pair, another commenced the erection of a house in European style, a third figured in sporting circles as the owner of a racing stud. To crown the extravagance, the armed guard were actually wearing trousers, real orthodox unmentionables, although they did occasionally wear them the wrong side foremost. Those connected with the Bank were the envy of Maoridom. Opposition Banks were talked of, and attempted without success. The customers appeared to be all used up. The Bank was in the zenith of its power when a great Maori Mission to England was decided on. One of the speakers said the spirit of a dead ancestor had appeared to him in a dream and told him he must go to England where lived the great Pakeha Queen who would redress all wrongs. The Maoris had been robbed of their inheritance, their children were landless and their Chiefs without power or influence. Let them go to England and lay their petition before the Queen. The money of the Bank could not be spent in a better cause. At the end of six months when the depositors came for their money, and in response to the general clamour, they were told that the directors had taken all the money to England. “Some beat the walls with their fists, others wreaked their fury on the remaining officials. As the crowd increased, the passions gathered in intensity, and the idea seemed to take hold that the money must still be in the Bank. Within a twinkling of an eye the old raupo whare was torn to the ground, the boxes which had done duty as treasure chests were smashed to pieces, books and papers were thrown to the wind, and the people, who seemed to have taken leave of their senses, jumped about in wild delirium. All at once a tongue of flame leaped forth, and before many minutes there was nothing visible of the Maungatautari Bank, the (“Whare-utu”, or Money House), but a heap of smouldering ashes.” Some months later, after feelings had subsided, the mission returned from England. The Queen they said, was greatly grieved at the wrongs of the Maoris and would see that restitution was made to the Maori race. As for the money in the Bank that had been taken, what of that? Did they not know that it was the custom of Banks to charge interest? and the interest charge for keeping money had eaten up all the principal. With the destruction of its premises, the sole remaining asset of the Bank was irretrievably lost, and henceforth the Maungatautari Bank ceased to exist.

ON THE FARM

DAIRY COW NUTRITION DURING SUMMER The year's production on dairy farms can be materially affected by feed conditions during summer. Cows fed poorly now, the Department of Agriculture points out, not only produce less milk during summer, but dry off earlier in autumn. Dairy statistics show that long lactation is very important, so the feeding of silage or other supplementary milk-producing fodders should be started as soon as pasture begins to dry off. Supplementary feeding should not be left until milk production shows a material fall.

SHEARING OF EWES WITH LAMBS The Department of Agriculture advises farmers that if ewes with lambs are to be shorn, every effort must be made to reduce the time during which lambs are away from the ewes, as it is easy to dry ewes off at this time of the year. They should be brought to the shed in small mobs and should be dagged before reaching the board.

PIG PRODUCTION IN SUMMER Farrowed sows should receive a ration of 4 gallons of milk plus ⅔ gallon per pig suckled. Newly weaned pigs should not be overfed; the Department of Agriculture considers 1 ½ to 2 gallons per day in three feeds adequate for the first 14 days. The ration can then be slowly raised to 2 ½ gallons at the end of the first month, and after the first fortnight the number of feeds may be reduced to two per day. Replacement breeding stock should be selected from the bacon pens. Those chosen should be the fastest-growing sows with good strong feet and at least 12 well placed teats.

COWS RETURNING TO THE BULL If cows are returning to service, the mating records should be examined to see if any particular bull is to blame. If so, a veterinarian or Livestock Instructor of the Department of Agriculture should collect a semen sample for examination. Washing out cows seldom helps and may cause trouble if irritant fluids such as kerosene are used. It pays to consult a veterinarian as soon as the cows are noticed returning to service in unusual numbers, because the bull might be sterile or infected with disease that prevents conception of cows. Care is necessary when a replacement bull is bought, and if possible it should be a young bull that has not been used previously. A bull should never be bought in the saleyard unless his full history is known.