FARMING & COMMERCIAL

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 131, 20 February 1918, Page 10

FARMING & COMMERCIAL

NEWS AND NOTE 3.

MASTERTON SHOW

FINE DISPLAY OF STOCK

DETAILS OF THE JUDGING

By Telesrapli-Special • Reporter. ■Mastertohj-February 19. ■ Tho Masterton Agricultural aud Pastoral Association's thirty-first show was opened at Solwaj • to-day. The weather was dull, and there- wore many evidences of the recent rains, but the ground was in excellent condition. The Bohvay property is now one of tho best showgrounds in the Dominion, and is certainly the most improved. The agricultural body havo shown great enterprise in the conversion of paddocks into an up-to-dato and highly atiractive. show area. Tho ground has natural .attracfiojis'sueb. as native bush, but tlie association has further beautified the place. ■ Even the fences in the jumping ring have had the ugly look taken from them by the judicious use of live shrubbery. There were not a great many people present to-day, but Masterton is not a which draws (veil on judging day. If ilio weather keeps fine there will be a big crowd present to-morrow (People's Day). The entries of stock are large, but not eo large as usual. The chief drop is in sheep entries, owing to such breed-. ■'«-s as Messrs. H. 11: Beothain, J. Strang, AV. E. C. Tylee, H. D. VavaBour, G. C. Williams, S. Mungavin, and (i. E. Allen failing to exhibit this year. The sheep entries have dropped from- about 700 to 320. The reason given for the non-appearance of so many leading breeders is their inability to get the men neodecHo cope with the considerable amount of work entailed in.getting,un sheop for exhibition and , tending them at the ehov. Notwithstanding this great drop in sheep the general entries total only 16C less than last year's. In light calfclo' and dogs, tho entries are well ahead of last year's figures.

To-day. was devoted principally to the judging of stock. Must, of the awards have now been mado except that a good many of tho horse competition contests remain to bb decided tomorrow.

Sheep-dog trials are becoming features of present-day shows, and tomorrow tho public will have an opportunity of. seeing the four best dogs at work in the ring. ' The competition -was Held to-day, so that the public would.not be wearied by a long coiir test, and to-day's performances will be inerelj. exhibitions The extraordinary cleverness of the do?s and the degree to which they ars trained places their exhibitions among the most popular features of this''show: The trial was .won yesterday by -Mr. C. S. Hay's William Wallace, who scored 30 points. Mr. Hay's Meggie was second with 27, and Mr. Hav's Bob third with 20 points, and his Tommy Atkins fourth with 19 points. The. judge described ,tne work of the first dog as a. nice run on very difficult sheep, and that of the second dog as a fair run.

■••'•: Some of the other ring competitions -also were worked oft to-day. The ""thief of..them 1 was the,jumping eom- ' "petition .in, hunting, style. Mr. H. Hassull, oi Hastings, won with Mickey , .Free, a.:very. successful show-ring per.,,former. Mr. J.. J. Briee was second >-jrith Twilight, who won in 1916; and Mr. 0. Johansen's C'oronalla was third. •'■Mickey Free was successful in 19] i and "1915, and altogether Mr.. Ilassall lias scored four times in the event.

' The trotting competition was won by .Mr. Q. J. Percy's Jack, with Mr. R. 'Strang's: Billy secondhand the walking competition went to' Mr. AVilliam Hugbes's Eagle Jewel, with Mr. J. fireig's Eed Heal second, and Mr. AV. F. Armstrong's Betty, third.

The".competition for.maiden jumpers drew a very small field, and it was won by Mr.E. D. M. Morrison's AA'arhead.

Notwithstanding that the sheep sec..ijiou.. has for the time being fallen jHway numerically, there are many good ...quality sheep in the pons, and the exhibition is ono of,, considerable value. In the Lincoln division the awards have , been much more .evenly distributed than is often-the case; No particular breeder lias monopolised theprize-sheot. Mr.' A?. Perry showed the champion ram, and Mr. B. Rayner the champion ewo.

: .No English Leicesters were entered,, nnd only one Border Leicester was shown. '■..'. ,

Mr. W. Perry had great success in the Romney section, securing ths cbampionebips, . five firsts, and oilier prizes. Messrs; E. ATiiTlen, and W. H. BuicK were the only others who-got winning tickets. For the fifth occasion, and the-fourth time in succession, Mr. Perry won tho silver Balver forthe best young ram. In. Southdmyns, the sheep so. highly valued by thoso ongaged in the fat lamb trade, Messrs. J. Knight, of Feildiug, and W. Howard Booth, of -Carterton, swept the board. Mr. Booth won the ram championship and the Glenside Cup, an'd'ono other first prize, and all the rest of the chief events went to the Fcilding breeder. In Sbropshires, Sir James Wilson has the field to himself, arid exhibited Bpme Very nice quality animals. There has never been much competition in Shropphires at Masterton. Last year' Mr. H. D. Vavasour was the only competitor, and in 191 p the only entries were those of Mr. W. Rayner. ■\ The competition in the fat sheep Sivi•yioii was keen, as should be the case In a district noted for its meat production. Some excellent sheep for freezing wero penned. ,

There were not many sheep ontered in the farmers' classes,' but what there wero were good, showing quality in 'wool and strength of constitution.

Taken all round, tho cattlo section was strong. The entries of Shorthorns were ten more than last year, and tho quality was much admired by enthusiasts who always look for something special in the big cattle line at Wairarapa shows. Messrs. Dalzioll Bros, won tho bull championship, and Mr. W. Howard Booth the cow championship.

The other heavy breed, the Hereford, was not so well represented numerically, but there was no doubt about the quality of the stock. Mr. TZ. Short, of Feilding, was the principal exhibitor, and the principal prize-taker. Both the championships and nearly all tho firsts went his way.

There were but few Polled Angus cattle entered, and the Friesian and Ayrshire entries also were poor. The Jersoy was the beat represented of all the milking breeds. Carterton, a fine dairying district, held a strong hand throughout, and both championships went there—the bull championship to Mr. E. Eagle, and the cow championship to Mr. W. H. Booth.

The competition was not »s keen as it might have been throughout the fat cattle section, but the judge considered the quality good. Some good, horses were shown, but most of. the horses will bo seen out to-morrow. A pood deal of interest was taken in the appearance of All Red, a lino performer on the turf, Hiirl the sire of Miss do Val, Tip Up, and other well-known horses of to-day, The son of Stepiiiak and Madder wai

awarded the championship. He was entered in tlio name of Mr. J. Bull.

THE PRIZE-LIST SHEEP Southdowns, ram over 33 months— W. Howard Booth, 1; J. Knight, l>. Ram over 21 and under 33 months— W. Howard Booth, 1 and champion; J. Knight, 2 and 3. Ham under 21 months— J. Knight, 1 and reserve champion, and 2. Two rams under 21 month— J. Knight, 1 and 2_; AV. Howard Booth, 3. Four rams under. 21 months — J. Knight, 1. Ram lamb— J. Knight, ], 2, and 3. Ewe over 21 months —j. Knight, 1 and champion, and 2; W. Howard Booth, 3. Ewe under 21 months — J. Knight, 1 and reserve champion, and 3; AV. Howard Booth, 2. Two ewes, under. 21 months— J. Knight, 1 and 2; AY. Howard Booth, 3 and 4. Ewe lamb— J. Knight, 1, 2, and 3. Lincoln, ram over 33 months—W. Perry, 1 and reserve champion; A. K. Andorvoii, 2; Bland Unyner, 3. Ram, over 21 and under 33 months—Estate Late D. M'Gregor, 1. and champion; W. Perry, 2 and 3. Warn, urmer 21 months —AV. Howard Booth, 1 : AV. Perry, 2;

AY. Raviier, 3. Two rams, under 21 months—W. Perry, I; Bland Rayner, 2. Four ijxins. under 21 months —AV. Howard Booth,' 1, AVilton Bros., 2; Bland Raytier, 3. Earn lamb—F. 11. Reynolds, 1; AV. Rayner, 2 and 3. Ewe, over 21 months—Bland. Rayner, 1 and 'champion, and 2. Ewe, under 21 months— J. AV. Compton, 1' and reserve, champion and 3; Bland Rayner, 2. Two ewes, under 21 months—Estate Late J). JPGregor, 1: A. E. Anderson, 1}; J: Af. Compton, 3. Ewe Jamb—B. Lunilev. 1; AV. Rayner, 2 and 3. Skopsliires, ram over 33 monthsSir James AVilson, 1 and champion. Ram. over 21 and under 33 monthsSir James AVilson, 1 and reserve'champion and 2. Ram—under 21 months— Sir James AVilson, 1, 2, ami 3. Two rams, under 2* months—Sir James AViLson. 1 and 2. Ram lamb—Sir James AVilson, 1, 2, and 3. Ewe, over 21 months—Sir James AVilson, 1 and champion,- 2, and 3. Ewe. under 21 months—Sir James AVilson, ~i, 2, and 3. Two owc-s, under 21 months—Sir James Wilson, 1 and reserve champion, and 2. Ewe lamb—Sir Jarncs AA'ilson, 1, 2 ami 5.

Rnmney Marsh, ram over 33 months _-\V. Perry. 1 and champion, 2, and 3. Earn, under 33 months—W. Perry, 1 and reserve champion. Ram, under 21 months—W. Perry, 1 and 3: A. and J. Gray, 2. Two rams, under 21 months —W. Rayner, 1: AV. Perry, 2 and 3. Four rams., under 21 months—AV. Perry, 1. Ewe, over 21 months—AV. Perry. 1 and champion : A. R- TTnnnin, 2; A. E. SantlilancTs, 3. Ewe, under 21 months—E. W. Allen, 1 and reserve champion aiid 2; David Smith, 2. Two. owes, under 21 months—W. H. Ruick, 1: A. R, Fannin, 2. Ewe lamb—E. AV. Allen, 1 ; AV. H. Buiclt, 2; Dafid Smith, 3. Farmers' Glasses, Longwool-cross, open onlj to exhibitors whose flocks du not appear in th« New Zealand Flock Book—four ewes, over 21 months— J. S. Holmes, 1. Two ewes, over 21 months— J. S. Holmes, 1. Four ewes, under 21 months— J. S. Holmes, 1 and 2. 'IVo ewes, under 21 months— J. S. Holmes, 1 and 2. Four ewe lambs— J. S. Holmes,'l and 2. Two ewe lambs— J. S. Holmes, 1 and 2. Tikitapu trophy, 5 two-tooth or fourtooth long-wool or long-wool cross ewes— J. S. Holme?, 1 and 2; J. and AV. Fisher, 3. Border Leicester ram, over 21 mouths-J. and W. Fisher, 1. , Freezer Sheep. Long-wool sheen to be sent to London—AV. Strang," 1; D. M'Lachlan, 2 and 3. Down sheep, to be sent to London—D. M'Lachliiii, 1. Li the other classes firsts went to AV. M'Kennie (four), AV. Eeid atd Sons (three), B." Y. Skeet, J. T. AV._ Fisher, AV. H. Bsetham, and Morris and Harper. Fat Sheep. Firsts in fat sheep were awarded F. AV. Fairey, AV. Eeid and Son, Morris and Harper (four), J. and AV-. Fisher (three). The heaviest lamb was shown by Mrs. Mohcikey, and the best, pet .lamb by Miss Edna Mohekey.

CATTLE SECTION

Shorthorn bullock, over 4 years— Dalziell Bros., 1 and champion. Bull, 2 yews—AY. Howard Booth, ]. Bull, oue year—James Kilgour, ]; Sir Waltpr Buchanan, 2; W. Howard Booth, 3. Cow, any age—W. Howard Booth, 1 and champion , Sir Walter Buchanan. 2 and 3. Heifer. 3 voars—Dalainll Bros., 1; W. Howard Booth. 2; Sir Walter Buchanan, 3. Heifer, 2 years— W. Howard Booth, 1 and reserve chamnion, and 2. Heifer, one year—Sir Walter Buchanan. 1 and 3; Dnlziell Bros., 2. Two heifers—Sir Walter Buchanan, 1. Hereford bull, over 4 years—E. Short, 1 i9.nd' reserve , champion; Donald M'Kenzie, 2. Bull, two years—E. Short, 1 and champion, and 2. Bull, one year—E. Short, 1. Cnw, any age— E. Short, 1 and reserve chamnion, .nnd 2; Donald M'Kenzie. 3. Heifers, over three ypirs—E. Short, 1 and ohaninion. 'Heifer, thi-pfi years—E. Short, 1 and 3; Donald M'Kenzie, 2. He'fer, two years—E. Short, 1, 2, and 3. Two l]pi.feV.i—E Short, 1. Heifer, one year —Donald M'Kenzie, 1 and ,1'; E. Short, 2,

Polled Angus—Burling Bros, scored three firsts and a bull champion, and Edward Cresswell scored one first

Purebred Ayrshire bull (calved since July 1, 1915)— John Aitchison's Sir Douglas of Inglewood 1 and champion. Bull (calved since July 1, 1916)— C. B. Morgan, 1. Bull (calved since. July 1, 1917)— Joh n, Aitchison, 1; C. B. Morgan, 2. Cow, any age, with calf at foot or in milk—C. B. Morgan, 1. Heifer, calved since July 1. 1914—C. B. Morgan, 1. Heifer, calved since July 1, 1915—John Aitchison, 1; C. B. Morgan, 2. Heifer, calved since- July 1, 1916—C. B. Morgan, 1 and 2. Heifer, calved since July 1, 1.917-C. B. Morgan,'l; John Aitchison, 2.

Purebred Jersey bull, calved prior to July 1, 1931— W. IT. Booth's Ironmaster 1 and reserve champion. Hull, calved since July 1, 1914 —E. Eagle, junr.'s, Lady's Duke, 1 and champion; K. 0. Johansen, 2. Bull, calved siueo July 1, 1916—Thomas Dixon,. 1; D. IT. Kilgoiir, 2; W. H. Booth, 3. Bull, calved since July 1, 1017— E. Eagle, jiui., 1; Thomas Dixon, 2 and 3. Cow, any age, with calf at foot or in milk— W. H. Booth's Felicity, 1 and champion; E. Eagle, jiin.'s. Belvedere Countess, 2 and reserve champion; Thomas Dixon, 3. Heifer; calved since July l". 19]4—W. 11. Booth, 1. Heifer, calved since July 1, 1915—Thomas Dixon, 1; AV. H. Booth, 2; E. Eagle, jun., 3. Heifpr, calvod since July 1, 1916—Mrs. A. Hanks and Son, 1; Thomas Dixon, 2; AV. H. Booth, 3. Heifer, calved since July 1, 1917— E. Eagle, jun., 1; Thomas Dixon. 2 and 3.

Kriesinn bull, calved since July 1, J 916— Brontwood Farm Company's Breutwood Domino Dutchland, 1. Heifer, calved since July 1, WIG—G. N. Button, 1. Heifer, calved since

July ], 1017—Brenlwood Farm Company, 1. Dairy Cattle. Ilcifer, calved since July 1. 1915— J. and AV. I'ishcr, 1 and 3; George A. Jones, 2. Hoil'er, calved since July 1, 1010— . J. and W. l-'isher, 1 and 2; I H. Scliarnwcher, 3. Three heifers, calved since July I, 3916— J. and AV. Fisher, 1 and 3; V. O. Johansen, 2. . Fat Cattle; Bullock, any age—I I '. Armstrong, 1 and champion; J. AV. Buchanan, "2 and 3. Cow, any age —Sir Walter Buchanan, 1 and champion. Best fat Friesian bullock, any age— T. AV. M'lvenzie, 1. Bullock, 3J years and under—Sir Walter Buchanan, 1 and 3; T. Saunders, 2. Bullock, 2J years and under— J'. AV. Buchanan, 1 and 2. Heifer, 3} years and under— J. AV. Buchanan. 1. Heifer, 2} years and under— J. W. Buchanan, 1 and 2. Beet shop bullock (not over SOOlb. in the opinion of the judge)— Sir Walter Buchanan, ] and 2; J . AV. Buchanan, 3. Pen of 2 bullocks, anv age— J. AV. Buchanan, 1; Sir AValtcr Buchanan, 2; T. AV. M'Ken■/.ic, 3. Ten of 2 heifers, 3 J years and under—C. J. Bennett, 1. Pen of 2

bullocks, most suitable for freezing purposes—Sir AValter Buchanan, 1; T. Saunders. 2; J. AV. Buchanan, 3. Pen of three bullocks, calved since- July' 1, 1914— T. Saunders. I; J. AV. Buchanan, 2. Pon of 3 steere, calved since July 1, 1915— J. AV. .Buchanan, 1.

WITH THE HORSES

Thoroughbreds: —Thoroughbred slallioi), over 4 years —James Bull's All Red', 1 ami champion. Trotting or pacing stallion, any age -J. Rzoska, 1 and 2; H. Garnctt, 3.

Pony stallion, any age, over 13 hands and not more than 14.2 hands—Eli Liddiugtou, 1. Pony stallion, any age, 13 hands or under—Elsie La Rokse, 1. Kill.v, foaled since August 1, 1914— Karry AVelch, 1. Filly, foaled since August 1, 1915—C. F. Vallance, 1; C. 'T. Bennett, 2. Filly, foaled since August 1. 1916—AV. R, Kemball, 1 and 2. Mare, with foal at foot —A. Liddie. 1.

Trotters, colt foaled since August 1, 1916— J. Kzoska, 1; Eli Liddington, 9

Ponies (to be. led) and pony mare, nny age, foal at foot, over 13 and not more than 14.2 hands—L. Pike. 1.

Hack Glasses (to be led). —Dry brood hack marc, 4 years old .and upwards—■ Miss Eileen Dennis, 1; TV. M'Conkey, 2:0. W. Schroder, .3. Rack mare, with foal—A. Liddle. 1. Remount mare, with foal —G. Campbell, 1.

Draughts.—Cult, foaled since August 1, 1314—Donald's Estate. 1.. Colt foaled since. August I, 1915—Donald's I'lstate, 1. Colt foaled since August 1. 1916-Donald's Estate, 1: (,). Donald, 2 and 3. Filly foaled since August 1, 191.4—1). Donald, 1; G. Shaw, 2. Filly foaled since August 1, 1915— Stephen Smith, 1; Arthnr Toeker. 2. Filly foaled since August 1, .1916—Donald's Estate. 1 ; C. 11. Tocker, 2. Working Draughts.— Dry mare, over i years, at regular work—Donald's Estate, 1; A. F. Smith, 2. Gelding foaled sinre August 1, 1914— W. Rayner, 1.

PIGS

Fat pic suitable for bacon purposes -Clark and Son, 1 and 2; Wilton Bros., 3. Two fat pigs, suitable for bacon purpose?— Wilton Bros., .1; T.

M. Aplin, 2; Clark and Son, 3. Porkers—Frank Ford, 1; Wilton Bros., 2; J. and W. Fisher, 3. Two porkers—Wilton Bros., 1; Clark and Son, 2; Frank Ford, 3.

FRUIT, PRODUCE, ETC,

Peaches—Mrs. .!. L. Price, 1; Mrs. W. 0. Wilton, 2. Dessert plums—Airs. E. H. Tapiiii, J- Plums—W. Kemp, 1 and 2; A. itushton, 3. Pears—Mrs. ,). B. Nico!, 1. Dessert apples, four varieties—A. llushton, 1; Messrs. Menton, 2. Dessert apples, one variety—Messrs. Meuton, 1; A. Eushtou, 2; W. Kemp 3. -Apples—l , . P. Welch.. 1; Wm. Eayworth, 2; A. PvUshton, Hi Apples, three varieties—A. Rushton, 1,; I' , . I'. Welch, 2. Grapes—T. AVagg, ],;, Mrs. J. B. Nicol, 2.

Preserves and jams—Mrs. J. ,!!. Nicol, 1; Mrs. E. H. Taplin, 2. Fruity - Mrs. M'Lonnan, 2. Pickles—Mrs. i'J. B. Nicol, 1; Mis. A F. Church,. 2. Jellies—Mrs. J. B. Nicol, 1. Obutn<»i,-— Mrs. J. B. Nicol, 1; Mrs. A., F. Church, 2. Tomato sauce—Mrs. A, F. Nicol, 1; Mrs. E. Harper, 2. Ora.ngs marmalade—Mrs. Nicol. Lemon marmalade—Mrs. Nicol.

Vegetables: Potatoes—E. H. iypacliman. 1; J. L. Murray, 2. Collection— W. Kemp, 1; H. Madeley, 2. Ciiicum--I'crs—W. Kemp, 1 and 2. Caribnges— •I. L. Murray, 1; Mrs. A. Mncris, S. Turnips— J. Scorrar, ]; Til. Hitrpcr. 2. •Short carrots—W. Kemp. 1 ;and 1. Long. Carrots— ¥. V. Welc'/i, 1; E. Harper, 2. Parsnips—W. Kemp, i; E. Harper, 2. Beets— J. Scorrar, 1; J. L. Murray, 2. Lettuce—E. Harper, 1. Smooth tomatoes—W.-Kam/j, 1 and 2. Other tomatoes—W. Rn,yv/orth, 1. French beans— J. Scorrar, 1; E. Harper, 2. Peas — J. Scorrar, 1; 7 tV. Kemp, 2. Heavy onions— J. Scorrcjr, 1; Mrs. K. H. Taplin, 2. Keeping,, onions—H. G. Groves, 1; W. K6*mp, 2. Marrows —J. Scorrar, 1; Fred Candy, 2. Heaviest pumpkin—F. Candy, I , ; A. Rippon, 2. Pumpkins—F. Candr, 1; E. Harper, 2.

Produce, grown by exhibitor: Long white oats—Wilton Bres., 1. Algerian oats — J. W. Colquhoun, 1. Wheat — J. W. Colquhoun, 2. Barley— J. W. Colquhoun, ]; Wilton Uros., 2. Ryegrass seed—Wilton Bras., 1; E. Harper, 2. Cocksfoot—E; Harper, 1; Wilton Bros., 2. Smooth' peas—E. Harper, 1. Crinkled peas—E. Harper, 1. Cowgrass seed—Wilton. Bros., 1; J. W. Colquhoun, 2. White iclover seed—"Wilton Bros., 1. Alstye seed—Wilton Bros., 1. Beauty of Hebron potatoes —J. Kjestrup and 'Wilton Bros., equal, 1. Up-to-Date po/t&toes— J. Kjestrup, I; F. P. Welch, fi. Early Rose potatoes —Wilton Bros., 1. Other potatoes —E. J. Kjestrnp, 1; J. Pickett, 2. Crested dogtail R>ed—Wilton Bros., 1. Collection of seeds—Wilton Bros., ]. Homo Industries.—Bread, Miss C. V. M'Kenzie, 1; Mrs. E. Harper, 2. Cottage loaf—Mrs. E. Harper, 1; Mrs. J. Smith, 2. Brown bread—Mrs. Harper, 1; Mrs. E, H. Tnplin, 2. Scones —Mrs. M. M'Lwinan, 1; Miss I. Judd, 2. Fruit cake—Mrs. Fly, 1; Miss A. ¥.. M'Kay, 2.. Seed Cake-Miss C. Y. M'Kenzie, lj; Mrs. J. Linton, 2, Madiera cake—Mrs. A. E. M'Kay, 1; Miss M'KeeiKie, 2. Plum puddingMrs. Harper, 1; Mrs. J. B. Nicol, 2. Sponge sandwich —Mrs. J. Linton, 1; Mrs. Nicol, 2. Currant loaf—Mrs. Harper, J,., Pikelets—Mrs. Nicol, 1. Shortbread—Mr.s. Linton, 1; Mrs. Smith, 2. Ginger-bread cake—Mrs. Fly, 1; Mvs. A. E. M'Kay, 2. Cream puffs—Mrs,. Churcber, 1. Sausage rolls—Mr'?.. Harper, 1; Mrs. Nicol, 2. Jam tarts—Mrs. Harper, 1. Sponge cake—Miiis I. Judd, 1; Miss M. Mace, 2. Poulvd cake—Mrs. Linton, 1; Mrs. M. M'Lennaii, 2. Biscuits—Mrs. Nicol, ] ; Mrs. A. F. Churcher, 2. SweetsMrs. Nicol, 1. For f/;irls under 16 years: —Scones — Nell Harper, 1. Sponge sandwich— KlvaWagnrth, 1; Thelma Barr, 2; Nell Warper, 3. Gingerbread—Violet Fly, 1; Maderia cake—V. Fly, 1. Seed cake,—-V. Fly, 1.

CANTERBURY CROPS

fly Telefraph—l'resß Association

oliristchurch, February ]<),

Heavy rain at tho end of last week and li;.;iit showers during tlw past two days iiavo checked harvest operations so far as stacking aud thrashing are concerned. There has been, very little business doing in grain lately, the offerings of any kind being very limited. '.['ho rain is expected to do further damage in potato crops that were showing signs of decay through blight, which is prevalent on heavy land. The main crop of onions is now coming on the market, and shouid be a good one. The price is now £3 ]ss. a ton at country stations.

HONEY CROP

REVIEW OF THE PROSPECTS. Tho Director of the Horticulture 'Division of the Department of Agriculture has received from iJie apiary instructors the following report concerning the honey crop prospects:— Auckland.—Reports from AVaik-ito, show good returns. Bay of Plenty poor,. North Auckland fair. Taking the average the yield from the Auckland pro* vince will he only fair, and not quite up to expectations Prices for Lotvey on the local market show a decided advance.

Wellington.—As reported last month the honey crop prospects this season are fairly good, and it is estimated an average crop will result. Extracting has commenced in some apiaries, and the quality is up to expectations. Trices are ruling high, first grade on the ilugJish market bringing £150 per ten; local prices range from 9d. 'to ]ld. per lb., in bulk. Beeswax is. scarce, and up to 2s. per lb. has been paid lor some lines.

Dimedin.—Unsettled weat/lier has prevailed , throughout the greater part of the month, aud indications point to half-crop. At the outset of tho season the pros)>ects were exue/ilent, butweather conditions have .prevented the bees from gathering tho nectar. Generally the clover pasture?, are in yrod heart. Extracting is hi progress, but the yields generally ai» disappointing. Prices are linn, with an upward tendency. Beeswax is quoted up to '_s._ per lb.

LIVE STOCK SALES

The New Zealand .Loan ami Mercantile Agency Co. report:--.H Fcildiug, on Friday, we had a heaiy yiirdincr of both 6hoep And cattle. Competition was not keen and a dragf/ifig sale resulted, although we quitted l/ne hulk of our «nlry. Small lambs. 9s. t>) ')*. 6d.; medium lambs, 11s. 6d. lo 125.; shorn h.f. rape iambs. 14». Id. to 15s. 9d.; wnolly b.f. lambs, 165.; good shoru w.f. Vivmbs. 15s. 7d.; two-tonth owes, 315.; four-:; jar ewes. 275. fld.: ttveyoar ewes, 265. t»|.; 6tore ewes. 16s. 3d.; forward ewes. Vl. 6d. to 265. 6d.; small two-tooth wethfil , s. 263. 9d.: Southdown rams. 3gnp.: smfifl -wro.ners, £3: good -weannrs, £4 to £4 ill . 6d. ; yearling steem, £6 55.; twenty-montfh steers. £8 10s.; yearling heifers, £5: cowj and calves. £8 10s.; store cows, £5 to £6;. dairy flows. £10; forward (■own, £8 8?. 6uV to £8 14e.; light fat cows, £9 12s. 6d. to f,9 17s. 6d.; three-.vcar steers, £14; bulls. £10 to £13 sb. At Messrs. Bowen Bros.' ijale. held jointly with Levin and Co., thera wae a largo attendance of . buyers and a very fair sale- Teeulted. Two-tooth cl/es, 275.; fonr-looth. ewes. .50s. 4d. to 31s. W.; six-tooth ewes. 295. 3d.; fouryear ewe?|. 275. 4d.: six-tooth Lincoln ewes, £235.; Li.iyeoln ram lambs, !35.; Lincoln ewe ] lambs, 2f|a.: two-tooth wethers, 275. 2d.; forward wethers. 325. 2d.: small lambs. 9s. 4d. to 9ft. 9d.; medium lambs, 135.; aged rams, !//=. lOd. to 17s. lOd.-. forward bullocks. HI 6 10s. to £17 10s.: half-draughl*. £14 to i £19: aced horses, £4 to £11; unbroken, liorts, £5 to £11. The. tfispereal sale held b.r the Hawke'i Bay Farmers' Co-op. Association of portion of "■'Sloomfleld" stock, belonging to tne FranWin Bros.' estate, which was. called on account of the last partner on the station h.eing required to enter camp shortly, was n vory successful one. Altogether ahoiif, 6000 sheep were yarded, and all lots wei/iv sold under the hammer at highly sat/ir.factory prices. The sheop were of vp/r l / good quality throughout, and reflected! icredit on the growers. The lambs were pirobably the best sold lot of all, realising IF/j . 9d. for tho first run of 700. Thn twotnoth -wethers Mffl) were sold in various jMb from 31s. lOd. to 31s. The 1440 TaT vethers were a very fine lot, and realised ■ The satisfactory figiire of 375. Bd. Follow'ing ie a complete list of sales:—7oo woolly lambe, 18s. 9d.; 380 woolly lambs, 17s. .' 4d ; 160 four-year ewes. 295. 4d.; 390 twotooth ewes, 30s. 6d.; 290 rii.s. lambs, 15s. 10d.; 180 five-yoar ewes, 30b. Bd.; 86 eixfooth OTves, 305.; 1440 fat ivethers, 375. 9d.; 245 four-tooth ewes, 325.; 203 four-tooth ewes, 30s. Bd.; 394 four-year ewes, 255. 9d.; 500 two-tooth wethere, 31s. 10d.; S6O two-tooth ■wethers, 315.; 20 rams (private sale). sgns. Mcssra. Dalgety and Co., Ltd.. report having sold at, the ro.ra fair, held under the auspices of the l'annevirkc A. and P. Association, at the show grounds, on February 15, when they submitted a large entry to p very fair attendance of the public. In tho Lincoln and Roninoy classes, anything of quality realised good money, but there was no demand at all for Southdowns. The following prices were realised—Ono stud Bomney, bred by Forloug and Suisted, lZgna.; oue-shear flock Lincoins, bred by A. J. Watt. sgns. to B}gU6.; one-shear flock Lincolne, bred by Forlong and Suisted, sit 6Sgns.; one-shear flock. Lincolns, bred by A. J. Walkington, at 41ßne.: one-shear Romncys, bred by E. Akers, on account Toxward and Nichol. 4giiß. to sJgns.; one-shear Eomneys. hred by Forlong and Suisted, 75gns. to lOgns.; oneRhear Somiicy?, bred by A. V. Collins, 4Jgns. io 75gns.

COMMERCIAL ITEMS

INVESTMENT SHAKES. Yesterday's quotations for- Investment shares were as follow:— Buyers. Sellers. £ R. d. £ s. d. National Bank 6 6 0 Dank N. 7-. (old.) - 1210 0 N.Z. and River Plate ... 116 6 - Well. Trust and Loan . 5 13 0 - Gisbor'ne Gas 0 16 6 Hokitika Gas — 5 0 0 National Insurance 3 0 0 Standard Insurance 2 0 6 — Huddart-Parker (ord.) ... 115 6 — Kaiapoi Woollen (ord.) ... - 7 0 0 Well. Woollen lord.) 6 15 0 - Well. Woollen (pref.) 4 5 0 Wont-port Coal — 111 d Waipa Colliery - 018 0 Leyland-O'Bricn 1 G 6 18 0 Manning and Co — 3 5 0 N.Z. Paper Mills 019 3 Pharland's 'ord.) 17 9 - W.F.O.A. (£5) 6 5 0 tliitira collected nt Hie port <T Wellington yesterday amounted to £9274 13s. 3d. BRITISH CHEESE SUPPLIER. Australian-New Zealand Cable Association. (Rce. Fcln-uar.v 19, 8.25 p.m.) London. February 13 Tho Food Controller is distributing onehalf of the trade's applications for cheese supplies. COAL AND SHALE. By Tclegraph-PrcH- Association-Copyright Sydney, February W. The coal and shale output for 1917 totalled 8,292,867 tons, an increase of 165.7C6 tone compared with the prcvioun year.

MINING NEWS

WELLINGTON' SHAKE MAKKKT Yesterday's quotations for mining .shares were as under:— Bny«r«. Sellers. ■£ 3. d. £ s. (1.New Big River — 3 0 0 Taliemnn 0 9 6 0 10 1 Wiflhi - 1 18 3 Grand Junction 01510 014 1 STOCK EXCHANGE. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, February 18. Sales:—Talisman Consolidated, 9s. 9'd.; Waihi, 375. 9d.; Grand Junction, 14s. .Sales—Auckland Gas. 19s. 6d.; Gland Junction, HβChristohurohi February 19. Sales reported :—New Zealand Refrigerating Meat Co. (now), 40s. 6d. Dunoclin, February 19. Sales on 'Change:—Huddart-Parker, £1 16s. 4d., £1 16s. 5d., £1 16s. 6d.. £1 16s. 6d.. £1 16s. Bd., £1 16s. Bd.; Mount Lycll, £1 9s. Bd., £1 9s. Bd.; Wcstport Coal Co., £1 10s. 6d. Sale reported:—Waihi Grand Junction, 14b.