GERALDINE FARMERS’ UNION

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21127, 29 August 1938, Page 4

GERALDINE FARMERS’ UNION

Interesting Lectures Given Pastures and Pigs Two interesting lectures, one being illustrated with lantern slides, were given at a meeting of the Geraldine branch of the Farmers’ Union on Friday night. “It is remarkable," said Mr C. C. Leitch, field officer for the Department of Agriculture in South Canterbury, when speaking on “Strains in Pastures” that in a country like New Zealand little had been done in the matter until the last few years.” It was a problem, said Mr Leitch, to get grasses to stay any length of time. This was due mainly to strains. A few shillings spent in good strains was money well spent, he said. Mr Leitch covered the growing of various grasses and the effects of the strains on their growth. Interesting experimental plots and various pastures in Hawke’s Bay district were shown, and the lecture concluded with slides of threshing, cleaning and certifying operations. Several questions were asked by members and answered by Mr Leitch. Profit in Pigs That the pig was called by some farmers a dirty animal was spoken of by Mr H. W. Mclntosh, supervisor of the Canterbury District Pig Control Committee, in a brief address. The pig, said Mr Mclntosh, was as dirty as the farmer allowed it to be, but as clean as the farmer would let it. He was disgusted when going through South Canterbury to see the type of pig and condition it was kept in. Mr Mclntosh emphasised the value of breeding the right type of pig for profit and the danger of inbreeding with the wrong type. He also spoke regarding the formation of Pig Clubs, and said he was endeavouring to form clubs in South Canterbury with a view to breeding the right type of pig for export. MINIATURE RIFLES TIE FOR BURNETT CUP That there was a tie in the Burnett Cup competition was reported at a meeting of the Geraldine County Miniature Rifle Association, Winchester, Pleasant Valley and Hilton possessing equal points. It was agreed to hold a deciding shoot on the Woodbury range on August ?1. Mr S. Sharman, who was present by invitation, said that he was endeavouring to form a .303 rifle club in Geraldine, and the Association agreed to call a public meeting after the final shoot. The resignation of the president (Mr E. P. Barker) who is leaving for Australia, was received with regret. Mr L. Beattie who was appointed president, thanked Mr Barker for his work for the Association, and expressed a hope that his stay in Australia would be a happy one. Mr O. S. Priest wrote resigning from the position of target checker because he was leaving fcr Akaroa. Mr G T. Cain was appointed to fill the vacancy. Officials for the final championship shoot on September 8 were appointed as follow: Range officers, Messrs D. G. Cain, K. Quaid, H. Mallinson, A. Riches; target collector, Mr P. Surridge; time-keeper, M” J. Mcllroy; blackboard steward. Mr R. Wilks. It was agreed to ask the president (Mr K. Mackenzie) to present the prizes. CRIBBAGL The tenth and final round of the Geraldine and District Cribbage Association will take place to-morrow night. The draw is follows: Oddfellows v. Orari Bridge, Bowlers v. South End, Uitizens v. Raukapuka. BASKETBALL In a friendly basketball match played on the Geraldine courts on Saturday, Geraldine defeated Woodbury by 27 goals to six. Miss Eileen King was referee. PERSONAL Mr S. Callanan, Wellington, is visiting his parents Constable and Mrs D. Callanan. Talbot Street. “Procter’s,” the Opticians, Christchurch, will be making their next professional visit to Geraldine on Wednesday, September 7, when they may he consulted on all defects of eyesight at the Crown Hotel. Appointments can now be made by ringing Mr Morris Williams, chemist, ’phone 61