RURAL RAKINGS.

Waikato Times, Volume LVII, Issue 8060, 19 November 1906, Page 2

RURAL RAKINGS.

The plenteous rain of the past week was a. most welcome and indeed necessary change fmin the recent dry weather whioh was fast li coming a most serious matter to farmers, whose prospects for this season aie considerably enhanced by the timely showers. The late sown crops are* now saved from the disaster which overshadowed them, while early crops are pl.ced on a better footing. So far pastures have been in full feed, and now dairymen are assured of a suooessful season, for the country has now obtained a supply of moisture sufficient to last for some time. In this connection it is of interest to determine whether some modification of Professor Campbell's dry farming system would ii t greatly assist in keeping the Wud in good heart, though we never have need for extreme measures, B'iefly put, the system s based ou the scientific treatment of the soil to secure and all the moisture it receives on the euv~tce. I'he land has to be ploughed deeply and the under layers of the farrows, after being broken into fine dust, are packed with a subsoil packer. Toe surface is then carefully harrowed and pulverised, after every shower, so tint the last drop of moisture may be absorbed and stored for the benefit of the crop to be sown in it. However, when our land is being prepared for planting there is abundance of moisture and if it were stored up as suggested, there might very well be too much for the then requirements of the seed. Fiobably the chief benefit would be derived in dry lands like the inland portions of Queensland, and arid lands such as are to be found in some parts of America. Shearing is now practically finished, and woolgrowers will be pleased with the prospect of increased prices, reports from London and Sydney announcing rises, At Sydney, where a world's record for one day's sale was put up, prioes advanced one farthing, while at Bradford the unusual increase of a penny for forties tops was reoorded. The recent rains have had an appreciable effect on the local oattle market Cattle generally at Ohaupo were 10s in advanoe of previous rates. At Kemuera a shortening of supply in dairy and store stock was noticeable, graziers being muoh more inclined to hold than they were bjfore. Fata also were enhanced in value, ox beef selling to 24s per 1001b, and cow to 20s. Fat sheep remained somewhat on late rates, though fat lambs were better worth, selling to 20s for heavy weights, others ranging from Us 91 to 16s. Similar rates were obtainable at Newmarket. Figs, whioh were in plentiful supply, improved on last week's quotations. Regarding the Home market for frozen me it, the least that can be said is that the position is not a r all what one would desire. The temporary firmness displayed recently was due to tin fact that both Australia and the Argentine are later than usual in placing their supply on the market. This must not be interpreted as indicative of a shortage, for from three sources of supply there is every likelihood of increase. The retail market is disinolined to move, high prices checking business. The stress of the position lies in the fact th it soon there will be condensed into weeks the business,' whioh, under ordinary oircumstanoes, occupies weeks, and a serious collapse of the must, in our opinion, be faosd. Owing to the circumstances of the trade, lamb will feel the pinch much more than mutton will. The Southern market for oats have seen good enquiries. Locally business is rather dull, though prioes so .far have not been reduced. Chaff has declined 5s per ton for new. The demand for potttjea is good, buf as the new season's, though unfortunately affected by blight, are now ooming in, prices shou'd show an easening tendency. Onion values are firm, as the demand is far in excess of the supply, and is likely to remain so for some time yet. Dairy buitjr, owing to increased Bupply has been lowered. Other produoe remains unchanged. *>