WAIKOUAITI A. AND P. SOCIETY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3801, 18 January 1927, Page 19

WAIKOUAITI A. AND P. SOCIETY.

Had the weather been what may reasonably be expected in the middle of summer, the annual show of the Waikouaiti A. and P. Society would have been one. of the best yet held. As it was. the society experi encea a most successful day. Entries were good in all sections, and the attendance was up to the standard of former years. Intermittent rainshowers and a cold breeze counteracted the cheering effect of periods of warm sunshine, and there is no doubt that the uncertain weather conditions militated against a record attendance.' The arrangements were carried out without a hitch under the management of the president (Mr C. T. M’Callum, Flag Swamp) and the secretary (Mr W. Timmins), assisted by a strong committee. The gate takings totalled about £3O. . The schedule w-as a. large one, catering for ‘all classes, and all the catalogued sections attracted good entries. The. general quality of the exhibits showed an improvement on last year, especially in respect of horses. Several well-known breeders who were not present at last year’s show were well represented on Friday. PRIZE LIST. The following is the prize list: — CATTLE. AYRSHIRES.

Judge: Mr H. S. Irving (Invercargill). Cow, four years old or over, in milk. Five entries —M. A. Tubman 1 and 3, D. Reid 2. ’

Cow or heifer, three years old, in milk. Four entries—P. Ireland 1 and 2, M. A. Tubman 3.

Heifer, two years old—D. Reid 1,2, and 3.

Heifer, one year old. Five entries—P. Ireland 1 and 3, D. Reid 2. Best cow or heifer (bred by’ exhibitor). Five entries —Al. A. Tubman 1, D. Reid 2 and 3. Cow, any age, with two of progeny. Two entries—D. Reid 1, P. Ireland 2. Bull, three years old and upwards. One entry—P. Ireland 1. Bull, two years old. Three entries —P. Ireland 1 and 2, D. Reid 3. Bull, one year old. Three entries— Ireland Bros. 1 and 3, W. Reid 2. Best group of four. Three entries— Ireland Bros. 1, D. Reid 2, Al. A. Tubman 3. Champion bull—P. Ireland. Reserve champion—P. Ireland. . Champion cow—Al. A. Tubman. Reserve champion—D. Reid. FRIESIANS. Judge: Mr A. Allnott (Morven). Cow’, four years old or over, in milk. Five entries —Nicolson Bros. 1, T. Hewitt 2, J. Payne 3. Cow, three years old or over, in milk. Four entries —T. Hewitt 1 and 3, Nicolson Bros. 2. Heifer, two years old. Six entries— Nicolson Bros 1 and 2, T. Hewitt 3. Heifer, one year. Four entries—Nicolson Bros. 1, T. Hew'itt 2 and 3. Best cow or heifer (bred by exhibitor). Four entries —Nicolson Bros. 1, T. Hewitt. 2 and 3. Cow, any age, with two of progeny. Two entries—Nicolson Bros. 1, T. Hewitt 2. Bull, three years old and over. One entry—T. Hewitt 1. Bull, two years old. One entry—T. Hewitt 1. Bull, one year old. Two entries— Nicolson Bros. 1, J. A Payne 2. Best group of animals. Two entries— Nicolson Bros. 1, T. Hewitt 2. New Zealand Friesian Breeders' Association’s gold medal for champion bull entered in Herd Book—T. Hewitt. Champion bull —T. Hewitt. Reserve champion—Nicolson Bros. Champion cow—Nicolson Bros. Reserve champion—T. Hewitt. JERSEYS. Judge: Mr M. Pryde (St. Leonards).

Cow, four years old or over, in milk Three entries—D. Wright 1 nnd 2, W Re,id 3.

Cow, three years old or oyer, in milk or in calf. One entry—W. Reid 1. Heifer, iwo years old. Four entries— D. Wright 1 and 2, W. Reid 3 . Heifer, one year old. Five entries —1). Wright 1 and 2, D. Shaumann 3. Best cow or heifer (bred by exhibitor). Three entries —W. Reid 1, D- Wright 2 and 3.

Cow, any age, with two of her progeny. Two entries —W. Reid 1, D. Wright 2. Bull, three years old or over. One entry -W. Reid 1. Bull, two years. One entry—D. Wright

Bull, one year old. Three entries —W Reid 1, F. Holroyd 2, D. Shaumann 3. Best group of animals. Three entries—--1). Wright 1 and 2, W. Reid 3. Most points Jerseys (Mr Stewart’s special) —D. Wright. . Champion bull —D. Wright. Champion cow —D. Wright. Reserve champion—W. Reid.

CROSSBRED— Judges: Combined cattle judges. Cow, four years or over, in milk. Three entries—W. K. Heyward 1, P. White 2. Cow, three years, in milk. One entry— D. G. Shand. Heifer two years old. Two entries C. Hall I. Heifer, one year olds' Nine entries — D. Wright 1. W. Russell 2, G. Williamson 3. . . Cow or heifer (bred by exhibitor), Hour entries —D. Wright 1, W. Russell 2, G. Williamson 3. . Wlaitaki Dairy Company s special for cow giving most butter-fat in four successive milkings—Jas. Wilson Cottar’s cow. Two entries—W. K. Heywood 1, P- White 2. Best yearling heifer, any breed or cross. Ten entries—D. Wright 1 and 2, D.

Schaumann 3. Best typo of dairy cow. Eight entries— M. A. Tubman 1. D. Reid 2, Nicolson Bros. 3. Heifer (calved since August). Five entries—D. Wright 1, W. Reid 2, J. Dowie 3. SHORTHORNS.

Cow, in milk, three years old or over. One entry—D. J. Ross. ; SHEEP. 'Judge: Mr H. J. Andrews (Maheno). BORDER LEICESTER. Ram, four-tooth. Seven entries—J. Chis_holm 1 and 2, B. W. Fell 3. Ram, one shear. Two entries—J. Chisholm 1, Miss Diack 2. Three flock rams. Ono entry—J. Chisholm. Ewe, four-tooth, with lamb. Six entries —J. Chisholm 1,2 and 3. Ewe, one shear. Three entries—J. Chisholm 1, Miss Diack 2. ROMNEY MARSH. .Ram, four-tooth. Ono entry—lreland’ Bros. . Ewe, four-tooth, with lamb. Three entries —’Ireland Bros. 1, J. Chisholm _2. Ewe, o.ie shear. Three entries—lrc ; land Bros. 1. 2 and 3. CORRIEDALE. Ram, four-tooth. One entry—D. J. Ross. Ram, one shear. One entry—D. J. Ross. Three flock rams. One entry—D. J. Ross. ..Most points in sheep—J. Chisholm , 30 points, 1; Ireland Bros., 25 points, 2. _ CROSSBREDS. Pair Ewes, four-tootli, with lamb. Two entries—B. W. Fell 1, Ireland Bros. 2. Three ewes, two-tooth. Ono entry—lreland Bros. _ Three half-bred ewes. Two-tooth for breeding. Two entries—J. Chisholm 1 and 2. FAT SHEEP. Three wethers or maiden ewes (freezing).. Three entries—<l. Chisholm .1, Miss Diack 2, B. W. Fell 3. " Three wethers or maiden ewes (any cross). Two entries —B. W. Fell 1, Ireland Bros. 2. * . . Three heaviest ewes. Three entries—' Miss Diack 1, Ireland Bros. 2 and 3.

Three crossbred lambs. Eight entries—

A. Woods 1 and 3, Miss Diack 2. Three heaviest lambs. Two entries— Miss Diack 1, Ireland Bids. 2. I HORSES. DRAUGHTS. Judge: Mr A. Carruthers (Ngapuna). Brood mare. Six entries —Mrs Bannatyne 1, J. M’Grath 2, C. T. Al’Callum 3. Foal. Six entries —Mrs Bannatyne 1, J. Allan 2 and 3. Dry mare. Six entries—J. M’Grath 1, J. Allan 2, F. Al’Callum 3. Filly, two years. Two entries —J. A. Payne 1, Mrs Bannatyne 2. Gelding, two years. One entry—Mrs Bannatyne 1. Yearling. Four entries- —T. Hewitt 1, J. Davidson 2, A. Wilson 3. Clydesdale Horse Society’s medal —J. Allan. Gelding, four years or over. Four entries —C. T. M’Callum 1, F. Al’Callum 2,F. O’Connell 3. Pair of farrr horses. Three entries —- J. M’Grath 1, J. Allan 2, C. Hall 3. Three-horse team. One entry—Ja M’Grath. Mare with two of progeny. Two entires—J. M’Grath 1, Mrs Bannatyne 2. Spring-carter (10-15 cwt Three entries —J. A. Payne 1, G. Johnston 2, C. Hall 3. ' Springcarter, up to lOcwt. Ihree entries—H. Fry 1, Waikouaiti Co-op. Store 2.Fabricanda yearling. One entry T. Hewitt. „„ _ "Champion mare or filly—Mrs A. Bannatyne. Reserve- champion—J. M’Grath. , Most points in draughts —J. M’Grath. LIGHT HORSES. Judge: Mr N. Reid (Wingatui). Roadster entire. One entry—J. O’Connell. Thoroughbred dry mare. Four entries —W. Johnston 1, A. Bannatyne 2. Three-year-old hack. Two entries —F. M’Callum 1. . Two-year-old hack. Two entries; — J. Summers 1. . Hack, up to 13 stone. Five entriesAliss E. Smythe. Hack, up to 13 stone. Five entries —Miss Nicholls 1, Airs Dalziel 2, I. J. Ross 3. Hack, up to 11 stone. Eight entries— I. J. Ross 1, Aliss Statham 2, C. T. Al’Callum 3. Cob, 14.2-15 hands. Three entries —I. J. Ross 1, Aliss Statham 2, D. Ross 3. Horse adapted for mounted rifle ,'ork. Eight entries —Aliss Nicholls 1, Airs Dalziel 2, Aliss Statham 3. Best paced hack. Twelve entries — I. J. Ross, C. T. Al’Callum 2, Aliss Nicholls 3. Lady’s hack, ridden by lady. Nine entries —Aliss Nicholls 1, Airs Dalziel 2, Miss Greenslade 3-. Best lady rider. Ten entries—Mrs Alackay 1. Aliss Greenslade 2. Lady’s hack, local. Six entries —I. J. Ross 1, Aliss Douglas 2. Best local lady rider. Five entries—• Aliss Douglas 1, Aliss Fitchett 2. ■ Dog carter. Four entries —I. J. Ross 1, C. T. M’Callum 2. Best gig horse. Six entries—ALifs Nicholls 1, C. T. M’Callum 2, A. Doigias 3. Pony, 13.2-14.2 hands, ridden. Eight entries —A. Douglas 1,- Aliss Douglas 2, J. A. Jackson 33. Pony, 13.2-14.2 hands, driven. Five entries—Aliss Douglas 1, D. Ross 2 and 3. Best boy rider, 12 years or uudcr —F. O’Connell 1, D. Ollerensfiaw 2. Best girl rider—Miss Tait 1, Miss Fraser 2. Pony up to 13.1 hands. Four Aliss Nicholls 1, J. Cullen 2, D. Ross 3. Pony (12.2-13.2 hands), to be ridden. Six entries —A. Douglas 1, W. Reid 2, Miss Nicholls 3.

Pony, 12.2 and under (ridden). Six entries—W. Reid 1. D. Ross 2. Champion hack—Miss Nicholls. Reserve champion—lan Ross. Cup for most points in light horses— Miss Nicholls 1, I. J. Ross 2, Miss Douglas 3.

DOGS. Collie (smooth).’ Five entries—A. Wilson 1, 11. Carson 2, Ireland Bros. 3. Collie (rough). Five entries—H. Carson I, J. Summqrs 2, J. Brensell 3. Beardie. Five entries—L. Gilchrist 1, J. A. Jackson 2, J. Summers 3. • HOME INDUSTRIES.

Fresh butter. Four entries —Mrs Hayward 1, Mrs J. Wilson 2, Mrs J. Jones 3. Fancy butter. One entry—Mrs Timmins Powdered butter. Four entries—Airs Timmins 1, Mrs Hayward 2. Airs Wilson Powdered butter (girls under 17). One entry—Miss Jones 1. Most points (n butter—Mrs W. Hayward. Homemade loaf. Three entries—Mrs Timmins 1. Mrs Birdling 2, Mrs Wilson 3. Oaten cakes. Two entries—Aliss Dempster 1. Airs Birdling 2. Girdle scones. Six entries—Mrs D. Walker 1, Mrs Wilson 2. Mrs J. R/Dempster 3. Oven scones. Seven entries—Mrs D. Walker 1, Mrs Dempster 2, Mrs Birdling Pikelets. Six entries—Mrs Dempster 1, Mrs Prescott 2, Mrs Wilson 3. Seed cake. Seven entries—Airs Timmins 1, Mrs Hayward 2, Mrs Walker 3. Sponge sandwich. Five entries—Mrs Prescott 1. Mrs Dempster 2. Fruit cake (light). Seven entries —Airs Walker 1, Miss Hall 2, Mrs Dempster 3. Fruit cake (dark). Four entries—Airs Timmins 1, Mrs Walker 2, Airs Allan 3. Shortbread. Five entries—Mrs Dempster, 1, Airs Walker 2, Miss Hall 3. Gingerbread. Six entries—Mrs Wilson Airs Hayward 2, Mrs Dempster 3. Pikelets (girls under 17) Two Miss Alurray 1. Oven scones (girls under 17). Two em tries—Miss Alurray 1. Hen eggs. Five entries—Airs Timmins 1. Airs Prescott 2, Mrs Templeton 3. Jams and jellies. Tnree entries —Mrs Timmins 1, Mrs Heenan 2, Mrs Allan 3. Pickles. Four entries —Airs Henderson 1,Airs Heenan 2, Mrs Allan 3. Most points in home industries—Mrs Timmins. FLOWERS, ETC. > Cut flowers. Three entries —Mrs Prescott 1, Mrs Ireland 2, Mxs Henderson 3,

Poses. Three entries —Mrs Ireland 1. Sweet Peas. Three entries —Miss Dempttr- 1, Mrs Birdling 2, Mrs Timmins *3. Decorated mantelpiece. Six entries— Mrs Ireland 1, Mrs Birdling 2, Mrs Presott i.

Collection of vegetables. Four entries— Miss M’Gillivray 1, Mr Murray 2, Mrs jPiescott 3

Hunter (over jumps). Four entries —G. Roberts 1 and 3, J. A. Payne 2. Pony trot (13 hands). Five entries—T. Russell 1, Jessie Tait 2, W. Reid 3. High jump. Five entries—G. Roberts’s Puzzle (4ft lOjin) 1 and 2, J. A. Payne 3.

WEI CHT-CU ESSI NC COMPETITION. TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —Would you be good enough to give your ruling on the following in next week’s Witness: — An A. and P. Society offers prizes of £2 and £1 to the person making the closest estimate of .dressed weight bf one fat sheep exhibited on show .ground. Eight persons had the correct weight

and three within a quarter of a pound. Do we divide the £3 between the eight persons?—l am, etc., D. IVALLACE, Secretary A. and P. Society. Balclutha, January 12. [The whole of the prize money should be divided between the eight competitors who guessed the correct weight.— Ed. O.W.] AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL NEWJS. A recent announcement by the dairy

produce trade of Australia shows that there is ' anxiety concerning the use of margarine. The investigations of the Imperial Economic Committee afford ample evidence of the growing popularity of the substitute in many countries. It is estimated by the committee that the consumption of this commodity in the "United Kingdom has . increased from 87,800 tons in 1907 to 159,000 tons in 1913, and to over 210,000 tons at the" present time. A table showing the consumption- of margarine per head of population of various countries discloses that the figure for the United Kingdom in 1913 •was 7.761 b. and in 1924 11.771 b :; Denmark, 1913, ‘33.061b, and in 1924, 45.631 b; Holland, 1913, 4.401 b, and in 1924, 15.691 b; • Germany;' 1913, 7.931 b, and in 1924, 12.84 lb. Production of margarine in the United States in 1925 was 90,500 tons, practically all of which was consumed in the country. Oat crops have suffered badly in Poverty ' Bay this season through _ the activities of the caterpillar! Many of the crops' on the flats have been completely ctripped (says the Herald), while others have been badly damaged. There wilt be few crops which will make first-class chaff. The caterpillar is also very bad in,-the iWairoa district, and thcTe, too, many of the crops have been completely stripped. Maize crops, on’the other hand,. appear io be doing exceptionally ,well,, and with b spell .pf.yrarni • weather, should continue |o make rapid growth. / :

Not for many years has there been such a profuse growth of white clover in North Otago as this season. Everywhere one goes one secs the fields clad in white. In many naddocks the clover has appeared where it has not been sown. An officer of the Agricultural Department expressed the opinion that the clover was to be found in the whole of the soil of North Otago. In the dry seasons it did not appear, but when there was an abundance of moisture, as in the present season, it became vigorous. Needless to say, stock is thriving upon the clover. A 60-acre crop of barley, grown by a Wakanui farmer, has evoked much interest (states the Ashburton Guardian). This crop is one of the best seen in the county for many years, and with favourable weather conditions is estimated to yield about 60 bushels to the acre. The area planted in potatoes-in New Zealand in 1925-26 was 23,484 acres, compared with 23,092 acres in .1924-25. The yield was, however, approximately threequarters of a ton per acre more in 1925-26 than in the previous year, and consequently the total yield far exceeded the 1924-25 yield. This placed New Zealand in a favourable position, and we were able to export large quantities. For the 11 months ended November last 21,242 tons were exported. ' At present the earwig pest is particularly bad in many gardens, and is responsible for wholesale destruction among cruciferous plants (states the Cromwell Argus). With cold -weather early in the year the pest was not so plentiful as usual, and kitchen gardeners were hopeful that it was diminishing. The recent I warm weather has shattered that hope, and if the increase continues it is going I to prove a very serious matter. — A record for loading wool, which is I not likely to be beaten for some time to come, so far as Napier is concerned, was established in the roadstad recently. Working on the - Port Sydney, one gang of lightermen, operating one hatch, discharged four lighters, the equivalent of 1576 bales of wool, in the course of a day. As 1000 , bales is considered a good day’s work, the performance was a most meritorious one.

The harvesting of oats and wheat in North Otago is likely to be several weeks later this year than in former years. This is due to the lack of warm sunshine experienced up till Christmas. A farmer at Totara told our representative last week that he would, if the present weather continued, be harvesting his wheat about the middle of next month. On the majority of farms -wheat will hot be ready for cutting until well nigh JJie end of next mounth. Beside the" Wairuna estate, the” Clifton estate is being offered for selection at the end of the present month. There are seven sections in . the latter estate. A position, rather unique in the history of the Owaka Valley, exists at present. Feed js so plentiful just.now'that several of thesettlers are offering’free ..grazing for cattle for a month ‘or two. ■ Old residents of .the, district do not remember this, having occurred previously. .... • 1. The - pay-out for, December: milk was made, gt .the Mataura Factory on. Monday mornipg,';. wheh £7365 was distributed, amongst (jhe suppliers at the .rate of Is.--3d per' ’lb .butter-fat.. For the same, ■period of last season £8303, at the rate of’

Is 6d per lb butter-fat, was paid out. The amount of butter-fat produced during December was 117,8421 b, against 110,6421 b for the same period last season. The milk supply is still over 11,000 gallons per day, and the factory is working at full capacity, 13 vats being in use, including six 1000-jjallon . vats, one 800gallon vat, and six 700-gallon vats. For about the last six weeks the make of cheests has exceeded by about 10 per day the best day of last season. A Te Rehunga farmer had a caller recently—an old man, hungry and cold — whom he befriended (states the Feilding Star). He gave him a meal and a warm by the fire, and as the meteorological outlook was not too good, advised him to stay for the midday meal, which invitation he accepted. As the afternoon was bitterly cold and the appearance still bad, the uninvited visitor was asked to stay to tea. While the head of the house was out getting the cows in for the evening milking, the old fellow indulged in a dialogue with the housewife. “ Got any fowls?” he asked. “No,” was the reply. “Got any ducks?” “Yes, a few.” “Any of them laying?” “Oh! yes,” was the reply. “ Then 11l have a couple of eggs for tea,” was the cool request of the stranger. And the soft-hearted farmer’s wife gave him the eggs, while her husband, sitting next to him, had bread and butter!

Without much doubt, the best crops of swede turnips to be seen . anywhere in South Otago at the present time are those on the lower part of Inchclutha. A representative of the Balclutha paper who possed through the district on Saturday was surprised. to see acres of turnips nearly meeting in the drills and without a perceptible break. The potato crops in the district are also remarkable for their prodigious growth of shaw. The apple orchards in the Waimate district at the present time are looking very healthy; though the yields are expected to be much lighter than was the case last year, the trees not carrying so large a crop. The light yield is probably accounted for bv the heavy crops gathered in 1926. The healthy appearance of the trees augurs well for a good yield in the following season. However, the quality of this season’s fruit may be better than that of last year, and the apples, should suitable weather conditions prevail, may attain a much larger size. • Conditions on the whole have been favourable to this fruit, although black spot has had to be contended with much more largely than has yet been the case" with orchards in this district.

Maize crops are making splendid growth on the Poverty Bay flats, jnd in the Patutahi district some very heavy yields should be recorded (says* the Herald). Already some of the maize is close on 6ft in height, the recent rain having caused it to com? away rapidly. Crops that looked inclined to be patchy a few weeks ago have since grown well, and as there is a larger area planted than usual, the total yield for the district should be greater than in previous years. Wanganui for some.,little time past has not been at all a bad market, for bacon, pigs (says the Herald). In other centres there has been a good deaj ; of juggling in price, and some buyers have been doing their, utmost, to force it down. . A Waikato' farmer, who had 40 pigs to, sell, vfas offered

2d per lb less in his own district than he could get in Wanganui. :So he promptly consigned to Wanganui. As soon as the Waikato buyers heard that was to happen they offered him lid extra, but he refused to sell.

A difficulty experienced by some farmers lies in the co-operative effort in harvesting practised by so many (says the Hawera Star). One farmer, who has been so faced, puts the position thus: “He helps a neighbour say for one or two days and needs in return perhaps double that amount of time and labour and wants to pay for the extra. The neighbour will not, however, allow a charge. While it is generous, the action makes it awkward for the former. A squaring of accounts would be much more appreciated and seems a commonsense method.

Some early oats are to be seen cut in the Waimate district, but they are those that were sown for green feed, and were allowed to grow when it was found that feed was plentiful. It is not expected that harvest operations will be in full swing till about the end of February.

CLIFTON SETTLEMENT.

TO BE OPENED FOR SELECTION

The Lands Department has now issued plans showing conditions on which it is intended to offer the unselected portion of Clifton Settlement. Owing to the unfavourable conditions which prevailed regarding land settlement in 1921-22, the department decided to withdraw the unoccupied portion of the estate from offer for the time being, with a view to carrying on farming operations over the area of approximately 35C0 acres until such time as circumstances became more favourable for successful settlement. The Government seeured the services as overseer of Mr Alexander Reid, formerly of Knapdalc. Under the supervision of Mr J. D. Ritchie (Land Purchase Officer), Mr Reid hag successfully farmed the property, and its condition to-day reflects credit on the management. Since 1922 Mr Reid has had practically the whole ploughable area under varying forms of cultivation, and to-day Clifton enjoys a reputation for general productiveness which quite conclusively proves that under good husbandry the lands on this settlement are'- second to none in the district.

When Mr Reid took over in 1922, Clifton was in rather a neglected state. The pasture consisted mainly of brown-top and bluegrass. Portions formerly selected had been left in stubble, and generally the land, buildings, and fences were what might be expected after being vacant for several years.- The rehabilitation of Clifton has been completed within five years, and the successful selectors at the forthcoming ballot will enter on their individual holdings with the areas in good rotation and with ample pasture to carry the full quota of stock. The early operations were necessarily confined to growing green and “catch” crops. Then, following cultivation and a general livening up of the soil, grain crops were grown. permanent pasture laid down, and the place brought into a thorough system of rotation. Suitable areas on each section, except one, are in green crop, oats and pasture, and selectors take over same at valuation, it has always been one of the disadvantages « in cutting up estates that generally the new settler lost a whole season through want of rotation crops. This disability has been obviated in the case of Clifton, and selectors not only have winter feed provided for stock, but are also/fissured of oats and chaff on the ground for the coming season’s work. Mr Reid has demonstrated that Clifton is a splendid fattening place. In 1925 he turned off 1670 fat lambs, 2000 wethers and ewes, and 400 head of cattle. The present stock numbers 5700 sheep and 280 head of cattle, and all are in splendid condition. Clifto is practically virgin land as far as grain growing is concerned. Mr Reid has, in the course of his operations, grown various utility crops, and the following yields testify to the strength of the soil: —Oats average 60 bushels to acre (best yield 100 bushels); wheat, 43 bushels; barley, 50 bushels (average). Good green crops have been grown, and grass seed crops have grossed a return of £22 per acre. - When the Hon. A. D. M'Leod, Minister of Lands, decided, in response to a petition from intending settlers, to offer Clifton for selection this year, he realised that the original subdivision was on the small side for successful farming. A recast of the settlement was made, and the new sale plan provides* for seven farms varying from 391 to 747 acres, l.ie latter is the homestead block, and includes the residence, buildings, and grounds which were the pride of the former owneil (Mr Wm. Telford) for many years. Jus will be an ideal home for some lucky selector, and shohld be the suojeet of extra keen ’•competition. Of the other sections, five are provided with buildings, and each allotment carries suostantial fencing and, in some cases, shelter plan-

tations. . , ~ . . Applications for selection-on renewable lease close with the- Commissioner of Crown Lands at Dunedin on Wednesday, January 26, and it is anticipated that there will be no lack of applicants.

THE NORTH ISLAND.

(Fhom Our Own Correspondent.)

We are a peculiar people! Less than a month ago the cry of the country was: "When are we going to have fine weather? When are we going to see the sun again? Now that we have got what we craved for, the air is full of complaints because it is too hot. It has certainly been quite summery during, the past week, ana it looked as if a drought period had arrived. Not so, however. On Thursday a nice steady rain fell again, and for a few hours replenished the earth. Not for many, many years has there been such a wealth of grass as now obtains, and from one end of the island to the other beautifully green paddocks are to be seen. Pastures are in' particularly good condition, and stock are fattening on them, thus showing that the quality of the grass is good. In the hay fields reapers are busy, and already the harvesting of wheat and oats has been commenced in some parts. .Top-dressing has. had excellent results where carried out, and those who have expended money in that direction, feel sthat they have been repaid.. Phos-

phate and potassic manures have been used in experiments along the Main Trunk line, and wonderfully good results have been achieved. Farmers maintain that, under the system of top-dressing, the yield of milk has considerably increased, and this is being reflected in the returns of factories, all of which show substantial advances on last year’s figures.. Milk from top-dresed pastures shows better quality, and this obviously means higher grade butter and cheese. Factories in the Waikato, Taranaki, Manawatu, Wairarapa, Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne, and Bay of Plenty districts are now working under great pressure, and the handling of the cream cans is a very big job daily. In the Northern Wairoa district the local company’s factory has had an output of 1016 tons for the seven completed months. For December the output was 209 tons of butter, with a record daily make of 557 boxes, being just under 14 tons. The figures for the -whole period represent a 20 per cent, increase on those for the corresponding period last year. In the Wairarapa district feed is very plentiful, contemporaneously with other places, but shearing and hay making operations have been delayed on account of so much rain.

THE FLAX INDUSTRY.

A very important conference concerning the future of the flax industry is to bo held at Wellington this month. Representatives of millers, merchants, and the officers of the Department of Agriculturewill confer in an endeavour to place the industry on a more efficient and sounder footing. Matters relating to the growing of the leaf, its treatment for fibre' production, grading of the product, and marketing will all come under review. EAST COAST EXPORT STOCK RETURNS.

Some very* interesting figures showing stock travelling south from the Wairoa district for the year ending September 30, 1925, have just been published, and they give some indication of the trend of stock in the district. Sheep returns work out as follows:—Wairoa southwards, 15,540; Gisborne (wethers), 26,341; Gisborne (ewes). 8900 —total 50,781. These were cut up into 34 mobs requiring 70 drovers and 381 dogs to lift them. Cattle were: Wairoa (bullocks), 862; Gisborne (bullocks), 550 — total, 1412. These were cut up into seven mobs, and it took 15 drovers and 75 dogs to lift them. These figures are not up to the usual Wairoa-East Coast standard, owing to the drought conditions and the slump in the beef market. SPOILED CROPS. The wet weather experienced the week before last in the Hawke’s Bay district • ruined a number of fine crops of hay, and this is likely to embarrass a good many farmers who had been banking on the surplus food for use later on. On* the other hand, the rain has resulted in a phenomenal growth of crops, so that there is no danger of any scarcity of feed during the approaching winter, and this fact should compensate for the loss of the hay. The weather, as far as Hawke’s Bay is concerned, has altogether ideal, but the outlook- for the future is much brighter than it was. It is, however, rather unfortunate that the vagaries of the weather have resulted in many valuable crops of oats becoming discoloured, and some are even beyond especially where the crop has been heavy! In the Wairoa district brown rot has made its appearance with disastrous results to owners. Early peaches and plums have been badly infected, and in some orchards the whole of the crops have been destroyed. Last year the weather was dry, and consequently there was very little brown rot, but ‘ this year, with such a large amount of moisture, it appears to have *spread over the whole of the district. , , All along the East Coast the year has proved a wonderful one for grass, and it is many years since there lias been such a luxuriant growth so late in the season; so that while the agriculturalist and the fruit grower have suffered the pastoralist is “in clover,” so to speak. CATTLE TICK AT GISBORNE. Cattle tick has at last reached Gisborne, and farmers are naturally much concerned about it. It seems that dispite the efforts to check its spread this pest is gradually extending out, and it will soon be covering the whole island. Stock dealers are apprehensive regarding latest developments, and no doubt the Agricultural Department will take strong measures to quarantine the newly affected area. DOMINT-N PRODUCE. The visit of Sir Thomas Allen, Mr J. English, and Air W. G. Charter in cons yaection with the disposal of New Zealand '■produce on the English and Scottish markets through shops which are owned by their customers is creating a good deal of interest among producers. Representing the Co-operative Wholesale Society of Great Britain, they hope to stimulate the satisfactory disposal of a large quantity of New Zealand produce. The Co-operative Wholesale Societ; of Great Britain also supplies the Scottish "Wholesale Co-opera-tive Society, which is a distinctive organisation. With the Wholesale Society is associated

the New Zealand Producers’ Co-operative Marketing Association, Ltd., which, though registered and with its office in London, is a New Zealand concern. Its chairman (Mr G. D. Macfarlane) is now in Wellington, and will be assJciated with. Sir Thomas Allen a..d his party in their conferences with Dominion business men. . “Sir Thomas Allen,” he a pressman, “is a member of the Empire Committee on ’ the Empire Marketing Board, a member of the Board of Trade Advisory Committee, a director of the Cooperative Wholesale Society, a director of. the New Zealand Producers’ Association, chairman of the Co-operative Assurance Society, and chairman of the Parlia. : inentary Committee of the co-operative movement. He first visited New Zealand some three years ; go. The,result of Sir. Thomas’s first visit and of our association with his society, has stimulated interest in l New Zealand produce. The Wholesale Society is anxious to extend the magnitude of its' operations, -and it has to find ■ the means of supplying a large membership; anjd these gentlemen have been delegated to explore all avenues of supply. They will report to the board on their return, and it is hoped tLat as the result of their •investigations we will increase the demand •for New Zealand goods at the other end. While we are chiefly concerned in securing products for disposal •by • the' associated societies at Home, we know that conditions

here are not understood by people there. We realise that there should be quite a large co-operative distributive business done here also on true co-operative -lines, and we are - desirous of meeting anyone interested in this phase of the position. Reciprocal trade may thus result through co-operative channels.” BRIGHTER WOOL PROSPECTS.

The improved tone of the wool market, as evidenced at Christchurch and at Wellington, has cheered the woolgrower to a wonderful extent. Napier sales will have taken place, and anticipations are for a good, profitable sale. The wool that has come to hand is said by authorities to be a representative collection of Hawke’s Bay wool. In common with all the clips this year, however, the wool will be a little tender, and a trifle broken, while a goodly portion is dusty, due to the dry season during the growing time of the clip. Little lambswool is on offer, and there are practically no crutchings. On the other hand there is a substantial collection of pieces, which are heavier than usual.

Experts consider, however, that, taken all in all, the quality of the whole offering is quite up to standard, and—in view of the fact that the same lines at the recent Christchurch sale showed a hardeningtendency and all the others held their own, it is expected that prices will be well maintained, with a healthy promise of a likely' increase along some lines, particularly as it is anticipated that there will be a full bench of buyers. An interesting coincidence in connection with the forthcoming sale is that it- is being held synonymously with the New Year series of annual London sales. A comparison of prices and demands between the two markets will make an interesting study for farmers and merchants right through the Dominion. IMPROVEMENTS AT RUAKURA.

The' Government has been spending extra money at Ruakura Farm of Instruction during the past year, and quite a number of new buildings have gone up. . During the year the old orchard, which was planted about 25 years ago, was taken out, and the rich land it had occupied was cultivated and sown down in an excellent pasture. A new orchard has been established in the old horticultural section. The pastures on the farm are in good heart, and the root crops are looking exceedingly well. Large root crops are required at the farm, where it is expected there will be approximately 270 pedigree cattle bf four different breeds to winter. The dairy herd of 100 pedigree cattle has given very satisfactory returns. Sixteen* cows are under semi-official test. NEW BUTTER FACTORY.

The New Zealand Co-operative Dairy Company has erected a new butter factory at Morrinsville, and it is confidently expected that the daily output will be between- six and seven tons of .butter. The building is one of the largest butter factories erected by this company, and will be capable of handling 2000 tons of butter in a season. A novel plant installed at the new factory .is that for washing and drying the cans before they arc returned to the suppliers. ' CHEESE CRATES. ’

The Swedish cheese 'Crate is no longer an experiment, according to a dairy factory director in Taranaki, and it has evidently given complete satisfaction. The chairman of the Egmont Box Company, Mr J. B. Murdoch, pointed out that the importation of Swedish crates was attended with a good deal of inconvenience and risk. He stated that one dairy company in South Taranaki last season suffered a 7 per cent, loss through waste in a consignment of imported crates, representing a loss of 4d per crate. '‘Each season Taranaki goes through about 320,000 crates,” said Mr Murdoch, “and the average large company in South Taranaki uses abofft 40,000 crates per year. At the outside, any of the big companies would not need to order more than 2000 crates at one time, and it was

not necessary to pay for New Zealandmade crates until the following month. In importing crates, however, each order had to run into some thousands of crates and payment had to be made at once. “Any class of soft timber will go mouldy if stored for any time in large quantities in shocks, unless kept in a very dry place,” said Mr Murdoch. He said that the Joll Dairy Company had experienced this some years ago. The New Zealand pine was the strongest and toughest of soft woods in the world. Denmark did not use the stame timber for packing her produce as she sent out here. Mr Grainger, who had been sent Home by the Control Board, had recently stated at Patea that the centre board in imported cheese crates tended to work loose in transit to.-Europe, the nails left protruding often piercing the cheese, thereby damaging it to some extent.