STOCK AND GRAZING NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3888, 18 September 1928, Page 23

STOCK AND GRAZING NOTES.

Weekly Stock Sales. Burnside, Wednesdays. Addington, Wednesdays. Waiareka Railway Ju notion, Tuesday! FortnighVy. Birersdale, Fridays '"'(Marcii, April, and May). wallacetown, Tuesdays. Ashburton, Tuesdays. Heriot, Thursdays. Winton, Thursdays. Wyndham, Thursdays. Clinton, Thursdays. Balolutha, Fridays. Gore, Tuesdays. Monthly. Edendale, Ist Monday. Palmerston, 4th Thursday. Winton, 4th Tuesday. Mataura, Ist Thursday. Tokanui, 4th Monday

Monthly (contlnuod). Duntroon, 2nd Wednesday. Woodlands, 3rd We«. nesday. Milton, 2nd Tuesday. Balfour, 3rd Thursday. Thornbury, Ist Friday. Otautau, 2nd Wednssday. Riversdale, 3rd Friday (except Maroh, April, and May). Waikaka, last Friday. Clydevale, last Friday Periodically a* Advertised. Lumsden, Mossburn, Orepuki, Waimahaka, Waikouaiti. Riverton, Ngapara, and Otago Central Salas.

OTAGO. A little rain fell during the week, but the showers did little more than freshen the pastures in Otago, while it is also dry inland, and variable temperatures have been general. BURNSIDE MARKET. The attendance at Burnside was good, but only an odd country butcher put in an appearance. Graziers were there in fair numbers, but were not much inclined for speculation in sheep, although store cattle evoked fair attention. The supply of fat cattle was capital, and the quality excellent. Comparatively few cows and heifers were yarded, and they were for the most part well-finished animals. Heavy prime and medium weight bullocks were freely featured. The demand was very fair, but naturally, in view of the supply, 280 (203 last week), and the quality, values were throughout the sale on a lower basis, ranging from £1 to £1 5s per head lower than a week ago.. Beef may be quoted as making up to 43s per 1001 b for choice bullocks. The entry of fat sheep, 3242 (2600 last week), comprised good mixed quality, a fair number of pennings being fine-woolled wethers. The supply of heavy prime wethers and ewes was very fair, but included a number of pens of well-woolled crossbred wethers, some of them lacking finish. Best sheep about held their own to Is lower at times. Good mixed pens of open-woolled wethers eased Is to Is 6d, fine wools were a shade easier, and generally we quote maximum .rates for wethers at up to 7d per lb. The entry of store cattle was interesting, but mainly comprised well-conditioned cows, which were cheaper, and a number of station breeding cows in medium condition; also a number of yearlings. There was a very fair demand for all males offering and well-bred cows at unchanged rates. The pig section was well supplied with 148 fats (157 last week), and 136 stores (178 last sale). Best baconers maintained recent rates, porkers no improvement, while only the best of the stores elicited anything like brisk competition. Medium and ill-finished stores were hard to sell except at low values. COUNTRY STOCK SALES. GORE. The fortnightly stock sale was held at Gore on Wednesday, a fair number of farmers and buyers being present. The entry of fat sheep comprised 223 Some good wethers were forward, and competition for them was good, and values well up to recent quotations. Good wethers changed hands at from 40s to 44s 9d. _ Poor quality made down to 32s 6d. Prime ewes changed hands at 42s 6d, and others at 30s. There was an entry of 1473 store sheep The bulk of the entry failed to reach vendors’ ideas of value, and Was passed in at auction. Amongst the small number that changed hands was a wellgrown and well-woolled line .of ewe hoggets which realised 355. A small entry of fat cattle made current values. " STOCK NOTES. The continued dry weather is adversely affecting the demand fbr store stock, and holders of half-finished sheep are not too keen apparently to shear before gelling. A good day’s rain would put a •different complexion on things. Failing the arrival of an English judge in time for the N.Z. Royal Show, Mr A. E. Anderson will officiate as judge of Red Poll cattle. Mr C. W. Anderson, of Tamaki House, Kohimarama, Auckland, will judge the Large White and Middle White pigs at the N.Z. Royal Show in Palmerston North, and Mr E. C. D’Avergne, Wailiao Forks, South Canterbury, will judge the other breeds of pigs. Over 25 bullocks at Burnside sale made from £2l to £27 per head, extra heavy to £3O ss. and these prices were secured in a. relatively cheap market, clear proof of the high average quality of the cattie exposed for sale. The National Mortgage and Agency Company held a sale of horses at the Corporation Yards, Balclutha, on Friday,when the entry was a small one. Good draughts realised from £l6 to £3B 10s, the latter price for a nice six-year-old mare sold on behalf of Mr D. Tilson, Port Malyneux. Old and stale working sorts were hardly saleable. Light hacks sold at up to £7.

A shorthorn bullock, bred and fattened by Mr N. Clotworthy, of Pukehuia, Northern Wairo, was sold at Westfield for £37. The buyers were Messrs Stonex Brothers, who propose to send him to the Royal Show at Palmerston North His weight is 27001 b, and would produce a carcass of about 20001 b. The bullock is eight years old. He was raised on alluvial flats, and has been built up and fattened entirely on ,grass grazing most of his life on small paddocks. The hide, it is considered, would be. worth about £7. *

Wild pigs have proved a nuisance to sheen farmers in the Wyndham Valley for man£ years (says an exchange), and

various methods have been employed for their extermination. The pigs continue to thrive, however, and quite recently Messrs D. M'Donald, of Wyndham Ridges, and E. Beange, of Mokoreta, devoted a fortnight to the problem of pig eradication. They employed two pairs of good holding dogs, and when these secured a victim the hunters despatched the pig with their knives. Although this was the only method of destruction employed, over 200 pigs were accounted for during the period. Once again the increasing popularity of motor traction against horse power was emphasised at the meeting of the Wanganui Agricultural Association (says the Chronicle), when it was stated that a class for horses at the sWow had been won by the same” animal, practically without competition, for several years in succession.

The number of ram lambs received at freezing works last year, has been per turbing the Meat- Board, as in its opinion such lambs deteriorate the value of New Zealand meat. Mr D. Ross, president of the Wanganui Agricultural Association, differs in his opinion on the matter (says the Wanganui Chronicle). At the meeting of the association he stated that he had sent 4000 ram lambs to the works last year, but as the consignment was held up owing to the strike, sent his meat to London direct, where he obtained the highest market price. They were all. except two, classed as first grade. Consequent on the beautiful weather which has ruled in Christchurch during the past few weeks, a well-known sheep breeder of Canterbury has got to work early and the other day had 1000 sheep shorn (says the Christchurch Sun). This is said to be a phenomenal occurrence for this time of the year. The sheep, which have been grazing within five miles of Christchurch, are fat sheep, and the result of such an early start is said to promise most successful results.

Twelve long wool rams arrived from America as the result of the visit last year of the secretary of the Ohio Sheep Association. Later 120 stock sheep will arrive for the purpose of experiment in the improvement of African wool to compete with Australian wool. A large cow, which was being driven jrom Ormondville to Dannevirke for slaughtering purposes appears to have gone suddenly mad (reports an exchange). She escaped from her drover near Piripiri and travelled down to Matamau. threatening the drivers of cars (against which she seemed to have a special spite) as she went. After leaving Matamau. her attacks became more determined, and she damaged four cars. The Otago A. and P. Society has now completed all the preliminary arrangements for the holding of its annua] Clydesdale horse parade at Tahuna Park on September 27. The judges have t >en appointed, and the selection should be one that will find universal favour among breeders. Both Messrs Simon Fleming, of Crookston, and John Macdonald,, of Timaru, have long been familiar figures at Otago parades. Their reputations, as breeders and judges of quality in stock will give exhibitors every confidence in their placings. It is understood that some new and outstandingly good young animals will be paraded this year, and that competition in the classes for youngsters at least will be very keen.

The s South Island Dairy Association is making an advance payment of 7s for live calves this year, plus Is extra to farmers who make their own delivery to Makarewa works. The payments will be made through local dairy factories. At the forthcoming N.Z. Royal Agricultural Show the New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board will offer £6O, £3O, and £3O in prizes for fat lambs, bacon pigs, and porkers respectively, most suitable for the Dominion’s export trade, as per scheduled conditions.

At Westfield, Auckland province, according to recent reports, prime bullocks realised up to 46s per 1001 b, and choici heifers to 42s per 1001 b. Generally, both sheep and cattle elsewhere are moving off under good competition, good dairy cows making £l2 to £l4. New Zealand-bred sheep were successful at the annual show of the Murrumbidgee Pastoral and Agricultural Society, held at Wagga (N.S.W.) in August last. In the Border Leicester section the champion ram was a three-year-old bred by Mr R. J. Low, and the champion ewe was bred by Mr J. Nixon, of Canterbury. A ram bred by Mr J. Douthwaite, of Waimate. was also in the picture. According to an Australian exchange, Dalgety and Co. report having shipped, per the s.s. Berima on August 10 three high-class stud rams purchased from Mr Franc B. S. Falkiner. of Haddon Rig. Warren, the buyer being one of the leading breeders in the Orange Free State. The same agents have also sold for delivery, off shears, to a buyer in the Dunedin district. New .Zealand. 20 highclass Haddon Rig stud ewes, while arrangements will be made to ship in October five stud rams from the same stud to Monte Video, on behalf of a Patagonian, this latter transaction being a repeat drder, a previous shipment having been made about 12 months ago. The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria is offering a prize of £lOO for the horse which beats the Australian highjump record of 7ft lOJin established by Look Out at Tenterfield (N.S.W.). This horse was sold to an English buyer, and is now performing well at the horse shows in England and Ireland. Tim highest jump ever recorded at Melbourne was made by Bloom in 1919. He cleared 7ft 2in.

The following is an extract from a report dated July 13 recently received by the New’ Zealand Meat Producers’ Board from its London manager (Mr R. S. Forsyth) referring to the market for frozen pork:—“The bacon market, as you will see from the official reports, has been very firm, with better prices. This has been reflected by an increased inquiry for New Zealand bacon pigs. Up to 7Jd per lb ex store has been given for New Zealand baconers, and stocks are very light and in firm hands. The prices for light-weight porkers are also firm, but owing to the hot - weather there is not a very good demand. I notice. quite a number of New Zealand porker carcasses coming over to Smithfield weighing about 1101 b. These weights are quite unsuitable. We should either produce a from 601 b to 1001 b, preferably 851 b average/ or else make them into baconers, weighing, say, 1401 b. The weights in between these two ranges are quite use-

less for either purpose. This cannot be too strongly impressed upon the producers.” ' THE ROYAL SHOW. The patronage of a Royal Show is the duty of every New Zealander. The Koyal Show is doing a national work, and its activities are extended even farther than the shores of this Dominion, for we find them reflected in the produce sent from here to the-Mother Country or to any part of the world where New Zealand produce is sent. A statement of this description may be beyond the ken ot the layman, and a few words of explanation may not be out of place. One of the aims of the Royal Agricultural ■Society is the improvement of flocks and herds throughout the Dominion. The effects ot this are obvious. Being carried to a successful conclusion, this work is reflected in the better article of commerce which is offered for sale in other countries and also in our own country. Again, the results are obvious. The t armor gets a better price for a better article. and as the farmer is the backbone ot this country the economical position is vastly improved. This year lalmerston North is the venue, the dates being October 30, 31, and November 1. SHIPPING DAIRY PRODUCE. The Dairy Produce Board apparently is dealing out some hard knocks, having notified the National Dairy’ Association of New Zealand, which operates in the iX'ortli Island, and the South Island Dairy Association, hitherto operating the shipment of dairy’ produce from all ports, that it will undertake the work itself—and do it cheaper. The latter part of the statement will have an appealing effect to producers, but not to all of them. Remonstrances there have been north and south, and in the 'circumstances the chairman of the Dairy* Produce Board’s reply’ is of interest, and in great measure it clears the air.

The chairman’s statement regarding the position reads as follows:—“In July, 1927, the dairy' associations asked from the Dairy Board a sum of £4300 for attending to shipping details at Auckland, New Plymouth, and South Island ports. Under pressure, they’ finally agreed to do the work for £3500. On July 11, 1928, they quoted £3500 for attending to the work for another 12 months. The board decided to defer its decision for one month. _ During that month the dairy’ associations became aware .that a section of the board favoured the board doing its own shipping work, and as a result made a desperate effort to retain the work themselves. The associations submitted an amended quotation, reducing their price from £3500, which they had submitted the previous " month, to £2OOO, a reduction of over 40 per cent. The estimate of the cost of the board’s own officers for attending to shipping work is less than was being paid to the dairy associations and less than the quotation received from them until such time as they considered they’ were in danger of losing the work. Further, the decision reached removes the board from the

danger of being overcharged, as has been the case in the past.” When we see how smoothly’ the New Zealand Meat Control Board arranges the shipping of our frozen meat, surely dairy' folk should have no qualms. RECORD JERSEY SALE. Mr T. S. Cooper, of *' Linden Grove.” Coopersburg, near Philadelphia, America’s most famous breeder of pedigree Jersey cattle for the past half-century, sold at auction on September 8, through Messrs Wright, Stephenson, and Co., Ltd., 14 head of Jerseys from his old-established herd. Practically every Jersey cattle breeder of note in New Zealand was present. The average price of 561gns is claimed as a world’s record average for Jersey cattle. The top price of 2000gns for the four-year-old bull, Oxford Beau’s Combination, was a record for the southern hemisphere for a bull of any dairy’ breed. The average paid for six of the progeny’ of this bull, 454gns, was also, it is stated, a world’s record for progeny sold at this age. New Zealand records were established for imported bulls, cows, and heifers also. The sale was held in the new show buildings in John street. Mr A. E. W atkin and Mr F. Phillips were the largest purchasers, securing four head apiece, and Mr J. A. Mitchell, of Longburn, secured two head. The following are the prices of the individual lots:— Oxford Beau’s Combination, four-year-old, sired by Combination’s Premier, imported from Jersey' Island, from Oxford Beau’s Bayleaf; Mr A. E. Watkin, Takanini. Auckland, 2000gns. ' Oswald’s Victor, four-year-old bull by You’ll Do’s Victor from Oswald Pet’s Daughter; Mr Fred. Phillips, Otorohanga, 500gns. Oxford Beau’s Pretty’ Oxford, yearling bull, by Oxford Beau’s Combination from Oxford Boy’s Ever Streaming; Mr John Robb. Westmere, Wanganui, 525gns. Raleigh’s Combination Lad, yearling bull, by Oxford Beau’s Combination from Raleigh’s Oxford Viola; Mr Fred. Phillips, 500gns. Tidy Prince You’ll Do. yearling bull, by The Cid's Prince of Lehigh from Tidy Lady You’ll Do; Mrs I. W. Speirs, Levin, 325gns. Masterman’s Golden Marie, seven-year-old cow, by’ Masterman of Oaklands from Pantaq Luma, with heifer calf at foot; Mr J. A. Mitchell, (jongburn, Manawatu, 575gns. Rozel’s April Lady, three-year-old heifer, by Volunteer of Oaklands from Rozel Hamlet Heather, with heifer calf at foot; Mr J. A. Mitchell, 650gns. Xena’s Derby’ Maid, threo-vear-old heifer, by Derbyshire from Bayonne; Wright. Stephenson, and Co., Ltd., Invercargill, as agents. v The Cid’s Pretty Jane, five-year-old cow, by The Cid’s Prince of Lehigh from Gipsy’s Simone of Lehigh, with bull calf at foot; Mr Fred. Phillips, 360gns. Fontaine’s Pretty Betsy, two-year-old heifer, by Oxford Beau’s Combination from Fontaine’s Betsy Belle; Mr A. E. Watkin. 500gns. Sultana’s Fontaine’s Combina, nine-r-.ontbs-old heifer, by Oxford Beau’s Combination from Fontaine’s Pretty Sultana; Messrs W. J. Hall and Sons, Matatoke, Thames. 275gns. Oxford Beau’s Distinction, yearling heifer, by Oxford Beau’s Combination

from Raleigh’s Distinction IV; Mr A. E. Watkin, 550gns. Handsome Lady You’ll Do, yearling heifer, by Oxford Beau’s Combination from Pretty Lady You’ll Do; Mr A. E. Watkin, 425gns. Simon’s Fawn Princess, yearling heifer, by Sweet LXl’s Simon from Combination’s Fawn Princess; Mr Fred. Phillips, 300gns. SOUTHERN DAIRY FACTORIES. _ MERRIVALE. The Merrivale Dairy Company reports a successful year’s work. It was anticipated that when the final pay-outs were made the return per lb butter-fat would bg Is 74d. The retiring directors, Messrs D. Young and J. Chamberlain, were reelected, and the former gentleman elected chairman for the ensuing year. OWARE. The Oware Dairy Factory Company’s report at the annual meeting indicated that Is 7d per lb butter-fat had been paid to suppliers, and the bank overdraft reduced by practically £d per lb butterfat, leaving but £5l debit. The cheese output has been sold to the end of December at 9Jd per lb. The. election of directors resulted in Messrs John Smith (chairman), E. Frame, and G. N. M’Millan being elected. Mr Dooley declined nomination. The chairman welcomed Mr M’Millan. and moved that a minute of appreciation be passed to Mr Dooley for his services on the board during a lengthy term of office. ISLAND. The directors of the Island Dairy Factory report an improved intake of milk for the past season and an increase in the make of cheese of 17 tons. The payout average over the season was Is Bd. lhe present season's output to end of October has been sold at 9 9-16 d. and November-December make at 9Jd per lb. A dividend of 5 per cent, will be paid on the paid-up capital. It was decided at i 1 xx al l nu , meeting that payment for butter-fat be based on each individual sale of cheese or cream throughout the season. lhe chairman, Mr George Duthie. stated that the only nominations for directors received were those for the retiring directors. Messrs W. T. Davidson and K. S. Graham, and he therefore declared these gentlemen re-elected to the i ac-ant positions.