RURAL RIDES.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20494, 12 March 1932, Page 10

RURAL RIDES.

PROGRESS OF THE FAIRS. THE DROP IN PRICES. (By H.A.M.) (No. LXXXLI.) The ewe fairs were developing in very much the same way as they did last year—an casing at Hawardcn on the Amberley prices, and a sharp rise at Waiau. At this point the similarity disappears, for last season the Culverden rates further improved and the advance continued uninterruptedly on till the end of the fairs. There was the difference that last season prices at Amberley were depressingly low, whilst this year they were quite a coupJ.e of shillings per head better than expected. The margin for advance, therefore, was less this season, in addition to which the feed position caused anxiety which it did not do last year. The advance, at Waiau and Little River raised prices to a level which, based on last season's comparative figures, seemed high, for there is not much difference in the outlook except that export lamb prices are not running down the Mil as they were last season. The steadying in prices at Culverden on Thursday, therefore, was. not a totally unexpected development, though the extent of the drop of up to 2s 6d a head in many cases certainly was unexpected. The mouths of the older ewes were not quito so good as at Waiau, and this may have had an effect on tho competition. Dealers who had a good "innings" last year in turning over their Amuri purchases at the subsequent down country farms are not, on present values, .likely to repeat history. But have one or two year ewes been dear? It is generally reckoned that the cost of tho ewe should be covered by the lamb,, leaving the wool to pay the cost of its production. Quite good two year ewes were selling at Culverden at 9s and-10s,. and there is not going to bo much in Plains lamb raising next season if this return cannot be averaged over all tho crop, leaving the few shillings' worth of wool, and the old ewe for costs, or, in the case of a two-year life, a cheap capatal for the next breeding season. All matters considered, it can scarcely be argued that ewes are too dear, unless the bottom is going to fall out of things completely.' The argument concerning old sheep applies with more force to the younger ewes, although from different reasons. Nobody thought to question the wisdom—or rather unwisdom—of paying 30s for one and two-year ewes two or three years ago, and lamb was not treble tho price then that it is to-day. Early Culverden Fairs. At a time when the youuj* fellows of the countryside were ''trying out" their hacks over clumps of gorso or over slip-rails to see if they would carry thenl on the Boer battlefields, and at a moment, it can be understood, when the prosaic affairs of tho farm did not bother the young heads'much, the writer had a short glimpse, of the Culverden. ewe fair. In thoso days entries of 100,000 and over were the Tule on one Occasion 143,000, the writer was credibly informed, came under the hammer. The small fairs were not then in existence, and all the North Canterbury surplus ewes came to Culverden. The fair was "some day," as the modern youth puts it, with sheep penned all over the capacious yards, dogs by the hundred, and ilrovers who combined the festivities of - the year into one hectic occasion. The special train from Christchurch was generally packed, and in. the auctioneers ', special carriage wit and .various - other things ran free. A few of the old figures are still about, but the'men who dominated the Amuri in those days are gone. The district and its fair have a wonderful history—old enough to be new to most readers of to-dny.. Somebody some day may be disposed to tell it for these columns. The Balmoral Plantations. The dry season lias had no harmful effect on the Balmoral - plantations.

Tho younger trec3 on the eastern side of the Culverden road are strikingly green and healthy looking, and there is not a "miss" in the whole of the area that comes under the eye. The individual who proposed tho utilisation of this barren waste for afforestation purposes was prompted by a happy idea, as in a few years the plantation will provide a most useful asset. !s has one recommendation that is not. possessed by several other Government efforts in the same direction—the railway and main road run through it, :>nd when the trees become marketable, there will be no difficulty in the matter of transport. That is a real difficulty with most of the afforestation areas. More Rain Wanted. Tho limestone hills in the Weka Pass district are standing out very hare at presents The rain on the northern side was meagre compared with what fell elsewhere, and in the week between tho two ewe fairs at Hawarden and Culverden there is a much drier appearance in tho countryside. iSntue early feed on the lower side of tV Pass' is well through the ground and looking well, but from tho Pass on to Culverden there is a pressiii-; need l'or some rain whilst the sun still lias warmth in it. The rain was sufficient to allow cultivation to be proceeded with, and a good few tractors and teams are to be seen at work. The Rabbit. A number of farmers have mentioned the increase that has taken place this last twelve months in the rabbit post. Tho comment does not apply to any one district—it is fairly general where river beds or hilis provide favourable breeding grounds. The floods in most of the rivers, which, as a rule, can bo depended upon to take a heavy toll, have been confined this season to the snow rivers, and this helpful source cf destruction has been absent. The exceptionally favourable breeding season and the comparative suspension of [oisoning and trapping have further aided flic increase of the pest. A respite for even one season, will take three or four seasons to overtake, and though it would bo unduly harassing the farmer at tho present time to enforce the Act he should, in his own interests, take all possible steps to check the spread of the pest. He need not depend on the Government doing mu<vh these days.