breed was offered in 1867, and-since then 55 shows have been held, in the course of which no fewer than 20 championships have been won by purebred Aberdeen-Angus. It was, however, only in 1891 that separate classes were provided for cattle of this breed, and this seems a natural and fair point from which any inter-breed comparison may be started. From the date mentioned there have been held 33 shows, and the results, as given below’, constitute a telling record for the Aberdeen-Angus breed—viz., Aberdeen-Angus, 16; Shorthorn, 7; Aberdeen-Angus crosses, 5; Shorthorn-Galloway crosses, 2; Hereford, 2; Devon, 1. Since the institution of the carcase competition at Smithfield 26 shows have been held. During that period purebred representatives of only three breeds have been successful in gaining the championship, these three breeds being— 8 championships; Galloway, 5 championships; and Welsh, 1 championship. Twenty-six shows have been held by the Scottish National Fat Stock Club, and it is a rather striking fact that upon no fewer than 24 occasions the championship has been won by Aberdeen-Angus animals or by crosses of that breed—in a good many cases carrying a double cross of Aberdeen-Angus blood. Details of the championship winners over the 26 shows are—Aberdeen-Angus, 10; Shorthorn, 2; Aberdeen-Angus and Shorthorn crosses, 14. At the Chicago International the results are more remarkable still. The championships gained there have been as under: —Single steer —Aberdeen-Angus, 14; Hereford, 5; Shorthorn, 3; crossbreds, 2. Carload—Aberden-Angus, 21; Hereford, 5. Carcase—Aberdeen-Angus, 23; Shorthorn, 14. The Doddie is certainly going strong. We will see a lot of him at Perth and Aberdeen on the opening days of February, when the pedigree sales commence. At Perth 205 females and 525 bulls will be put up to auction. FROZEN MEAT TRADE. LONDON MARKET CONDITIONS. The work of the Meat Producers’ Board and the lamb export trade in general pro v.de plenty of interesting material for the consideration of farmers all over New Zealand, and a few extracts from an address delivered by Mr David Jones M.P. (the chairman of the Meat Board) should prove interesting. Mr Jones said the work of the board had become well-known to the farming community. The unfortunate strike upset ship inents, with the result that meat was in short supply in Britain. When a settlement wa> reached verv heavv shipments, especially from Australia, went forward, and there was no doubt a large quantity of colonial lamb now in store at Home. Unfortunately statistics of what was held were not. available, but, it was hoped to have these compiled later. At present there was probably a total of 1,500,000 carcases of Ttfmb in store in Britain, and the gre. . demand would not be experienced for a month or two vet. This made the price somewhat speculative. Latvia and South America had unloaded large supplies last year, and Holland, on account of snow storms, had also exported heavily. Large numbers of English animals were also being killed, and all thc*o factors contributed to the present unsettled position. Mr Jones next dealt with a statement made in some newspapers to the effect that mutton sold here for 7d a lb had been sold for up to 22d a lb in England. Ho could assure them from personal investigation of the Smithfield market that the profits being made from Hew Zealand meat were not excessive. He read a communication from tho board’s London manager in reply to a cablegram sent on

December 24 that legs were selling at 14d to 16d a lb, loins lOd to 14d, and shoulders 12d o 13d retail, showing a drop corresponding to the wholesale fall. Again this month the board had received a further cablegram giving the prices of New Zealand meat, which were lower than quoted in the previous message, and showed the published statement that lamb was being sold at 22d a lb to be absolutely incorrect. The speaker was convinced that the profit being made by the Home retailers was not unreasonable. The papers published a cablegram last Tuesday stating that only small quantities of lamb w’ere available. The board made inquiries, found that the shortage referred only to New Zealand new season’s, and would be only temporary, as fresh supplies were arriving w'ithin a w-eek. Coming to the grading question, Mr Jones stated that in Canterbury the average of lamb for 10 years had not been over 361 b, including seconds. The Meat Board had never altered any of the grades, which had been the same for many years. Last year the farmers had a difficult position to face, owing to food shortage and the scarcity of stores. They started to nake their lambs as near 42’s as possible, and had more heavy lambs than previously. The result was that the heavy stuff was in over-supply, and had lc.en in over-supply in England ever since. The 371 b to 421 b lamb w’as bringing 2id to 3d less than 361 b lambs last year, and the exporter really started to give the reduced price a year too late, the fanner getting the benefit. The position was vorse in Southland, where the average of the three works was 391 b; but Canterbury was suffering too. Another factor was the uemand at Home lor the light-weight lamb. The question being asked was: “Is not the 371 b >amb worth as much as the 361 b lamb?” The butcher at Home went on ' the Smithfield market every day for his supply. If he could sell the 421 b lamb for as much as the light stuff, when he could buy the heavier lamb for less, he w’ould not buy a single light-weight carcase. But the fact that he went for the light stuff showed there must be a demand for lambs under 36ib. Ine New Zealand producer was in a similar position. The exporter had to give a price for lambs up to 42’s which "'fluid give him as much profit as possible. The position had changed now. the farmers pushing too many 37-421 b lambs in, and the exporter, in self-protection hatl to divide them into two grades. The farmers’ interests and the freezing companies’ interests were exactly the same in that both wanted to get as many lambs as possible into the 361 b class, lhey must have a dividing line, and he could assure them that the farmers were not losing Ly the present method. There was no alternative, unless it were a lower price all round up to 42”5. In an average season, with, say, 25 per cent, lambs over 361 b, they could take a reduced over-all price quite satisfactorily. The difference in price given by the exporter to the farmer was less than the difference in the English retail price. Replying to a uestion, Mr Jones said’ it was too early yet to say what percentage of the export trade was composed of 37-42 lambs, as the January figures would not be available until the next meeting of the board. The speaker affirmed that there was a decided tendency at Home for light-weight lambs, and unfortunately these last two years the lambs had been heavier than usual in New Zealand. THE DAIRY BOARD. OPPOSITION PROPAGANDA. “ BOLSTERING-UP PRICES.” (From Our Own Correspondent.) beveral important journals have lent their columns to outspoken criticism of the proposals of the New Zealand Dairy .Producers’ Board. The most recent example of this propaganda against the board is to be found in the Manchester Guardian, which publishe an article from “A Trade Correspondent.” “While the Food Council is busy with-the issue of White Papers describing the misdeeds of small shopkeepers in short weight and short measure,” says this writer, “they give no time or effort to stop the machinations of the big interests, which even now are making the public pay high prices for some leading food commodities. The interests that matter are these represented by the organisations recently formed in New Zealand and Australia to control the price and regulate the supplies of meat and butter and cheese sent to this country. If the Food Council want definite evidence of an organised effort to force and maintain high prices for the articles named they can get it by mak ing inquiries in the Tooley Street area, London, and in the provision markets of Manchester, Liverpool, Bristol, and Newcastle-on-Tyne. Threy will not get information merely by calling witnesses before them in the conference room at the Board of Trade. Tho inquiries must be made on the epot. “At present quantities of the primary products of New Zeeland are being held up in this country pending orders from the Dominion as to tne prices which are to be charged. This hold-up is part of a scheme which came into operation on January 1, by which the agents in this country of the New Zealand Dairy Produce Control Board are to keep goods off the market until such times as prices rise to a point to suit then liking, and in order to strengthen their grip shipments are to be cut down to the requisite quantities. Just now the scheme is helped by the fact that the well-to-do United States are short of butter and are buying considerable quantities for direct shipment. It w estimated that between now and August shipments of New Zealand butter will bo nearly 10,000 tons less than in the corresponding period of last year, and from August the Dairy Produce Control Board will have absolute control. of all exports from the Dominion. At present it exercises 'partial control.’ "The powers under which the Control Board acts were conferred by the Dairy Produce Control Act passed by the Dominion Parliament last year. This Act gives the board absolute power to ship the produce ‘at such times and in such manner and on such terms as the board in its discretion may determine.’ In tho English markets there is already evidence as to how the board will use Its discretion. The value of the produce' which tho board will control Is estimated at about £20,000,000 a year. “A similar organisation has been set up In Australia, covering not only foodstuffs, but wool. It is fair to add, however, that In respect to meat and wool the Control Board has not exercised Its powers in an arbitrary fashion, such as is now being exorcised in,, the case of butter add cheese.

As consumers in this country are painfully aware, the prices of butter and cheese have been very high for a long time, and unless something is done to stop the plans of the New Zealand Control Board there is no likelihood that these commodities will become cheaper. “The matter Is the more Important because the people of this country are being urged to ‘buy British goods’ and thus help to promote Empire trade. Unquestionably, sentiment in this direction is very strong, and rightly so, but consumers have a right to expect that in the purchase of British goods they shall not be made to pay a higher price than is necessary to give the colonial producers a fair return for their labour. One other point. Pressure is being put upon the Imperial Government to spend a sum of £1,000,000 a year for the next ten years to Improve the marketing of Imperial produce in this country. The money will have to be found by the taxpayer. And that is an additional reason why prices should not be bolstered up by control boards In the colonies.” A NEW LUCERNE. Remarkable results in respect to the propagation of lucerne, of the highest quality, have been achieved by Mr A. Macpherson, of 12 Francis avenue, Wellington (says the Dominion). Mr Macpherson was until recently fields instructor for the South Island in the Department of Agriculture, and also specialist in lucerne culture in New Zealand In 1916 Mr Macpherson secured seed from Colorado of pure strain Grimm variety lucerne. This was sown in Christchurch, and when the plants grew one of them .vat found to be of outstanding quality in every respect. All the other plants were destroyed, in order to breed all futur- plants from a perfect specimen. In this manner in years of patient work, Mr Macpherson has produced what he claims to be a new kind of lucerne, surpassing all other known kinds. The plants reproduced have a fine leafage, right down to the bottom of the stem, while the stems are also good. In lucerne the leaves, which contain four times the nutriment of the stem, are the mam feature. The chief aim in evolving Tagerim lucerne, as the new breed has been registered, was to find a lucerne that could be eaten by stock without .being trampled out of existence, and this has been achieved. The crow’n of Tagerim is two or three inches below the ground, and all new growth starts from there, therefore stock will cause it no injury. Mr Macpherson now has a fair-sized experimental plot in his garden, while Mr A. H Wheeler, of Shirley, has a considerable area under cultivation, it lias taken a long time to produce the number o r plants of the perfect strain now in existence, as, there being no seed available, the stock was increased by vegetation. Many of the plants have been transplanted to a location in Central Otago, a place where the average rainfall is very small. Seed can be provided satisfactorily only in a very dry area, and this is the most arid spot in New Zealand. “The idea which we have.” said Mr Macpherson, who gave a demonstration at his home, “is to interest the Government In this lucerne. The object will be to sow areas with the seed, which in a little ove. a year will be deep in lucerne. Then work an immigration scheme in connection with it, the immigrants being put on to country where this grass is growing instead of on to the bare land.” EXTENSIVE FRUIT ORCHARDS IN NORTH OTAGO DISTRICT. (From Our Special Correspondent.) OAMARU, March 9. It is not generally known that North Otago, besides producing cereals, butte:. tat lambs, and stud horses and sheep, is also adapted for commercial fruit-growing This has been demmstrated at Otiake, u settlement up the Waitaki River, about 55 miles west of Oamaru. About 14 vears ago Messrs Harris Bros., who were born and reared on n fruit farm in Central Otago their grandfather, Mr Manuel, was the first to establish an orchard in this locality about 70 years ago —selected Otiake as a suitable spot upon which to establish th*» fruit-growing industry. The soil is alluvial, the air bracing, and the summer weather dry and warm. r lho experiment by Harris Bros, was watched with interest, and it was not long before others ventured upon the same industry, with the result that today ihe area planted in fruit trees in the locality approximates nearly 200 acres (ine of tho brothers Harris was killed in the Great War, and the other (Mr C. Harris) was left to carry on. He has, in all, an area of 90 acres under fruit cultivation. The orchard contains 11,000 fruit trees, consisting of apples, peaches, apricots, nectarines and cherries. Mr Harris has not been too well satisfied with the apple market and is. in consequence. rooting out the apple trees and replacing them with stone fruit. He has a large vonlwy ef peaches and apricots, which have done remarkably well, and for which he received a read.* market. Nearly the whole of his stone fruit is this year going to Wellington and Auckland. The orchard is within half a mile of tho

Strachan's railway siding, and the railway arrangements are such that the fruit is got away expeditiously to the markets. At the present time about 20 persons are employed in the task of picking and packing. There is a large stone fruit-house on the property. Mr Harris manufactures his own boxes from timber imported from Southland mills, supplemented by pinua insigni3 timber secured in the district. He intends next year installing a boxmaking plant. The orchard is comparatively free from blights and diseases. As evidence of this it may be mentioned that the apricot trees were sprayed last year for a’first time. A Dean motor-sprayer is used. This has a storage capacity of 300 gallons, and three sprays are operated at tlie one time. The ploughing and discing between the trees is carried out with the assistance of a Case tractor. The whole orchard is conducted on modern methods. The chief difficulty is in regard to marketing. Last year Mr Harris paid nearly £IOOO in railway freights and commissions. Next year he proposes adopting a method of marketing by motor lorry, having depots in various parts of Canterbury. Figures are not required to demonstrate that Mr Harris has made his orchard a commercial success. A new and up-to-date bungalow! residence, with beautiful lawns and flowerplots. speak eloquently of the lucrative nature of the enterprise. It may be mentioned. in conclusion, that Mr Harris has a family of boys and girls from whom he receives valuable assistance in carrying on the work of the orchard. OUR YORKSHIRE LETTER. INCREASING CONSUMPTION ’ EXPECTED. (From Our Special Correspondent.)' BRADFORD, January 7. There is no data upon which to base' any reliable statement regarding the consumptive capacity of the \\ est Riding trade, for one can only judge the extent of the consumption by the supposed number of spindles and looms that are running. Sir Arthur Goldfinch, when he made his statement in regard xo supplies and anticipated consumption, failed to grasp the significance of standing combs, spindles, and looms. If they could have been run on the scalt seen in 1923 and 1924, we daresay his anticipated shortage would have been nearer realisation. However, it is no use crying over spilt milk. What we are concerned about most to-day is the probable consumption during 1926, and there is evidence that it will approach nearer 1924, and sensibly exceed that of 1925. That, we. say, is going to be the foundation upon which a real revival in wool can he expected. It is no use topmakers, spinners, and manufacturers buying the raw material if they cannot see a reasonable chance of using it profitably; but we are satisfied that there is a prospect of a bigger trade, and consequently a much larger consumption. Some think that France has touched its zenith, and that there will be less business during the ensuing months on account of increased taxation, and higher cost of living Time will prove whether that is a correct diagnosis of the future, but so far as the home trade is concerned there does appear at the moment to be reasonable grounds upon which to anticipate a much larger consumption. We do not see any reason to prevent this, proiiuing values remain reasonable, which we believe they will. Certain other factors need to be recognised. The investigations of the use of substitutes are bringing about more or less successful results, and are certain to tend somewhat against the increased use of wool. This is particularly true of artificial silk. We recognise that this article has come to stay, and that, used in conjunction with wool, it can be turned to profitable' account. Artificial wool is a different proposition altogether. Newspaper reports are significantly silent about certain things which practical men wouid like to know. No doubt those primarily interested in this artifical wool will not want to give away anything vital to the success of their enterprise, but one important fact emerges, which is that wool will continue to form the basis of the bulk of the textile goods made in Bradford and district. It is openly stated that some of the fabrics in which artificial wool has been used also contain real wool. It may be taken for granted that the fleece of the sheep will have to be relied upon to help the deficiencies of artificial wool. We do not think any member of the trade, and certainly not growers, need feel the least alarmed at the foretold expansion in the production of this now fibre. A new method of treatment has been applied to certain vegetable fibres which makes it possible to use them in conjunction with wool, but their usefulness is much more restricted when worked up by themselves. However, we forecast a bigger consumption of wool, because prices are appealing to the majority of wholesale fabric buyers. PERSONAL EXPERIENCE. ’’ It is now 12 months ago that the writer had placed in his hands a quantity of new vegetable fibre, which when blended with wool in the proportion of fifty-fifty produced a very good, acceptable wooilen yarn. We believe that this is the vegetable fibre of which the textile world will hear more in the coming months. Garnetted silk spun waste is also being blended to-day with wool in the production of woollen cloths, and it is a fact that garneHed artificial silk waste can be successfully manipulated on the cards and spun into weavable yarns when some good wool is blended with it in the willey-house. It seems to tho writer as if these new fibres are going to have to be taken under the wing of wodlen manufacturers in particular. When used in conjunction with wool, cotton, mungocs, and shoddies, something useful can be made out of them. The latest development is the production of a top out of these vegetable fibres. We have seen a top, which can be spun with wool on the mule principle, but not ou the cap spinning frnihe. Here, again, we nave an important development, which to all appearance is going to cheapen the production of worsted yarn, and make a new yarn available for underclothing and hosieries of all kinds. Along these lines

we think there will be important developments during but let it be said again that Miese new fibres will have to be used in c *njuaction with wool if the maximum is to be obtained out of them. As mu.h cotton, flux, jute, rhea, nettle fibre, or anything else can be used as the expc :i«ner.tcrs <an get, and all possible ingenuity and chemical treatment c: -i be brought vo bear upon, but it will ivver come about that wool can he done without entirely. In the ultimate analysis it will be found that, where price will allow it, wool will score every time. WOOL STANDARDS COMPLETED.

Mr George T. Willingmyre, one M the wool experts employed by the Washington Department of Agriculture, returned to America from England in the middle of December, and already he seems to be on —e warpath at home. A cable received from Washington intimates that the preparation of standardised wool samples is to be proceeded with, and the Department of Agriculture is to consult with tin wool trade of Boston ir order to have the Bradford-American standardised qualities approved. What little opposition lias been encountered to the new move has coi io from Boston dealers, some of whom seem to think that they have fcomething to lose by this development. Whether standardised qualities between the two cc. .itries can be agreed upon or not, it is to be hoped sincerely that the American nomenclature employed in the Boston trade will be abolished for all time. Surely there is every reason for urging that British standardised qualities be employed in the Boston wool tri-e. and that the time has arrived for the abolition of such obsolete terms as halfblood, t!o ce-quaiter-blood, quarter-blood, and braid We are not particularly concerned about the mere names, and if we thought wool users in America or on the Continent had anything more expressive we should advocate their adoption. The matter of impoitunce about the quality names is that they should be universally understood, and the number of inquiries made about the equivalent of American ami Continental wool terms in English terms suggests plainly enough which ought to be in common use. At the recent Berlin conference mcinl>or‘j of the trade from France, Belgium, Germany, and England considered arbitration proposals between the countries named, and the next move should be an international recognition of wool qualities. The wool trade generally is wondering what there is in at a for 1926. It certainly cannot be any worse than last year, and any, move at all will surely be towards betterment. It is with this in mind that West Riding woolmen are anticipating 1926, and, if all hopes are not realised, it may at least be said that prospects point to a somewhat better

time. What everybody feels certain about is that values cannot depreciate much more, for to-uay wool appears to the majority to be at a useable price. As we said a week ago, the trade never did any good out of dear wool, and never will. There seems to be a limit in which even wool itself in times of scarcity and boom always carries with it its own death-knell. It is very nice indeed to make handsome profits year after year, but there must come an end to that process, aud the backward swing of the pendulum ir 1025 has meant much loss and disaster to the majority. Prospects certainly are dec-id idly better, and best of all, we anticipate a bigger consumption and a bigger volume of trade than we have seen for the past two years. This, we say, is the dir et outcoma of reasonable wool values, for that is the soundest basis of all. OTAGO LAND BOARD. The monthly meeting of the Otago Land Board was concluded on Thursday, and was attended by Messrs R. S. Galbraith (chair man), Jas. Smith, Geo. Livingstone, C. J. inder, a"d T. A. Mtmro. APPLICATIONS FOR LAND. Robert Benzie applied for an occupation lease over section 51, block 11, Higblay S.D., area, 29 acres 1 rood 11 poles.— Granted at annual rental of £2 5a John T. Wilson applied to purchase section 54, block Vil, Upper Taieri S.D. area, 1 acre 0 roods 26 poles.—Granted at capital value of £3. Matthew M'Cubbin applied to purchase an area ol 33 acres in block IV, Lauder Survey District.—Referred to Warden and to Vincent County Council. Walter Haig applied for an occupation lease over on area of 33 acres, block IV, Lauder S.D.—Referred to Warden and to Vincent County Council. E. M. Sharpe applied to select section 33, block XI, town of Clyde, area, 7.1 perches. —Granted. F Teague applied to purchase sections 3, 4,5, 10, and 12, block LIV, town of Crow well; area, 1 acre l rood.— Granted Thomas T. Cooper applied for an O.R.P. license ovei section 28, block VIII, Tarras 5. ; area, 221 acres.—Granted with capital value of £2OO. 1 T. A. Gillespie applied for an occupation tease over section 1, block XV, Lower Hawea; area, 18 acres (approx.).—Granted with yearly license at rental of £l. J H. Haughton applied for a yearly license over section 25, block VII, Teviot and part of miniug reserve adjoining; area, 124 acres 1 rood 08 poles.—Held over J. T. Allen applied for an occupation lease over section 98, block XIX. Tumpekt East S.D. j area, 85 acres.—Applicant offered a yearly license at annual l : ~ense of £39. Samuel E.'Tilling (per Mr. R. T. Saddl again applied for a permanent title til possible) or at least e grazing license over

ICOO acres of laud in Waipori district until the land is required for afforestation.—Held over.

The South Otago Freezing Co. (Ltd.) applied for permission to erect a landing stage on parts of section 14 and 15, block AaXUI, Clutha. —Yearly license granted at annual rental of 10s over area to be shown on sketch to be supplied, existing license amended if elimination of such area and reduction oi rental. DISPOSAL OF LAND. Section 2 and 3, block XV, town of Clyde; area. 1 rood 20 perches 7 poles, education reserves—Sections to be offered for lease for five years at upset annual rental of ss. Field Inspector Mee submitted a valua lion of section 2, Melville Park Settlement, for consideration; area. 20 acres —To be reoffered for selection at capital value of ££OD burdened with £33 12s for improvement. Field Inspectoi Simpson submitted a report and valuation of sections in block 1, Teviot.—Necessary action to be taken by the commissioner. OTHER MATTERS. Field Inspector Mee submitted a report on the flax on section 23, block IX. Kaitangata.—Sale of flax to H. Hurring approved at a royalty of 4s per ton The board was asked to cancel miscellaneous license, No. 2130, in the name of John Carmichael and issue a fresh license in the name of D. J M‘Clea.— Existing license cancelled and fresh license to be issued to D. J. M'Clea at an annual rental of 10s. CANCELLATIONS. John Mocdie advised that he had no further use for the grazing rights of section 362, town of Port Chalmers.—Grazing right cancelled. James Patterson applied to hare his rnisce|laneoug license over part Tokomairiro River Bed cancelled.—License cancelled. APPLICATION TO SURRENDER. Michael Antoni Idour apniicd to surrender his miscellaneous license, No. 3109. over a small area of 11.8 perches »n block VII. Otago Peninsula Surrey District.—License cancelled. REDUCTION OF RENT. A. F. Ridd, lessee of section 114. block 111., Benger, S.D.. under occupation lease, applied for a reduction of rental on ac count: of half an acre being taken for railway construction under the Public Works Act.—Rental to be reduced by 2s per annum. EXEMPTION FROM RESIDENCE. The question of granting J. J. Well* wood exemption from residence on section 28s, Teviot Settlement, was submitted for consideration.—Exemption from residence granted on condition tnat the lessee resides continuously on his new homestead site. EXPIRY OF OCCUPATION LEASES. Richard Clark Cook applied for i renewal of his occupation lease ever section 70. block IX, Maruwenua, B.D.—Field-

inspector Simplon appointed appraiser to assess the rental for a renewed lease.

Laura Lory applied foi a renewal of her occupation lease over sections 106 and 106, block IX, Maruwenua district.—Fieldinspector Simpson appointed appraiser to the new lease of section 76. block I, N’aseby S.D., held under occupation lease by Johnson Tait.—Field-inspector Simpson appointed appraiser to assess the rental for a renewed lease.

The Land Board was afcked to appoint its appraiser to determine the rental for the tiew lease of section 57, block IX., Leaning Rock, held under occupation lease assess tne rental for. a renewed lease The Land Beard was asked to appoint its appraiser to determine the rental for by Thomas Govan.—Field inspector Simpson appointed appraiser to assess the rental for a renewed lease.

The Land Board was asked to appoint its appraiser to determine the rental for the new lease of section 23, block 11, Cromwell, held under occupation lease by Mrs B. Tait—Field-inspector Keppel appointed appraiser to assess the rental for a renewed lease.

Campbell Watson applied for renewal of his occupation lea«e over section 45 block V. Teviot district.-Field-inspector Mee appointed appraiser to assess a rental for a renewed leas# 1 .

The Land Board was asked to appoint its appraiser to determine the rental for the new lease of section 46. block V. Teviot S.D. held under occupation lease by Mr and Mrs D G Gunn.—Field-inspector Mee appointed appraiser to assess the rental for a renewed lease

RENEWAL OF OCCUPATION LEASES. Field-inspector Simpson submitted a report on section 31. block Vlll, Leaning Rock district, held under occupation lease by K. A. L. Munro.—Renewal granted at a rental of 10s per annum.

Field-inepector Simpson’s report in con nection with fixing reotal for the new term of Wm. Welsh’s occupation lease was received. The board was asked to deal with the matter.—Renewal granted at an annual rental of 10s

EXPIRY OF EDUCATION RESERVE LEASES.

Mrs Jane Drew, lessee of section 24, block 11. Papakaio, applied for a renewal of her education reserve lease. —Fieldinspector Simpson appointed appraiser to fix the rent for the new term.

Field-inspe-tor Simpson submitted a report on section 24 block 11, Papakaio district. held under education reserve lease by Mrs Jane Drew.-*-Lessee to be offered a renewal for 21 years from July 1. 1926. at an annual rental of £3 4s. The Land Boaid was asked to appoint its appraiser to determine the rental for the new lease of section 196, block 11, Papakaio district, held under education reserve lease t»y Alex. Turtle.—Field inspector Simpson appointed appraiser to fix the rent for a renewal lease.

Field-inspector Simpson submitted a report on section ISS. block 11, Papakaio district. held urder education reserve lease by Alexander Turtle.—Lessee to be offered a new lease for 21 years at an annual rental of £lO 10s. Mrs E. A S M“Kenzie, lessee of section 38. block V. Papakaio, applied for a renewal of her education reserve lease.— Field-inspector Simpson appointed appraiser to fix the rent for a new term Field-inspector Simpson submitted a report on section 38 block V, Papakaio district, held under education reserve lease fcv Mrs E. A S. M‘Kenzie.—Lessee to be offered a new lease for 21 years at an annual rental of £2l 15s. EXPIRY OF EPUU'TION RESERVE LEASES. Field-inspector Keppel was appointed appraiser to ‘ fix the rent, for the new term in connection with the following pro* lessee of section 121, block I. Shotover, applied for a enew.il oi his Education Reserve lease. The Land Board was asked ro appoint its appraiser to determine the new rentaof the Education Reserve lease over sec tion 11, block 11, Shotover district, hely by Annie Brown. Thomas Houston, lessee of sections l » and 21, block 111, Shotover, applied fo» a renewal of his Education Reserve leas^. The Land Board was asked to appoint its appraiser to determine the new rental of the Education Reserve lease over sections 2 and 3, block V, Shotover district held by Robert M. Patterson. John Butel, lessee of section 34, block VI, Shotover Survey District, appl’ed for a renewal of his Education Reserve lease. Mrs M. Fitzgibbon, lessee of sections / 8, *l6 22, block YIII, Shotover, applied for a renewal of her Education Reserve lease. . Field Inspector Mee was appointed appraiser to fix the rent for a new term in connection with the following pfoper ties: — ...... William Horne, lessee of section 20, applied for a renewal of his Education Reserve lease. William T. Adam, lessee of part section 20, block IV, Otokia, applied for a renewal of his Education Reserve lease. William Ross, lessee of section 4, b'oek 02, Clutha Survey District, applied for a renewal of his Education Reserve lease W. R. Willocks, lessee of part section 2 of 35, block VI, Hillend, applied for a renewal of his Education Reserve lease. John Hardy, lessee of section Ba, Greenfield Settlement, applied for a renewal of liis Education Reserve lease. "THIRDS.” The following applications for “thirds'* were received, and in each instance the proposal was approved, and the Receiver oi Land Revenue authorised to pay: .Waitaki County Council submitted pro posals for expenditure of " thirds,” etc., accrued for period ending January 31. 1026, amounting to £24 8s Bd. The Waiheino County Council for expenditure of "thirds” accrued till February 28, 1926, amounting to £9 16s. Tlie Taieri County Council for expend! tvre of " thirds,” etc., accrued for period ending January 31, 1926, amounting to £9 5s 3d. The Bruce County Council for expendi ture of " thirds," etc., accrued fur ihe period ending January 31, 1926, amounting to 8s 4d. The Tuapeka County Council for ex penditure of "thirds,” etc., accrued for period ending January 31, 1926, amounting to £23 2s Od. The Vincent County Council for expenditure of ** thirds,” etc., accrued for period ending January 31, 1928, amouut--1 ing to 1138.

“FIFTHS” FROM FOREST REVENUE. The following applications for '* fifths n from forest revenue were approved:—• Tire Clutha County Council for the expenditure of the sum of £B9 14s for the period ending December 31, 1925. Tire Lake County Council for the expenditure of the sum of 'ls lid for the period ending December 31, 1925, TRANSFERS. The following transfers were approved : Section Ba, Totara Settlement, 117 a 3r C2p. from Thomas Joseph Breen to James Henry Hosking. Section 11. block XV (Makareao Estate), from Archibald Parkhill, jun., to John Arthur Cameron.

Section 4, block XV, Moeraki, from Archibald Parkhill, jun., to Jolm Arthur Cauteron.

Forest reserve, section 24, block VI, Budle, from Robert M. Williamson to Mary E. Matheson. Section 11, block XII, Rock and Pillar, from William Charles Hay to Thomas Ramsay. Sections 1 and 2, block XI, Swinburn, from Walter T. Mathewson to Donald M. Mathewson. Run 2480, Maniototo, section 2, block ill. Serpentine, from WilLam M. Mathewson to John Gerrie Aitken.

Section 8, block I. Maniototo, from George Devenncy to Alexander Cromb. Section 8. block XIX. Maniototo, from tleoree Devennev to John Graham Weir. Section 76, block VII, Lauder, from Samuel Peck to David Fraser. Section 81, block 1, Cromwell, from Willu.ii Holloway to Mary Ann Holloway.— Recommendation confirmed. Part nuning reserve adjoining section 41, block VIII, Shotover, from John Fisher Dakers to Robert George Fowler. Run ?6. Wakatipu. 7360 acres, from Isabella M. M‘Lean t.o James William M‘Lean. Run 34, Wakatipu, 5880 acres, from ueorge M‘Gill Brown to James William M‘Loan.—Transfer approved to hold two rU 2 of 27. block V, Akatore 40 acres, from Clifford R. Anning to William Ernest Mills. .. . Ar> Section 2 of 41, Hook v, Akatore 42 acres, from Elizabeth Anning to >, imam E. Mills. , , The following were de-Tinetl. the proposed transferee not being elicrible Seetions 2, 5/8. 17(20. Week XXXIT, town of Molyneux. anti sections 9/10 block XXXII. town of Molvneus, from Georgo Scott to James Scott. Section 13. block VII. town of Lawrence, from John B. Crowley to Amelia Crowley and Elsie Crowley. , Section 10, block XXXITI. town of Lawrence, from Martha Ferguson to Alexander MTntvre. ~ . Section 54. block VIII, Dunedin and East Taieri. from Ernest Henry Hodge to Alfred R. Hucklebridge. Section 54, block VIII. Dunedin and East Taieri; from Alfred R. Rucklebndge to John Veitch Fogo. The following w « approved:— Section 5. block VTT. Glcnoamaru and section oart 8, block VTT Gienomaru, from James fee to Michael Hanlon. Section 96 block XI. filenkenieh, from Henrv Chandler to John A. Chandler.

STOCK AND GRAZING NOTES.

Wefkly Stock Saiw. Burnside, Wednesdays. Addington, Wednesdays. Waiareka Railway Junction, Tueadaya. fortnightly. Birersdale, Fridays Wallaoetown, Tnesonys. Ashburton, Tuesdays. Heriot, Thursdays. Win ton, Thursdays. Wyndham, Thursday. Olinton, Thursdays. Balolutha, Fridays. Gore, Tuesdays. Ninthly. Edendale, Ist Monday. Palmerston, 4th Thursday W inton, 4ta Tuesday. Mataura, Ist iliursday. Tokanui, 4th Monday

Manthly (continued). Oantrooo, 2nd Wednesday. Woodlands, 3rd Wednesday. Hilton, 2nd Tuesday. Balfour, 3rd Thursday. Thombury, Ist Friday. Otautau, 2nd Wednesday. Riveradale, 3rd Friday. .Vaikaka, last Friday. Ciydevale. last Friday Periodically at Advertiead. Lwmsden, Mosshurn, Orepuki, Wuimahaka, Waikouaiti. Riverton, Ngapara, and Otago Central Bales.

OTAGO. Although somewhat cold at times, the weather in Otago during the past week was pleasant, and the grass, thanks to warm days, is, in sheltered places, still making qpme growth. BURNSIDE MARKET. Entries of fat stock at the Burnside metropolitan yards on Wednesday last were not impressive. The yarding of fat sheep totalled 2527, compared with 3200 the previous week, the quality being very fair to prime. The opening demand was slow, with an easing tendency, and values for all classes were decidedly lower than last week, the decline varying from 1« to 2s per

head, many good lots of wethers making under 5d per lb. Ihe tat lambs penned, 755 as against some 450 the previous week, lacked for the most part quality. There was a good demand at rates similar to those obtainable the previous week. Unfinished lambs were moving off more freely at values which seem somewhat too close up to prices ruling for finished consignments. Lamb may be quoted as making around 9d per lb for light prime sorts. The yarding of fat cattle totalled 184, compared witfl 240 the previous week. Quality cattle were scarce, and, consequently, finished bullocks sold well. An advance of fully 15s per head may be noted, beef making to 40s per 1001 b. The entry of store cattle was large, but was made up of cows in fair condition, and mixed penning of young inferior animals. Few steers of breeding were noted. Best cows were dearer owing to butchers paying attention to this section (due to rmall yarding of fat cattle), but values soon receded to last sale’s prices. There was a moderate entry of fat pigs, and a full supply of stores. The former sold firm at the previous week’s rates, but stores weakened a few shillings per hend. Porkers made to 9Jd and baconors to B£d per lb. NORTH ISLAND STORE STOCK VALUES. Good rains have fallen in the North Island, and feed prospects arc more promising. At Westfield market, in the Auckland Province, beef sold up to 29s per 1001 b, forward steers £6 10s to £7 10s, forward wethers 21s to 255. twotooths 18s to 19s fid, woolly lambs 12s 6d

to 15a fid. In Poverty Bay fair lambs made 12s 3d to 14s, small 10s, fair twotooth ewes 21s, fair old ewes 10s to 13s 9d. In the Wairarapa two-tooth wethers made 17s to 21s, woolly lambs 14s to 17s, good two-tooth ewes 25s to 27s fid, station two-tooth ewes 20s, poor 15s 6d. in the Wanganui - Feilding areas two-tooth wethers made 16s to 17s, mixed sex lambs 11s to 14s fid, rtation cows (with calves at foot) £4 15s, three-year-old steers £4 10s to £5, year and a-lialf station steers £3 5s to £3 10s, two and a-half-year-olds £6. In Hawke’s Bay business is dull, fair ewes making to 24s 3d, old 7s to 9s fid, very fair mixgd ages 14s to 235. STOCK NOTES. In view of the set-back in exportable frozen mutton and- lamb values early in the month prices obtainable at recent stock sales for unfinished lambs in Otago must be deemed satisfactory. The margin between store and fat lamb values admits of small profits. Still, as intimated below, there st ms to be some prospect of better clearances in the Home market. The rise in wool, no doubt, together with the great wealth of feed throughout the province, will account for any recorded appreciation in store values. The inclusion of relatively few prime steers and heifers in recent yardings at Burnside has served to push up values of best beef carcases, despite some of the butchers securing a portion of their requirements among the cattle included in the store section, where, not infrequently, good to prime cow beef animals are located. Well-grown, well-bred, store steers, two and three years old, are meeting with a good demand, but are scarce. At the Milton stock sale some 3400 sheep were yarded, and sold at what were considered good prices in the circumstances. Forward lambs made 21s 3d,, medium mixed sexes 17s Id to 19s, cull mixed 10s 9d, fair wether lambs 14s 9d, two-tooth wethers 22s 4d, two-tooth ewes 24s 9d, sound crossbred ewes 20s 9d, old 11s 9d, four and six-tooths 31s fid. According to a. recently purchased work on •‘Meats and Meat Products,” the people of Argentina lead the world in annual meat consumption with 2811 b a head. Australia follows, with 2631 b; New Zealand -third, with 2131 b; then come United States, 1421 - Canada, 1371 b; Cuba, 1241 b; United Kingdom, 1201 b; Germany, 1151 b; France, 801 b. . .

The Australian Press Association says that, the War Office gave Australia a pre ference of 20 per cent, over the chief competitor. Argentina. Mr A. R. Hassan, of the Australian Meat Council, regards the result as a triuffiph for the Australian Meat Council’s activities during three years. This is the first time, at any rate since the war, that an Australian firm has obtained a whole contract. , The Adelaide Observer, of the 27tn ult., says: Great mortality in sheep is reported from Bibbenluke. Recently several flocks were inoculated bv a veterinary surgeon with vaccine for the prevention of “blac«c disease.’’ Fifty per cent (about 2000) of the inoculated sheep have died. Dr Seddon (Director of the Glenfield Research Laboratory), and D. Dodd, of the Sydney University. have visited the district to make enquiries.

The epidemic of dengue fever which has been raging in Stockton, on the north side of the harbour for two weeks has now found a footing on the Newcastle side of the water, and it is feared that it may spread. The New Zealand Meat Board’s South American correspondent strikes a note on early maturity: “During the past year the purchasing companies have more than ever insisted on young cattle of a handy weight and good finish in response to the demands of the home trade, where big, heavy, or over-fat steers are not wanted at any price. British butchers now concentrate their interest practically on chilled beef, and a great decline in the quantity of frozen beef shipped during the past year to Britain will show the trend towards the chilled article. Argentine feeders have to give their attention to the finishing of their cattle around two and a-half years old, when they should give the desired weight and thickness of carcase so much appreci ated by the British market, while breeders have to give attention to maintain the necessary high quality of their commercial cattle, which many consider are not as good as they werfe ten years ago.” The wisdom of tuberculin testing, if not of all cow's supplying milk, at least stud cattle, may well be considered in view of the following item taken from the Adelaide Observer: "Some weeks ago it was announced that a sale of stud Friesian cattle, aggregating about 400 head, would bo offered for sale at the new show grounds on March 4 and 5, on account of Henley Stud Friesians (Limited). This sale has been abandoned, presumably as an outcome of tests made by the Stock Department. The chief inspector of stock (Mr C. A. Loxton), in answer to an inquiry, stated that recently' his officers had made a tuberculin test among 129 head of these cattle at Fulhfftn, and the number of cases that had reacted had been 51. Four of the animals had shown external symptoms of tuberculosis and were destroyed, and in addition, two had been also sent to the abattoirs boilingdown works. This action had been taken under the Stock Diseases Act of 1888. The " reactors ” had been isolated, nnd the question would be considered whether a few particularly valuable animals could be reserved for breeding purposes under conditions laid down by the department.” FROZEN MEAT MARKET. The Smithfield quotations for frozen meat last week showed fewer variations than usual for New Zealand sorts (observes an exchange). There was a slight drop in the quotation for lambs, “ other selected brands.” and for first quality North Island lamb. This halt in the downward trend of values is probably an indication that values have touched bottom; if so, it would not be surprising if a reasonably fair demand sets in, and prices hold at their present level, or even show a slight improvement. It is doubtful whether there will be any improvement in c.i.f. business, but there may develop business for consignments afloat. If this can be developed, then 'he buyers would have an interest in maintaining the market. The top price for New Zealand lamb last week was 10jd for selected

brands, and 6£d for New Zealand mutton. Chilled beef: Uruguay ox fores was selling as low as l}d, and ox hinds at 44d. It is this cheap chilled beef from South America that has been depressing the market.

ENCOURAGEMENT TO BREEDING. ihe council of the Royal Agricultural Society, New South Wales, has engaged Dr G. F. Finlay to lecture at its Easter show on recent developments in connection with animal breeding, etc. Dr Finlay, wno is a New Zealander by birth, received his preliminary training at the veterinary school of the University of Sydney, where he obtained the degree of Bachelor of Veterinary Science. At the outbreak of war he gave up a country practice which he had established, and joined the A.I.F. On his return from active service in Egypt and Europe with the rank of major (A.V.C.), he was granted, on accouut of his ability and natural aptitude for the work, the Walter and Eliza Hall Fellowship in Veterinary Science to specialise in animal genetics, and was given permission by the \V alter and Eliza Hall trustees to study abroad at leading centres, provided he returned at the completion of his training to apply the knowledge he gained for the benefit of Australia.

Accordingly Dr Finlay has intensely studied animal breeding in all its phases from both scientific and practical angles under acknowledged teachers in the United States of America and Europe, including Great Britain. He gained the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Cambridge for original research on problems connected with the hereditary transmission of characters, and was subsequently appointed to the animal research department of the University of Edinburgh. Whilst in Scotland he organised a very comprehensive conference on cattle breeding, which attracted representatives not only from different parts of Great Britain, but also from Europe and America. His scientific knowledge so aptly and clearly applied to the practical problems of breeding won from the conference encomiums of a very high order. Sir Robert Craig, chairman of the Board of Agriculture for Scotland, stated that his board was deeply indebted to Dr Finlay for that remarkable stimulation which he gave to Scottish agriculture. Sir Robert also stated that after 30 years’ experience in agricultural development in Scotland, he did not remember any single effort that had such far-reaching consequences as Dr Finlay’s, and that if Dr Finlay could only remain in Scotland he would be accepted as the first authority upon the live stock side of agriculture. Whilst in Scotland Dr Finlay devoted much time to the breeding of beef cattle, but has also closely studied the breeding of dairy cattle in the United States of America, England (including the Channel Islands), and Denmark. In addition, he has given valuable services to different pig-breeding societies, and by no means has he overlooked the interests of poultry breeders. Nor has the importance of wool production to Australia been lost sight of, as much of Dr Finlay’s scientific research was directed towards the recognition of inherited characters in the various breeds and strains. CANTERBURY. The first of the ewe sales in Canterbury was the Amberley fixture, when some 34,700 sheep met with a good demand for all good grades. Two-tooth halfbred ewes made 38s 9d to 40s (last year 38s to 555), four-year-old ewes realised up to 39s fid (last year 38s to 18s). At Hawarden 27,200 ewes w'ere penned. A good sale resulted at improved values on Amberley quotations. Corriedale ewes sold to 50s (67s last year), other twotooth ewes made 43s to 465. four-year-olds sold to 40s 3d, five-year-olds to 295. Last year four-year-old ewes made to 555. Corriedales at this fixture were a feature. Sheep at both fixtures were in nice order. This year the Canterbury ram and ewe fair is well supplied. Rams total 5345 (3911 last year), ewes 100 (469 last year). The entries of rams and the various breeds listed are interesting when compared with last year’s offerings:—

THE ROSEVALE FRIESIANS. ANNUAL SALE. On Thursday, the 11th inst., the first annual sale of Messrs H. North and Son’s Friesians was held at "Rosevale,” Omimi. Otago, by their agents, Messrs Dalgety and Co. The day was pleasant, and ♦lie sale arrangements satisfactory, while the cattle were all in first-class order, the heifers being a particularly level lot and of excellent quality. Some 100 breeders and farmers were in attendance from Canterbury, Southland, and Otago, some intent on business and others keen to view these aristocrats of the dairy world on sale and view the famous world champion Burkeyje Sylvia Poach (imp.). The demand for females at this the first sale of surplus Rose vale Friesians was very fair; but bulls were not wanted to the same extent, a number being passed in at auction, although some were placed subsequently. The average price per head for females was about 42 guineas, the highest price paid being 01 guineas for Rosevale Queen Pletertje Poach, bought by Mr J. I. Koyds (Christchurch). the son of Burkeyje Sylvia roach, Rosevale Echo Sylvia Champion, by Echo Sylvia Sir Griselda (imp.) there whs no satisfactory bid, and he was withdrawn. The average price of the bulls was nliout 20 guineas, the top price being 47 guineas The following la a list of the animals ■old»

FEMALES. Rosevale Queen Isohel Patch, by Rose* vule luku Sylvia Model, out of Ruse* vale Isobel (born March, 1924).—T. Slier* riff (Clandeboye), 45 guineas. Rosevale Beets de Kol Inka, by Rosevale Korudyke Sylvia I'osch, out of Rosevale Ruby (liorn October, 1923).—J. Paisley (North-East Valley), 30gns. Rosevale Lady Colantha by Echo Sylvia Sir Griselda, out of Rosevale Colantha (born May, 1924). —T. llewitt (Goodwood), 3igns. Rosevale Echo Sylvia Plus, by Echo Sylvia Sir Griselda, out of Rosevale Sylvia Triumph (born December, 1923). —T. Hewitt (Goodwood), 46gns. Rosevale Queen Sylvia Daphne, by Echo Sylvia Sir Griselda, out of Rosednle Queen Sylvia Keyes (born May, 1924), J. Copeland (Weston). Signs. Rosevale Echo Sylvia Catrina, by Echo Sylvia Sir Grisehla, out of Rosevale Cat* rina Poscdi (born April, 1924), -T. Hewitt (Goodwood), r>ogiis. Rosevale Inka Sylvia Beauty by Rose* vale Inka Sylvia Model, out of Rosevale Beauty Patch (born February, 1924), T. Hewitt (Goodwood), 54gns. Rosevale Queen Sylvia Posch, by Rosovale Korndyke Sylvia Posch, out of Holland Queen (born January. 1924) J. I. Lloyds (Christchurch) 34 guineas. Rosevale Cora Wayne Posch. by Rosevale Korndvke Sylvia Posch. out of Cora Abbekerk (born January, 1924) —J. Paisley. 30 guineas. Rosevale Christine Sylvia, by Echo Sylvia Sir Griselda, out of Rosevale Amelia Sylvia (born December, 1923)—F. Garrett (Sutton), 43 guineas. Rosevale Cora Johanna Korndyke, by Rosevale Korndvke Sylvia Posch, out of Cora Abbekerk Po9ch (born February. 1923) Ford Bros. (Pine Hill). 41 guineas Rosevale Inka Pietje Colantha. bv Rosevale Inka Sylvia Model, out of Rosevale Pietie Korndyke (born October. 1922) —Ford Bros, 38 guineas. Rosevale Queen Pietertie Posch, by Rosevale Korndyke Sylvia Posch, out of Rosevale Daisv Posch (born December, IG22)—■* J I. Rovds 64 guineas. MALES. Rosevale Burkeyje Korndyke Beets, by Rosevale Korndyke Sylvia Posch, out of Rosevale Burkeje Catrina (horn December, 1923)—P L. Cunningham, 15 guineas Rose vale Korndvke Posch by Rosevale Inka Sylvia Model, out of Rosevale Bertha Posch (born January 1924)—J. Smith (Dunedin). 15 guineas. Rosevale Echo Sylvia Burkeyje. by Echo Sylvia Sir Griselda. out of Rosevale Burkeyje Svlvia (born July. 1924)—R. 11. Dickie (M-alaura) 47 guineas. Rosevale Champion Model Keves, Iw Echo Svlvia Sir Griselda. o- t of Rosevale Model Keyes (born July. 1923) —Flett Bros. (Otautau). 37 guineas. Rosevale Ohamnion Artis Posch, by Echo Svlvia Sir Griselda. out of Rosevale Inka Beauty Posch (born November. 1924)—,T. Paisley I 7 guineas. Rosevale Inka d* s Kol Beets, bv Rosevale Tnka Sylvia Model, out of Rosevale Beets de Kol (horn April. 1924) —R. K. M‘Donald (Edendale). 27 guineas. Rosevale Sir Echo Regina, bv Echo Svlvia Sir Griselda out of Regina Posch of the South (horn September 1924)—R H. Dickie (Matalira). 15 guineas.

Rosevale Sir Inka Posch. by Rosevale Inka Svlvia Model, out of Rosevale Princess Midget Posch (horn November. 1924) T Hewitt (Goodwood). 15 guineas.

Rosevale Echo de Kol Plus, by Echo Svlvia Sir Griselda. out of Rosevale Kitty Posch was sold after the sale for 25 guineas to G L. Cunningham (Hillend)

THE DAIRY CONTROL BOARD’S POLICY. Sir, —Having been laid aside by influenza, I have been unable to deal with the proposals and questions raised by Mr Grounds in his recent address in Dunedin. But the board’s policy is so fraught with serious consequences to the dairy farmers, and indirectly to the welfare of the community that I crave your indulgence to criticise the schemes of the Control Board. I would direct the close attention of all concerned to the claim made by Mr Grounds on behalf of the Conti ol Board that the board, per medium of immensely expensive tours of European and American markets, has investigated and acquired knowledge covering every phase of shipping, transporting,- storing, and marketing our exports rf butter and cheese, with the method of financing the output from primary producer to the final market. In the realms of finance Mr Giounds assures us the arrangements are so satisfactory as to leave nothing to desire, nothing unprovided for, with definite provision to finance the monthly “ pay-out ” to suppliers. But mark what followed at the recent meeting in Dunedin when I put this to Mr Grounds: “ You say your arrangements to finance the output under control are assured, and definitely made?” Mr Grounds replied *• Undoubtedly.” “ Will you then,” I asked, "your finance being assured, guarantee the suppliers, under control, in me coming season the same percentage as monthly advances they now receive?” Mr Grounds replied “ No, he could not. and would not give any guarantee.” Will the suppliers and directors of factories read, mark, and mentally digest that reply? And whilst pondering his remark will they reflect that, had I put the same question to any of the experienced directors of factories, with ass- •'>,l finance, who were present in the tot they could have answered the question at once in the affirmative. But these extravagantly salaried officials could not. Why? The answer will be found later. And is it not unjust, even tyrannous, that a dairy farmer, with the full product of his labour teady for market, should be compelled to hand it to another for disposal without a voice in its disposal—to hand over hia sole means of existence, in utter ignorance of when he will receive payment or whether in sufficient instalments to meet his obligations? But the sole reason for Mr Grounds's inability to guarantee reasonable monthly advances on an equality with the percentages we now receive—surely a most moderate request—• is easily found in the Control Board’s wildly speculative pooling and marketing proposals. In support of my statement I direct the attention of suppliers and directors of dairy factories to the following in Mr Grounds’s address

No. 1. “Produce to be allocated to the selected marketing fi:ra. . . . Each of

the importers would put up a letter of • redit. . . . Advanc'a would be a'ail-

.ile on the Horn warrants of marketing tfxins.” Now, tf»i: simply means that the * s arm v sells oa commission, the time of ?nle and price being at the dictation .of *he board. What percentage of market value '«tralu the “credit note” embody under ouch conditions? Seventy per cent.? i trow no:, but would welcome proof to the contrary. No. 2. “Differentiation in payments for quality is to be made to encourage factories to turn out good quality produce.” But the fact remains that two years have elapsed, and. the board has not *>»it been able to decide what constitutes first and second quality (vide an address by Mr Grounds at Hawcra), and it is a pertinent question. Where, when, and by whom is the “quality” to be decided? No. 3. “There will be two pools for butter, and one poo 1 , perhaps, for cheese.” Let all concerned, experienced suppliers and directors, impartially consider these three extracts from Mr Grounds’s speeches, and they will see at once that each of them involves reservations of cash derived from sale# for contingent liabilities to “pool funds,” '‘differentiation” funds, etc These alone will limit

“orsdiU” and cash, and so makes it impossible for Mr Grounds to assure to the suppliers under control equal conditions to those sr# now work under in regard to monthly advances. And to make them leas than at present will cuuse hardship, and even disaster, to many folk.

And the plunging, reckless policy of the board, coupled with the campaign of insidious, and not too scrupulous, misrepresentation of thoss who oppose, or criticise, its policy or procedure, gives cause for reflection not only to opponents, but to firm friends and supporters of a sane measure of control.

At Hawera, barely a month ago, the most representative meeting of dairv farmers 6ver gathered to meet the full board was addressed for four hoexs, and finally defeated a proposal for alisolute control. Then at Mr Grounds*! meeting in Dunedin last Monday week a motion of confidence in the board was “defeated on the voices,”

and a few days later, at his meeting in Rangiora, the proposal to bring in absolute control was defeated by 80 votes to three. There is the publicly expressed opinion of the working dairy farmer, ami will the board, or Mr Grounds, continue the policy of misrepresenting it?—l am, etc., W. D. Mason. Middlemarch, March 10. AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL NEWS. The Napier Daily Telegraph reports that at a special meeting of the Wairou branch of the New Zen lan l Farmers’ Union strongly worded resolutions were passed regarding the blackberry menace and condemnatory of the lack of support given to Wniroa fanners In cheeking the pest. Referring to the market for mutton in Britain, Mr A. Horsey, at a meeting of the Ashburton A. and I*. Association, stated that while in England he asked retailers if the increased demand for small carcases was the result of a changed English appetite. The replies ho received were to the effect that the alteration was in the consumers’ pockets (says the Ashburton Guardian). They bought the small leg of mutton in preference to the largo one, in order to avoid waste. Some shoos had a demand for heavy carcases, but the supply in such casgs was to restaurants.

The extinction of the drover cannot bo far off, if the practico of conveying sheep to the freezing work* by motor lorry is generally adopted (says the Wairampa Age). It is said that the sheep can be delivered in much better condition, straight from th* pastures. Without the fatigue of foot travel. A well known Master bin stock agent, explaining tho dullness in the sheep market recently, stated that »ua was only to be expocted. As something like 70,000 to CO,OOO sheep have changed hands in the last four week* in this district most requirements wore now filled (says the Age), and tho demand was naturally waning. The fourth Wanganui wool sale of the season will bo held in the Opera House on Monday, March 22. The total number of bales to bo submitted for auction is 14,050. The growing popularity of the lottery is illustrated by the fact that the Waitotars County Council has now adopted this form of selecting victims to be prosecuted lot

failure to cut gorse on their road frontages (reports the Wanganui Chronicle). The first ballot was conducted this week, when a settler in each riding was chosen. Each woek prosecutions against other settlers will follow, until all road frontages have boon cleared.

Beautiful weather has been experienced in Waipukurau district lately. The sunny davs are causing an appreciated autumn growth (reports the Napier Daily Telegraph). and tho pastures now present a much more pleasing appearance. “ There Exists a sad lack of co-operation among New Zealand producers, to which is due the present unsatisfactory x>osition of the pig industry,” remarked a well known Hawke’s Bay pig dealer to a reporter. “Until,” he continued, “it is Imsed on a sound export basis similar to that adopted in the dairy industry, no real progress will be achieved in the pig industry. Tho realisation of this objective is entirely in the hands of the farmers themselves.”

CANTERBURY GRAIN AND PRO DUCE MARKET. CHRISTCHURCH, March 12. There has been a continuance of the activity reported earlier in the week in the potato market. Further Australian inquiries have been mado and somo business has been done at £3 10s to £8 15s, an advance of 10s to 15a a ton. Sinco a fortnight ago most of the Australian business is for May-June. Northern quotations are on a basis of £7 5s to £7 10s, f.0.b., s.i., but so far there is little inquiry from that quarter. If the Sydney prices hold the present level it is undoubted that a good few tubers will find their way over tlia Tasman Sea. The erratic shipping, which restricted last year’s export business, is unlikely to recur this season as tho Australian orders are coming to hand early enough to enable better arrangements to be made by shippers. Growers are realising that the present on truck price of £5 10s to £5 15s a ton is an exceptionally good one, and there has been tnuoh freer selling during the week. April potatoes are worth the lower figure, but May-June deliveries have been sold at £5 15s. Merchants complain that the seed market has ra.-ely been so dull in March. Perennial ryegrass has again brightened up and has hocu sold at 6s 3d f.0.b., s.i , equal to 4e 6d on trucks. Merchants are now asking 6a 6d

Italian is worth 3s to 3s 3d on trucks Cow grass is not offering yet It is quoted at 8d 1o fd a lb on trucks. Whitp clo v ei is worth up to lid for good seed. Partridge peas are firmer and arc quoted at 6s 3d a bushel at country stations. Reports from the eouth are to the effect that ibe fescue maiket, which tq-rned nt Is a lb, has eased back to Dd A sample of dressed dogsuil has come to hand, for which la fid a lb has been asked This figure is considered higher than market prospects warrant. Millers’ prices of 6s Bd, tis lOd, and 7», f.0.b., remain uncharged. A few sales have oeeiA made by farmers at this figure. THE NORTH ISLAND. •'From Ocr Own Correspondent.) The weather generally has been very good, though the nippiness in the air at nights indicates that the winter season is approaching. Tho position from the farmers’ point of \vv is considered to be favourable, and the fact that wool advanced 2d per lb at Dunedin has afforded woolgrowcrs a good deal of jubilation. Tt certainly shows that there is a keener demand for the product. LAND OCCUPATION. Some interesting statistics hqvc been prepared by the department' showing the conditioiiS of land occupied ill the Dominion lor 192*. the figures for 192 J being shown in pai'ant-beves:— Orchards, market gardens, vineyards, uurserieg. and seed gardens. 31,567 acres (.*>3,774) ‘ crops. !,681,9*22 acres fJ.705.303); area occupied by residence, cnitbuiluirigs, gardens, etc.. 01,618 seres (03,200); fallow land, 100.934 acres (124,459); soaii grasses, 10,117.576 acres (16.450.625); phonnium tenax (New Zealand flax), 43,180 acres (54.814); tussock and other native grasses, 14.806.237 acres (14,470.990); fern, scrub, etc., 3,827.517 acres (4.054,700); - plantation, 06,056 acres (71*218); standing virgin bush, 4,411,730 acres (4,331,333); barren ami unproductive land. 2,031,192 acres (2,209.917);—t0ta1, 43,572,564 acres (43,632,372). THE RAGWORT MENACE.

Farmers in the Waikato -have now set their face against the ragwort menace, which has become serious in that district. The Farmers’ Union is urging all local bodies to support representations to have ragwort declared a first schedule noxious week, and to also have all Crown lands cleared of this weed, which is declared to be a worse menace than blackberry. At a meeting of the Waipa County Council a few days ago one councillor stated that the problem was very much more serious than most people thought. Although it was being kept quiet, the mortality among sheep, he believed, was heavy. The man who had not much ragwort onfhis farm was a fool not to keep it down from the very outset. The council decided to take action, and looked upon the problem as a very serious one, and resolved to advise its ratepayers of the necessity for taking steps lor the prompt eradication of ragwort. THE OAT MARKET. The market at Auckland for forward Garton oats at the present time is 4s 9d per bushel for A grade and 4s 6d for B grade, f.0.b., for shipments spread from April to September. It is probable that the. bulk of the oats for the province will be bought in Canada this winter, as the grain can be imported at less cost than from the south at the prices asked. PEDIGREE AYRSHIRES. At a meeting of Taranaki Ayrshire breeders last week it was decided to form a Taranaki branch of the New Zealand Pedigree Ayrshire Breeders’ Association. It was pointed out that the club would have for its object the increasing of the Ayrshire breed, which had been commanding good prices lately, and it was considered that the breed should be capable of taking premier place on the market. It was hoped to show Taranaki, by means of small annual sales, the fine type of Ayrshire cattle that was being produced. With proper organisation it was considered that Ayrshire breeders would attract a great deal more attention

on the market. It was stated that branches formed in other provinces had met with a large measure of success, and had achieved their purpose of fostering local interest in the breed. The branches were subsidised by tlie parent body. New Plymouth will be the headquarters of the club. Mr F. Mills, sen., referred to the tattooing of calves and the shortage of, sets for the purpose. He stated that although tattooing was not compulsory this year, Ik hoped all would tattoo their calves before registering. His set would be available for any members of the club who wished to make use of it. WAIRARAPA FRUIT FOR EXPORT. It is not generally known that Wairarapa is a good fruit-growing district, quite a good quantity from there being exported. Mr J. Whelan, of Palmerston North, departmental orchard instructor, in the course of a chat a few days ago, said that the Wairarapa growers were very up to date. lie is at present engaged supervising the grading and packing of apples for export at Grey town and Mosterton, and he speaks eloquently of the methods adopted by the Wairarapa fruit-growers in all branches of their industry. The apple crops this season, he said, were magnificent, although the dry weather has been responsible for a smaller fruit than usual. This aspect of the situation,.however, has been met by the Government in rd lowing the export of of a smaller apple than customary. “Wo hope to get away between 10,000 and 12.000 eases of apples this year,” added Mr Whelan, who also stated that only the English market was being catered for at present. South Americans looked for large fruit, consequently that market would not be touched yet. Although small in size, the Wairarapa apples showed good colour, and there was a minimum of blemish, while pests were conspicuous by their absence. The fruit was packing very well, and growers anticipated a good return for their labours. Last season Jonathans, for example, brought 7s 6d a case at Home, whereas in New Zealand they realised only ss. With that difference in price it paid to export.

FARMING IN POVERTY BAY. That better farming is required in Poverty Bay has been fully proved during the prolonged dry season recently experienced, the effects of which arc everywhere /apparent, it is at a time like this that farmers make up their minds to turn over a new leaf, and provide fodder against all seasons. However, when the weather conditions are favourable for an adequate supply of grass the good intentions arc mostly forgotten. It is the old story that ** the devil when sick a saint would !>*.” etc. The local paper has drawn attention io the disastrous effect the long continued period of dry weather has had on the farming community, and suggests that before its lessons have been obliterated it wutild be well perhaps for farmers to w whether H would not be possible to make greater provision for bad summers such ns are experienced here at Intervals. It i.» easy, of course, to be wiso after an c«*cnr, and easier still to sit and criticise, but tho fact remains that the methods of farmers in the district ii many instances are too haphazard. To emphasise the point it was stated that a farmer from the South Island visited the Gisborne district some time ago. and lie made a trip through ihe pastoral country, lor which Poverty Bay is justly famed. Op. his return be was asked what he thoughc of the farms and the farmers. “ The farms are wonderful.” he replied, “but there aren’t any farmers. There are just men who live on the land” Although, of course, there is no justification for a statement of that kind, it is true that viewed from the standpoint of the south farming js casy in this district, as there is no need fo make any great provision for the winter months. The present season has shown i.ie absolute necessity for dairymen preparing for a long dry spell during the summer months. Had there been greater areas of lucerne in the district this summer good young cows would not have been sent as “ potters ” to the freezing works. It is probable that this season, when conditions have been much worse than usual, farmers will have learnt a lesson, and decided to make greater provision for supplementary feeding. Those fortunate men who had areas of lucerne did not feel the pinch so much as other farmers, and there are a few farmers who had sufficient feed to keep the whole of their herds in the pink of condition throughout. In one case a farmer had a considerable amount of ensilage, and this, combined with a good crop of lucerne, kept his cows fit. He reaped an enormous benefit, for his production for the season has been practically as great as it was last year. What he did, any other farmer with sufficient land can do also.

One writer, dealing with the question, points out that green maize has provided a wonderful fodder, and the greater growth of this useful crop can be urged on the dairymen. The time and money spent in its cultivation will be amply repaid in a bad season, and there are few farmers who could not, even in the ordinary summer, make good use of some extra feed. Green maize also makes very excellent ensilage, and this fodder, which can be stored for a considerable period, should command greater attention than it does at present. There are few farmers in the district who go to the trouble of making ensilage, but it would pay them at least to investigate the position and see what the men who had ensilage did during the dry spell. Experience, it is pointed out, is always a hard teacher, but if it is possible to profit by the lessons which it teaches then farmers in the Poverty Bay district will have learnt that it is unwise to rely solely upon the pastures for their dairy herds during the summer. Once having learnt that lesson the rest will bo comparatively easy, and they will, by means of greater cropping and the judicious use of manures, ensure themselves sufficient supplementary feed to tide them through periods of bad weather. It is not suggested that sufficient feed should have been grown to keep the herds up to the highest state of production during a season such as the present, but farmers could have had enough to tide them over, anil there would have been fewer cows sacrificed than has been the case. The doctrine of supplementary feed is one that could well be handled by the directorate of the dairy factories, and impressed on the suppliers in the same manner as has the necessity for manures. FALLING OFF IN BUTTER AND CHEESE. The dairy division’s statistics of dairy produce gradings show that the salted butter graded for February, 1926, was 7070 to nil. and the unsalted 240 tons, a total of 7310 tons, compared with 7493 tons salted and 628 tons unsalted, a total of 8121 tons for February last year, a decrease of 9.9 per cent. For the seven months ended February, 1926, the respective quantities were 46.143 tons and 2563 tons, a total of 48.706 tons, compared with 52,782 tons and 3334 tons, a total of 56.116 tons for the corresponding period of the preceding season, a decrease of 13.2 p>_* cent. The cheese graded .or February, 1926, was as follows:—White 5291 tons, coloured 3538 tons, a total of 8829 tons, compared with 5814 tons white and 2826 tons coloured, a total of 8640 tons for February, 1925—an increase of 2.1 per cent. The quantities for the seven months ended February, 1926, were: White 33,792 tons, coloured 18,915 tons, a total of 52,707 tons, compared with 32,948 tons white and 17,549 tons coloured for the corresponding period of the preceding season—an increase of 4.3 per cent. Converting these figures into butter-fat equivalent, there is a decrease of 8.0 per cent, in bntter-fat production for the seven months as compared with the corresponding period of the 1.924-25 season. Stocks held in the various grading ports at February 28 werfe: Butter 9166 tons, cheese 13,016 tons. In the Auckland province the returns show a decrease of 90,116 boxes of butter and an increase of 23,329 crates of cheese on last year up to March 3. During the four weeks ended last Wednesday butter received for grading at the Auckland Farmers’ Freezing Company’s stores totalled 182,934 boxes, compared with 181,162 boxes for the corresponding

period of the previous season—an increase of 1772 boxes. Butter received for the season to March 3 totalled 1,242,609 boxes, against 1,332,725 boxes for the similar period of last season—a decrease of 90,116 boxes. Cheese received at the grading stores for the four weeks ended March 3 totalled 18,809 crates, compared with 15,639 for the corresponding period of last season—an increase of 3170 crates. For the season to March 3 the cheese receipts totalled 120,705 crates against 97,376 for the similar period of last season—an increase of 23,329 crates. NEW ZEALAND DAIRY PRODUCE. Mr Singleton, of the dairy division of the Department of Agriculture, said at New Plymouth the other day that, with proper care in storing and turning, New Zealand cheese should be on the markets of the United Kingdom through 12 months of the year without imperilling the Dominion’s reputation for quality. As with butter, it is only the better qualities that should be held. “I am advised,” continued Mr Singleton, "that there has been considerable improvement in Taranaki cheese this season. There is room for much more improvement in our cheese, since we still have too many which should be firmer and closer in body, and evidencing better keeping qualities so far as flavours are concerned. Few, if any, of our cheese factories get a milk supply so clean and suitable for the manufacture of cheese that it will not be materially improved by pasteurisation. Cheese made from unpasteurised milk too frequently develops what is known to the trade as the ‘off flavour,* and which causes the cheese to later on come within the class known as ‘stinkers.’” THE BUTTER MARKET. r A HEALTHY POSITION'. AUCKLAND, March 13. The fears of the producers that a slump would occur in the London butter market as the result of heavy supplies reaching Britain from New Zealand and Australia early this year have not been realised. As a matter of fact, just the reverse has happened. During January, when a total of over 14,000 tons arrived in London from the Dominion, the market improved compared with January, 1925, when the arrivals from New Zealand totalled only 8225 tons. Last month prices were maintained at a standard which showed a better average figure than that in February, 1925. In the circumstances the prospects of dairy farmers realising good returns for their operations this season appear to be excellent. Commenting on the matter, an Auckland exporter said there were still certain factors to be considered before an opinion could be advanced that this season’s operations would show as good, or better, returns than those of last season. Prospects, however, appeared to be good. A suggestion that factories should so regulate supplies in January and February as to cover the two months evenly had been generally adopted, and the market had sustained no violent fluctuation due to over-supply. It had remained remarkably even at what might be termed a payable price, although considerable quantities of butter had been placed in store. Everything depended on the quantity of stored butter that would be held when the supplies from British and Continental producers became available. If an early season was experienced in the Northern Hemisphere some of the Dominion’s factories might be caught with a considerable surplus on hand, and would be compelled to take a comparatively low price to clear their stocks. This danger had been increased, it was stated, by the fact that certain factories had placed reserves on their produce, and, when prices reached the reserves, had increased the limits. This action was entirely at variance with the policy of feeding the market judiciously and might result in dangerous accumulations being made. Another factor to be considered was a decrease in the production of butter in the Dominion with that of last season. Butter graded in New Zealand last January showed a decrease of over 17 per cent., compared wtih January, 1925. The decrease for the six months ended January 31 was 13.7 per cent. Considering that New Zealand was now such a large supplier to the British market, this decrease could not fail to have a material effect on prices. At present there appeared to be a contest between the retailers in Britain and the factories that were storing butter. The former were only buying from hand to mouth, apparently waiting for the release of stocks that would have to be made when the supplies from Britain and the Continent became available. If any demand for butter set in from the Continent, or elsewhere, in the immediate future the position would be improved immeasurably. The chances of such a possibility were difficult to estimate locally, but recent buying operations acting on behalf of British houses had confidence in the future of the market. "Within the last few weeks there had been an active inquiry for butter, and sales ha l been made at Is 5Jd per lb, f.0.b., for March output. This figure represented an increase of about 10s per cwt on the present London quotations. THE BREADSTUFFS AND PRO. DUCE MARKETS. Friday Evening. Wheat-growers in New Zealand have little cause lor complaint of the treatment meted out to them by the Ministry of that Dominion (says the Australasian). Liberal protection has boen afforded them in. the form of a substantial duty on wheat and flour, and the decision of the authorities to maintain the impost on wheat at 2s a cental is generous. Millers also have been safeguarded, and a duty of £1 a ton on bran and pollard, in addition to £3 a ton on flour, should provide a tall barrier against competition from abroad. The position in icgard to New. Zealand, however, is that in recent years it has not been producing sufficient wheat to meet domestic requirements. Hence importations from Australia have been necessary. Considerable dissatisfaction lias been evident among the various interests requiring trfld handling wheat in New Zealand. Growers have shown * discontent at the prices that have been paid to them, although the rates would

be regarded in Australia as high. Quality of a portion of New Zealand-grown wheat also has been commented upon, especially by poultry-breeders. To advertise Australian flour, millers in New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia some months ago appointed Mr Weldon, who has had baking experience in England and Australia, to. give demonstrations to bakers in London to prove not only the quality of the flour, but also that a higher return could be obtained from its straight-out use in bread manufacture. Mr Weldon during the period that he has been acting for the Commonwealth millers, restricted bis operations principally to London. The dempnstrations that he has given are said to have been most satisfactory, and a wider interest has been taken by the master bakers in that city. Millers are so impressed with the success that has attended the efforts made by Mr Weldon to influence an increased use of Australian flour that they have appointed him to act on their behalf in this respect for an additional six months. During that period more attention will be given to provincial centres, and it is confidently felt that much good will result from the demonstrations to be given. Advices have been received that many of the bakers have expressed surprise that they could get so many extra loaves of bread from straight-run Australian flour compared with those made from English home-milled straight-run flour. Generally dull conditions obtain in the overseas wheat markets { gelling pressure from Argentina still continues, and the inclination of shippers there is to reduce prices. Trade in wheat in Victoria is quiet, although the position, is not wholly influenced by conditions overseas. Sellers in one or two instances are in evidence at 6s Id, but buyers are not prepared to pay that price. Growers who still hold their wheat, however, are practically off the market, their idea of value still being about 6s on their statfoVis. - A good inquiry is being received for potatoes from other States (sfcys the Australasian), principally Western Australia and Queensland. Most of the supplies coming to hand are showing the effect of heat, dry weather, and grub, with the result that merchants are finding it difficult to obtain sufficient quantities of best potatoes to fill inter-State orders. On the other hand, shipping space is rather scarce in respect to prompt sailings. Generally a firm tone exists, and weather conditions in the country are unfavourable to the crops. Best Carmans are quoted at £lO, good £9 to £9 10s. and stale and “spotted,” which comprise the bulk of the offerings, are slow of sale at £8 to £8 10s. LOCAL MARKETS.

The milling wheat business is at a standstill, consequent on millers adhering to their prices, f.o.b. These prices are 6s 8d for tuscan, 6s lOd for Hunters, and 7s for Velvet. Farmers, however, are not prepared to sell at these figures. On top of the reluctance of millers to buy comes the drop in the price of Australian flour, which is making them even more cautious. In the meantime, lines sold forward at 7s on trucks are now being delivered. The first crops to be threshed on the Taieri are turning out exceptionally well and the yield off one paddock is reported to be 72 bushels to the acre. The prevailing sunny weather has hardened up the cereal considerably, and farmers are gladly taking advantage of the opportunity to put their crops into stack. Reports from the Ashburton district state that two-thirds of the wheat in that district has been sold by the farmers. A fair quantity has also been placed by Otago farmers but they have still a considerable quantity to sell. The supplies of fowl wheat required in the local markets are being drawn from the north. The current quotation is Cs 8J to Gs 9d, on trucks, Canterbury stations. Millers* prices for flour remain un changed as follows: —2001 b, £lB 10s; 100’s. £l9 10s; 50’s, £2O 2s 6d; 25’s, £2O 10s. Bran, £8 10s per ton. Bollard, £9 10s Oatmeal —25’s, £25; 200’s, £24. The oat market continues quiet. Odd lots have been threshed in the country, but these show signs of weathering, and are only of B grade quality. Neither merchants nor millers are operating owing to the absence of demand from the North Island, where Canadian importations are’ affecting the sale of oatmeal from the South, The value of oats in the country has been reduced to 3s lOd, on trucks, for A’s and to 3s 7d for B’s. At this time of the year there is a demand for feed oats from the North Island, but here again im portations of Canadians have seriously affected the business from this end of the Dominion. The yields of oats from the Taieri promise to work out above the average. In one small paddock the yield was over lOu bushels to the acre. Further south the cutting of oats has just commenced, but ii will be some time before oats from these areas will be on the market. The season i* much later than usual. Consignments of chaff are still arriving from the country. These are meeting with a slow sale. The only demand is for prime quality, which is selling at £0 si? to £6 10s per ton, sacks extra, ex truck. Beth medium and poor quality is unsaleable, and this chaff has had to be stored in the meantime. Digging of potatoes has been delayed owing to farmers being busy harvesting Local prices have now firmed, and up to £8 per ton, sacks included, ex truck, lias been offered for good quality. This price is not expected to last, as indications point to heavier supplies shortly. Australia is still buying potatoes, and it is apparent that a fairly large quantity will he shipped there this Reason. Sales have been made at over £8 per ton, f.0.b., s.i., for delivery April, May, June. Several lines of ryegrass have been on offer during the week, and for heavyweight seed 4s 9d. Racks extra, on trucks, hap been paid. This is for the perennial variety, there being -practically no demand for Western Wolths or Italian. Current wholesale prices for produce lines are ns follow: Chaff, £0 5s to £0 10s per ton. „ Potatoes, £8 per ton.. Dairy Butter.—Best milled bulk, 1r 3d pn:J Is 4d per lb according to qualityseparator pats, Is 2d. Eggs.—Stamped, 2s 3d; case, 2s Id. Bacon.—Rolls, Is 3d per lb. Hams, Is 3i per lb; boneless, Is 4<L Canterbury onions, 10s per cwt. FRUIT REPORT. r*uslness has been yecy brisk during the week. Outside-grown tomatoes have come

forward in fair-sized quantities from the Canterbury district. Local hothousegrown are in poor request. Supplies of Bon Chretian pears have eased off. Later varieties are now coming forward. Choice dessert apples hive a fair inquiry. Medium quality is hard to place. Afew lots of late apricots are still arriving. . Fair supplies of plums are available. A considerable quantity of Italian oranges has been forwarded from the Wellington market. The condition of the fruit was not very good. Tahiti oranges are -due next week also Rarotongan bananas. A shipment of Adelaide grapes is -due to arrive by the Moeraki on the 20th. Vegetables have a normal inquiry. Current wholesale prices are as follow: Apples.—Cox’s Orange, 10s to 12s; Jonathan, Os to 10s for prime; other than choice have poor demand. Cookers, 5s to Gs 6d. Oranges.—ltalian, 15s to 17s per half case. Lemons.—ltalian, to 20s per case. Tomatoes.—Christchurch, lid to 2Jd; local hothouse, 4d to Gd per lb. Nectarines. 3d to 4d per lb. Apricots.—Small, 5s per half case; medium, Gs per half case; crates, Gd per lb. Peaches. —Dessert, Gs to 7s per case; cooking, 5s to 5s Od; crates, 51 to Gd per lb. Plums. —Dessert, in crates, 41 to sd; cooking, 2d to 3d per lb. Grapes.—Local, lOd to Is 2d per lb. Pears, 2d to 2Jd. Cucumbers.—Hothouse, Gs per dozen; outside grown, half cases 6s to -7s; large cases, 12s. Peas, lid to 24d per lb. Rhubarb, Id to 2d per lb. Lettuce. —Choice, 2s Gd per dozen. Spinach, Is per dozen bundles. White turnips, Is per dozen bunches. Spring onions, 3d per bundle of six bunches. Cabbages, 4s to Gs per sack of two dozen. Cauliflowers, 5s to 6s per case containing eight. Carrots, Is per-dozep bundles. New Potatoes. —Local grown, Id; Taieri, 8s to 8s Gd per cwt. New season’s swedes, 4s per cwt. French beans, 4d to sd. Runner beans, 3d to 4d per lb. Broad beans, Id to 2d per lb. MERCHANDISE MARKET. Further supplies of Searchlight vestas and Roche’3 tinned vesta3 have reached the market. A line of red herrings, in hundreds, has just come to hand. The Katoa has brought another cargo of sugar. The next sugar boat is due about March 19. Merchants are without stock of matured cheese at the present time. Whey butter i 3 in good supply. Quotations rub about Is 4| per lb. The new season's Mildura sultanas and currant 3 are now quoted for shipment, March, April, May—Three Crown sultanas. 10 box lots, 7Jd; less, 71d; Two Crown, 7d and 7|d respectively. Three Crown currants, EJd to sid; Two Crown, 5d to s*d. These prices are subject to a discount. Another parcel of French crystallised cherries was launded during the week. The Waitemata, due next week, is bringing supplies of salmon, seeded and seedless raisins, and prunes. . The Karetu has brought transhipment’ from Sydney of a number of lines of Eastern merchandise and also a fairly large consignment of tea.

1926. 1925. Flock. Stud. Flock. Stud. English Leicester 1456 51 1354 63 Border Leicester 791 20 352 25 Corriedale . . 1327 81 1051 63 Shropshire .. 343 11 136 7 Southdowns . . 409 40 133 26 Merinos . . .. 244 9 252 3 Halfbred . . .. 318 0 351 6 Ryeland .... 30 0 17 0 Romney Marsh 175 4 78 4 Lincoln .... 15 0 5 0 Suffolk .... 16 0 5 0 Totals .. . . 5129 216 3714 197