STOCK AND GRAZING NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3862, 20 March 1928, Page 19

STOCK AND GRAZING NOTES.

W««kly Steck Salo. Barnside, WodnesUayt. Add ington, Wednesdays. Waiareka Railway Junction, Tuesdays Fortnightly. Blversdale, Fridavs (March, April, axid May). Wallacetown, Tuesdays. Ashburton, Tuesdays. Ke riot, Thursdays. Wintan, Thursdays. Wyndham, Thursdays. Clinton, Thursdays. Baldutha, Fridays. Gore, Tuesdays. Monthly. Edendale, Ist Monday. Palmerston, 4th ’ Thursday. Winton, 4th Tuesday. Mataura, let Thursday. Tokannl, 4th Monday.

Monthly (continued). Duntroon, 3nd Wednesday. Woodlands, 3rd Wednesday. Milton, 3nd Tuesday. Balfour, 3rd Thursday. Thornbury, Ist Friday. Otautau, Jnd Wednesday. Hiversdale, 3rd Friday (except March, April, and May). Waikaka,- last Friday. Clydevale, last Friday Periodically as Advertised. Lumsden, Mossbnrn, Orepuki, Waimahaka, Waikouaiti. Hirerton, Ngapara, and Otago Central Sals*.

OTAGO. The best of climatic conditions was experienced last week, with ample sunshine and sufficient moisture to ensure satisfactory growth of grass and turnips and yet not delay late harvesting to any great extent.

BURNSIDE MARKET. There was generally a good demand for best grades of fat stock at Burnside, with tire exception of fat pigs, which showed no improvement. Later, when the weather is cooler, it is likely values will improve. The entry of fat cattle, 202, compared with 210 the previous week, was somewhat mixed in respect to quality. Few prime bullocks were featured, and the proportion of cows and well-finished heifers was large. The demand for good average weight cattle of quality moved up about 15s to 20s per head, and there was a good clearance. Beef sold at up to 38s per 1001 b during the best part of the sale for choice quality. The yarding of fat sheep, 2478, compared with 2577 last week, comprised fairly good to prime quality, with somewhat more ewes than were required. The best of the entry sold fairly well, and with but slight irregularity in regard to prices. Last sale’s best rates were obtainable for prime wethers and ewes, with medium ewes Is cheaper. Fat lambs were penned in fair numbers, 1239 all counted, but the quality was varied, ranging from plain to prime. All prime lambs firmed Is 6d per head on last week’s rates, lamb making to 9Ad per lb.

The 280 store cattle elicited good competition. The yards, for the most part, held fair sorts of cows and young mixed cattle. A line of 40 three and four-year-old Hereford cows and bullocks in very forward condition made £ll 10s, medium three-year-olds £9, and fair one and a-half-year-old steers £5. The Hereford bullocks were sold privately.

Fat pigs (144) met with no better inquiry; in fact, the demand appeared duller than ever. Stores (161) made unchanged rates. Baconers may be quoted as making around s|d and porkers to 7d per lb.

COUNTRY STOCK SALES. The fortnightly stock sale was held on Tuesday in fine weather and in the presence of a large attendance of farmers and buyers. There was only a small offering of fat sheep. The market was maintained at recent quotations. The entry of store sheep comprised 4725 of all classes, with a preponderance of breeding ewes and store lambs. The market had a slackening tendency, particularly for old ewes, but younger sorts made good competition. Good forward store lambs w'ere in demand, and prices obtained at recent sales were fully maintained. Only a few store wethers were offering, and prices obtained were •up to 25s 2d. Forward store larnbs realised up to 23s 6d, and backward sorts to 18s 6d. Breeding ewes were numerous, particularly the old type. Two-tooths of medium quality realised 29s 10d, while sound mouths realised values ranging from 20s Id' to 28s 9d, according to quality. Good fresh and well conditioned full and failing ewes changed hands at from 12s to 14s 6ctT and poorer sorts from 6s 3d to 10s lOd.

Fat bullocks (medium weights) made £9 2s 6d, fat cows to £6 17s 6d. and fat heifers to £6 10s. Two-year-old steers made up to £6 3s 6d, and store heifers from £3 12s 6d to £4 Is. —Balfour The Balfour stock sale was held on Thursday, there being a large attendance of turmers and layers. • The entry comprised 6500 sheep of all classes and was the largest yarding seen since last season. There was a keen demand throughout the sale until near the finish, when it slackened slightly, but the market was very firm and the sale was one of the best held in the Eastern district this season. A pen of fat wethers realised 28s, while a line of fat and forward sorts changed hands at 26s lid. A large offering of breeding ewes was forward, for which there was good demand. Two-tooth ewes are very scarce and few are offering, there being only one lot forward, which made 34s 7d. Sound-mouth ewes made 31s id, this price being obtained for the annual draft of 740 Romney cross ewes off Glenure Station, which were purchased by Mr P. Begg, Otautau. The culls from this line made 24s 6d. A nice line of full and failing-mouth ewes sold on behalf of Mr R. Church, Balfour, realised 26s 4d, and other lines of good fresh well-condi-tioned ewes made from 18s 9d to 22s 7d. Poorer quality made from 8s 6d to 15s. Store lambs were numerous, and ewes made up to 24s 6d, while forward mixed sexes and wethers found new owners at from 22s 6d to 26s 7d. —Balclutha. — At the corporation yards sale there was a yarding of about 12,000 sheep and lambs. The demand for fat lambs was r.ot quite so keen as at the previous week’s sale, but nevertheless

values obtained were good. Fat lambs (best quality) sold at from 30a to 34s others 25s to 28s 6d; fat wethers 30s 3d’ to 32s 6d; fat ewes 14s to 17s; ewe lambs 24s lOd; forward rape lambs 23s to 255; two-tooth ewes 30s to 365; two-tooth wethers 26s 3d; small lambs 15s to 17s; sound-mouth ewes 22s to 265: failingmouthed ewes 8s to 14s; two-tooth wethers 22s Gd to 32s 7d (Lochindorb). A nice line of 400 lambs from C'arterhope estate sold at 295.

Pigs.—Good suckers sold to ll s 6d, others to as low as ss. —Riversdale.—•

The fortnightly sale held at Riversdale drew a very large attendance of farmers and buyers from all parts of Southland, dairying districts being well represented. The entry comprised over 9000 sheep of all classes, with a large proportion of store lambs and breeding ewes. A few small lots of prime wethers were included in the entry and made good competition at prices from 32s 6d to 38s, the latter price being paid by the local butcher. Other good lines of forward lambs realised from 22s to 255, according to quality, and backward sorts were quitted at from 16s to 20s. The market Lr breeding ewes was good, although several lines of sound-mouths were passed in. The annual draft from Glenapa Station went up to 29s 3d, at which figure they were passed in. There was a scarce offering of two-tooth ewes of medium quality, and sales were effected at up to 355. Lines of good big fresh ewes with fair mouths made good competition, and the prices recorded were at from 23s to 265. Other lines of good full and failing ewes made from 19s to 225, and poorer quality 14s to 18s, and culls from 8s to 12s.

STOCK NOTES. A alues of stock in Otago have been well maintained, the weather conditions being most favourable, while, in addition, wool prices have been better than anticipated, ■this, together with the fact that there is in the North Island an idea that beef values are, if anything, likely to improve, accounts for the more general optimism prevailing. As a result no doubt of the improved prices ruling for wool and the natural appreciation of skin values, export buyers of lambs rose to the occasion, and increased their buying limits |d per lb. This fact was noticeable at the last Burnside stock sale. CENTRAL OTAGO SALES. Some 20,000 sheep were sold at the various Otago Central sales last week. The sheen were in very fair order, competition being good and prices satisfactory. The fact that forward sales tliis season have been fairly large and feed plentiful militated against large yardings. Sales were held at Middlemarch, Oturehua, Ranfurly, and Waipiata, values holding throughout the series at about the following rates: — Two-tooth wethers. 225; forward, 24s 6d; extra, 265: forward wether lambs, 245: medium, 20s to 225: hill sorts. 15s to 17s: culls, 12s; two-tooth ewes. 33s 6d: good sound mouth hill ewes, 29s 6d: medium hill ewes, 22s to 245; failing, 14s to 16s; aged, 6s to 10s.

Good competition continues for best grades of sheep in the North Island, ewes and lambs being in demand. Generally, improved weather conditions have brisked up inquiries for all good classes of store sheep, with the result that sales are readily effected. It is confidently Anticipated that the number of pigs which will be sent overseas this season will easily constitute a Dominion record. Already this season the Southdown, Moerewa. and Horotiu works have handled 40,000 pigs, states a northern exchange. It is interesting to note that a Shorthorn steer at the recent Smithfield Club Show won the baby beef championship in the class not exceeding 15 months, and subsequently in the interbreed contests was awarded the supreme honour and cup for the bast baby beef animal under 15 months. This young animal scaled llcwt Iqr 171 b. Estimates made by the Government Statistician (Mr T. Waites) in collaboration with the chief veterinary surgeon (Mr Max Henry) on the basis of progress totals derived from the sheep and wool returns recently collected show that at December 31, 1927, there were iu the vicinity of 48,000,000 sheep and lambs in New South Wales, as compared with approximately 55,000,000 at June 30, 1927, and 54,630,000 at December 31, 1926. The foregoing figures are subject to revision. At the quarterly meeting of the council of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons the diploma of honorary associate was conferred on Sir John M'Fadyean, LL.D., B.Sc.. M. 8., C.M., M.R.C.V.S., late principal and dean of the Royal Veterinary College, London. This is ti e highest honour the council can bestow, and it has been conferred on only one other British veterinary surgeon. Sir John became principal of the Royal Veterinary College in 1892; he served on the Royal Commission on tuberculosis appointed in 1900; and he was knighted for his eminent services to veterinary science in 1905. Fifteen truck loads of cattle from the farms of Messrs R. King and Matthews "Bros, left Te Puke by rail recently direct for Auckland. This is the first direct rail consignment from this part of the Bay of Plenty, and, from the farming viewpoint, it marks an epoch in the history of the district. One of the principal drawbacks to profitable cattle raising has been the handicap imposed by having to drive stock to Ngongotaha, necessitating three, and sometimes four, days’ journey from farm to market. '■ During this time the cattle suffered a considerable loss in weight. The latest issue of the Aberdeen-Angus Review contains (says our special correspondent) some interesting details regarding the longevity in cattie of that breed. It is certainly to the credit of the Doddie that it is possible to produce a long list of cows whose ripe age has been fruitful in the fullest degree. There is Old Grannie, the first female in the Herd Book, a portrait of her being given in the opening volume. She was bred by Mr Hugh Watson, Keillor, who was also the breeder of the first bull. Old Jock, in the breed’s registry. Old Grannie died in 1859 when 35 J years old. It was Mr Watson’s deliberate purpose to test the question as to what age a healthy cow would live in

her natural state. Old Grannie was the dam of no fewer than 25 calves, of which 11 are recorded along with, herself in the nrst volume, and she did not cease to breed until she was in her 29th year, and yielded no milk after nursing the calf of the preceding year. She was exhibited at the Highland and .Agricultural Society’s show at Aberdeen in 1858, Mr Wilson being awarded the society’s medal as the exhibitor of so remarkable an animal. There is a big demand for sheep in all districts (reports qur Wanganui correspondent) and all kinds are selling well. The Railways Department is doing well out of moving stock, some big consignments havgone over the lines. Recently over 5000 sheep were railed away from Raetihi in six hours and a-half, the time occupied being from 8 p.m. to 2.30 a.m. Three special trains consisting of 75 trucks were engaged in the work.

A niob of 300 sheep passing through Waihi during a recent week-end provided a most unusual spectacle for residents of the goldfields town. The sheep were on the road from Tokomaru Bay to Tuakau. The mob was under the control of three drovers, who had 20 working dogs with them. They had been on the road for nearly seven weeks, and averaged about nine miles a day.

“There is more money in sheep than in dairying at the present time,” remarked a dairy farmer to a Dannevirke News representative. ‘ A few days ago I sold two pedigree lambs at £1 10s and £2 10s respectively, while the fleece off the ewe weighed 12£lb, for which I got Is 104 d a lb. bringing the total receipts to £5 3s 6d—an excellent return, considering the work which would be entailed to reap the same benefit from a cow. Twenty stud Border Leicester rams have just been shipped to an Australian breeder by Messrs Wright, Stephenson, and Co., on account of Mr J. R. Gilchrist, of Roseberry, Oamaru. This is the second shipment that has been made to the same breeder by Mr Gilchrist. A ell-known Shorthorn cattle breeder, Mr Leonard White, of Rakaia, will be represented at the Sydney Royal Show, to be held at Easter (states the Christchurch Sun). He is shipping beasts to the Commonwealth for exhibition.

Brief and to the point, a unique letter from a country resident was read at a meeting of the Wanganui Agricultural Association last week (states the Chronicle); It said: “ Every time I send sheep and lambs to your show, they return one short. I do not intend to exhibit any more.”

SCOTCH SHORTHORN CATTLE FOR AUSTRALIA.

By the steamer Marama, which left Wellington last week, Mr J. A. Johnstone, Bushey Park, Palmerston, is forwarding a consignment of five head one and two-year-old Scotch Shorthorn bulls to Sydney, New South Wales.

This draft of young bulls is a veryselect one, comprising as it does the following prize winners from the BusheyPark herd, viz.: Roan, calved 'September 11, 1926 (Bushey Park Diamond Butterfly) ; sire, Rothiebrisbane Diamond, imp., 184674; dam. Naemoor Butterfly- 11, imp. This bull won first prize during the past season at the New Zealand Royal Show, held at Christchurch; at the Otago Metropolitan Show, held at Dunedin; at the Southland Metropolitan Show, held at Invercargill; at the North Otago Show, held at Oamaru; and at the Waihemo County Show, held at Palmerston.

Roan, calved October 12, 1926 (BusheyPark Field Marshal : sire, Rothiebrisbane Diamond, imp., 184674; dam, Sealand’s Eliza 11. imp., the granddam being by Garbity Field Marshal, one of the best Shorthorn sires in Scotland to-day. This young bull was second prize winner to Bushey’ Park Diamond Butterfly at the shows enumerated above, with one exception, where he was beaten for second • pla - by Bushey Park Diamond Marquis. Red with little white, calved October 4, 1926 .(Bushey Park Diamond Marquis); sire. Rothiebrisbane Diamond, imp., 184674: dam, Bushey Park Tea Rose, 11076, by Knapdale Mac, 3498. This young bull was third prize winner to Bushey- Park Diamond Butterfly at the shows enumerated above, excepting one, where he beat Bushey- Park Field Marshal for second place. Red, calved September 28, 1925 (Bushey 7 Park Cup-bearer) ; sire, Rothiebrisbane Diamond, imp,, 184674; dam. Bushey’ Park Tea Rose, 11076. This bull won second prize iu the two-year-old class at the above-mentioned shows last reason, the first prize winner being Bushey Park Ringleader, a son of Bushey’ Park Augusta’s Hero.

White, calved November 14, 1925 (Bushey Park Ranger); sire, Rothiebrisbane Diamond, imp., 184674; dam, Knapdale Tea Rose 11, by Diamond Prince, imp., 3402. This bull was third prize bull at the foregoing shows last season to Lis mates Bushey Park Ringleader and Bushey Park Cupbearer, already- mentioned. As a yearling he won first prize in the junior yearling class at Christchurch. Bushey Park Diamond Butterfly- has been purchased by a leading Shorthorn breeder in New South Wales, and the other four bulls are to be exhibited at the New South Wales Royal Show at Easter, and disposed of by public auction at the sales subsequently to be held. It is hoped that such exceptionally well-bred bulls will meet a ready market at the Sydney sales. Mr Johnstone has also recently- disposed of to Mr James W. Blair, Ontram. his well-bred yearling bull, Bushey Park White Prince, a son of Bushey Park Guardsman, himself a son of Moniack Guardsman, sold for 4000gns -when only eight months old. The sire of this bull was Kinellar Guardsman, 156912. The dam of Bushey Park White Prince is the Bushey Park imported cow, Sweet Briar, by Stoneytown Challenger, 159672. From the Bushey Park herd have also been sold during the past season six young herd bulls to different buyers. ROMNEYS FOR OTAGO. During the past few years a number of high-class Romneys have been imported into Otago from the North Island byleading breeders, and have met with considerable success; in fact, at the last Southland Show the South Otago breeders, Messrs Mosley and Sons, in one class won all three prizes with three rams they secured at the Masterton Ram Fair the

previous year, and in addition to these honours carried off both the championship and reserve championship at the same show. Several other North Island sheep were successful in winning, one of these rams which won in the hogget class having previously won the championship at the Wallace Show for Mr W. J. M'Gregor, of Mount Linton, Southland. Messrs Wright, Stephenson, and Co., Ltd., advise that a number of their clients have recently made further importations of rams secured at the ram fairs held in the Wairarapa in January and February. These sheep have all been landed safely at their respective destinations. Messrs Mosley and Sons acquired five high-class rams, ail bred by Messrs William Perry and Son, of “ Penrose,” Masterton. Mr W. Roxburgh, 6f Castlerock Station, Lumsden, also secured an outstanding ram bred by the same vendors. From the famous old Waiorongomai flock established by the late Alfred Matthews, Mt T. H. Mee, of Lauder, secured a very high-class ram to add to his floek. Mr Allan Galt, of Mataura, Southland, secured two very high-class rams from the Waiorongomai flock, for one of which he paid the top price of the year. Mr W. A. Baxter, of Kelso, also acquired a number of highclass sheep at the Wairarapa fairs from the flocks of Messrs A. P. Southey. J. E. Hewitt, H. Bowen, and William Perry and Son. Messrs Murray Bros., of Clydevale, also made a recent importation of a ram bred by Mr W. Rayner, of “The Cliffs,” Masterton, and another Central Otago breeder, Mr J. Beattie, secured a particularly high-class ram bred by Mr Q- Donald, of “ Alloa,” Featherston. . Altogether some very important additions. have been made to southern flocks, and in view of the improvement that has been brought about in the wool quality of the North Island Romney during recent years, the advent of these high-class rams should be of considerable advantage to the Romneys of Otago and Southland.

THE “ROYAL” OF NEW SOUTH WALES. At a meeting of the council of the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales the society’s exhibition at the Sydney University covering a four years’ course in veterinary science was awarded to Mr Leonard Hart, of Bankstown, a graduate of Hawkesbury Agricultural College. The secretary-reported that entries for al] sections were coming in very freely and in the beef cattle classes record entries were anticipated, a number from New Zealand, Tasmania, Victoria, and Queensland coming in. Hereford and Aberdeen Angus sections have attracted a number of new exhibitors. Special attention has been paid to the arranging of lectures on subjects of interest to the man on the land and the people generally throughout the period of the show, and many well-known experts and practical men have been invited to lecture on suitable subjects. The shearing competition, which was so popular a feature of last year’s sheep show, is again included, over £lOO prize money being provided for same. The competition this year will be staged on the lawn in front of the Suttor pavilion, and will provide ample accommodation for spectators to view same. CORRIEDALE SHEEP. Mr J. A. Johnstone, Bushey Park Estate, Palmerston, has just completed the sale of 50 purebred Corriedale ewes and one high-class one-shear stud ram, a son of the best breeding ram in his flock, viz, Tattoo E 47 (212, N.Z.F.8.), at a bi" Price to Messrs Reid and M'Cutcheon, of the Grange. Waikouaiti. These buvers have decided to enter the ranks of Corriedale sheep breeders in this Dominion. They are to be congratulated upon their enterprise m having procured the Bushey Park Corriedale blood for the foundation of their flock.

By the Union liner Manuka, which left the port of -Dunedin for Melbourne last week, Mr Johnstone shipped to the order of a -Western Australian sheep Lffeder 15 one-shear stud Corriedale ewes fin lamb) and one superior one-shear Corriedale stud ram. The sheep were - ] the steamer in perfect condition, and as they are a choicely-bred lot thev sii. uki, if they reach their destination sa'fe’v. give • good account of themselves, and be a

profitable investment for their enterprising purchaser.

THE DAIRY WORLD.

Cheese prospects in Southland have improved and nearly the whole of the season’s output has been sold, some at BJd, some at B|d, and recent sales at up to 9d per lb. On February 1 a supply of milk distributed on the penny-in-the-slot system was inaugurated in Newcastle-on-Tyne. The machines are dotted over certain parts of the city. The invention and the innovation is the work of Mr W. Henderson, Deneholm, Bardon Mill, a Tyneside inventor. A company has been formed, named the National Dairy Farmers (Ltd.), Hexham, in order to run the new system. The latest addition to the list of Ayrshire cows that have passed the 200 gal mark is Auehenbrain Madge IV, bred and owned by Mr David Wallace, of Auchenbrain, Mauehline, Ayrshire. In 50 weeks she has produced 2056 gal of milk, with a butter-fat content of 4.24 per cent. In her previous lactation, Madge IV (who J® “ early 11 years old ) gave I7olgal, with 3.89 per cent, butter-fat. She was a prizewinner at the Ayr New Show last r ebruary.

An indication of confidence that the present, improved prices are likely to be maintained is found in the notification by cable message received in Wellington under date London, March 6, that British importing firms have increased advances on butter to I s per lb, and on cheese to oad, as from Wednesday’s gradings. Since the beginning of the present season the advances have ranged' as follows

An interesting discussion wa s heard at the close of the recent Invercargill wool sale (says the Winton Record) on Saturday evening. Prices as the press has indicated, were particularly satisfactory, and sellers coming out of Victoria Hall, or regaling themselves with supper at one of the Inver cargill s popular restaurants all wore very pleased looks on their faces. The result of the conversation referred to i 3 all the more remarkable in view of these good prices. A seller who had just received a topping price remarked: “I divide my between sheep and cows, as nearly as possible. 1 devote half my property and energy to each. I have 350 breeding ewes, and these this year returned me 125 per cent, of lambs. Of these I sold 75 per cent, off no mothers at a good price, 275, and now my wool has brought me round 12s 6d pe--ewe. These are tip-top prices, but the aggregate revenue from the sheep can't touch .the cows, and I am convinced dairying can beat sheep out of sight for actual cash returns.

SHEEP FAIRS. —Mackenzie Country. The annual sale of Mackenzie Country ? j ttra £!? d some 30,000 merinos and nalfbreds. The sheep were in capital con dition, and the demand by th e large attendance of buy'ers good. The - top price was 34s 3d for two-tooth halfbred ewes from Glenlyon Station, Lake Ohau. The range of prices was:—Two-tooth half bred ewes Firi 3d" f° ur > s * x . °nd eight-tooth halfbred ewes, 26s lOd to 29s 6d; four and five-year halfbred ewes, Ils 8d to 26s Id-full-mouth ewes, 14s to 17s 6d ; aged ewes’ ox • '(p ur ’y®ar merino ewes' 20s 6d; full and sound mouth merino ewes 9s to 16s 3d; two-tooth merino wethers ’6s 6d; two-tooth ba If bred wethers, 13s 6d to 19s; four-tooth halfbred wethers, 16s to 21s 6d; six and eight-tooth halfbred wetners, Ils 8d to 17s Id; mixed aged half bred wethers, 19s 9d; halfbred wether lambs. Lis 9d to 13s 9d; merino ewe lambs, 23s 16d. —Hawarden.— , The total entry of sheep at the Hawarden 1‘ air was 27,000, prices improving on Amber-, ley values. Top price for Corriedale twotooth ewes was 51s, sold on account of Mr J. K. Forrester. Cast ewerf’ sold on account of Mr H. T. Little made 32s 6d. Values

were as follow:—Special two tooth Corriedale ewes, 46s to 51s; good two-tooth Corriedale ewes, 40s to 435; good two tooth halfbred ewes, 39s to 435; average twotooth halfbred ewes, 36s to 38s 6d; good four-year ewes, 29s 6d to 32s 6d; average four-year ewes, 25s to 295; good five-year ewes, 23s to 25s 6d; average five year ewes, 20s to 22s 6d, good ewe lambs, 26s 6d to 29s 6d ; average ewe lambs, 24s to 265. OMARAMA SALE. Between 7000 and 8000 sheep, consisting chiefly of aged ewes and backward halfbred wether lambs, were offered for sale at Omarama on Saturday. The whole of the yarding was cleared at fairly satisfactory prices. Failing-mouth ewes made from 13s 9d to 18s 7d. Two, four, six. and eight-tooth ewes (with only a small sprinkling of young sheep) realised 23s 9d. Wether lambs (with a few ewe lambs included) were sold at 15s 3d and other wether lambs at 10s to 12s. Very forward wethers were passed at 22s 6d. Soundmouth merino wethers sold at 10s. DUNTROON SALE.

At the Duntroon stock sale last week there was a heavy yarding of sheep, including some fait* sized station drafts. Taking into consideration the general class of the sheep the sale must be described as a -nod one —ver” much better than the weekly sale held the previous day at the Waiareka Yards. For anything good the bidding was pretty brisk, though it dragged somewhat for the poorer classes. Fat animals were not offered very freely, and some prime lambs brought 31s 9d; while fat ewes were sold at 20s 6d. For the greater part the stores were composed of aged ewes, for which the demand was slack. The range of prices for stores was as follows: —Two-tooth ewes, 345; mixed four, six, and eight-tooth ewes, from 30s to 32s 2d; sound-mouthed ewes, 265; full-mouthed ewes, from 17s 6d to 225; failing-mouthed ewes, all the way from 4s 6d to 14s, according to condition; two-tooth wethers. 23s 3d; twotooth halfbred wethers, 20s; four-tooth wethers, 22s 3d; mixed-sex lambs, 20s lid to 24s Id; small mixed-sex lambs, Ils 6d. STOCK SALE.., The largest yarding of stock held under the auspices of the Lawrence Sale Yards Company took place on Tuesday, 4300 head being penned. About 60 per cent, of stock yarded was cleared at satisfactory prices. Hill sheep were slow of sale. Good two, four, and six-tooth ewes were sold at 31s 9d; sound-mouth ewes up to 27s sd; failing mouth, 12s 9d to 18s; culls from 6s 3d.

The best line of lambs yarded brought from 21s 6d to 23s Sd; wether lambs, 15s lOd to 21s 3d; mixed sexes hill lambs froL- 14s to 18s Od; cull lambs from 9s 6d.

Fat ewes made to 23s 9d. Pigs were dull of sale. Good suckers brought from 12s to 14s; smaller to 5s 6d.

Store Cattle. —Cows realised to 50s. Dairy cows close to profit brought £9 2s 6d; springers, £8 7s 6d. The company is making an addition to its yards, and when the work is finished will give more accommodation for stock.

AGRICULTURAL ANO PASTORAL NEWS.

The following were elected officers of the New Zealand Lincoln Sheepbreeder’s Association at the annual meeting at Masterton: —President. .Mr L. M‘Gregor (Masterton) ; vice-president, Mr R. Bremner (Waverley); treasurer, Mr D. Donald (Masterton); council—Mr W. O. M‘Kellar (Otago), Sir James Wilson (Bulls), and Mr L. R. Wilton (Masterton); auditor, Mr G. W. Sellar. It. was decided; that the appointment of judges and inspectors be confined to members of the association. Mr J. Hcbenton resigned from the position of secretary, as he was leaving the district, and Mr W. V. Madden was elected as his successor.

The regulations in regard to the Wheat Research Institute have now been gazetted. Farmers are required to pay a levy of l|d

for each 50 bushels of wheat they sell as from February 24. Similarly, millers are required to pay for each ton of flour they manufacture, and bakers l£d fo r each ton of flour they purchase. The levies are compulsory, and in the case of the wheatgrowers the amount is to be deducted by the merchants buying the wheat, who will pay it into the Treasury. It is expected that a total sum of £2500 will be realised as a result of the levies, and this amount will be subsidised £ for £ by the Research Council. The fund thus established will be used for the establishment of the Wheat Research Institute, formerly referred to as a cereal laboratory. “ If there is a good autumn Auckland will have fine, fat oysters,” said the Chief Inspector of Fisheries, Mr A. E. Hefford (reports .the Auckland Star). He added that the past two seasons had been marked by inclement weather, and the result was poor spawning arid poor oysters. The recent summer had been very calm and warm, the oyster crops had flourished, and if the autumnal weather was not to stormy there would be a big increase in the marketable supplies next leason.

Accidents in milking sheds have been comparatively rare in the Whangarei district, but an incident occurred at Mr J. Crawford’s farm at Maungakaramea recently, which might very easily have resulted more seriously (states the NortL.rn A Ivocate). Mr Crawford had been milking by hand, but the separator was worked by an engine. As the milker went into the. engine apaitment he was followed by his small daughter, who had left an overcoat there. Somehow the coat became caught in the belting, and the little girl was whirled at least twice round by the flywheel before the sound of 1 umping caused Mr Crawford to cut off the switch. The child was found to have suffered severe bruises, but was otherwise uninjured. A Government run of 5650 acres, part of the Centrewood Estate, 10 miles from Waimate, was balloted for at Timaru on Tuesday. Originally there were 158 applicants from various parts of Otago and Canterbury, but single men were placed in a second preference list. Fifty-five went to the ballot in the first preference list, the successful applicant being J. S. Matheson, of Waimate. All the wheat grown in the Balclutha district has not yet been threshed, but the mill returns so far indicate that the total yield will be larger than usual, owing, no doubt, to the extremely favourable season for the growth and harvesting of grain. An awamangu grower sold the bulk of his yield of Tuscan to a Southern mill owner at 5s lid a bushel, which is considered a very fair price for a large quantity. Even at Hillend, where, as a rule, not a great deal of wheat is grown, there have been some good returns the crop of Mr T. Gordon for example, yielding at the rate o'f 70 bushels to the acre.

Several large out-back farms which have been forfeited to the Crown during recent years are now being reoccupied by new settlers (writes the Otorohanga correspondent of the Auckland Star). There has been a better tone in land matters during the •past few weeks, the high prices being obtained for fat lambs and wool attracting tho attention of younger men. Evidence of. the value of lucerne as a fodder plant is not wanting in the Waitaki Valley, especially in the dry country above Kurow. Every here and there a yivid green patch of lucerne is seen standing out in marked contrast to the vast stretches of brown, dried-up country on either side of it, and presenting a very inviting spectacle to stock.

A Stratford farmer, in conversation with a . Post representative, took a very optimistic view of the prospects of the present dairying season. At the beginning of the recent dry spell his production was better than last season by 20001 b of butter-fat. He expects that as a result of the dry spell he will lose the advantage of this increase, but feels certain that this season will ■‘ pan out ” as good as last season by reason of the better prices now ruling. News of a splendid yield of oats comes from the Pareora district (states the Timaru Herald). When Mr Percy Elworthy was travelling through America, what was said to be. a particularly good variety oi oat was brought under his notice, so he bought a small quantity and sent it to Mr A. E. Elworthy, who sowed three bushels on one acre and a-quarter of Mr Percy Elworthy’s Gordon’s Valley property. The oats made good. growth last summer, and were harvested in good condition. They have just been threshed, the yield being 125 bushels. As indicating the quality of tho oats they went five bushels to the sack as they came from the mill. The .name of the oat is not known, but they are wb : ie, have a th : n skin, and a small berry. The Tuturau district can boast of some exceptionally fine returns in oat yields this season (states the Mataura Insign). From a six-acre section of crop Mr D. Collie obtained over 100 bushels to the acre, while Mr W. A. Dickie reports a return of nearly 110 bushels to the acre. So far the secretary of the Farmers’ Union in Timaru has received no applications from farmers wishing to take part in the. proposed visit to England by Empire farmers.

CANTERBURY CRAIN AND PRODUCE MARKET. CHRISTCHURCH, March 16.

The inquiry from England mentioned in the last week-end report in regard to oats has developed into a very substantial measure of business. The s.s. Ruapehu, sailing towards the end of the month, will load for various South Island ports, and more oats will be shipped in April. The inquiry from Home indicates that an export business is probable until June, this naturally depending on whether prices here will make export possible. At the moment the f.0.b., s.i., price is 3s 8d a bushel, which is just a shade above export parity, the local market having hardened during the week as a result of the Home demand. The business so far has related to A grade Gartons, but inquiry has now set in for B Gartons. Quotations for A’s on trucks are 3s to 3s Id, B’s 3d less. Duns were sold during- the week for shipment across the Tasman at 3s lOd a bushel, f.0.b., s.i The demand for this variety is for a special feed purpose. The chaff market is very quiet, and ■nominal values on trucks are £3 7s 6d a .ton.

The wheat market is very quiet, and prices show no change on those recorded a week ago, 6s 5d a bushel on trucks. The outburst of wet weather has not been an unmixed blessing on account of tho lessening offers and the consequent steady- • ing of the market. Farmers in midCanterbury who, due to the dry season, had been anticipating threshing out of the stock, have had their programme upset by the break in the weather, and are now stacking. April-June fowl wheat is quoted at 6s 6d a bushel and July-Sep-tember at 5s -Bsd.

Peas have fluctuated during the week, but are now back to their original starting point. The Cornwall is expected to take about 6000 sacks to the West of England, and the London boat is leaving about the end of next week with a cargo for London. March delivery is worth 6s 7d to 6s Bd, f.0.b., s.i., and April-May 6s 5d to 6s 6d, on truck. Prices are approximately 8d a bushel less. Fairly substanti r l quantities of seeds are being shipped north. There is no change in values, and during the week no great quantitity of seeds has been offered. Potatoes have been selling freely at up to £7, f.0.b., s.i., for prompt shipment, but to-day the quotation was £6 ss. Tne North Island is inquiring for April delivery, the f.0.b., s.i., price being £5 12s 6d. DAIRY PRODUCE. FINAL PAYAIENT ON BUTTER POOL. WELLINGTON, March 16. The Dairy Produce Board, referring to the second butter pool of 1926-27, states that the final payment on produce shipped, amounting to £52,000, will be distributed to-day. This final distribution represents a payment of .1413 d per lb, and brings the total payment outproduce in the pool to the following figures r—Finest grade, Is 3.435 d; first grade, ls--2.935d; second grade, Is 1.935 d (all per lb, f.0.b.). equivalent to an average payment of Is 3.33 d, f.0.b., on all butter in the pool. With reference to the cheese pool of 1926-27, the board states that, owing to the time occupied in the adjustment of shrinkages, the final payment cannot be made until March 23.

Butter Cheese Date. d July 6 1 3 6J July 14 ... . 1 4 8 Sept. 15 ... 1 5 8J Sept. 29 9 Oct. 12 1 4 Nov. 11 ... 1 3 8 Dec. 15 '... 1 2 7i Feb. 23 8 March 6 ... 1 3 84 COWS v . SHEEP.