THE COUNTRY.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17112, 6 April 1921, Page 3

THE COUNTRY.

Jottings for Farmers. An enormous reduction in the value of the sheep and cattle in the Dominion through the fall in prices during the past four months is estimated by Mr 0. J. Hawken, M.P. "It is at the lowest estimate twenty-five millions sterling, but personally 1 believe it to be over thirty millions,*' said Mr Hawken. "We have had bad times in the Dominion before to-day but I hare never previously known values drop so much in such a short'period." But the reduction in values is not'likely to be permanent, he thinks. There are already signs of a recovery, and the person who buys stock at the prevailing rates may be in for a big win. providing he ha's the feed.—Eltham "Argus." „

Referring to the cost of manufacturing superphosphate, a speaker at the meeting of the Auckland and suburban branch of the Farmers' Union, on Friday, said Mr Massey was reported to have stated that superphosphate could be produced from Nauru Island phosphate rock at a certain cost, which was considerably below the actual cost of manufacture. Other speakers (states the "Herald") expressed doubt as to the accuracy of the reported statement. It was decided to refer the matter to the Prime Minister when he next visits Auckland. At Friday's" meeting of the Prices Investigation Tribunal, which was considering complaints as to prices charged for manure, the secretary, Mr E. Carter, explained that in one case the farmer was. tinder the impression that ho had purchased Nauru Island phosphates, wb~ich had been quoted by Mr Massey at 80s a ton, when, as a matter of fact, he had bought Australian phosnhates. In any case, said Mr Carter, the jnice quoted by Mr Massey was for the crude phosphate landed 111 New Zealand, which would have to be treated before being suitable for manuring purposes.

The drought that is at present being experienced in the "Wairarapa is one. of the most protracted known in the history of the district.

Stacks containing about 60 tons of oaten sheaf were destroyed on Mr T. Hood's property at Onga Onga,Hawke s Bay, the other day. The first had a peculiar origin. Mr Rood was driving sheen through the paddock in which tho stacks were, when ho was surprised to see a fire' start fn the midst of the sheep. In a few minutes, helped by a breeze, the flames -reached the stacks, and although dozens of helpers were soon on the scene,, tho stacks could not be saved. Mr Rood thinks a box of matches had been dropped in the paddock, and 'the sheep treading on them ignited them. The crop was not insured. ' . ■

TAI TAPU. ■ An enjoyable dance was held in the Tai Tapu Town Hall on Friday evening. Mr Bettlo supplied the musia and Mr J. Heinzmanu played extras. Mr E. S. Jones' acted as secretary, and the duties of M.C. were carried out by Mt H. Silvester.

GLENTUNNEL. The official opening of the football season took place; on the - 'Domain grounds last Saturday,. when a match was played between the "Old Timers" and the Black Diamond team, resulting in a win for the former' by 11 points to nil. For the winners, C". Price scored a try, which was converted by J. Doody, who also kicked two penalty goals. Mr R. Longstaff was referee. At night a smoke concert was held in the Oddfellows'. Hall. Much-appreciated items were given by Messrs J. Bell, J. Goodall, S, Marsh, T. Reynoldß, A. Smith, H. Nicol, J. Temple, and J. Tarling. On Friday evening a dance was held in the Whitecliffs School,, in aid of the Foothall Club's funds. There was a .good attendance of . supporters and 'members, and a very enjoyable evening was spent. Dancing was kept up till early in the morning, to excellent music supplied by Mrs Percival (piano), Mr Longstaff (violin), and Mr Juggernaught (cornet): Extras were played by Miss Willis and Mr Goodall, while

the duties of M.C. were efficiently carried out by Mr "\V. Matthews.

KIEWBE- ' The -rainfall for March, was 1.20 m, I Rain fell on seven davs, the maximum, fall being .40in, on the 7th. For the corresponding month of 1920 the fall was 1.92iu ; 1919, .54in: and 1918, 1.98 in. For the three months ending March 31st. the fail was 8.52 in, and for the corresponding pwiod of 1920, 8.66 in ; 1919, 4.77 in; and 1918. 7.11 in. The weather is very dry, and a good fall of rain is badlv needed. Feed is going off quickly, and blight is bad on rape and turnips. Some rain fell on Sunday, .26in being recorded. The water supplv in the Malvern County water-races'is rapidly diminishing, o'wing to the low state of the - Kowai river. I

ASHBURTON. • The stock slaughtered at the Ashburtcn Abattoir during March was: Cattle 150, calves 3, pigs 23, sheep 1013, lambs <'». The totals for tho year ending March-31st. 1921, were: Cattle 1320, calves 53, pigs 456, sheep 9010, lnnibs 517 • The Ashburton Borough Council-has decided that the taxi-cab- charges for half » mile- beyond the borough be increased to Is, mileage to bo counted only; that the fare for funerals be at the rate of 15s an hour, with a minimum of los; for weddings 20s an hour, with a minimum of 20s. At the meeting of the* Ashburton Borough' Council Mr W. H. Robinson, ono of the tlirce members appointed to represent tie Hampstead Town Board district (now amalgamated with the borough) pending the elections, reported that the Board had an overdraft of £2-00, and that there were rates outstanding to the amount of £25, as well as a subsidy of £los. There was also the Board's plant to bo handed over to tho Council.

At the monthly mooting of the Ashburton High School Board, Mr It. Galbraith presiding, it was reported that there wa» a credit balance of £393 17s 3d to the general account. The headmaster reported that the roll number was now J 96, with an average attendance of 183. It was decided to object to the inclusion in the borough of th.3 agricultural experimental plots of the Board. It was decided to call a .conference of the Board and the- Technical School Board r with, a view to preventing the overlapping of subjects taught both by the High School and the technical School.