LIVE STOCK AND THE FARM

Southland Times, Issue 20207, 18 June 1927, Page 14 (Supplement)

LIVE STOCK AND THE FARM

PASPALUM PASTURES. VALUABLE COW FODDER. CONSTANT CARE ESSENTIAL. Paspalum is one of the strongest-grow-ing grasses we have, and throws an abundance of succulent fodder both in swampy valleys and on poor, dry hillsides, so typical of the north, writes J. Bremner in the Auckland Herald. Yet, because it is a volunteer, and, like a weed, establishes itself in the soil, it should not be neglected. It pays to take every care of paspalum pastures so that the greatest possible amount of fodder can be produced without shortening the life of the pasture. With care, a good sole of paspalum and clover will last indefinitely. Left alone, the paspalum wiM kill all other plants, become sod-bound, yellow, and finally die.

In the late summer and autumn, provided that it has not been allowed to seed during the first two weeks of January, it makes its strongest growth. Dry though the weather may be, the second cut of hay is often heavier than the first. Unless the paspalum is so heavily stocked as to prevent it from seeding, it is advisable to run the mower over it about Christmas time, when the bulk of it is in flower. The old spring growth removed, a second crop will immediately rise, A light dressing of superphosphate will give the clovers a fillip, that they may keep pace with the paspalum during the dry weather which generally ensues. It is on this fresh growth that cows milk well in February. The rank, spring-grown grass is, as far as possible, avoided by stock. There is in it neither taste nor nourishment. Before the first frosts, the paspalum should again be mown. Should there be sufficient good grass mown, it may be made into ensilage. Even a small stack, in spite of the waste round the sides, is better than nothing. Often it will be found very helpful during a severe winter. After this second mowing, the regular annual or biennial topdressing should be applied and followed by chain harrowing to ensure equal distribution of droppings. Till the first severe frost the paspalum will grow. Then it comes to a standstill. If short, it will remain green, but will not grow during the winter. If long it dries up. It is during this season that the clovers in a good mixture come in handy by providing a tasty bite when the paspalum lies dormant. It is well to take advantage of the winter months to give the paddock a heavy discing while the ground is soft. With renewed vigour will the paspalum grow in the springtime when its roots have been cut up. Discing, mowing and top-dressing are sure preventives of root-binding. Mowing may not be necessary if the land is extraheavily stocked, which is not always practicable. But let the grass go dry and rank and neglect top-dressing, and the paspalum will suffer a check that will take time and cash and trouble to repair. THE GRASS IN AUSTRALIA. Mr B. Harrison, Burringbar, New South Wales, writes:—As pastoralists and farmers are generally anxious to procure good grasses please permit me to give a brief description of what may justly be termed an invincible variety, named Carpet Grass (Paspalum Compressum), as it withstands all kinds of hardship, and will grow and thrive well in almost any class of soil, no matter how poor it may be, and will quickly cover the ground with a mass of verdure. It is a perennial, running variety, rooting at the joints, from which the foliage ascends to the height of eight or ten inches, with me, but may vary in different soils. It is relished by all classes of stock, is very drought-resistant, and in the subjugation of noxious growth, especially the costly and troublesome ferns, it is unrivalled. It can, however, if necessary, at any time be easily eradicated, being a surface rooter only. Where I reside, near the sea, the land consists of poor, sandy, saline soil, which, a few years back, was infested with ferns and other growth and was practically worthless, and now I am pleased to say that through the cultivation of this really wonderful grass this has been abolished and my place is splendidly grassed. Those having poor or sandy soil should give it a trial, as it appears to be capable of converting the poorest soil into a pastoralist’s paradise.

FRIENDSHIP AND TRADE. NEW ZEALAND AND ARGENTINA. SENOR BIDONE HONOURED. Tributes, warm and sincere, to the work that has been done by Senor Umberto Bidone in his capacity as Consul-General for the Argentine in New Zealand were readily paid at the annual dinner of the New Zealand Fruitgrowers’ Federation recently, when Senor Bidone, who will leave the Dominion shortly, was presented with a travelling rug as a token of the esteem in which he is regarded. “It was a lucky day for New Zealand,” said Mr E. V. Bevan, of the Shaw, Savill, and Albion Shipping Company, “when she secured Senor Bidone as Consul-General for the Argentine Republic. Not only has he been a great emissary for his own country, but he has improved trade relations between New Zealand and the Argentine.” Remarks in similar strain were made by the president of the Federation (Mr T. C. Brash).

In adding his tribute to Senor Bidone, the Director-General of Agriculture (Dr. C. J. Reakes) said that New Zealand and the Argentine had much in common. “We come into competition in the world’s markets,” he added, “but it is always a friendly competition, and I sincerely hope it will continue as such, and that we will both benefit to as great an extent as we can.”— (Applause). The Minister of Agriculture (Hon. 0. J. Hawken) said that eSnor Bidone had always done his utmost to promote the best feelings of friendship and trade between the two countries, and he was satisfied that he would continue to do so. “My first word must be one of profound thanks for your kindness,” said Senor Bidone. “Your products, consisting of apples, live stock, honey, preserved fish, condensed milk, etc., are admitted into the Argentine duty free, and I hope that you will enjoy this privilege for many years to come, but permit me to make to you a suggestion: Try to buy—as reciprocal trade —some Argentine products, such as linseed, tannin materials, and wine; then the commercial relations between both countries will be lasting. A commercial treaty will foster still more the economic trade of New Zealand and the Argentine. I look on the day when the New Zealand trade of apples to the Argentine shall have increased ten times. (Applause). Cultivate friendship with the Argentine, whose mind is progressive and altrusic, because in future years there will be between the two countries, not only a moral solidarity, but also commercial cooperation. (Applause). From the bottom of my heart I thank you for your cordial reception, and tender you a,heartfelt farewell.”—(Applause). THE VALUE OF SUB-SOILING Sub-soiling meaijis the breaking-up of the lower soil without bringing it to the surface and mixing it with the fertile uppersoil. In Essex, where careful experiments have been carried out, sub-soiling has resulted in an increased yield on every field where the test has been made. The value per acre of the extra yields is estimated in almost every case at more than £6 per acre. Apparently no advantage is gained by subsoiling deeper than 5-in.

DOMINION LAMB. THE LONDON MARKET. PUBLICITY EFFORTS. By a recent English mail the New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board received a very interesting report from its London manager, Mr R. S. Forsyth, dealing with his activities in the sphere of advertising New Zealand meat at Home. At the beginning of this year the board shipped Home some parcels of specially-selected prime New Zealand lambs, and Mr Forsyth arranged for special displays of these lambs in the big London stores when the lambeating season commenced. In referring to one of these displays he writes as follows—“We made the first display of lambs, which you sent me over for that purpose, at Messrs Curnick’s retail shop in High street, Marylebone, on Thursday, April 7. Messrs Curnick and Company have a very large retail business, and made a show for us last year. They havei one of the largest shops in London. They found that the show helped their trade last year, and they were very anxious to have one before Easter to assist their opening lamb trade. I supplied them with 154) lambs, and they displayed the whole of this quantity by window display. As a matter of fact, it was the best retail display of New Zealand lambs that I have ever seen, and it attracted a great amount of attention from passers-by. Unfortunately the weather was rather wet during the Thursday and Friday of the show. The High Commissioner for New Zealand came up and visited the display and was very pleased indeed with the show. I am arranging further shows immediately after Easter in some of the south coast towns, and in other parts of London. I feel certain that this is a very practical way of advertising.” The board’s London manager also refers to the cooking, demonstrations and lectures arranged in connection with the Empire Marketing Board exhibit, and also the Ideal Homes Exhibition at Olympia. At the former exhibit four demonstration kitchens were in operation during the whole time and proved a very popular exhibition attended by many hundreds of thousands. Mr Forsyth supplied various cuts and joints of meat two or three times a week in connection with the demonstrations.

As a further means of advertising New Zealand meat at Home, the Meat Board is working with the Government Publicity Department in the preparation of a new film depicting every phase of the frozen meat industry commencing with the stock on the farm, and taking those who view the picture through every stage of the industry until the meat arrives on the market in London. The previous film which was shown at Wembley proved a huge attraction, and the board’s London manager has now made arrangements to have a number of copies of the film shown throughout the year at a large number of theatres in England. LIME WASH. Slake ten pounds of quicklime with two gallons of water. While it is slaking add a third of a cup of melted lard or other grease and a half-pound of salt. When the lime is thoroughly slaked add enough water to bring the solution to the consistency of thin cream and strain through a piece of burlap. It is also advisable to add a half cup of some coal tar disinfectant to every gallon of the final mixture. If quicklime is not available, mix 25 pounds of hydrated lime, six pounds salt, 1 pint molasses, 3 ounces ground alum, 1 quart coal tar disinfectant, and 8 to 10 gallons boiling water. Before the whitewash is applied it is necessary to clean the house thoroughly, remove the furnishings, and clean the floor. An application of one part coal tar disinfectant and one part kerosene oil to the roots and nests will destroy the - mites.

BUTTER-MILK POWDER. Under the auspices of the Whangarei Dairy Company, states the Auckland Herald correspondent, an interesting experiment and test is being conducted at Ruatangata, a rich dairying district some ten miles from the centre, to ascertain the relative value of butter-milk powder as a pig feed, compared with sharps. The pigs under experiment are all of the same litter and sex, and at the start of the test were of about 1001 b weight apiece. One pen, fed on 21b of white carrots and lAlb of butter-milk powder per day averaged an increased weight of 61b in seven days. In the same period the pigs in the other pens, fed on 21b of carrots and 21b of sharps per day averaged an increase of 241 b. It was distinctly noticeable that the pigs relished the butter-milk powder with a greater keenness to clean up the fare provided than was the case with the carrots and sharps. It is thought that the experiment will lead to a radical change in the industry locally. SHEEP STATISTICS. DECREASE IN SHEEP RECORDED. According to a statement made at the recent meeting of State Ministers of Agriculture in Australia, a world decrease of 25 per cent is reported in the number of sheep in 1922 as compared with the totals prior to 1914. In the following the prior-to--1914 figures are given in parentheses:— United Kingdom, 23,761,021 (1912, 28,967,405); Australia, 80,000,000 (1913, 85,057,402); New Zealand, 22,222,259 (1913, 24,191,810); Canada, 3,262,626 (1912, 2,084,594); South African Union, 1921, 26,288,960 (1911, 30,656,659); Argentina, 40,000,000 (1911, 80,401,486); United States, 36,018,000 (1912, 52,362,000); Uruguay, 12,000,000 (1908, 26,286,296); Brazil, 9,500,000 (1916, 7,205,000); Patagonia, 12,000,000 (12,000,000).

POTATO SHORTAGE.

PRICES MUST RISE. Christchurch, June 16. Arising out of a discussion at the May meeting of the North Canterbury Executive of the Farmers’ Union regarding potato crops, the executive caused inquiries to be made in the southern districts. The Agricultural Committee of the executive has now issued the following report:—The information to hand from the southern districts fully confirms the information regarding the potato crops received by the executive on May 25. It is evident from these reports that the potato crop will not be much more than half of that of last year, and there will be a remarkably large proportion of small potatoes. It is apparent from this information that the price of potatoes must rise as the season advances.

Members of the Wyndham A. and P. Society will have pleasant recollections of last years re-union social and presentation of cups and trophies, but this years event which is to take place on Friday the Ist of July, promises to put all previous events, undertaken by that progressive body, right in the shade. The programme of musical items will we are sure give enjoyment to all, no pains having been spared to obtain variety and humour in its composition, while the display of cups and trophies beats the splendid record previously held by the Society. Arrangements have been made with Mr. L. B. Borrow of Balaclava Street, Wyndham to make a display of the prizes in his jewellery window on June 24 and , leave it till the date of the social* *

THE ROYAL SOCIETY. ANNUAL MEETING. REVIEW OF TH® YEAR. The fourth annual meeting of the Royal Agricultural Society was held on Thursday, May 26. There were 37 members present from different parts of the Dominion, and W. Perry, Esq., occupied the chair. REMARKS BY CHAIRMAN. In moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, the president stated that it gave him great pleasure to announce that the Royal Show in Auckland had been a great success, much greater than even the council and he had anticipated. The success of the Show was entirely due to the enthusiasm and team work of the Auckland A. and P. officials, notwithstanding the handicap of insufficient conveniences. He considered the display of pigs, dairy cattle and fat lambs was better than that of the Royal Show of 1924 or 1925. If any fault could be found it was in the shape of criticising the lavish expenditure of the A. and P. Association, but so determined was that body to make the Royal Show a success that they risked making entertainment somewhat lavish in order to make the Show the success it undoubtedly was. He wished to compliment the judges on the fine work they did, especially the Australian judges who had come so far to help the society. On behalf of the council he congratulated the Railway Department on the business-like way it had handled the Royal Show stock, and Mr D. Buchanan of Tiakitahuna who had done good work in charge of the special stock train from Palmerston North. He was glad to state that the experiment of appointing advisory stewards from the council had proved successful and he thanked Messrs W. Howard Booth; E. D. McLennan, M.P.; and H. B. Stuckey, for their helpful work. He also thanked the Waikato A. and P. Association for its kindness in allowing the Royal Agricultural Society to use its dates for the Royal Show; by so doing a great difficulty had been removed. He was sorry to state that the endowment fund was at a standstill at the present time owing to financial stringency among farmers, but he hoped to see the big breeders of the Dominion helping the fund along when the new season commenced. He was pleased to inform members that the Government had kindly donated £lOOO last year in lieu of the usual donation of £500; this was made in lieu of making a contribution to the endowment fund. In order to crystallise some ideas he had formed about the future policy of the society regarding our Royal Shows he had gone to the Sydney Royal Show. After what he had witnessed there he was of the opinion that the society had to make a bold progressive step in order to forge ahead and increase its membership. With that object in view' he would suggest that—(l) Future Royal Shows be held in the early autumn; (2) future Royal Shows to be run by the Royal Agricultural Society; (3) the stud stock sales should be made a much bigger feature of our future Royal Shows. He felt sure if these suggestions were carried out the society would make an immediate step of progress, and the membership would be materially increased. In conclusion he thanked the secretary for the capable work he had done on behalf of the society, especially in organising the train arrangements for the last Royal Show. In seconding the motion, Mr J. O. Coop remarked that Royal Shows should be held for educative purposes, and for that reason he considered that the shows should not be confined to two or three centres.

The motion was carried. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. As Mr W. Perry was the only nomination for the position of president he was unanimously re-elected for 1927-28. Vice-presidents—Messrs W. W. Massey (North Island) and E. Hay (South Island) were elected. Treasurer—Mr W. D. Hunt was re-elected to the position of honorary treasurer. Members of Council—The following were declared elected— North Island—A. Hunter (Hawera) ; H. Y. Lethbridge (Turakina) ; E. D. McLennan, M.P. (Papakura); W. G. Park (Te Awamutu). South Island—R. E. Alexander (Lincoln) ; Hop. A. F. Hawke (Invercargill) ; J. A. Johnstone (Dunedin); W. D. Pike (Blenheim). Auditor—Mr S. E. Lambert, P.P.A., N.Z., was re-electe<i auditor at a fee of 10 guineas. In returning thanks for their election as vice-presidents, Mr W. W. Massey said that the success which had attended the holding of the Royal Show at Auckland had fully exploded the argument that Royal Shows could only prove a success at Christchurch or Palmerston North. The fact that the majority of the championships had been carried off by the stock from a distance showed that the stock had not suffered by the journey, and Mr E. Hay, president of the Canterbury A. and P. Association, was of opinion that in the interests of the society the Royal Show should only be held at two central points in each island. They could not expect Southland breeders to exhibit at Auckland, neither would they get Auckland stock at a Royal Show at Invercargill. He promised to get his society to endeavour to rectify the matters in connection with the cattle pavilion complained of by the N.Z. Friesian Association. TRAVELLING EXPENSES. Mr E. Hay moved and A. Hunter (pro forma) seconded the following notice of motion—“ That members of the council of the Royal Agricultural Society of New Zealand and delegates attending meetings and conferences called by the Royal Agricultural Society of New Zealand be paid travelling allowances?”

Several members pointed out that the society was hardly strong enough financially to undertake such payments being made yet. On a vote being taken the motion was lost. CHANGE OF DATE. In introducing this matter the president stated that he would like to test the meeting as to whether the change would be advantageous as the opinions expressed would be valuable to the council. Personally he thought the change would be advantageous because (1) the stock would be in better show condition, (2) the small breeders would be able to compete as at the present time the cost of getting stock into show condition in the spring was beyond the small breeders, (3) there would be less interference with other A. and P. fixtures, and (4) the stud stock sales held in the autumn would be more beneficial to breeders. Messrs R. D. Knight, T. Webb, M. A. Conway, J. P. Kalaugher, Sir R. D. D. McLean and J. Knight warmly supported the idea, but Messrs R. E. Alexander, E. Hay and J. D. Hall were of the opinion that the affiliated A. and P. societies and breed societies should be consulted before taking any further steps. Messrs C. Mclntosh and H. Y. Monro (Marlborough Merino Sheep-breeders’ Association) opposed the ( idea. Eventually it was resolved, on the motion of Messrs J. Knight and T. Webb—“ That it be a recommendation to the council to take ipto consideration the question of holding the Royal Show in the autumn, but before coming to a decision it should obtain the views of the respective A. and P. Associations and Breed Societies on the matter.”