STICK AND GRAZING NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3864, 3 April 1928, Page 19

STICK AND GRAZING NOTES.

Stock salts. Monthly (continue). SSStSSSR X.”- IM e *Tn«Jaja 7 JUl ’ o ' WowUiad., Scd Wrt- ’ e- J nosday, • Ww6 dK"'°”XHa y . ““ ton * (March, April, and Balfour, 3rd Thursday. May). Thornbury, Ist Friday. Wallacetown, Tuesdays. Otautau, 2nd Wedaac* Ashburton, Tuesdays. day. Heriot, Thursdays. Blversdale, 3rd Friday Winton, Thursdays. (except March. AnriL Wyndham, Thursdays. end May). Clinton, Thursdays. Waikaka, last Friday. Balclutha, Fridays. Clydevale, last Friday Sore, Tuesdays. . ~ Monthly. Periodically a* Edendale, Ist Monday. Advertised. Palmerston, 4th Thurs- Lumsden, Mossburn, day. . Orepuki, Waimahaka, Winton, 4th Tnesday. Waikouaiti. RiverMataura, Ist Thursday. tnn, Ngapara, and Tokanul, 4th Monday Otago Centra] Salsa. OTAGO. - Otago weather was at its best during the week, and progress was good among late cereal crops. BURNSIDE MARKET. The weather at Burnside was warm, -c the attendance very fair, - and an average entry of fat stock met with “fairly good competition. The fat cattle entry totalled 225, compared with 223 the previous week. The quality was better than of late, some nice consignments of prime bullocks and heifers being noticeable, together with, the usual proportion of heavy cows. The demand was not too bright, and values from the outset receded 10s to 20s per head, choice quality bullocks realising up to 37s per 1001 b, and many good sorts making around 35s per 1001 b. The yarding of fat sheep, 2571, compared with 1927 the previous week, comprised numerous pennings of ewes of varied quality, some few lots of prime heavy wethers, and a sprinkling of light wethers. The opening demand for heavy sheep was . not too keen, but firmed up to ease at the closing stages of the sale. Light prime ewes were very firm in the early part of the sale to recede later, and towards the finish all sheep were making about Is under the previous week's quotations. Wethers of handy weight with good skins sold to 6d per lb. The fat lamb entry was not impressive. Some good heavy-finished pennings were in evidence here and there, but medium to plain qualities were in the forefront. There Was a good sale for finished lambs at recent rates, others meeting with a fair demand. Lamb may be quoted as making up to 9Jd per lb. The store cattle entry was fairly large, about 300, but of mixed quality. Few good steers were offered, and there was no eagerness to secure medium sorts at vendor’s prices. Cows sold well, also vealers, some of the latter from the Central making up to £6 15s. The 114 fat pigs proved ample for the slack demand, while the 62 stores elicited only a mild demand for best sorts. Baconers sold around 5-ld, and porkers . to 7d per lb. '■ STOCK NOTES. The present demand for all classes of stock in Otago is very sound; indeed, there • is a tendency to undue optimism in regard to future wool values. " The season-for grass is pltfenomenal, and the growth of vegetation is unusual. The supply of milk is keeping up wonderfully well, and generally all stock will face the winter in good condition. The recent ram and ewe' fairs have proved more pleasing to vendors than usual. The heavy culling of recent years of mediocre rams and the increased - interest taken by graziers in meeting the demand for good wool and quality carcases marks a pleasant change, which, taken together with the fact that the top-dressing of depleted pastures has been proved to be well worth while —in fact, imperative—augurs well for the future success of those settlers who tend their land and stock in a practical and scientific manner.' At the dispersal sale of the late Mr E. E. Jenkins’s stud of Clydesdale horses, at Broomfield, Yaldhurst, last week, competition was brisk. Mares made 44gns to 85gns, three-year-olds 45gns to 120gns, two-year-olds 34gns to 47gns, yearling Tillies Signs to 57gns, yearling colts 25gns to 27gns, and geldings 36gns to 57gns. The Harold Jackson trophy for individual cows with the highest average yield of milk for . three years was won (states a Home paper)' by Mr J. Bromet’s British Friesian, Sudbourne Dairymaid 11, who averaged 22.1601 b a year; Mr Grosvenor Berry’s Jersey, postmistress, was -second with an average of 15,6311 b; and Mr W. J. Borlase’s dairy Shorthorn Wootton. Wild Rose, was third. She gave an average of 12,4221 b., . Shipments of dressed beef in the half or quarter carcase have been exported to Japan from Vancouver for several years past, and shipments of purebred and grade dairy cattle have also been made. What is believed to have been the first shipment of live range beef cattle was made from Vancouver by the Vancouver Live Stock Exchange recently on the Norwegian steamer Erviken (says an exchange). The shipment consisted of 40 heifers, averaging • -12001 b each, obtained in- Alberta. The animals, which will be slaughtered on arrival at Kobe, were in prime condition. A Southland breeder who had an entry of over 50 rams at the recent fair greatly facilitated matters, both for the auctioneer and for purchasers, by numbering every sheep by fire-branding its face (reports the Southland Times). The advantage of this was apparent in eases Where there were several purchasers for one pen. The auct’-nieer could knock down any particular sheep by its number. In the opinion of several breeders, the ram fair would be greatly expedited if all Vendors adopted such a system of numbering. Assuming qn average price all round of £24 per bale for the season, a moderate figure, the value of wool offered in the

Dominion and practially all sold (and it could have been sold)', will amount to £12,425,256. Probably the. returns when all is cleared up will-’ well exceed £12,500,600 for. wool sold in the Dominion this season. Postmistress, a five-year-old Jersey cow, the- property of Mr Grosvenor Berry, Bures, Suffolk, which recently achieved the distinction of being Europe’s first 2000-gallon Jersey cow, has now broken the, world’s record for that breed, by producing 21 0311 b of milk, with a butterfat yield of 913J1b. in 365 days (says an exchange). The previous world’s record for the breed was 20,8351 b, given in 365 days, by the Australian cow Wagga Gladys. Mr T. Sanderson, grazier, of Wagga, New South Wales, recently placed 1000 sheep in a paddock on his propertv at Oura (says the Australasian). When he visited them next morning he found 300 dead. The stocks inspector of Wagga Pastures Protection Board examined the sheep, and said that, the deaths were due to* their having eaten what is known as muk weed. The sheep were hungry when placed in the paddock, and there was little or no other grass available, a grasshopper plague having eaten everything except the milk weed. The, remainder of the sheep are very ill and it is expected that all of them will die.

It is stated that a new use for electricity on the farm has been; found. By means of a handy appliance invented by Mr’Haynes, of the Government Live Stock Department; who is stationed at Paki Paki freezing works, sheep, cattle, and in fact all farm animals can • be indeliblv branded by electricity (states an exchange). The new method, which is quick and almost painless in action, is. said to be. far superior, to Oar-marking or firebranding for distinguishing stock, leaving ;a clear, "lasting mark without doing damage to the hide. This- electric branding machine, which is small enough to be carried in the pocket, is to be' made ,in styles Suitable for either branding on. the ear or applying to the face or other part of’ the body. A further convenience of the appliance is that it automatically registers! the number of stock branded. _ , < COUNTRY STOCK SALES. — Gore.— There was a large Attendance of farmers and dealers at the Gpre sale last week, a 2- < ? “SS/*'' J' al 'ding of sheep (was ?H-£ red \. 3 entry comprised some twtv. No store. wethers were ottering. There was a fair entry of store lambs, tor which the demand was fairly good at prices equal to recent quotations, and sales were made at from 22s to 24s 9d for forward sorts, ‘ while culls made up to 15s. The offering of breeding ewes was numerous, and some good young sorts yere included in the entry. The top " as secured f° r a line of fourtooth ewes of good quality sold on behalf °t Mr R. J Johnston, Waimumu and purchased by Mr R. Wyber, Mataura, at 4t)s 6d. A line ot two-tooth ewes on account of the same vendor realised 39s Id, and were distributed amongst Messrs E. MDpwell (East Gore) and J. Robertson (Waikoikoi) Other lines of young ewe 9 were disposed of at from 35s to 36s fid. Several lines ot sound mouth ewes were forward and made good competition, prices ranging from 25s to 28s, and poorer sorts to 225. Tull and failing ewes were numerous, and there was a good market for them at from 10s to 19s for fairly good quality, while poorer quality made from 10s to 15s and culls down to 6d. ’ Some 50 head of store cattle were on offer. The market was quiet. Store cows realised up to £3 10s, and youti-* steers and heifers up to £3 15s 6d

— Duutroon.— At the Duntroon sale on Wednesday no fewer than 12,000 sheep of all descriptions were forward, with the result that the pens overflowed and cattle pens and paddocks had to be utilised. The entries included a very large number of station sheep, -me being good ordinary drafts and otheroddments. The greater part of the yarding consisted of aged ewes, but taken all round the sale was a good one, though a number of lots, failed to change hands, amongst those withdrawn being a lino of; over 500 sound-mouthed Corriedale ewes.' for which 30s ICd was bid and declined. For good quality sheep the bidding was active, and the prices highly satisfactory, while some other sorts sold well. The range of prices . was as follows:—Fat! wethers, 25s 6d and 25s 9d; fat lambs, 30s 6d; two-tooth ewes, from 35s to 37s lOd, two-tooth halfbred ewes, 40s 6d to 41s 5d . two-tooth Romney cross ewes, 375; mixedfour, six, and eight-tooth ewes' in low condition, 30s ; eight-tooth station draff, halfbred ewes, 265; sound-m icJ ewes, from 26s Id to 29s 9d; fullmouthed ewes, 25s 9d • failing-mouthed ewes, from 8s to 15s according to condition ; broken-mouthed ewes, 3s 9d to 5s 4d; forward six and eight-tooth wethers? 22s 3d; ewe lambs. 23s to 26s 6d; ■ wether lambs, 14s; mixed-sex rape lambs/ from 22s to 24s 6d according to condition ; m>xed-sex store lambs, from 20s fid to 21s Bd. Some dairy cows were sold at £7 15s. — Balfour.— The Balfour stock sale was held on Wednesday in fine weather. The attendance was largo and a good entry of sheep was forward. The yarding comprised, nearly--5000 sheeep- of all classes. The sale was hardly as good as recent sales, and a number of lines were passed in at auction, but, however, a fairly good clearance, was made.- A pen of fat . wethers- made 275,' and the same price was paid. (or good for-, ward wethers. A large number of lambs: were offering, and prices ranged from; 225, 6d to 29s for good forward sorts, ! while poorer quality made 18s 8d A large number of breeding ewes were forward andmet with fair demand. Sound-mouth ewes were emitted at from 23s 6d to 265, while good full and failing ewes realised from 18s 4d to 23s 3d, and poorer quality 13s to 8s 6d ' A number of rams were on offer and sold at up to 7gns,. — Balclutha.— There was a large entry of sheep and a big attendance of buyers at the Balclutha sale' on March 30. The • sheep entry totalled about. 12,000, and tljo sale was a notably good one right through. Prices for lamb ruled about the same ns at last sale, mutton was dearer, and ' hreed ing ewes particularly were in demand at enhanced prices. were as

follow*:*hat lambs, 25s to 325; fat wethers, , to 345; fat owes, 15s to 22s lOd; twotooth ewes, 30s to 40s 3d and 42 s for oxira good; sound-mouthed-ewes 25s to 30s 8d • failing mouthed ewes. 10s to 17s; ewe lambs to 245; rape lambs to 24s 3d; small lambs, 13s 6d to 15s fid; store wethers, 23s to 265. very few pens were passed, and the sale m this, respect, considering the entry, was something,, of a record. CORRIEDALE SHEEP SOCIETY. gJ IIO * n ? llal meeting of the Corriedale oneep Society was presided over by Mr H 1. Little, Christchurch. -The annual report, which wa s adopted, congratulated members on the continued success and expansion of the society. The membership had increased to 170 flocks, spread throughout the Dominion. The balance sheet disclosed a surplus of assets (Over liabilities of £383 12s 2d- also there ; was an amount of £lll Os fid to the credit •ot the profit and loss account. Daring the . year surplus funds of, the society to the extent of £3OO had been invested in New Zealand Government inscribed stock. The • Ar" I ',, 3 Memorial Cup was won oy •< 1- Little at the Royal Show, Christchurch. Tne demand from overseas for .New Zealand Corriedales continued to be > good and must be most encouraging to ; members. During the year members of- the ; soc ’ e Ey had shipped abroad 364 stud rams ana 127 stud ewes; all were passed hy the society s inspectors, and tattooed with the society's tattoo mark. It was- resolved that it bo a rccora- : mendation to .the incoming council that there should be more rigid inspection of .surplus ewes, and that the Flock Book be closed to flocks that are being bred up 1929 Sanie b® registered 31„ The Chairman announced the election of the following as members of the, council : —Messrs 0. T. Evans, James Reid, and John Stringfellow. At a meeting of the council, held after the close of the annual meeting,* Mr O. T.' Evans was elected president, Mr H. T.” Little declining nomination, and Messrs Isaac Andrew and Hugh Ensor were elected vice-presidents. Messrs O. T. Evans, ,H. Ensor, and 11. T. Littlq, were elected the executive. Mr N D. Campbell was elected hon. treasurer.

• EXPORT OF DAIRY CATTLE. ■ The dairy division of the Department of ! Agriculture reports that during the calendar year 1927 New Zealand exported 43 head of purebred dairy cattle. The majority of these went to Australia and Tasmania, while a small consignment was shipped to South Africa, and one Jersey bull to Noumea. Only two breeds—Jersey and Friesian—were represented in the year’s exports. The total declared value of the 43 head was £2232 15s, or an average value per head of £5l 18s 6d. For purposes of comparison it may be stated that the 1926 figures were 41 head, with a total declared value of £3521, or about £B6 per head. The exports for 1927 thus show a considerable decrease in average value. The decrease is largely accounted for by the fact that in 1926 many specially selected and outstanding individuals were included in the exportations, whereas last year’s shipments were comprised mainly of animals of more average quality.

CATTLE FOR AUSTRALIA. New Zealand breeders of stud beef cattle—Shorthorns, Herefords and AberdeenAngus—will be very strongly represented at the coming Royal Easter Show at Sydney, as a record shipment has just been made of tho breeds named. Experts state that included are some cattle of more than usual merit, and if they land in good order should be capable of winning honours in the classes in which they will compete. The great bulk of the shipment, however, which comprises 56 head, are being shipped primarily to participate in the sales of stud beef cattle which are a feature of ►he royal shows, in Australia. It is anticipated that the pick of the New Zealand cattle will meet with a very keen sale, and that the sales generally will be the best, for some years, as conditions throughout New South Wales and Queensland have been abnormally good The largest shipper is Mr L. White, of Rakaia. who has sent forward 30 Shorthorns, of which three are stud bulls and the balance stud cows and heifers. Mr D. Buchanan, of Tepurupuru, Masterton, will he represented by three Shorthorns, including the very fine two-year-old Maungaraki Duke 132nd by Bushey Park Pure Gold from Cambridge Duchess 34th, which has been undefeated this season and was reserve champion of the Hawke’s Bav Show in the spring. Sir Douglas M‘Lean, of Maraekakaho, Hastings, will l>e represented by three well bred yearling bulls which were not shown this season, and Mr J. A. Johnstone, of Bushoy Park, Palmerston. will be represented by four bulls of the same breed, including his fine red bull Bushev,Park Diamond Marquis, by- Rothiebrisbane - Diamond (imp.), from Bushey Park Tea Rose (imp.), which was second in his class, at the Royal Show. This comprises the Shorthorn exhibit from the Domin'on Mr J. M'Kenzie, of Maunfrahina. Masterton, has also sent across three high-class Hereford bulls, all of which have been prize winners during the past season..

THE WOOL MARKET.

A SUCCESSFUL SEASON/ In round, figures some- 518.000 bales of creasy.wool have now been offered ip New Zealand.. the Wellington aggregate catalogue of l 20,880 bales offered thw' week .bringing the- season to its close. 1 The advance in: price has been most marked in lialfbreds-and crossbreds, probablj’ 90 per eent. of the wool grown ip the Dominion. On such wools since the sales opened in ■November at Wellington the rise has been from 3d to 4d per lb, and every sale has registered an advance on its predecessor this season. Prices have not been of a boom character, but they have been most remunerative all the season round *to the woolgrower. Buyers in every section of the trade have been most loyal in their support of the market. They-repre-sented cverv consuming market in the world—Yorkshire, Germany, Belgium, .France, United States, Russia, and Japan, and there was strong sunport given by Australia and the New Zealand woollen manufacturers 7 and merchants; ’ Will wofillen clotheS -be -'dearerThey- ean

hardly escape being so, with prices as they are and raw cotton also on the rise. The importance of the sale in Wellington lies in that it completed the offering locally of well over 500,000 bales. A few growers, still ship wool Home on their own account and chance tire state of the market at the time the wool is offered in Coleman street, but almost all growers now sell their wool in the Dominion, and are paid for it 14 days from the fall of the hammer. quite recent years the quantities of wool offered in the Dominion have been as f0110w:—1924-25, bales 478,847; 192526, bales 498,517; 1926-27, bales 505,887; 1927-28, bales 517,719. This is not all the wool raised in the Dominion, but it is very nearly all the greasy wool. Wool in New Zealand has got along very well without control. The only thing in the way of control was 'fixation of reserves by. the New Zealand Wool Committee shortly after the-great postwar slump in wool, and fixation of the quantities to be offered.- To-day no reserves are fixed by the committee; and all it now does is to limit the quantities to be offered in December, January, and February sales, and that in the interests of the growers. '• ,> Buyers now come for the wool, it is no longer sent to London for them to appraise. Wool this year is the chief of the exports of the Dominion. It-should reach quite £13,000,000 on the 12 months ending June 30 next. This money going into circulation cannot fail to have a beneficial effect upon the financial condition of the Dominion. With it must be taken into account the export of woolled sheepskins and pelts—all wealth derivable froi the sheep, .to say nothing of the value of mutton arid lamb. One most satisfactory feature of the selling season has been the general readiness of growers to adjust their ideas of values with those arrived at bv their advisory brokers, and, as it has turned out, with buyers’ ideas of the market. The result of this agreement has been an almost total clearance; in fact, it may be said that there will be no carry-over of wool into next season, that the floors of the wool stores will be as bare of wool a ? y aSi le cupboard of Mother- Hubbard of bones for. her dog. 1 . 5 Wool .offered this season and last; at all centres, has been as under:— 1

FARMERS AND PARTY POLITICS.

MASTERTON, March 30. Mr W< J. Polson addressed an audience -of about 500 town land ;Country people here this-evening; He spoke on the lines, of his previous addresses, centehdihg that the

country was borrowing far too much, and that what it needed was more settlement and revenue; from production. In a brief reference to politics he expressed the emphatic, opinion that the Farmers’ Union shoulff .-keep clear of party politics. At anothdy- stage he said that he had farmed nb decision as to wnat he would do individually in regard to politics. There was no justification for current rumours that he intended to stand for this or that seat, as he had made no statement to anyone of his intentions.

OTAGO A. AND P. SOCIETY.

RAM AND EWE FAIR. The annual ram and ewe fair conducted by the stock agents urfder the auspices o! the Otago Agricultural and Pastortai Society was hekUat Burnside on Thursday in the presence of a large number of vendors and buyers. Most of the leading breeder; in Otago were represented, and entries were also forwarded by 'Mr Leonard White (Rakaia), Mr R. J. < Anderson and Redcliffs 'Station, and Mr Donald Grant (Ti-maru). Entries showed a considerable decline -compared with those for last year. The breeds most strongly repre- 1 sented from a numerical., point of view were Romney Marsh, Border Leicester, and Corriedale, and the Border Leicester section was the only one in-winch the entries were larger than those for 1927. The Romn.ey Marsh entries dropped from 623 in 1927 to 344 thi s year, and those in Corriedales from 210 to 204. Two other breeds — '•bropshire and Southdown—figured in the list of entries' for the first time for some years, the former being represented by 16 entries and the latter by 20. Tho following table shows the number of entries received for the last four years:—

The stud section was., a small one, there being only 30 rams forward, made up of eight Romney Marsh,-12 Border Leicester?, and 10 Corriedales.-; j The quality was hardly up, to ,lust year’s standard, thero being no individual .animals quite so good, but on the other,.-blind, there was practically nothing of ■an inferior nature forward. Competition was keen, and on the sales made prices can ,be quoted as belter than those realised 'last, year. The top price—43gns—was secured by Mr T. Lochhead, of Balclutha, for a one-sheav stud Romney . ram, which was purchased by Mr A. D. Bell., of Shag Valley. Tho same vendor also sold another of the same breed and age for 4E£gns to Mr O. Throp, of Te Houka.. The balance of the entry in the Romney section realised from lOgns to 20gns. , Tn the Border Leicester stud section the highest) price was Ibtons, which waa obtained by. Mr T. S. Little, of Windsor, North Otago, , .; ,

Mr Leonard White, of Rakaia, secured is high as 23gns for a stud Corriedale rain. In the flock ram section a number of very hue Romney Marsh sheep were offered. Competition was keen, and the whole of the entry was cleared. The top price was secured by Messrs Murray Bros., of Clydevale, who obtained the satisfactory figure of 15igns. Mr John Lochbead, of Kaitangata, obtained ' 13gns. and Mr T. Lochhead, of Balclutha, sold several pens up to as high at I2Jgns. The Border T,e\-c--ter flock ram* V''r not so keenly rompetcd for, but, nevertheless, they realised fair price..-, as nri'lt 7Jens bmn<r obtained by Mr T. Lochhend, of Te Houka, for one-shear rams. The range being 31 to s|gns. As high as 15Jgns was secured for Corriedale flock rams, that price being realised by Mr Leonard White. Mr Arthur Gardiner, of Island Cliff was the only breeder to send forward Shropshire flock ranis, and he sold the ■whole of his entry at prices ranging up to 7gns. Mr P. W. Borrie, of Oamaru, was the only vendor of Southdown flock rams. Under keen competition the whole of his entry , was cleared at prices up to 9Jgns. The following details of sales are furnished by the various Stock and Station agents:— Stud Romney Marsh Rams. —Wright. Stephenson and Co. sold: For _ Thomas Lochhead (Te Houka), 1 one-shear ram 43gns (purchased by Mr A. D. Bell. Shas Valley. Wailiemo.); Thomas Lochhead (Te Houka). 1 one-shear ram 22gns; John Lochhead (Kaitaneatn). 1 one-shear ram 12gns Donald Reid and Co. sold: For Thomas Lochhead (Te Houka), one-shear

Romney ram 42Jgns; John Lochhead (Kaitangata), one-shear stud Romney ram •JOigns. The Otago Farmers’ Co-onera tive Association sold: For Thomas Lochhead (Te Houka), 1 one-shear 16gns. Romney Marsh Flock Rams.—Stronach. Morris, and Co. sold: For Oliver Grey (Milburn), two one-shear lOJgns; Mrs J. Miller (“ Braemore,” Maungatua), 5 oneshear lOgns; John Miller (Maungatua), 10 one-shear lOgts; Thomas Lochhead (Te Houka), 3 one-shear lOgns; R. F. Kirk (Kelso), 5 one-shear BJgns.Wright, Stephenson, and Co. sold: For John Lochhead (Kaitangata), 3 two-tooth rams 13gns; Thomas Lochhead (Te Houka), 1 12Jgns, 4 12gns; John Miller (Maungatua), 5 llgns, 5 lOJgns, 5 9gns; Mrs J. Miller (Maungatua), 5 lOJgns, 5 lOgns; Oliver Grey (Milburn), 4 9Jgns; Murray Bros. (Clydevale), 4 Sgns; George Nichol and Sons (Allanton), 30 9gns; John - Miller (Maungatua). 5 two-tooth rams 4igns; J. A. Edwards (Otikerama), 5 4£gns; James Gow (Mosgiel), 7 4gns; J. W. Blair (Outram), 10 to sgns; Gibson Bros. (North Taieri), 5 3Jgns. Dalgety and Co. sold: For Mrs J. Miller (Maungatua), 5 one-shear rams lOigns; John Miller (Maungatua), 5 one-shear rams B’gns, 5 9|gns; Dr Bowie (Edievale), 10 two-shear rams 4|gns; Donald Grant (Elloughton Grange. Timaru), 10 one-shear rams 6Jgns, 10 sgns, 5 sJgns; R. J. Anderson (Kauana), 5 one-shear rams 83gns Murray Bros. (Clydevale), 3 one-shear rams 15Jgns; R. F, Kirk (Kelso). 4 one-shear rams 9Jgns, 1 B|gns. Donald Reid and Co. sold: For Mr.. Oliver Grey (Milburn). 4 one-shear Romneys 9£gns; J. W. Blair (Outram), 5 6gns; Donald Grant (Timaru), 20 Signs; Thomas

Lockhead (Te .Houka), 4 12Jgns; John Lockhead (Kaitangata), 2'l2sgns; John Miller (Maungatua), 5 llgns; Mrs J. Miller (Maungatua), 10 10|gns; S. W. Moffat (Te Houka), 5 lOigns. The National Mortgage and Agency Company sold: For R. F. Kirk (Kelso), 5 one-shear Uigns; 2 one-shear 1 llgns, 1 one-shear lOigns,-5 one-shear lOigns, 3 one-shear lOgns. 5 one-shear 94gns,-2 one-shear Signs; John Miller (Maungatua), 5 one-shear 9Jgns, .5 one-shear 91gns; Mrs John Miller (Maungatua), 5 one-shear 9Jgns; Murray Bros. (Clydevale) .■ 4 one-shear 9£gns; R. J. Anderson (Kauana), 5 one-shear Signs; Thomas Lockhead (Te Houka), 2 ones Year 9gns.— : —New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company sold: Far Thomas Lochliead (Te Houka), 2 rams 124gns; John Lochhead (Kaitangata), 3 12gns; Moffat Bros. (Balclutha), • 6 lOigns; Murray Bros. (Clydevale), 4 13igns; Mrs. J. Miller (Maungatua), 5 lOAgns. The Otago Farmers’ Co-opera-tive Association sold: For Thomas Lochhead .(Te Houka), 5 one-shear _ llgns; Oliver Grey (Milburn), 4 one-shear 9|gns; Murray Bros. (Clydevale), 5 one-sh<..:r 9|gns; R. F. Kirk (Kelso), 5 one-sljear lOigns; Mrs J. Miller (Maungatua). 5 one-shear 9igns; John Miller (Maungatua), 5 one-shear llgns, 5 John Lochhead (Kaitangata), 2 one-shear* llgns; James W. Blair (Outram), 5 oneshear 7gns. Stud Border Leicester Rams.—The Otago Farmers’ Co-operative Association sold: For Thomas Lochliead (Te Houka), 1 one-shear* IGgns; J. E. Edwards (Otikerama) , 2 one-chear lOgns, 1 9Jgns, 1 Bgnsi Dalgety and Co. sold: For T. S. Little. (Windsor), 1 shearling ram 16|gna ‘ (to

W. Moynihan, Ngapuna).—-—The National. Mortgage and Agency Company sold: For Thomas S. Little (Windsor), 1 shearling ram 13Jgns. Border Leicester Flock Rams.— Stronach, Morris and Co. sold: For Murray Bros. (Clydevale), 6 one-shear 6gns; James Gow (“ Invermay,” Mosgiel), 6 one-shear 41gns; Robert. Lockhead (Balclutha). 2 one-shear 4Jgns; John Miller (Maungatua), 4 - one-shear 4gns.—— Wright, Stephenson and. Co. sold: For Robert Lochhead (Balclutha), 4 7igns, 4 6sgns, 8 to s|gns; Chisholm Bros. (Palmerston), 4 6igns; Thomas Lochhead (Te Houka), 3 Murray Bros. (Clydevale), 5 to 7gns; Oliver* Grey (Milton), 2 6gns. Dalgety and Co. sold: For Oliver Grey (Milburn), 1 one-shear ram 7gns, 2 4£gns; Murray Bros. <Clydevale), 5 one-shear rams s£gns; Robert Lochhead (Balclutha), 2 4gns; J. W. Blair (Outram), 5 4gns, 5 3|gns; R. J. Anderson. (Kauana), 4 Signs, .5 44gns; Gibson Bros. (North Taieri), 3 . two-shear rams ,3gns; J. A. Edwards (Otekerama), 5 one-shear rams 4gns- Donald Reid and Co. sold: For Thomas Lochhead (Te Houka), 4 one-shear rams 7|gns; O. Grey (Milburn), 3 4Jgns; Gibson Bros. (North Taieri), 5 4|gns; Robert Lochhead (Balclutha), 3 4Jgns; James Gow (Mosgiel), 18 signs: Murray Bros. (Clydevale), 5 s|gns; vendor, 17 2gns to 2|gns. The National Mortgage and Agency Co. sold: For R. J. Anderson (Kauana), 5 oneshear 6|gns, 5 Signs; Murray Bros. (Clydevale), 3 61gns, 2 6gns Oliver Gray /Milburn), 4 sJgns; J. A. Edwards (Otikerama), 5 sgns, 3 4gns; Robert Lochhead (Balclutha), 2 4gns. New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Co. -sold: For Kain Bros. (Stirling), 5 rams 6Jgns; Robert Lochhead (Balclutha), 2 4igns; Murray Bros. (Clydevale), 5 siens; Gibson Bros. INnrfh ’isioril 9

Signs, 3 3gns; J. A. Edwards (Otikerama), 2 4gns. The Otago; Farmers’ Co-opera-tive Association sold: For Thomas Lochhead (Te Houka), 5 one-shear rams Signs; Murray Bros. (Clydevale), 5 oigns 5 sgns, 6 4Jgns; Oliver Grey (Milburn), 3 ojgns; J.- E. Edwards (Otikerama), 5 3|gns; Gibson Bros. (North Taieri), 5 Signs; Robert Lochliead (Balclutha), 3 Signs. Stud Corriedale Rams.— The National Mortgage and Agency Co- sold: For W Ayson and Sons (“ Southbrook,” Waikaka)* 1 shearling ram 20gns. 216 i gns, 1 logns. ~ Dalgety and Co. sold': For Leonard White (Rakaia), 1 shearling ram 20gns; R. Horn (Matauraj, 1 shearling ram 20gns, to Andrews and Dorricott (Five Rivers); 1 23gns, to W. Isbister (Dunback); 1 22gns, to Clarke (Gimmerburn); 1 18gns, to Andrews and Dorricott (Five Rivers); I 16ggns, to T. B. Bowker (Dunback).

Corriedale Flock Rams.—Wright, Stephenson, and Co. sold : For Leonard White (“ Balrazie,” Rakaia), 5 two-tooth 15gns, 5 142gns; John M'Les-n (Dumbarton), 5 Signs, 5 to Signs; C. F. Overton (Winton), 10 6j>gns; P. M. Collins (Palmerston), 8 to £5 5s. —- —-Stronach, Morris, and Co. sold: For Leonard White (“Balrazie,” Rakaia), 5 one-shear 15Igns, 5 llggna. Dalgety and Co. sold : For Leonard White (Rakaia), 5 one-shear rams 14igns, 5 ISgns; John M‘Leod and Son (Ginunerburn), 6 one-shear rams Signs, 12 9gns; P. M. Collins (Palmerston), 5 one-shear rams 4igns, 5 Signs.—Donald Reid and Co. sold: For P. M. Collins (Palmerston), 8 one-shear Corridale rams, from sgns to 53-gns. The National Mortgage and Agency Co. sold -. For P. M. Collins (Palmerston), 4 one-shear 6£gns, 4 signs. New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Co. sold: For Redcliff Station (Otautau), 51 rams at market rates; P M. Collins (Palmerston), 5 rams at market rates.

Otago Farmers’ Co-operative Association sold: For Leonard White (Rakaia), 5 oneshear Higns, 5 9-?gns; A. G. Mathias (Waipiata), 6 one-shear 9agns, 6 91gns, 5 84gns, 5 Bgns, 3 7|gns, 5 7ggns. Southdown Flock Rams.—The National Mortgage and Agency Co. sold: For P. W. Borrie (Oamaru), 4 one-shear Bgns. ■ • Dalgety and Co. sold: For Oliver Grey (Milburn), 2 one-shear Bgns. Wright, Stephenson and Co. sold: For P. W. Borrie (Papakaio), 4 Bgns. Donald Reid and Co. sold: For P. Borrie (Oamaru). 8 one-shear Bgns to 9lgns. Shropshire Flock Rams. —Wrient, Stephenson and Cd sold: For A. Gardiner (Island Cliff), 8 to 6£gns. Donald Reid and Co. sold: For Arthur Gardiner (Island Cliff), 8 one-shear Signs to 7gns.

NATIONAL DAIRY SHOW. The dates set apart for this popular exhibition are June 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23, and everything possible is being put in train to make it a record gathering. | The annual conference of the National Dairy Association is to be held in Palmerston North at.that time, and the Railway Department is arranging a splendid programme of transportation for prospective visitors. One of the items will be a farmers’ excursion train from Auckland and Waikato, special arrangements being made for the provision of accommodation for visitors travelling thereon. Excursion rates will be granted from all stations in this island. Auckland and south thereof, but Auckland and Waikato passengers north of T.uimarunui must travel on the farmers’ special. Football, which always is an'attractive feature of the show, will again be provided for relaxation. Dog trials are being reinstated after being off the programme for several years, and with the erection of a new entertainment hall for afternoon and evening sessions a Variety of amusements will be available for a change from the more serious side of the show. The prize list for the various competitive sections is very comprehensive, and covers butter, cheese, roots, fruit, vegetables, seeds, farm produce, honey, needlework, cookery, photography. ■■ school gardens, forestry, dog trials.- horse competitions, etc; - Prize schedules are available and .will- be supplied' free >on application to the secretary, Box 85, Palmerston North.

AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL NEWS. The Bradford and Huddersfield Chambers of Commerce have . cabled the Commonwealth Prime Minister (Mr Bruce) urging him not to assent to the proposal to increase the duties on woollen and worsted piecegoods. It is stated that an increase in the duties would arouse great .hostility in the West Riding, and would react unfavourably against Australian Purchasers of seed for bush burns and hill country are advised by the Govern-

ment seed analyst (Mr N. R. Foy). against ..the buying .of “cheap” mixtures,.as advertised throughout the Dominion, -(vith°ut first ascertaining whether they are really worth the attractive prices asked. .Several .analyses made on behalf of prospective buyers have shown that,.the mixtures jn all .cases are worth approximately only one-half of the price asked, and that a mixture of good-quality seeds in the same proportions could be brought for about Id per pound more than is asked for the inferior seed. The net profits of the recent’ A., and P, Show at Dannevirke were £539 9s lid.

At Messrs Dalgety and Co.’s rooms at Gord ■ on March 24 there was a good attendance of farmers and graziers at the offering of Mr W. Crothers’ 1000acre pastoral run, which is situated some six nnles from Gore. The carrying Capacity of the property is between 850 and 1000' ewes, and there is a three-roomed dwelling on tho property with other buildings. The bidding started at £4 and rose to £5 5s per acre, at which figure the property was passed in. . > ■ Mr H. J. Andrew, the Maheno Southdown breeder, was very successful at the Canterbury ram and ewe fair. For three of his stud' rams he secured an average of 40gns. The highest price paid for one of his rams was 44gns. This was the top price obtained for a Southdown ram at the fair. Out of 220 soldiers’ farms in the Franklin County only two are unoccupied, and. they are held up pending negotiations over a watershed reserve, said the Minister of, Lands, Mr A. D. M'Leod. when speaking at Pukekohe. That, he said, was an answer to those critics who said a great deal about unoccupied soldiers’ farms. The matter of OKhibiting freak and de-., formed animals by stall holders in the side sections of A and P. shows was brought before the Manawatu A. and P. Association at- its meeting in Palmerston -North by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. By letter,, the society approached the association with a view to having such ’exhibits excluded from thb grounds at future shows, as it was suggested that there was frequently considerable suffering in connection with theso exhibits. The co-operation of the association was solicited. It was decided to refer the matter to the North Island Conferenco of A. and P. Associations.

PEDIGREE CATTLE SALES.

HIGH PRICES FOR SHORTHORN'S. The entry of Shorthorns at Perth was much the same as last year, but the quality was deemed to be better, and trade generally was sound. The total number of bulls was 378, and heifers and cows 107. The championship for bulls went to Captain J. MacGillivray, of Calrossie, and the reserve to Lady Cathcart, Cluny Castle, who for the second year in succession won the challenge cup for the best group of three bulls bred by exhibitor. The top price for bulls was 3500gns. paid for the champion Calrossie Double Event, by Mr James Sidey, for export to the Argentine. The following is a summary

355 Gross avge. £125 13 2 £ll3 2 3 The total sum realised for 355 head was £44,608 14s 6d, compared with £39,232 Us 6d for 388 head last year, and £37,280 15s 6d for 433 head in 1926. Further reference to the annual sale of Scotch yearling bulls at Perth, Scotland, will not come amiss, seeing that an Otago herd of Shorthorns claims close relationship to the high-priced youngsters in the Homeland. This most important annual fixture took place on . February 13 and 15, and proved a great contrast to the sales of recent years. Buyers were present in large numbers from many overseas countries, and, of course, from all over England, Scotland, and Ireland, and vied with each other in securing the best of the young bulls that were brought forward. Writers regarding the sales are all in agreement that there was a great improvement in the quality of the cattle submitted, and this together with the fact that vendors had exercised far greater care in the selection of the animals they were exhibiting and selling than has been the case of late years when prices were at a low ebb caused a very marked rise in values. To illustrate how great the improvement and how keen the demand was we give the following, which, amongst others, . are a few of the leading sales recorded: —

Calrossie Double Event. —Dark roan; calved November 18, 1926. Sire. Double Event (162830). Dam (51879), Calrossie ' Butterfly Pride by White Prince (168014). Bred by and property of Captain John McGillivray, of Calrossie, Ross-shire. Winner of first prize in his class and the Lady Cathcart Challenge Cup (champion of show;). Sold to James Sidey, CouparArigiis, for export, at 3500gns, Millhills Charming King—Red; calved December 26, 1926. Sire, Naemoor Ironclad' (209846)'. Dam (18450). Millhills „ Charity 11, by Cupbearer of Collyme (114960). Bred bv and property of D. M. Stewart, of Millhills, Crieff. Winner lof first prize in his class (December). | Sold to A. J. Marshall, Bridgebank, Stranraer, for 1700gns.

Cluny Augustus Beau. —Red; ealVed March ; 17, 1927. Sire, Cluny Beauty Chief (206245). Dam (59314), Cluny Augusta XVIII, by Cluny Regal Star (154879). Bred bv and property of Lady Cathcart, Cluny Castle. Aberdeen. W inner of first prize in his class (younger March). Reserve champion and one of the first prize group. Sold to D. C. Bruce, Fochabers, for 1400gns. Naemoor Knight Errant. —Dark roan; calved February 20, 1927. Sire, Naemoor Gaffer (192364). Dam. Naemoor Jealousy 111 (vol. 64, p. 1135), by Edgcote Masterpiece (.115277). Bred Jjy and property of John J. Moubray, Naemoor. Rumbling Bridge. Winner of first prize in his e 1 asL (-February). Sold to W, M’Naif Snaddcn, Coldoch, Blair-Drummond, fot 1200gns.

There were many other high-class young bulls disposed ‘of at from 400gns to lOOOgns. : ' It is interesting to note that quite a number of the' bulls that brought the •highest prices wer6 closely related to the cattle in the well-kiiown Otago herd at Bushey Park, For instance,-the highestpriced bull belonged to the Butterfly tribe, and is represented at Bushey Park by Bushey Park Diamond Butterfly,; bred 'at Bushey Park. The second highest-prjce<| bull is a grandson 6f Cupbearer of nie, who also is the grandsire of tris imported Bushey Park cow Rosedew.. A third belonged to the Augusta Labe, which is represented in the Otago nerd by Bushey Park Augusta’s Hero from Augusta Corinna. A fourth to the Jealousy tribe, Naemoor Knight Errant, out of Naemoor Jealousy 111. of the Bushey Park stud cows is Naemoor Jealousy II,; by Edgcote Masterpiece, while another is .a grandson of Prescient of the Mint,’who in turn is sire of the Bushey Park cow Cluny . Belle IX. The highestpriced heifer ‘at the sale was Sealands Eliza V, a full-sister tq Sealands Eliza 11, one of the matrons -it Bushey Park, and herself a daughter pt one of the best breeding bulls in Scotland to-day, Garbity Field Marshal.

This is 'interesting from the point of view as illustrating the fact that here in New Zealand bulls oi equally fashionable blood and of very high individual excellence can be-procured at a fraction of the cost of the prices that are above recorded. ABF.RDEEN-ANGUS. There was a record entry of 875 Aber-deen-Angus cattle at the annual spring show' and sale at Perth, Scotland. Owing possibly to the trend of fashion for small joints, lean meat, early maturity and high quality of flesh, the demand was sound. The highest' price paid was 2000gns for Mr J. Ernest Kerr’s reserve male champion, Evolver of Harviestoun, calved in 1926. The following is a general summary of the sales, the figures for 1927 being given for the sake of comparison.

In 1926 the overhead average was £52 Ils 2d for 626 head, 454 bulls averaging £57 13s: and in 1925, when 595 head averaged £59 Is sd, the 416 bulls averaged £65 8s sd.

AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH.

WORK OF CAWTHRON INSTITUTE. Despite talk to the contrary, few countries are expending so much effort per head of population on agricultural research and education as New Zealand. Every facility is offered the novitiate farmer in his search for knowledge, while active research work is being carried out in regard to many of the greatest problems confronting the man on the land. The Agricultural Department keeps a competent staff of instructors always at the call of the farmer. At all times it is their duty to inquire into any problem with which he may be confronted, and to advise him to the best of their ability in regard to its solution. Experimental farms are established in different parts of the Dominion, all with a view to investigating the problems confronting the farmer. Results of all experiments carried out here are given full publicity. For the young farmer seeking a greater insight into the science of farming in all its branches there are State farms, while, to-dav further facilities are offered at Lincoln College in the south and the Massey College at Palmerston North. All these facilities are available at an extremely low comparative cost. In addition to this money is made available every year for the prosecution of research into several of the problems which, as yet, have proved too much for officers of the Agricultural Department. instance, the spread of blackberry, *which has caused alarm in many districts, is receiving attention. In this direction the Cawthron Institute of Scientific Research in Nelson is rendering a service which is gaining it recognition throughout the world. When the story of the later development of New Zealand comes to be written there is ho doubt that the Cawthron Inu- stitute will be a very prominent feature. New Zealand commemorates her '-'benefactors, high on the list must stand the name of Thomas Cawthron, of Nelson, for it was through his foresight and generosity that the institute came into being. The founding of the institute was made possible by the gift of £240,000 by Mr Cawthron, but it was not until 1920, seven years after his death, that the institute was finally established. There was trouble over the-interpretation of his will, arid’ also an unsuccessful flight to obtain a partial or complete remission of the £40.000 claimed as death duty by the Government. On the advice of a private commission the executors finally decided to establish an institute which should conduct research into agricultural and fruitgrowing problems. On the staff are agriculturalists, pomoldgists, mycologists, entomologists, and chemists, not to speak of meteorolo..gists, photographers, curator of the museum, and gardeners, etc. The building, which stands iri three acres of land, is a house of 15 rooms, fitted up with specially equipped laboratories. Other plots of land have been ac-

quired fpm time to time all over the Nelson pr ( .'.ince enabling experiments to be carrier out in various types of soil. Many of crops are" grown in the Nelson district, each having its own soil probler p j, its own special disease, and its own itj.-ect and other pests. Thus there is a multiplicity of points requiring careful investigation, the results of which are of interest to farmers all over New Zealand. Among the many activities of the institute may be mentioned research into systems of cool storage, the results of which have proved so valuable to fruit growers. Another interesting side of the institute’s work is the entomological department which is carrying out a highly valuable and almost sensational war against insect pests and noxious weeds. Thus, it can be seen, that while there may be room for reform, New Zealand, both as a result of Government activity and private benefactors, has done much to throw light on the problems confronting the man on the-land. Certainly with the facilities available there is no excuse for* the haphazard working-in-the-dark methods which have prevailed so largely in the past.

THE NORTH ISLAND.

(From Ocb Own Correspondent.) The weather of the past week has been more to the liking of farmers. It has been a little more mixed -with rain and sunshine, though at nights it has been cold, with a winter twang in the air. It is quite certain that winter is not far away, but it is hoped that there will not be any frosts for some little time, thus giving the new grass a chance to establish itself. The dairy output is still keeping up well, but the drought period gave things a setback that prevented the fulfilment of the belief earlier in the season that the 1927-28 dairy season would be marked by a phenomenal output. The good topping off of a remarkable season never eventuated, the dry spell holding on too long. Nevertheless there has been an improvement in output lately, or at all events since the rain and sunshine combined produced another good growth of grass, which has recently been reflected in the milk yield. The Dairy Produce'Board at its meeting last week dealt in a most comprehensive manner with the export trade in bu.tter and cheese, and the figures produced were illuminating as to the quantities of produce sent overseas and those graded. Loadings of butter ’for the period MarchApril total ,157,500 boxes. The loading dates and quantities are:—

This quantity will arrive at its destination between April 30 and June 27 from August, 1927, to next month, shipments of butter will have reached 2,477.028 boxes to the following destinations:— Great Britain, 2.107.346 boxes; Vancouver, 133,900; Halifax, 103,943- New K°onn aDd xi Panama - 20,139; Australia. 87,200; other countries, 24,500. Australian and other countries’ shipments Marcb are . estimated at 3500 and 3000 boxes respectively, but no estimates are made for shipments during April to destinations outside Great Britain. The board found it extremely difficult to estimate what the gradings will be for the period April to July, but after the shipments have been completed it is almost certain that for May, June, and Julv the total will not be more than 300,000 boxes available for export during the three months, and this seems a rather liberal estimate. ?’ 695 ton ® of butfer (2,867,000 boxes) were graded, and of this quantity it was calculated 2,700 000 boxes were exported to all destinations Assuming the gain of 5000 tons in production to the end of February is lost between March and July—lloo tons were , Ft ' brua l' y ’ a «d the figures so far available for March indicate a loss of at of aS 3OOO 00 t° t0 f 6 f A r month —a loss of 3000 tons for April, May, June, and July is possible. On this basis the total gradings for the season would equal last season’s. Therefore,, it can be "assumed be in thc ™ ni,j . Ihe . effects of the recent dry weather in dairying districts are seen in the weekly figures relating to export. The figures are as follows, the number of boxes last season'being given in paren(Bo iB : nT Ja r U ? ry 28 .’ J 7 boxes (80,180); February 4, 68,890 (70 210)February 11, 66.480 (72,100)- Febrn-irv (64 OOO 2 ) 0 - 0 t 6 r B ’ s6^’ r Februa cy 25, 55,800 (64,000); March 5, 50.500 (64,270)S (&40 1 )’ 270 (62 ’ 5C0); MalC, ‘ 17 ’ With regard to the gradings of cheese in C |h 'n le ■ 96,OC ° C, ’ ateS ° f cheese in stor e m the Dominion a s at March 17, and allotments have been made of shipping space to absorb 69,1*0 crates between March 2 and April 19. lhe balance in store, 27,003 crates, may have space provided for during April sailings. Cheese shipments tins season if all-pace required is made available, should be 1,011,245 crates. Last season, 1,040,000 crates .were shipped. The decrease for 1927-28 from August to July may amount to 29,000 crates. February gradings of cheese showed a decrease, of only 6.8 per cent., but taking the weekly receipts into store as a guide this decrease can be expected to be much greater. The figures ..titre as follow, those for the corresponding weeks last year bein<» given in parentheses January 28 36 2(X) crates (35,120); February 4, 32,780 (35 230) • February 11, 31,770 (34,210); Februarv 18* 28,350 (33,000); February 25, 27,600 30 300)’ March 3, 23,870 (29,570); March 10, 23 480 (27,680); March 17, 23,300 (28,500). The above figures certainly show the trend of the industry, and yet, while thc total production will probably record a big decrease at thc end of the season, it is confidently believed that the total pay-out for butter-fat will be much in excess of last year, owing to better prices fulimr. Those whose cows have been milkine well lately are getting respectably-sized cheque.? THE PIG INDUSTRY. ? Poverty Bay farmers are wondering if there is the profit in pigs that enthusiasts claim. Probably, however, these dis-

appointed primary producers have worked on a haphazard system. All the Government experts emphasise the point that efficient methods must prevail if a profit is to be made. In one of the latest bulletins issued by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Mr M. J. Scott, 8.A.,8.5c., A.1.C., treats the matter from many aspects, from management on the farm to marketing. . The final passage deals with cleanliness in pig keeping, and ends with the words: —■ “Feed it well, and* keep it clean, and it will keep you.” Cleanliness has been emphasised so often that it would probably, be superfluous to give this aspect any more than passing mention, but in feeding, breeding, marketing, and farm policy there is much food for thought on the part of the farmer. 4 With regard to the type ol- pig that would be best for the consumer and the producer the bulletin pointe-out :-4-“ There are many men in New Zealand to-dav who know what class of pig is- wanted, but When they tell us there is an outcry from the breeders of different; animals, and even though these are in a minority, minorities usually win. » “If we knew the breed and feeding that produce quality, buyers, by giving less for the unsuitable mongrel and slopfed pigs, would soon have only one quality produced. At present agents go round the country buying privately all the best fed pigs at prices ruling on the open market, where three-quarters of the poorest quality is sold frequently without • competition. While no discrimination is shown by buyers no improvement can be expected in methods of feeding.” The writer points out that it is necessary to know as soon as possible the right kind of pig to produce for the consumer, and also for the producer. It must be ascertained from the consumer what kind of pig is required by sending Home many carcasses of different breeds, and others of the same but differently fed, and having them judged by the Smithfield market. “ So far.” the writer adds, “we have no information about the quality of the carcass or of breed of pig that will give us the quality. It is obtainable only by the combined efforts of all those interested. Money spent in this way would ultimately mean a great saving to the pig industry.” Instancing the importance of good breeding, and that high quality stock usually feeds more economically than inferior stuff does, he goes on to say: — “Breeding must come in side by side with feeding if the best is going to be achieved by either. There is nothing original in the idea, in that feeding and breeding stations conjointly—e.g., in Denmark — have made the trade what it is. The Danes can feed their selected pigs and show a profit. We cannot feed and show a profit. We cannot feed unselected pigs and show a profit; and just as with wheat and wool and dairy produce, selection is the first thing that has to be done if improvement is going to be made.” I Many aspects are dealt with in a careful and extensive manner, and one of the deductions given is that pigs ’outside in summer fatten three weeks sooner than they did if kept shut up. In Poverty Bay. however, pig rearing has not'been attended with great success, but it is quite possible if disappointed breeders there as well as in other parts of the Dominion would treat pigs iri a different way -and look after them properly they would find that acquaintance of “ the gentlemanjwho pays the rent ” is really worth cultivating. STOCK ACTIVITY IN -TARANAKI. Reports from South Taranaki show that there has been great all-rpfind 'activity in the stock markets of fl^e ’past week. In sheep lines there is still ’an- unsatisfied demand for breeding ewes, .arid prices are hardening, despite the fact. that there is a good selection. Prices for ewe and wether lambs are improving considerably, especially ewe lambs, for which sales are reported up to 255. Good wether lambs have been selling up to 21s. ' There is a good demand for wethers of all ages, but there are not very many offering. The works price for wethers has been advanced to the neighbourhood of 27s 6d. Fat cattle are hard to obtain, but they are selling well, and indications are that they will be very scarce during the winter months. The demand for store cattle, especially well-bred cows and steers, : is very keen. Reports from Hawke’s Bay indicate that feed is plentiful, and a considerable number of cattle will be wanted for that district.

The freezing works are absorbing all the store and works cows coming on the market, and good empty cows are being quickly snapped up by graziers. There is also a quiet demand for in-calf heifers. A few lines have been sold at fairly good prices, but the general opinion seems to be that there will be a rise shortly. A few people are buying weaner Jersey heifers, but not to a very great extent. Any small, choice lines are selling fairly well. A pen of good heifers sold recently at up to £4 15s. THE OAT MARKET. ' Inquiries go to show that the oat market has firmed up in consequence of business with London. Reports indicate that sales have been made for delivery to the British metropolis as high as 3s 9d f.0.b., and that further business may be done at that rate. The local market has hardened in consequence.

UNSOLVED PROBLEMS.

; MR H. E. PRATTEN’S VISIT. BUTTER AND WHEAT DUTIES. ; ; , WELLINGTON, March 30. i The Minister for Trades and Customs in ; the Commonwealth, Mr H. E. Pratten, who will leave by the Maunganui to-day for Sydney, told a reporter last night something about the butter, wheat, and flour trade problems, subject upon which he had not previously touched in the course of his tour. Mr Pratten explained at some length The operation of the “Paterson butter iplan,” which he described as 'a non-politi-cal and entirely voluntary co-operative jmovement amongst the dairy farmers and jbutter producers throughout Australia. “ Both the Commonwealth and the Dominion have, unfortunately 7 for a complete trade understanding between us, much ithe same clitnate and productions, which .make a generous reciprocity difficult,” shid Mr Pratten. “ I quite agree that

the freer we can make trade between us, the better it will be for each Dominion, but our trade relations seem to revolve more than they need round the questions or butter and wheat and flour. PATERSON BUTTER PLAN. " I. n November, last the Commonwealth Parliament raised the duty on New Zealand butter from 2d to 6d per lb, subject to the six inonths’ notice the trade treaty between us demands. Why we did it and what is the object, I think, needs some explanation before I leave Aew Zealand,” . said Mr Pratten. “On January 1, 1928, there came into operation in the Commonwealth an arrangement called the Patterson Butter Plan, which is a non-political and entirely voluntary co-operative movement amongst the dairy farmers, and butter producers throughout Australia, and they elected their own representatives to goven and control their own interests. Prior to the Paterson plan, New Zealand butter c°uld not be imported profitably into the Commonwealth during Australia’s butter exporting season. it could be imported only during the period of. non-exportation,- when prices were determined by domestic conditions of supply and demand. Then in a case of shortage and consequent increased prices, importation became possible. This has been the position normally resulting from the trade agreement between us. The Paterson scheme is purely voluntary, is not subsidised by the Government in any way. and is in effect a levy of l£d per lb on all butter manufactured in Australia, which Ijd per lb is paid into a fund controlled by the farmers themselves. This levy on production is deducted by the factories from payments made to the suppliers of cream. From this fund a bonus of 3d per lb is paid to producers on all butter exported. The effect of this is that the export value of butter is increased by 3d per lb. If butter is worth, say, Is 6d per lb on the. wharf for export, the local price for similar butter would be Is 6d. Also a bonus of 3d per lb ensures a return to the producer of Is 9d per lb ■ for export butter, and as factories have the option of exporting at Is 9d (including the bonus) they would certainly not sell locally at less. The price of butter sold locally is governed by export parity, and the result is a sympathetic increase in the price of butter sold for local consumption.

IMPORTS FROM NEW ZEALAND. “ The Paterson plan thus raised the domestic prices 3d per lb over London parity.” Mr Pratten continued. “As a result dealers could introduce New Zealand butter profitably throughout the year, even during the exporting season, when there was a surplus of butter in Australia. This New Zealand butter displaced Australian butter, and forced its export. This involved paying out-of the fund created by the dairymen themselves an export bonus of £2B per ton. The dealers in New Zealand butter therefore secured the extra profit resulting from the Paterson plan, and the Australian dairymen suffered a loss of £2B per ton. .In Australia we believe that as the dairyman has to produce under Australian conditions of wages and prices, he is entitled to a fair price in the Home market on that part of his output which is consumed by Australians. The Commonwealth produces about .120,000 tons of butter per year, and exports about one-third, so that two-thirds of the butter made is consumed in the country, and the Home market, with the operation of the Paterson plan, is worth more to the dairyman by 3d per lb than the foreign market. -In order to equalise conditions for his industry, he voluntarily submit, to a levy of lAd per lb ?ori the whole of his production.

“ Seeing that Australia is an exporting country 'it is obvious that every pound of butter imported , into Australia, while there is a sufficiency of local supplies, forces the exportation of an equal quantity that otherwise would be consumed in the country, and, the importation into Australia of. say, eight million pounds weight of butter from New Zealand necessarily costs the dairying industry 3d per lb upon a similar quantity exported, or £lOO,OOO directly out of the farmers’ pockets in order to re-estab-lish the position as it existed before the operation of the Paterson plan. It was necessary that the'"cost of New Zealand butter should be increased to Australian domestic parity. The Australian butter industry raised the export bonus from 3d to 4d per lb. JThis would have the result of increasing The domestic price 4d per lb over London parity. This increase was found unworkable, and 3d per lb was reverted to. but' the rate may be made 4d when the duty of 6d becomes operative. SAME RELATIVE POSITION. “With the duty of 6d per lb in operation arid an . export bounty of 4d per lb the relative position as regards the competition of New Zealand butter becomes identical with that which existed when the rate of 2d per lb and no export bonus was being paid. If there is a genuine shortage in Australia, New Zealand butter will be imported to supply it, just as happened before the Paterson plan was introduced. Just as New Zealand butter before that plan operated could not be imported during the Australian exporting season, so, with the plan in operation, and the duty of 6d, New Zealand butter will not be imported during thatiscason. “ I ask the dairy farmers of New Zealand to closely examine the position. We, in Australia, want to give our farmers some benefit out of the Home market, so that the consumers of butter, who are largely benefitted by Arbitration Court awards, shall give a little help to the dairy industry. The Paterson plan is designed to improve the conditions of the Australian dairy farmer, and Australian butter makers and cream suppliers pay a voluntary levy to improve their net returns, and this is being defeated by the dealer in New Zealand butter, who scoops the profit to the extent that his importations prevent the Paterson plan from functioning in the mttnner intended. The producers of butter in New Zealand are getting no bigger net return from the export of their butter- to the Commonwealth than they are from the export of their butter to Britain, Canada, or any other place. Whatever profit is being made is, I hazard the opinion, going into the pockets of dealers, jobbers, exporters, and importers, and the dairy farmers of New Zealand are being used to prevent their brethren in Australia getting higher prices in their local market, to which they are entitled by

reason of the increasing costs of production. “So much . for butter, and with this explanation of the position 1 will leave this much criticised action of thc Commonwealth Government to the fair consideration of the New Zealand dairy, farmers. WHEAT AND FLOUR. s “ With regard to wheat and flour,” continued Mr Pratten, “ New Zealand has imposed a sliding duty on these products coming from Australia. It appears fromi_ the press reports that New Zealand’s har-’ vest this season will produce about 9,000,000 bushels of wheat. There has been a .pronounced falling off in Australia’s trade with an abundant harvest in this Dominion, and for this year it looks as though Australia’s trade with you in these comihodities must become extinct. It costs at least 7s 9d per bushel, duty paid, to land Australia’s wheat into New Zealand. You have imposed a duty, against us which ensures a favourable price to wheatgrowers to induce the production of sufficient wheat to meet your requirements. The intention is that NewZealand should be independent of imported wheat. New Zealand .an, and has in the past, produced enough wheat for her own requirements, and unless the policy fails —a result the Government and the farmer would surely not like to see —New Zealand will not require imported wheat. Exit, therefore, Australian trade! “ The value of Australian export trade in wheat and flour to New Zealand during the five years ended June 30. 1927, was £2,750,000. Your butter trade with the Commonwealth was nothing like this, and, comparing the two items of trade, Australia suffers the greater loss. COMPARISONS. “ With regard to your general trade.” continued Mr Pratten, “the position is that six years ago your Minister of Finance and Customs visited the Commonwealth and negotiated with the then Commonwealth Government the present trade treaty on behalf of New Zealand. Our trade figures of the last statistical year before he came over, including all items, showed that Australia exported to New Zealand over £6,500,000 worth ot goods, and that New Zealand exported to the Commonwealth less than £2,000,000. Since that time the Dominion's exports .to us have been graduallyincreasing. while ours to you have been consistently coining down. The figure? for

1926-27 indicate the extent to which the position has changed, inasmuch as the trade of dur two countries now nearly balances. Our statistical figures show imports of goods from New Zealand to Australia for the year 1926-27 as £2,123.009, and our exports to you as £3,471,000, so that since the visit of your Minister to us the position has very materially altered in. favour of New . Zealand. “ Australia’s- statistical year differs somewhat from New Zealand’s, a s ours ends on June 30, whereas yours ends on March 31. Exact comparisons are therefore difficult, but according to your own statistical figure, for 1926. your exports to Australia were £3,054.0C0. your exports to Canada were £861,000, and your exports to all other British possessions, excluding Britain, were £50&.000. These figures include al! the goods New Zealand exported to British possessions, irrespective of origin. You bought nearly £5,500,000 from Canada, and over £3,000,000 from other parts of the Empire, excluding Britain, in the same year, so that the trade you do with the rest of the Empire, without Britain, is not more than 40 per cent, of your exports to Australia, while you buy from the 'est of the Empife, not including Britain, more than twice as much as from Australia “ How in the world we are going to solve our trade problems and get together and please everybody I frankly do rot know,’’’ concluded Mr Pratten. ‘•The only way out of this difficult position is fb? each country to give what it can without hurting the agrarian, or other special interest of either dominion.”

Bales. Bales. Wellington .... Napier. 1928. 109,681 99.115 106.378 92.386 Wanganui ... 57,182 61,033 Auckland 46,811 46 525 Christchurch .... ... 70,272 73.780 Timaru 28.971 28.579 Dunedin 74,687 70,126 Invercargill ... 31,000 27,080 517,719 505.887

Romnev . Kfarsh 1925. 1926. 1927. 1928. ! '756 1 845 623 344 Border Leicester •. : 416‘ 399 305 249 Corriedale. ■ ... . 135-, 352 210 204 Merino ... ... -. . —. * 40 5 — Halfbred . / , 16 120 — Suffolk . — 6 5 —— Lincoln . . ■ 5 ' -—- — Shropshire . — — 16 Southdown —— 20 Ki Totals ... . . 1312 1658 1168 854

or t he two days sak L928. 1927. 284 bulls £150 4 11 £128 6 10 22 cows 34 3 11 . 22 ' 1 0 9 two-year-old heifers 20 16 6 24 17 0 40 yearling . heifers 25 0 8 24 17 9

Summary, , 1928. Highest. Average. Total. 504 bulls £2,100 0 0 £65 8 8 . £32,978 8 0 20 COWS 52 10 0 31 1 7 621 12 0 63 2-year hellers 162 15 0 49 3 8 3,098 11 0 178 yearling heifers 189 0 0 32 16 5 5,842 4 0 765 head. £2,100 0 0 £55 12 2 £42,540 15 0 Summary, , 1927. Highest. Average. Total. 431 bulls £2,730 0 0 £72 7 3 £31,188 3 0 9 COWS 47 5 0 43 11 6 87 3 0 39 2-year heifers 115 10 0 55 5 0 2,154 12 0 129 yearling 6,1?8 heifers 210 -0 0 47 13 3 16 0 601 head. £2,730 0 0 £65 17 1 £39,578 14 0

Steamer. Date. Pakeha . . March 23 '3,000 Cambridge . . March 24 19.000 Port Napier . . Port Victor . . .. April April 5 10 40,500 13,800 Ionic . . April 13 11,000 Remuera April 16 33,200 Westmoreland . . April 28 22,000 Tasmania . . May 7 15,000 Total 157,500