OUT AND ABOUT

Otago Witness, Issue 3995, 7 October 1930, Page 13

OUT AND ABOUT

THE WEEK IN OTAGO.

There has been a marked improvement in the weather, and as a result of higher temperatures there has been considerable growth in Otago, although inland feed is backward.

BURNSIDE MARKET. The attendance at the Burnside Metropolitan Fat Stock Market was fairly large, although all were not intent on business. There were a few outside buyers of fat sheep, but prices showed no appreciation, although fat cattle were in better demand The yarding of fat cattle, 164 (258 last sale), comprised good average to prime quality, the supply of handy-weight prime bullocks being satisfactory, while prime heifers were here and there featured, together with a few extra heavy bullocks and prime cows. The opening demand was good, and prices firmed up £1 a head, and later on improved another 10s. Beef of prime quality, average weights, sold to 45s per 1001 b. heavy-weights somewhat cheaper. An entry of 2200 fat sheep (1930 last sale) met with an erratic demand, and generally, on the run of the sale, sold much the same as a week ago, except prime heavy ewe?, which declined Is 6d to 2s a head. Med um weight sheep at one stage of the sale declined Is a head, but picked up after a time. Heavy wethers made unchanged values, unfinished sorts being not easy to sell. Butchers’ wethers sold to 4-Jd per lb. Two spring lambs of medium quality made 36s and 380 per head, around Is 6d per lb. These were the first sent in this season.

Store cattle were yarded in small numbers, some /0, all counted, inclusive of two pens of bullocks. A pen of fat and forward bullocks made £l2 15s. and a pen of fair three-year-old steers £9 12s 6d. Other classes of cattle showed little variation from recent quotations. Only mature condition cattle evoked attention. A yarding of 54 fat pigs (95 last sale) n «' ; 1 a dragging demand, and moved oti at about 5s a head under the previous weeks rates. Stores, 60 (90 last sale), met a very fair demand, with values unchanged Bacon pigs sold to 9d and porkers to 94d per lb. SHEARING RATES. Shearing rates for the forthcoming season hav e been decided, and are as follow:— - Shearers—(l) 25s per 100 and found, os per 100 extra where shearers find themselves. Hand and machine shorn. Also lajhbs. (2) Stud sheep by agreement. (3) Kams, double rate, except hogget rams—rate and a-half. Pressers.—-(1) Is 9Jd per hour, or £3 2s 6d a week. Other Shed Hands.—(l) l s 7|d per hour, or £2 17s 6d a week. Youths 16 and under 18; (1) £2 12s 6d a week. Cooks.—(l) 12 men or under, £3 12s 6d a week. J2) Over 12 men, by agreement, with minimum of £3 12s fid Cooks’ Assistants.—(l) £3 2s 6d a week. CHEESE CONSIGNORS. On September 29, no less than 11 representatives of overseas dairy produce firms paid a visit to Wyndham, savs an exchange, in order to discuss with the local dairy factory company’s board of directors the prospects of securing said output of cheese, season 1930-1, for disposal on the Home markets, on consignment basis. ’’ e understand that no business was effected through the interviewing; and no offer of cash buying was made Subsequently, the Wyndham Company’s directors resolved to send Home the first (at least) of their current season’s cheese, consigned through three of the dairy produce export firms, who are directly established at this centre. The Home firms’ representatives also appeared before Edendale Dairy Factory Company’s directorate, on a similar mission as was the case at Wyndham.

DAIRY FACTORIES. BIRCHWOOD.

The annual meeting of suppliers to the Birchwood Dairy Factory was presided overny Mr G. S. Edie.

The report and balance sheet were adopted. The chairman, Mr Rodger, and the secretary said the past season had been very unsatisfactory, and prices had been disappointing, and the outlook for the coming year was not very encouraging. There was only a very small debt on the factory, but if suppliers stuck together and supported it, they anticipated that there would ultimately be a turn of the tide. It was resolved that the factory reopen on Wednesday, October 22, and the chairman was authorised to engage a single man as manager in the meantime. The retiring directors. Messrs A. W. Rodger, W. Wilson, and R. N. Robertson, were re-appointed, and Mr F. A. Webb was re-elected auditor. It was' unanimously decided to consign the season’s output through Amalgamated Dairies. WAIKOUAITI. The forty-second annual meeting of the shareholders of the ’Waikouaiti Dairy Factory was held in the P.ublic Hall, Waikouaiti. i The chairman of directors, Mr F. Toomey, presided. The report stated that operations had commenced on September 2, 1929, and the factory had closed on June 29,1930. A total of 135 tons of cheese had been manufactured, the figures being:—Number of suppliers, 48; milk received 2,887,2971 b; average test (highest 6.8, lowest 2.9), 3.7; butter-fat, 109,2431 b; pounds of cheese made, 297,1311 b; pounds of milk to lib of cheese. 9.97; pounds of cheese to 11b butter-fat, 2.72; separated milk, 14,7891 b Total pay-out to milk suppliers, £8625 Is 2d. The output, 55 tons, to the end of December, had been sold at 8 11-16 d, and other smaller amounts had been sold at a lesser price, but the bulk had been consigned on a weak Home market with most disappointing returns. The prices paid monthly to suppliers had varied from Is 6d to Is Id per lb of butter-fat, and a bonus for the whole season of 3d per lb had just been paid out. Considerable expense had been entailed owing to repairs and additions to the manager’s cottage, the purchase of a new vat, and the re-lining of an old one. The factory was kept in good order and condition, and the

manager and assistants were to be complimented on the performance of their duties. The manager (Mr A. J. Heenan? had again been successful in exhibiting at the winter shows.

The chairman, in moving the adoption of the report, said it was very satisfactory, considering the state of the Home market, that the directors had been able to pay out an average of Is 7d per lb for butter-fat for the whole season. He thought it was a pity that so many of the northern factories had commenced making standardised cheese, as this make of cheese had undoubtedly had a prejudicial effect on the reputation of New Zealand cheese in London. He hoped its manufacture would be discontinued. Mr William Lee, member of the Dairy Board, had rendered valuable assistance to the industry, for which he deserved the thanks of the Otago factories.

The retiring directors (Messrs Toomey and J. Maxwell) were re-elected, and the usual dividend of 5 per cent, was passed, as was also a bonus to the manager. The usual votes of thanks concluded the meeting. STIRLING. The annual report and balance sheet of the Stirling Dairy Factory is interesting:— “ Milk received during the season was 11,001,8601 b, containing 401,009,0001 b butter-fat; average test 3.644, equivalent 2.701 b cheese to 11b butter-fat. The quantity of cheese manufactured was 484 tons and of butter 25,0681 b. The price paid to suppliers for the season was Is 7Jd per lb butter-fat. All of the cheese manufactured was finest and first grade. The directors have again been fortunate in retaining the services of the present factory manager. Mr Thomas Duncan, for the ensuing season, and feel sure that he will continue to carry out his duties in his usual capable manner. The directors also wish to congratulate Mr Duncan in his having gained the highest grading marks for Otago and Southland factories during the season. The directors recommend that £250 be placed to renewals reserve account, and also recommend payment of a dividend of 7 per cent, per annum on paid-up capital.” Turning to the pig account we note: — To pigs, etc., on hand, August 10, 1929, £ll5 3s 8d; pigs bought and railage, £1268 6s 3d; pig feed, £258 12s 9d; working expenses, £lO2 3s; profit and loss account. £674 15s lOd. Total, £2419 Is 6d. By pigs sold, £2337 12s lOd; barley and sacks sold and grain crushed, £4O 12s 8d; barley and sacks on hand, £4O 16s. Total, £2419 Is 6<l.

The profit and loss account reads as follows: —

To milk purchased, £32,205 0s 2d; cheese and butter requisites, £605 9s 4d; cheese cases, £B9B Ils 8d; cheese wax, £75 10s; wages and salaries, £2371 6s 6d; fuel and oil, £390 Ss lOd; repairs and maintenance. £714 10s 7d; storage, cartage, grading and harbour dues, £395 3s; depreciation, £284 12s; rates, interest and insurance, £213 16s lOd; income tax, £66 5s 7d; printing, stationery, stamps, telegrams, telephone, and exchange, £73 Is 3d; directors’ and auditors’ fees, £165 15s; power and light, £137 5s 6d; general expenses, £53 5s 8d; railage on cheese, £823 6s 3d; balance, £722 15s 4d. Total, £40,196 3s 6d. By balance at August 10, 1929, £72 3s 6d; transfer from appropriation account, £498 8s 9d—£s7o 12s 3d; Hess seven per cent., dividend, £428 8s 2d —£147 4s Id; cheese shipped and sold, £34,529 19s 4d; cheese sold locally and on hand, £2942 9s sd; butter sales, £1778 0s 9d; hardware, benzine, kerosene, etc.. £22 8s lid; refund, harbour dues, etc., South Island Dairy Association, Limited. £96 3s 2d; pigs, deSartment account, £647 15s lOd; dividend ’ew Zealand Co-operative Rennet Co.. £5 2s. Total, £40.196 3s 6d. MERTON.

The sixteenth annual meeting of the Merton Co-operative Dairy Factory Company, Ltd., was held in the factory at Merton. There was a small attendance of shareholders, the chairman of directors (Mr John Allan) presiding.

The directors’ report stated that the figures for the season 1929-30 were as

follows:—-Milk received, 2,289,0361 b; but-ter-fat from milk, 87.0241 b; butter-fat from whey, 4045!b; pounds of cheese manufactured, 226,5711 b; pounds of cheese to lib of butter-fat, 2.J30; pounds of milk to lib of cheese, 10.11; average test, 3.50; number of suppliers, 22. The directors i eported that the profit for the year was £354 12s 7d, to which must be added the balance brought forward from last J ea U £1521 13s 5d less a dividend paid to shareholders amounting to £49 15s 3d; leaving at the credit of profit and loss account £1826 10s 9d. Out of this the sum of £lB5 had been written off as depreciation on buildings and plant, leaving the amount available at profit and loss account at £1641 10s 9d. The outP j z , ? season was 101 tons of cheese, anc * i t n? Quantity 93 tons were exported. The' certificates issued by the Government graders showed tiiat 81 per cent, of the cheese was graded “ finest,” "■u® remaining 19 per cent, being classed as first grade.” The directors recommended the payment r>f a dividend of 5 per cent, on moneys paid on shares as at ■September 1, 1929. The report and balance sheet were adopted. As the retiring director (Mr James Apes) did not offer himself for re-elec-tion, Mr S. Nolan was elected to fill the vacancy on the directorate, and Mr J. A. Hopcraft was re-elected as auditor. It was decided to invite tenders for the cartage of coal, cheese, and sundries for the year ending August 31, 1931. The representative of the district on the Dairy Produce Control Board (Mr W. Lee) addressed the meeting, and at the conclusion of his address received a unanimous vote of thanks and confidence. OWAKA.

At the annual meeting of the Owaka Co-operative dairy factory held last week a satisfactory state of affairs was disclosed. The quantity of butter manufactured was 238 tons as compared with 223 tons for the previous year. Owing to the satisfactory result of the year’s operations the directors decided to make a further payment to the suppliers of lljd for the 12 months ended June 30, bringing the average payment for butter-fat to Is 3.87 d per lb. The net profit for the year, after providding for depreciation, etc., was £2077 3s Id, making, with the balance brought forward from the previous year (£924 Is 9d), an available balance of £3019 4s lOd. Of this the further payment on butter-fat absorbed £2311 13s Bd, and a 6 per cent, dividend on the paid up capital £259 8s 6d, leaving £448 2s 8d to be carried forward. The chairman (Mr W. C. Adam), in the course of his remarks, expressed the opinion that lower values for butter would be the rule rather than the exception in the world’s markets. The retiring director (Mr Robert Cubitt) was re-eiected unopposed.

CANTERBURY A. AND P. SHOW. The prize schedule of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association is acknowledged with thanks. This progressive association has no intention of permitting the grass to grow under its ieet. New classes have been introduced in several sections, and increased prize money offered. This all makes for the sustained interest of farmers. A poultry section will this year be staged, while in the pig section valuable prizes are offered for porkers and baconers, which will be exported to Smithfield. The association intimates its intention of advancing up to 80 per cent, of the value of the pigs consigned to London. JAPANESE SUPPORT. “Japan will take about the same quantity of wool this year as she took last season, provided the prices are right,” is the opinion of Mr Charles H. Jones, buyer for Mitsu Bishi Soji Kaisha, Ltd. Mr Jones, while in Japan recently, went through the woollen mills, and they all seemed to be working very well. “ The Australian tariff,” Mr Jones added, “ had caused a lot of unrest in Japan, where the business people and merchants complain that while they take our wool we in return deal harshly with their silks and similar exports.” Mr O. Konishi, representing Iwai and Co., Osaki. gave it as his opinion that the price or wool might advance. He would not be surprised if it did. Business was showing an improvement' in Japan, and other countries, and that might lead to increased prices SOUTH OTAGO FREEZING CO. The fact that the directors of the South Otago Freezing Company propose to pay a dividend of 5 per cent, this year is considered to be good news, especially by those who have not been able to share such benefits as might fall to the lot of suppliers. Notwithstanding the strike which hampered operations so much in the early part of the season, and the delays experienced through having to train volunteer workers, the company put through the fine total of 278,393 sheep and lambs and 799 cattle. The profit for the year was £1064 12s lid, but the fact that £2518 10s lOd had been brought forward from the previous year (when no dividend was paid) enabled the present recommendation of a dividend to be made. FROZEN MEAT PRODUCTION.

The frozen meat industry has established new records in production during

the 1929-30 season. For the 11J months from October 1, 1929, to September 15, 1930, according to the Meat Producers’ Board’s latest return, the killings of mutton, lamb, and beef show large increases over those for the corresponding period of the previous season. The killings of lamb are nearing the 7,000,000 mark, and show an increase of 954,249 carcasses. Killings of mutton are up by 872,458 carcasses, the total for the 11J months being 2,620,218 carcasses. The exports of lamb for the period were 6,647,114 carcasses, an increase of 856,391 carcasses, while the exports of mutton were over 2,000,000 carcasses, an increase of 414,405 carcasses. While the beef killings show an increase, the exports show a decrease of over 24,000 quarters and 34,565 bags of boneless beef. The killings of pork are down by 27,181 carcasses and the exports by 34,536 carcases. PACKING OF WOOL. A complaint that a considerable quantity of wool in New Zealand was packed for sale while in a damp state, is made by the New Zealand Wool Brokers’ Association. It is stated that the matter caused considerable trouble, and buyers declared that during the coming season they would not bid for wool which showed signs of having been packed damp. Accordingly any such wool. sent into store would have to be reconditioned, which would cost growers approximately 2d a lb, a heavy penalty when ruling*prices were taken into consideration. If t! dampness of the wool escaped the notice of both buyer and broker, the excessive moisture was the cause of discolouration and shrinkage during transit. There •was also the serious risk of an outbreak Of fire through spontaneous combustion. COUNTRY STOCK SALES. BALCLUTHA. Prices on Friday were not so good as at last sale, but nevertheless it was a good sale. About 3000 sheep were yarded. Fat wethers sold at 18s to 235, prime fat wethers 26s to 30s, fat ewes 23 s to 255, store ewe hoggets Ils 4d to 21s 6d, mixed sex hoggets, 20e, and ewe hoggets Us 4d. Fat cows sold at £lO 10s to £l2 and yearling steers £5 10s. In the dairy pens cows sold at from £6 to £8 10s and yearling heifers at £2 14s. Pigs, of which a fair number were present, were in great demand. Suckers realised 20s to 31s, slips to 41s. M'NAB. The fortnightly stock sale was held at M'Nab on Tuesday before a fair attendance of farmers and buyers. There was an entry of over 1000 sheep. The market was not so good, and a large proportion of the entry ’ was

passed in at auction, but a number of sales were effected privately. In the fat pens the butchers were not operating, and are evidently full up at present. However, sales made privately of fat wethers were at prices ranging from 22s to 265. In the store pens business was also slack, and passings were frequent. Forward lines of hoggets made up to 17s Bd, while sound-mouths realised 17s.

The entry of cattle comprised 42 head, including a number of fats. There was fair inquiry, and fat bullocks made up to £l5, while fat cows went as high as £lO 5s- In the store section dairy cows close to or at profit changed hands at from £5 to £lO ss, while dairy heifers made from £4 5s to £5 12s 6d. MATAURA. The usual monthly stock sale was held at Mataura on Thursday before a fair attendance* of farmers and buyers. The entry of sheep comprised over 900, including a few pens of fats. The sale started- off well and indications for a bright market promised, but after the first pen was sold the market slackened and sales were hard to make. Several sales, however, were made by private treaty. Fat wethers realised from 20s to 26s 6d, and fat ewes 20s. The market in the store section was also very slack and business was hard to transact, but several lots changed hands privately. Two-tooth ewes realised 19s, and full and failing ewes 10s. A very nice line of wellgrown and well-woolled ewe hoggets sold on behalf of Mr George Stewart, Brydone, should prove a good investment to the buyer at 19s 7d, while another line made 19s. Good mixed-sex hoggets made 13s' 7d, and small sorts 5s 3d. The first line of ewes and lambs offered in the yards this season did not brighten the hopes of those who are holding this class of stock, and were sold at 5s 3d all counted. The entry of cattle comprised 55 head. In the fat pens some prime heavy cows were brought in by Mr D. Dickie, “ Clover Lea,” Ferndale, and realised from £9 12s 6d to £l3 ss, the average being £ll 3s 4d. A prime bullock realised £l4 10s. With the dairying season now in operation a large number of dairy cows were on offer and competition was good, prices ranging from £5 2e Qd to £l4. A special line sold on behalf of Mr C. E. Rowe, Mataura, made an average of £9 4s 6d. Yearling steers and heifers realised £2 10s. OTAGO A. AND P. SOCIETY. At the monthly nieeting of the committee of the Otago A. and P. Society, the following special prizes were received:— The Dunedin Jockey Club, £lO 10s for competitions; the Forbury Park Trotting Club, £lO 10s for pacers and trottors; Alexander Stuart (Law Courts Hotel), £2 2s for best spring van horse; Miss D. Mowat, trophy for the best wire lumper; Mrs F. J. Conn, trophy for the

best type of hunter. These special prizes were received with thanks, and the secretary instructed to thank the donors.

BABY VEAL INDUSTRY.

The collection of calves for the export of baby veal is proceeding apace, and the industry is approaching its flush period While the number of calves coming forward is well up to previous seasons and the prospects are that a record year will be experienced so far as quantities handled are concerned, there is cause for dissatisfaction in the quality sent forward. When faced with a prospect of lower prices, farmers do not seem to be prepared to give as much attention to nourishing the young calves before sending them forward as when prices were better, and the percentage of rejections has been very high. This’ is most unsatisfactory, and it is hoped that the persistent appeals made to The producers to comply with the dairy division regulations will result in a decided improvement in the oua’ity of the calves sent forward during the remainder of the season.

EASTERN SOUTHLAND A. AND P.

ASSOCIATION.

The monthly meeting of the committee of the Gore Agricultural and Pastoral Association was presided over by Mr H. Smith.

A motion was recorded confirming the resolution that no stock be imported into New Zealand from England. Mr C. T Grant, secretary of the Southland Milking Shorthorn Association, wrote stating that in regard to the matter of judges, ‘t was one of the important rules of the Milking Shorthorn Association that where any of its moneys were allotted to shows one of their official judges must act, so unless ■ the Gore Committee could see its way to appoint the association’s nominat on he was afraid that it would be .best to let the prize money slip for the year—lt was decided that the Gore Association could not alter the position this year.

Mr J. E. Davies, instructor in agriculture for Otago and Southland, wrote requesting, on behalf of the Southland Agricultural Club, a donation to its fund. The valuable service rendered by the movement was now fully recognised, the Department ot Agriculture subsidising cash donations £ for £ up to .£4O. —It was decided to take up a collection of 2s 6d per member, apart from the funds, the subsidy to be applied for.

The Reginald MacKinnon Trust wrote stating that the grant for this year would be a silver champion medal and'4ls to be expended at the discretion of the Gore A. and P. Committee in such manner as it considered would promote interest and competition.—The prizes to be allocated as £lO for first and £5 for second, the conditions to be the same as formerly.

The tender of Mr George Russell for the lease of the show grounds for 12 months was accepted. Referring to the matter of a stud sheep fair, Mr Smith _ stated that, although many people considered that this was an inopportune year to push a stud sheep fair, it was certainly necessary that something .should be done to stimulate the sale of stud stock. During the past the supply had not been equal to the demand, but there were indications that the supply had overtaken the demand.

Mr Edwards reported that he had gone into the matter with a special committee, and it had been decided to hold a stud ram and ewe fair on the last Saturday in February. A motion was recorded confirming the committee’s report and the date of the fair.

WHEAT POOL. About 20 wheatgrowers attended a meeting in the Greenfield Hall to listen to an address by Mr M Pherson, manager of the wheat “pool,” Christchurch, who went very fully into the operations of the pool, and particularly the marketing system. Most of the wheatgrowers of the Clutha Valley were already affiliated, but there were a few exceptions, and some of the latter, after hearing Mr M'Pherson’s lucid speech, gladly joined up. Mr M'Pherson was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. FARMERS’ UNION. A representative gathering of farmers were present at the monthly meeting of the Waikouaiti branch of the Farmers’ Union. A letter was received from the Dunedin branch asking for support ir an endeavour all farmers from paying more than the award rate for shearing. The meeting decided to support the principle, but the opinion was expressed that there would be difficulties as long as there was a shortage of '-•hearers. A motion to the effect that the meeting considered the question o'f badges too trifling a matter to consider seriously at Tie present time was carried. It was agree/ that the removal of the embargo on the killing of stoats, weasels, and ferrets should be opposed. In the opinion of those present the printing of a paper by the Farmers’ Union was not deemed necessary. A discussion then ensued regarding the export of cheese, and the following motion was carried :—“ Thu this meeting considers that the export of standardised cheese is detrimental the good name which has been built up in the Home market for New Zealand produce and that we request the executive to take immediate action in the matter.” THE WOOL MARKET. The New Zealand Wool Committee, comprising representatives of the producers, wool brokers, and wool buyers, held a meeting for the purpose of regulating the offerings of wool at the various sa.es to be held throughout the Dominion during the coining season. The committee had first obtained from the Wool Brokers’ Associations at each selling centre an estimate of the quantity of wool which it is expected . will be offered, including wool carried over from last season. The allocations made by the committee were based on these estimates, and the maximum aggregate quantities of wool which may be offered at the sales were fixed as follows:-—

BRITISH EXPORT TRADE. The changes in the regulations of- countries abroad that had most influence on the British export trade of live stock during the year 1929-30 were the total prohibition of imports into Canada and U.S.A, from September to March, owing to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease’ in England and Scotland, and the acceptance by Australia from England through the quarantine station. The latter resulted in the export of over 400 pedigree animals to Australia. Immediately upon the removal of the embargo large consignments of stock were sent to Canada and U.S.A., and the total for the year was 200 greater than that of the previous year. The following shows the number and value of live stock exported from Britain for the past two years:—

THE SEASON IN AUSTRALIA. Conditions over the Australian’ wheat belt for the August period were remarkably favourable, says the Pastoral Review. All the States had benefited from the July rains, and as the result of frequent useful downpours during August a bountiful harvest is in prospect; The official report issued towards the end of last month indicated that there is justification for an optimistic outlook regarding yic’ds. , “It is very rarely that, conditions are .so uniformly favourable at

this stage in all the agricultural areas of the Commonwealth,” the official report stated. “Given rainfalls approximating normal in the spring the season promises to be one of high rural production.” The most p.easing feature of the period under review has been the manner in which the crops in Western Riverina, the Mallee, ana bouth Australia have responded to the frequent useful rains and the favourable mild growing weather. August, as in the case of the preceding month, has been a barren one so far as wool transactions are concerned, sales beiqg confined to scoured skin parcels in Sydney, though smaller in the aggregate than during the corresponding period of last year. When these lines appear in- print, the. . first sales of the year will have been held in Western Australia, after which the basis of values will be more fully disclosed; in the meantime no quotations are available. (Perth sales opened with values ruling approximately on a par with closing rates there last season.—Ed.) Since the beginning of July the Bradford top market has, on the whole, registered but little alteration, latest quota-, tions being a turn the dearer, but it is problematical as to whether we can look to that centre for guidance, as was the case m years gone by. The Continental section is to-day regarded as likely to be the big factor in- the realisation of the current clip, and at the moment is an unknown quantity. Reports from all quarters point to stocks being less than at the correspond-, ing period of last year, but,'unfortunately, while_ that in itself is a healthy position, it is the purchasing capacity of the world’s masses which is the weak point._ Turn where you will, unemployment is rife, in most cases, indeed, increasing. and particularly in the United States, which, in view of its gold holdings, is somewhat surprising. Seasonal conditions throughout New South Wales are almost uniformly good, with abundance of feed and water, and crops flourishing, the principal area that, can be regarded as an exception being western Riyerina. Even here, however, ’ there is quite good feed, but an'inch or two of soaking rain would remove existing doubts regarding the approach of summer. The month has been satisfactory in Queensland, with useful rains at times over a lot of the west, south-west, and Darling Downs. With a normal opening i to the wet season the State should have > a better summer outlook than it has known for many a year. Victoria has ' had fair rains during the month, and practically the whole State recorded overaverage totals. The country is looking splendid, stock on the whole are in good, condition, and crops are doing well.Similarly, satisfactory conditions obtain in Tasmania, where both feed and ctfips are making good headway under the in- r fluence of periodical rams and milder weather. South Australia, on the whole, had very useful rainfalls during the month, though parts of the north-east are ■ very patchy, and ■- in- the far north-east the country along the Birdsville track .- from about 80 miles north of Marree to the flooded country of the Dii'miantina and the Cooper is stated to be very bad, Over practically the whole of Western Australia, both pastoral and agricultural conditions are good, and as in all the other States there is every prospect of a record wheat harvest.

JOTTINGS. JOTTINGS.

Working horses are still in demand and it appears that the -inquiry is not yet com, pletely satisfied. The market for horses this season has been particularly satisfactory. and high prices have been paid for likely youncr animals. Cable advice has been received by the Hawera agents of a well-known Tooley street merchant that all British official contracts for the supply of cheese stipulate that ths cho'-eo should be of full cream.

Two senior two-year-olds owned by W, Y. Dickie and Sons, Gore, have completed their year’s C.O.R. test. Dominion Olga Segis has a yield of 14478.11 b milk, 528.871 b fat. and Glenstuart Magpie Echo Sylvia 14709.51 b milk and 525.291 b fat. “ I am rather concerned with the second slump on the New York Stock Exchange, which will undoubtedly be reflected in world prices,” said Mr C. P. Agar, at the annual meeting of the shareholders of the Tai Tapii Dairy Company, Ltd., the other afternoon. “When times are bad,” he added, “ we see the test of management.” . v The first soring lambs of the season (2) were offered for sale at Burnside on Wednesday, but their quality was not up to the average. They sold well, however, at 36s and 38s; making around Is 6d per lb. Last season much better lambs were marketed a fortnight earlier.

“ I wolud rather produce butter for Is a pound in New Zealand than for 2s 6d a pound in Canada, where they have to house cattle for seven months of the year,” said the chairman of directors of the Morrinsville Dairy Comp’any (Mr J. E. Leeson), who has just returned from a visit to America

Messrs Dalgety and Co., Ltd., held a sale recently in the Tapanui Yards. There was only a small yarding, and, considering the state of the market, the nrices realised were very satisfactory. The following sales were made:—92 twotooth wethers. 23s 4d; 100 ewe hoggets, 19s; 49 ewe hoggets, 17s 9d; 2 pigs weaners), 245, 222 s 6d. On most of the dairy farms at Inch Clutha and Paretai farmers have been slackening off in the supply of winter feed to cows in the shape of turnips and hay. The humid atmospheric conditions have brought the young grass on at a great rate, especially in those fields that have been top-dressed,- and this week some farmers .will stop artificial feeding for the season.

The fact that consignments of frozen pork from the North Island were landed at Dunedin at considerably lower prices per lb than recent rates ruling at the Burns:de Metropolitan Market told its tale on the demand, which was, in consequence, of a dragging nature. Still, prices were not so much affected as- might be expected, seeing that some hundreds of carcasses were landed.

The Primary Producers’ Conference at Sydney decided to request the Federal Ministry to exempt imported stud stock from primage duty and the sales tax. The chairman of the conference (Sir Samuel Hordern) said that a Jersey bull,

lauded in Sydney recently for £395. cost its owner about £5OO when the primage duty and sales tax were levied. A North Otago Friesian, Willowfield Nancy Eve, owned by Mr J. J. Stott, of Maruakoa. Oamaru, is putting up a splendid performance under Government C.O.R. •test. Her yield to the end of August is 193881 b milk and 644.471 b fat in 269 days. * Willowfield'Ulster Pontiac, a four-year-old heifer, owned by Mr Stott, has 12821.91 b milk and 447.351 b fat in 251 days. Willowfield Eve has 3063.81 b milk and 97.111 b fat for her first 5.1 days. The fluctuations of wheat prices in America and Canada will not affect New Zealand because importations of wheat are controlled by the sliding scale of duties, said Mr R. J. Lyon, who is in close touch with movements in grain (reports the. Christchurch Times). The effect of the sliding scale is to keep the price stable in the Dominion, and farmers, in the light of this knowledge, are not worried about overseas changes. The rise of the dairying industry on the Galloway Flat is one of the most encouraging signs of the times in the irrigation settlements of Central Otago. The development of herds and production has reached an interesting stage, and it may be suggested that the time is ripe for the extension of the activities of the Southland and Otago Herd-testing Association to embrace the herds of this district. It is probable that when a group js formed at Galloway, a lot of susprising • figures will be forthcoming. . On Monday- evening of last week an interesting and instructive address on the care and preparation of honey' for market was given by' Mr Rhodes, Government apiary' inspector, at Kelso, when there was an attendance of 23 district the conclusion of the address Mr Swanston, president of the West Otago Beekeepers’ Association, moved a hearty vote of thanks to the speaker, which was carried by acclamation. A dainty supper was dispensed by the lady members present. ~ I have seen more snow,” said •S, ' -"lKenzie in the course of a chat with a Marlborough Express reporter the other morning. “I consider that the present winter is the longest, driest, and coldest experienced in Marlborough for 60 years. I have never seen the rivers 80 low for such a long period except, - perhaps, in the summer of 1896, when the Wairau was so low that fish were trapped A,? pools and many thousands-of trout

. The planting of potatoes in Southland is now well ahead, although there remains a fair proportion still to be sown. The results of the past season have not been very encouraging to the potato growers, but the prospects for this season appear to be much brighter. On the likelihood of finding a market in Australia, the quantity grown last season was greater than usual, but the expected export did not materialise and a certain percentage of the crop was wasted. At a meeting of the Clutha and Matau A. and P. Society there was a good attendance, and a lot of detail busi-

ness was transacted in connection with the coming show. A request was . received from the Balclutha Cricket dub for the use of the show ground as a playin" area.—lt was decided to inform the club that to grant the request - would interfere with the grazing rights, which it was the intention to auction. It was decided to erect a loading bank on the ground for the convenience of those pending show stock in motor lorries. / Tfa e “bobby calf” industry has commenced for this season in South Canterbury (states the Timaru Herald). The inspector for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Mr J. Glidden) , stated the other day that the calves were not coming into the works very rapidly at present, and the number of re* jects was practically' nil. The calves were much better and stronger specimens this year than was the case last year. Nothing V ll , , r , ve days old was sent to* Smithfield, whereas last year some only three days old were received. Means of lightening the death rate among lambs formed a subject of discussion by the North Canterbury Provincial Executive of the Farmers' Union the other afternoon. It was decided to ask the Department of Agriculture to make available for publication any sug* gestions for improvement in farm practice before and during the lambing period. Mr J. R. Cullen said a change of feed apparently was a means of preventing mortality'. Sheep on Banks Peninsula, where there were many herbs in addition to grass, had a very low death rate. In addition, they received more exercise than sheep on the plains. Intensive operations by the rabbiter and inspectors of the Banks Peninsula Rabbit Board, with the co-operation of property owners, have had the effect of greatly decreasing the number of rabbits all oyer the Peninsula, till the sight of a rabbit in many places is nowaday's almost more of a rarity than common—in contrast with the conditions of not so many years .ago (states the Christchurch Sun). Lambing is now in progress, and will continue for about another month, and as the dogs cannot, be allowed out, or poison laid, during this period, the number of rabbits will increase. This is inevitable, but the rabbits will not be allowed to spread to any great extent. Members of the Assistant Dairy Factory' Managers’ Association, who held a conference in Auckland the other day. were greatly' interested in a ne,v type of butter box which is at present being tested by the trade (say's the Star). The box is made of pulp board, and is packed flat. It can be built up, by means of four staples and a wire band, it) a very short time, and it is claimed that it is as strong and durable as the best wooden box. An important advantage is that of lightness, the package representing a saving of eight tons in a cargo of U 0 tons weight. The boxes were inspected at the Government grading store, and ;t was stated that several of the principal exporting firms were giving them a trial. What is described as “ the most serious challenge to the supremacy of petrol'yet made in any country ” is the equipment of TOO buses with crude oil engines to run in London. Several advantages are claimed for the use of this type of fuel, but the chief is cheapness. If the claims can be proved in practice, the challenge is not only' to the petrol-driven vehicle, but

also to the locomotive. Crude oil. is fast displacing coal in the modern steamship, and it may yet repeat its triumphs in the sphere of land transport. Petrol has already placed the railways of the world in jeopardy; if crude oil realises all the economies claimed for it the ascendancy ot the more mobile road transport over the rail, will be complete. Developments are rapid in these days, and it therefore behoves the New Zealand Parliament to take into account this possible new factor m considering railway s construction policy. “ From Australia and New Zealand Japan purchased about 11 per cent, of wool last season, and she is a very imP^ rta T nt _ 1 f actor in our trade," remarked Mr J. S. MLeod at the meeting of the Hastings Chamber of Commerce. 11 I. look upon Japan’s competition as one of the JF'S.y' lm portant we have,” he continued. Ot course, the low wages give them advantages in buying over other buyers, but y’hen they' start to buy. they' do buy, and out - They bought about 350,000 bales last season.” Mr C. Duff: It shows what an important customer we have in Japan.” Mr M'Leod: “Yes, a pd s he is monopolising the manufacture ot the cheaper articles in the East now, and at one time that was America’s monopoly. America makes a big boast and a lot of noise about the wool she purchases, but she did not. purchase much more than 1 per cent, last year.” V\ hat Mr A. M’Nicol had to say about Canada s protects against the injury done to its primary producers by the United btates tariff is a reminder that the United btates is primarily responsible for Canada imposing increased duties on New Zealand butter. The senior dominion used to sell its surplus milk and cream to its neighbour across -the border and made up the deficiency in its home market, especially in the winter, by importing New Zealand hotter. The United States tariff virtually closed the American market to Canadian dairymen, and they’ at once clamoured for protection in their own country. Their demands have been granted, and New Zealand is naturally inclined to feel aggrieved. But our grievance should not TT e n 2? cb Wltl ? Canada as with the United States, whose tariff not only injures .J*ew Zealand trade directly, but aso indirectly’ by its repercussions in Canada- Ihis is an example of that interindependence to which Sir Otto Niemeyer referred recently. .As he phrased it, “it •is every day becoming more apparent that every considerable financial and economic problem is less and less a national problem and more and more an international problem Certainly ,t is true that the United TTj „ tan ®. lS an international problem Amort. p . robleni m°re pressing because America is a creditor nation.

A case of considerable interest for farmeis was heard in the Morrinsville Magistrate s Court the other day, when Percy Rushton, of Tatuanui, a farmer in a big way, claimed £lO from F. M. Dodunski farm worker, of Tatuanui, as damages for breach of contract. The magistrate awarded the plaintiff £7 damages. The plaintiff’s evidence was to the effect that on May 6 he advertised for a family to milk on his farm at Tatuanui and received over 20 replies. He interviewed the defendant, and the parties came to an agreement whereby the defendant was to receive £7 a week and one-third of the receipts from pigs. As the result of this he advertised advising applicants that the position was filled. Witness then received a letter from the defendant advising that he had decided to take a position with a neighbouring farmer. In consequence of this he had to engage casual labour for a fortnight until he could get another family of milkers. The plaintiff stated that he was bringing this action as a test case. The defendant denied that he had contracted to work for the plaintiff, saying he had merely asked to have the job kept open for him until he consulted his family. The magistrate, Mr Wyvern Wilson, S.M., was satisfied that the defendant had. accepted Rushton’s job and then managed to get the other farmer to offer £1 more. “ He took a job at £7 a week and failed to give his employer a week’s notice,” added the magistrate. “ I give judgment for £7, the amount of a week’s wages, for breach of contract.” Costs, £3 8s 6d, were allowed. •

1930. November Vn'klanu 25.000 «* 28 .... Wanganui 22.000 December 3 Napier 30.000 »» 8 .... Wellington 30.000 12 .... Christchurch 22.000 15 .... Timaru 15,000 19 .... Dunedin . 25.000 1931. January 7 .... Wellington 30.000 J, 12 .... Napier 27.000 17 .... Auckland 25.000 20 .... Wanganui 25.000 *« 26 .... Christchurch 25.000 February 30 .... 3 .... Inverca'gill Dunedin . 25.000 30.000 yy 6 .... Timaru 18.000 «« 13 .... Wellington 30,000 18 .... Napier 24.000 March 23 .... Wanganui - 23.000 2 .... Christchurch 22.000 yy 9 .... Dunedin . 25.000 yy 11 .... Inver’gil] No limit ff 18 .... Wellington 30.000 *, 23 .... Napier 20,000 yy 27 .... Auckland No limit yy 31 .... Ch’chureh No limit April 10 .... Dunedin No limit ,, 13 .... Timaru No limit yy 17 .... Wellington No linr’t ♦> 21 .... Napier No limit n 23 .... Wanganui No limit

1929 1928 No. value. No. value. £ £ Cattle 1,477 169,338 1,152 115,185 Sheep 3,878 72,052 3,044 54,539 Pigs 411 9,232 340 8,477