FARMING & COMMERCIAL

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 132, 21 February 1918, Page 8

FARMING & COMMERCIAL

NEWS AND NOTES.

MASTERTON SHOW

PEOPLE'S DAY A SUCCESSFUL GATHERING ' " '■ (Special' Roportor.) Masterton, February 20. The. /weather ..was. perfect for the r; second'day of the Masterton Show'. There'■was a large attendance of the ; public, and what appeared to be a considerable increase.-in.>the number of ■'• motor-cars on the' ground was notice- " able. ' 1 The interest of the people was divid- ,. Ed chiefly between the show ring and' ~ the stock pens. The horses in the ring, i' the jumping events, and ,tho grand ■ parade attracted the public in general, but the farmers found much about the . ■■" pens to entertain them.Generally speaking the judges were well pleased with the stock submitted '~ to them. The of the Romney rams (Mr. W. A. Roxburgh, of Lnmsden, Souths i land) expressed a very high opinion of ; the sbeep penned for him. The entries of Romney rams were numerically bet- '' ter tban the entries of s ewes, and tbo judge said tbat the quality was excellent. The slight falling off in num- \'- hers had been compensated for by the maintenance of high quality. The rams : were all good, and the best of them i were of such excellence that' he rtn marked that tbe ideal had pretty well been reached. In tl)e present- show ■■' of Romneys there was a great range of wools—from as strong as one could get it to as fine as one .could wish to see it. ' , / V ~ ■Mγ.'James Kirkpatrick, of Blenheim, ...who made the , awards in the Roinney - ewe competitions, -stated that_ there - • ■ were, far too few sheep entered in the >•■ • classes which concerned him, but. .what • ; few were there were very good. \lt ,'"" strnok him that in tlie North Island "' breeders made a greater point of show- " ing rams than of showing ewes, and ; also that northern breeders went in less for showing ewes than South . .Island breeders did. Mr. Kirkpatrick ...Vdid not say. so, but it could easily'bo -'-gathered that he was' strongly of the ■'-opinion that the importance of showing * "ewes.should not be overlooked :■ '-'■■t,. The Hereford"cattle were judged by " M'Gregor, of Ranana; on ,' Wanganui, River.; "The Hereford* ' .were a very...good lino ■ throughout," ... ..iaid Mr. M'Gregor, "and the pens con•'«stained some"excellent cattle. The two- ""■■' year-old heifers were particularly good; . The'bull I awarded the championship '■ "■'T'to. was' a very fine type, showing plenty " r ~oi. quality, and constitution. The comkeen,and close ajl through. '~I judged the stock, on points, 'and generally there wen very fow points , tho prize-winners. The only -thing I have to say apart from this ' . is that there were not nearly enough of'the breed entered. I should have liked to se9'.several times as many, ,• and there certainly should .have" - 'bcen ; more.".:-.' .'--.•• -° "'■ ':■ ' ■ The judge of the fat cattle (Mr. S. - Cundy, of Featherston) was brief, but •■■ not uncomplimentary, in his comment • on the stock he judged. "On the '" whole they were a good lot* of cattle," he said, "and thev would be hard to *; beat." _ _ . \-■ !,. The judging of, the horses was not -. completed till to-day, but commenting ■-yesterday on the draughts the judge " (Mr; J. 3. Wyllie, of Sefton, Canter- ■:'- bury, stated that in his opinion the '.'three-year-olds would compare very \-, favourably with those to bo seen at ,'. any show in the Dominion. The judgo of the. ■ farmers' sheop ') classes (Mr. A. M'Donald, Wanganui) - l stated that the entries wore '"i" small the sheep,on the whole showed ." plenty of constitution and a good-class of wool. '..• ■■■ -• - ' : ".'. : THE JUDGES. The judging wasdono by'the follow- -. ing:— ■■ • -, 7-■ Lincolns—Mr. G. V. Smith, Gisborne. ■""_■.■. Leicester&^-MrrA'.~.J." Cooper, Masterton. Romney Marsh—Rams: Mr. W. A. Roxburgh, Lmnsden, Southland. Ewes: Mr,. James .Kirkpatriok, Blenheim. J. Liirton, Lincoln. College, OaJiterbury.'jrri ■;::.-:• '.'. :.''. ■" ;' > Farmers': Sheep—Mr.V A;. M'Donald/ llasterton. . ' ■ ;

Freezing L". C. Gardiner, llicoarton, ■Christchurch. Shorthorns- and Polled Angus—Mr. V, A. M'Hardy, Palmerston North. ' ; 'G'reg'or M'Gregor, Ranana, Wanganui River. Jerseys and dairy J. A. M'Crea, Palmerston North. | Friesians—Mr,- 0. Hopping, Feilding. Fat cattle—Mr. S. Gundy, Featherston. « • Pigs—Mr. B. R. Rayner, Masterton.' Thoroughbred and light horses—Mr. A.R. Harris, East Tamaki, Auckland. Harness classes—MivJas. terville. ";:..?' Draught horses—Mr.' J. D. Wyllie, s Sefton, Canterbury. V Dairy produce—Mr. 'J; Ro, Curie, , ' , ; Government Dairy-'lnstructor, Palmerston North. .'..'..;- '■■■■,■... Agricultural produce—Mr.', J., J. ; Oorry, Blenheim. . '..'.-..': •;' Home industries—MesdamesC... F.' Vallance and Q. Donald. Vegetables—Mr.•-B; -Hale, -Master-' ton, ' '■"''','":■'.. •■ :.''■.-■• . - Frnit and flowers—Mr. T. Horton, Hastings'. . , Tables, etc.—Mrs. . James Archer,' Masterton. . ■ -'■■ ■' • ■ Children's vegetables—Mr. E. Hale, Mastprton. 1 .> Children's 'A; C. Cum- -, ming-and assistant, Mssterton. '"-f- Drawing—Mr. J. Smith, Masterton! TJettering—Mr. F.Smith, Masterton. ":•■'■ 'Writing—Messrs. S. Cumming and ~,J. B. Henry, Masterton. .... Trials and cattle and sheep dogs— • .-Mr. A. C. Morton, Pemhertim. -; THE SHOW CHAMPIONS. ■—■■ ■.■: : '■•.■■. sheep. ... Lincoln ram —Estate of D. M'Gregor. -: Lincoln owe—B. Rayner. ■■•' Romney, Marsh ram—W. Perry. Romney March owe—W. Perry. Southdown iam—W. Howard Booth. Southdown ewe— J. Knight. Shropshire ram—Sir, James W'ijson. Shropshire ewe—Sir'James Wilson. CATTLE. Shorthorn bull—Dalziell Bros. Shorthorn cow—W. - Howard Booth. " - Hereford bull—E. Short. I Hereford cow—B. Short. Polled Angus bull—Burling Bros. 'Ayrshire bull—John Aitchison. ..... Jersey bull—E. Eagle. Jersey cow—W. H. Booth. Friesian bull—Redwood Farm Co. Fat bullock —F. Armstrong., Fat con , —Sir "Walter Buchanan. HORSES. Thoroughbred stallion-~J. Bull's All I Red. Saddle horse—"W. Howard Booth's -i Lonely. . ...

ADDITIONAL RESULTS.

■'■ ' THE BEST EIDERS. Girl, • under 15 years—Mabel Perry, I; K. Holmwood, 2; Kathleen Knight, ..ft. . - Girl, under 12—Betty Parry, 1; Joan - Beetham, 2; Eunice Percy, 3, Si

Boy—Robert Ryan, 1: E. S. Garrett, 2; R. Douglas, 3. .Woman rider—Mies Jessie Augus,!; Miss .Esther Summer, 2: Miss Eileen Dennis, 8. Woman rider, who had never won in a show ring—Miss P. St. Hill, 1; 'Miss L - Dagg, 2. Horses in Harness. Buggy horse—W. Redmond's Monsoon, .1; J. Greig's Red Seal, 2; N. ». Armstrong's Betsy, 3. Buggy pair—L'. Pike's Jack and Dick, 1. Gig horse—Miss Maher's Batchelor, 1; E. Ryan's Blue Moon, 2; J. A. Symonds's Leonora, 3. Single harness horse: 0. J. Percy's Jack, 1; W. M'Conkey's Proud Lady} 2;-L. 6. Poingdeetro's Lady Kitchener, 3, The Ponies, Pony mare, under 12 bauds—Mrs.' Bunny's entry, 1; Ronald Douglas's Billy, 2; Daisy Hubbard's Cooky, 3. Pony, under 13 hands— J. H. Percy's Silver Bell. ] ; Jack Welsh's Dandy,' 2; T. R. Eaton's Lassie, 3. Pony, under 13.2 Juiiids—M. Mace's Santa Glaus, 1: J ,, . Clancy's Roger, 2: Uiin. Percy's Frixie.'3. Pony, under 14.2 hands—Mrs. M. B. Hunter's Dan. J : W. C. Small's Sta'r-liplit.-2: E. Ryan's. Tangi. 3. • Pair buggv pernios— o. K. M'Lnreu, 1. Harness pony—W. J. Percy, 1. Pony, under 13.2 hands, in harnpss— F. Clancy, i; Mavis Balmcr, 2; M. J. Hnnley, 3. Harness pony, under 14.2* handsWilton lircs., 1: J. and W. Fisher. 2; V. G. Asliton. 3.. ' Single harness J pnnv— J. and W. Fisher. 1; M. Balmer. 2; W. H. Murchia, 3. /' Best turnout— J. A. Symonds. 1; 0. ,J. Percy, 2; IC. Ryan. 3. , , Saddle Horses. Cob—W. Hobson's Daylight,, 1; C. Johnston's High Jinks, 2; Mrs. M. B. Hunter's Dan, 3. Hack, list.—W. ' Howard Uooth's Lonely, ]; H.'Hassall's Captain Glossop. 2; A. G. Pilmer's Marie, 3. Hack, ].3st,—W. D. Watson's Bayfield, 1; K. Mason's.Mischief, 2; J. C. M'Killop's Cliessie, 3. x ■ AVeight-eamer—ll. 'Hassall's Micky Free, 1; Miss Maher's Balchelor, 2; R. D. M. Morrison's War Howl, 3. ■ Infantry horss—Miss Maher's Batfche1; Miss Maber's Romeo, 2; J. A. Symond's Leonora, 3. Artillery horse—N. ftewcomb's Dick, Children's Classes. Drawings of national 'object—A. 'P. Gully, .l;«8apk Batteni (Auckland), 2; L. Kibblewhite, 3. N Comic sketch—L. Kibblowhite, 1; T. Redman, 2. Ornamental lettering—Edna Voyce (Woodville),'l; [vy Maxwell (Masterton), 2; Teddy Burridge (Masterton), 3. Ornamental .writing—Edna Voyce, ]. _ Writing (under 10*years)—Dora. Wellington (Mastrrton)., 1; Ngaio Wilton 't'Masterton), 2; Mavis Brooks (Te Ore Ore), 3. Writing (IP to 12 years)— Edna Jenkins, 1 ; Janie Evernden, 2. Writing (12 to ■ 14 . years)— Eva Archer,.!; Fre<la Anderson, 2; Vickeo Burridge, 3. Dairy Produce. Export butter—Ma&terton Dairy Co. (C. Hopkins, manager), 1 arc ? Locai butter—Mastertcjn Dairy Co., 1 and 2; Mis. , 0. H. (4ranthara," b. Farmers' fresh butter—Mrs. C A. Wall, 1; L. ,i. Matthews, 2: A. R, Holder, 3.

'• White oheose—Dannp.virke Dairy Co. (A. S. Patterson, manager), 92$pts.. 1; Dalefield (J. Linton), 92pts.. 2. Coloured cheese—lMefieM, 92}pts., 1; Carrington Factory (A. R. Daysh), Olipte.. '2; Kaituna. Factory (W. Gibbons), flOols., 3. ' ' Local cheese—Daltfield, 92}pts., 1; Carrington, 91ipts., 2.

ADDINGTON STOCK MARKET

By Telegraph-Press Association. Chrisichuroh, ■ February 20. At Addington- market tho yardings of stock were not as large as those of the week before, the falliug-off being most noticeable in fat lambs. There was again a large attendance, especially of- store sheep buyers. The kto rain improved the demand for storo sheep, J;he entry of which included consignments from tho north, the Chatham Islands, and the West Coast. Prices were firm at late rates, and lambs if anything showed a little improvement in value: Fat lambs opened firmer, but went back to last week's rates. Fat cattle met with a good sale, the yarding being a moderate one, and was chiefly made up of cows and heifers, the former showing some advance in price. Exporters again found that ralucs were beyond their limits. Fat sheep were very firm at prices above export level, the market easing towards the «nd. There was a moderate demand for store cattle, and pigs of all classes were a little easier.

Store Sheep.—Two and 4-tooth ewes to 6d.;'4 and 6 7 tooth ewes, 245. to 345. 4d.; 6 and eight-tooth ewea, 275. to 325.;' sound-mouth ewes, 245. 3d. to 305.; 2 and 4-tooth wothers 275. to 325.; 4 and 6-tooth wethers, 30s. 7d.; rape lambs, 20s. to 27b."; medium lambs, l?s. 6d. to 19s. 6d.; lighter and cull lambs, 14s. to 17s. 3d. Fat Lambs.—Extra prime to 346. 9d.; prime, 265. to 295. 7d.; lighter, 21s. 3d. to 255. 6d.

Fat Sheep.—Woolly wothers,' 455.; extra prime wethers, to 405.; prime wethers, 345. to 385.; lighter wethers, 295. 6d. to 335. 6d.; merino wethers, 20s. 9d. to 235. Id.; extra prime ewes, 375. -Bd.; prime ewes, 325. 6d. to 345. 9d.; medium owes, 275. 6d. to 325.; lighter ewes, 235. 6d. to 275.

. Fat Cattle.—Extra prime steers, to £21; prime steers, £17 to £19; ordinary steers, £13 10s. to £16 10s.: prime heifers, £11 sa. ,to £15 155,; ordinary heifers, £9 7s. 6d. to £11; prime cows, £12 10s. to £15 55.; ordinary cows, £9.105. to £12. Store Cattle.—lß-month heifers, £5 12s. 6d. to £8 10s.; 3-year steers, £11 to £11 10s.; dry cows, £6 to £9. Pigs.—Choppers, £4 to £6 155.; baconers, £4 ss. to £6 10s., equal to Bd. to Bsd per lb.; porkers, £2 los. to £3 165., equal to 9Jd. to 10d. per lb.; large stores, £3 to £3 75.; small stores, 325. to £2 25.; weaners. S2s. to 325.

NEW SOUTH WALES STOCK RETURNS

(R'ec. February 20, 7.30 p.m.) _ Sydney, February 20. The official statistics show that the number of horses in New South AVales at June 30 last was 733,828, an increase of 14,286; cattle, 2,765,767 (increase of 359,997); sheep, 36,179,730 (increase, 3,579,001); prigs, 359,780 (inorease, 78,622). The area under crop is 5,166,664 aores, a decrease of 634,182 acres us compared with Hhe previous June.

EGMONT SHOW

JUDGING DAY

SOME OF THE MAIN AWARDS

(B.v Teletrauh-SDPoial Correspondent.) Hawera, February 2p. _ Some months aco, when the question was dismissed.as to whether it! was . advisable to hold agricultural shows, tho Egmont A. and ,P. Association was one of those to decide against shows in war time. Subsequently this decision was reversed, but instead of holding a show in the summer, as had been the case for the past thirty-three years, it was agreed to hold the exhibition in the autumn. In accordance with that resolution the show took place at Hawera to-day, but entries were not so good as in previous years, the shrinkage being attributed to the inability of farmert) to devote sufficient time to preparing stock for show purposes. A detailed ■list of the entries is as follows:— Dairy stock, 181; sheep, 165 f pigs, 40; horses, 254; doge, 40; home industries, 420; dog trials, 15; total, 1113. The pig classes did not fill up so well as last year, when Mrs. J. Wall, of Hastings, and the Mental Hospital at Porirua Had such splendid entries. In Uovkshircs and Yorkshires their absence was compensated for to a certain extent by F. W. Fitzpatrick, "f Hastings, who has some splendid exhibits in both classes, and who in showing a' 'Yorkshire boar that, lnight bo classed as a Now • Zealand champion. The Berkshire boar championship went to T. J. Hurley, of Uawera, but the sow championship, hoar and sow, and two ieserve championships in'the Yorkshire classes were won by, Fi W. Fitzpatrick, of Hastings. ■ Tfie sheep showed an improvement on past years' entries, and 6ome fine quality animals were shown both a-s regards wool and carcass. A. L. Campbell won the Lincoln ram and ewe- championships, and A.-S. Tonks,Hawera, the Border ram and ewe championship. The Southdown ram championship was awarded to C. M'Laren, of Toko, and tho ewe championship 'to the Mooro Hunter j. Estate. In the Romney Marsh classes,. A. I. Hunter, Wanganui, gained the ram championship, arid J. M'L. Blair (Hawera) the ewe championship. Some good pens of fats, both in the Bheep and lamb classes, were on exhibition, F. Besley, of Whenuakura, gaining awards in the sheer) section and- three firsts in lambs, be•Bides several seconds and thirds. Other first prize' winners in the fat sheep classes were John Forbes, Normanby, and W. B. Grant, Westown. In the cattle classes the entries were not so numerous as last year. Nevertheless some excellent stock was shown. In fat cattle, Messrs. R. A. Wills and A. Bottomley, ,Hawera, ; ..provided practically all the entries, and. in Shorthorns the Moore' Hunter Estate had all the entries, with one exception. A new class appeared in Jted Polls It. J. Linn, of Normanby, exhibiting; the stock that he recently purchased from Mr. R. Heaton Rhodes, in Canterbury. The exhibits look very well and were generally admired. A T. "Wills, of Hawera, has a couple of fine exhibits in the vealer calf class, but the judgo thought that they wero really too fat for vealers. Tho same exhibitor secured first for three-year-old steer, first and second for bullock (any age), and second for three steers suitable for freezing. The Moore Hunter Estate secured first >for two-year-old steer. T. Bottomley gained first and cow over three years, besides first and second for best Friesian bullock, third for bullock (any ago), and first for three steers suitable for freezing.

In the purebred cattle..classes Friesian.i were fairly well represented by both local and outside breeders. There were fair entries in the bull class, arid tlio heifer classes were strong, but the mature cow classes were not so good. Clifford Brothers secured the Lovell and Christmas special'for the female showing the most points in milk. G. A. Merchant, Cardiff, gained tho championship for bull, and Clifford Brothers the cow championship. E. J. Betts, Okaiawa, was awarded the bull reserve chanrpionship, and R. Castle, Manaia, the cow reserve championship. The best pen of two Friesian heifers, calved sinceJuly 1, 1916, was declared to be the exhibit penned by A. J. Gallichan, of Tiakitahuna. • ,

■ ~ The Shorthorn* , championship, both in male and female .classes, wont to the Moore Hunter Estate.

In 'the milking Shorthorn division, James Hodges, of Rapanui, won the hull championship, and A. Needbnra the reserve. J. Hodges was also awardfid the cow championship, and W. T. Bailey, of Kaponga, the reserve honours.

' Jerseys were responsible for good entrios, and keen competition, the two red tickets eventually going to A. A. Ward and the reserve championship t« J. Nicholson, Hawera. :The latter's witry _ also pulled off the Lovell and Christmas special for cow showing most points in milk. A. A. Ward proved to be winner of Mr. J. Nicholson's ten-guinea cup for three purebred -ler , - sey females in milk and one purebred Jersey bull, two' years and over, whilst A. and J. O'Donnoll, of Inaha, won Mr. R. J. Linn's eight-gninea silver trophy for the best two females in milk entered in the New Zealand Jersey Herd Book. - Mr. C. Goodson's trophy Jor the female scoring most points m succeeding years first as a calf, calved since July, 1917, second year as a yearling, and third year as a two-year-old in milk, went to J. Nicholson. Grade Jersoys produced a poor entry. ' •

Horses are again numerically strong, and should produce good" competition before tho judge's work is finished. There wero six entries in the thoroughbred classes, first awards being as follow. —

Entire, foaled prior .to August 1, 1915-J r Fryer. -

Brood siare, foaled prior to August 1, 1.914, with foal at foot—T. S. Bluett, wiio also scored in the classes filly nr geldine foaled since August 1. 1915, and colt, filly, or gelding foaled- since August 1, 1916. Saddle and harness horses attracted splendid entries;

Roadster or hack, mare or gelding, to be shown in saddle and ridden up 12st. weight—B. AV. Jlarvev's (Waverley) Mack, 1; M. J. Goodson (Hawora), 2, R. Morrison (Waverley) 3. Roadster or hack—E. Short's (Feilding)) Scout, 1; P. E. -Cressey (Hawera), 2; S. Syme OVavcrley), 3. Roadster or hack—W. H. Geisford (Danneviike), 1; A. J. O'Donnoll, ?; R. Morrison, 3. Weight-carrying cob—W.. T. Ikiloy, Best troop horse— J. i Brice's (Martori) Bill, 1; R. Morrison (Wavcrloy), 2; Mrs. G. W. Campbell (Brunswick), Best paced and mannered hack—W. H.'Gaisfbrd, 1; E. Short, 2; S. Syroes. 3,. Best walking horso—S. Symes, 1; K E Hore (Waverley), 2. Lady's hack— J. O'Donnell (Inr.ha), 1; W. H. Gaisford, 2; R. Morrison, 3. Best lady rider—Mrs. Bekker CWanganui), 1; Mrs. J. E. Anderson (AVhangamomona), 2.. Judging will bo continued to-morrow (people's day), and should the weather hold off there should be a representative gathering 'from Tarannki. Unfortunately the second day of the snow is going to clash with the Watißamii races, and this may .effect the attendance.

The Competitions. Driving—T. J. Hurley, 1; Mrs, Deb

ker OVaiiganui), 2; Miss Tarry (Inglewood), 3. Maiden hunters —C. Patterson, 1; J VV. W. Coates (Lowgarth), 2; R. .Morrison (Masterton), 3. * High jump—E. Shaw's Tasman, sft. B;jin. (a record), 1; C. Patterson's Undecided, 2; H. C. Hawke's (Eltham) Naatury, 3. Wire jumping—H. C. Crocker's (Okaiawa) Tarpot, 1; E; Short's Scout 2; 11. W. Brewer's Utility, 3. BURNSIDE STOCK SALE By Telegraph—Press Association. Dunedin, February 20. At Burnside yards 170 fat cattle tvere penned, mostly medium to good. The entry was about equal to butchers' requirements. A steady sale rosulted in prices being firm at last week's rates. Extra prime bullocks, £22, prime, £19 to £20 55.; medium, £1C 10s. to £18 55.; light, £14 to £16 10s.; prime cows and lioifers, £13 to £16'; medium, £11 os. to £12 12s. 6d.; old and inferior, £9 to £10 10s. There were only 1369 sheep penned. The bulk of them wei« itietlium weights. Prices opened about 2s. ■above last week's rates, 'but eased slightly towards tho close. Extra prime wethers, 465. 9d.; prime, 395. to 425.; medium, 355. to 385.; others, 31s. od.; extra prime ewes, 455. 9d., prime, :355. to 385.; medium, 31s. to 335.; light, 2os. to 28s. 6d. The number of lambs penned was 588. Tho quality was better than for several weeks, freezing buyers operating to a limited extent, and prices were on n par with iate . rates. Extra prime, ii'h. 6d.; prime, 27a. to 28s. 9d.; medium, 24a. to 2ok. 6d.; light and unfinished, 19s. to 225. 6d. There was a very keen demand for fat pigs, and the sale was one of the best held at Burnside for many years. Stores were in slow demand, prices being considerably bit'ow last week's rates.

LIVE STOCK SALES

Messrs. Daleety and Co., Ltd., report that at. 'heir Levin sale on Tuesday they oliered a heavy yarding of sheep and cattle. With tho exception of a pen of m.s. ttwo-tooths, tho whole entry of sheep was eold. Fat cattle and Btorcs of good quality wore keenly competed for, but inferior sorts were neglected. Quotations; Light fat ewes, to 26b.; m.s. two-toothe, to 275.; f.m. ewes, to 166. 6d.; woSlly lambs, to 16b.; b.f. lambs, 14s. 3d.; shorn lambs, to 15s. 5d.; cull lambs, 6s. 6d. to 9s. 9d.j Romnoy rams, to 6gns.; prime fat cowe, £16 se. to £16; light fat cows, £11 Jls. to £12 17s. 6d.; medium fat. bullocks, £13 to £14 IDs.; two and a half-sicar 1 Shorthorn steers. £13; two nnd a half-year Shorthorn hoifers, £10 Uβ.; empty maiden heifers, to £10 10s.; forward cows, (o £9 10s.; store cows, to £7 .'2s.; run cows, with calves -at foot, £8; vealers, £2 7fl. 6(i. ' Tho New Zealand Loan and Mercantile' Agency Co., Ltd., report:—At Levin yards on Tuesday, we offered to a good attendance of btiyora a fair entry of sheep and catt.lh. A good clearance was mado at the following prices:—Forward condition owes, 255. 6d.; store ewes, 13s. Id.; cull cwcb, 6s. 6d.; medium woolly lambs, 13s. 2d.; email lambs (shorn). 95.; fat cows, to £12; sloro cows £3 10s. to £5 55.; weaner steers, 365. to £5 75.; weaner heifers, £3; cows and calves, £7 18s. 6d.; Jersey bulls (potters), £9 to £12 2s. 6d.; 4 one-shear Romncy rams sold on account of 0. J. Stratton at £9 9s.

The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Co. report:—At Rangiotu on Monday we hnd a- good yarding. Competition was good, and we sold practically, tho wholn entry under the hammer. Small woolly lainbs, Bs. 6d., 11s. 6d.; small shorn lambs, 95.; weaner steers (off colours), £2; weaner heifer.", £2 95.; small wean-<-s, ».f. '•■ 355.; store >:ow*p, .i'j it 69, £7 2s. 6d.. £7 1Z(..: good forward cows, £9 25./ 6d., £'.0, £10 2s. 6d., £10 19e., £11 Is.; fat cows, .Git U?.. £11 17s. 6d.; cows -with calves, £5 to £10; dairy cows, £9 6a.; bulls, £5 to £9.

The Wairarapa Farmers' Co-operative Association. Ltd., stock department, report on their Pahiatua sale, held in Mnngahao yards on Tuesday, as followe: —Wβ offered a fair yarding of sheop to the nsvjal attendance of tho public. The quality of the yarding throughout was only medium, and the demand was not, at all keen. We disposed of the bulk of our entry as follows:—l 22 two-tooth to four-year breeding owea, 265.; 23 three and fonr-year do., 265.; 65 f.m. do., 21s. Id.; 65 two-tooth ewes (small). , 225. 3d.; 66 m.s. 'two-tooths (small), 20s. lid.; 104 ii"cd ewes, 18s.; 10 cull'ewes, lls. 3d.; 21 do., 75.; 17 email two-tooth wethors. 205.; 78 b.f. rape lambs, Jls. lid.; 168 • white-faced medium woolly lamb.'. 12s. 6d.; 96 shorn wether lnmbs, 14s. 3d.: 28 medium do., lls.; 74 d 0.,.105. lid.; 200 cull lambs 'variouelines), 55., ss. 9d.. "7b., Bs., to Eβ. 10s.; Romnoy rams, to 4Jgns.; 12 weaner steers. £2 to £2 18s. At, Woodvillo on Monday wo offered a fairly good yarding of both sheep and cattle to a good attendance of buyers, most of which cho,ngcd hands at the undermentioned prices:—lß4 two-tooth wethers, 28s. (id.; 60 do., 28s. Id.; 20 m.a. two-tooths, 24a. Id.; 40 f.m. ewes, 16s. lid.; 71 m.s. lambs (small). 7s. 2d. Cattle: 34 m.s. wcaners. £3 65.; 11 do., £3 55.; 2 do., £3; 8 cull do., J4s.; 8 fat cows, £9 103. to £10 12a. 6d.; 3 store cows, £7 2s. 6d.; 13 coloured fifteen-months steers, £6 Hβ.

COMMERCIAL ITEMS

■> INVESTMENT SHARES. ' Yesterday's quotations for investment ■hares were as follow:— Buyers. Selleri. £i« d. ■ £s> d National Bank S 6 0 ■ — Bank N.Z. (new) - 1710 0 N.Z. Loan & Mer. (ord.) 8115 '0 -

N.Z. and River Plate ... 1 16 6 — Hokitika Oas — 5 0 0 8.8. Ineurauco — 6 2 6 Gear Meat (£1) 416 6 — Huddart-Parker (ord.) . 116 6 — Union Steam (ord.), 3 2 6 — Union Steam (pref.) 113 — Well. Woollen (ord.) 6 15 0 Well. Woollen (pref.) 4 5 0 - Westport Coal — 111 Waipa Colliery — 0 Iβ 0 Manning aod Co — 3 3 0 N.Z. Paper Mills 019 3 " - Sharland's (ord.) 17 9 - Cuetome duties collected at the port of Wellington yesterday amounted to £4596 18s. Bd. •: NELSON BROS.' fEAI. ' London, February 19. Nelson Brothers' net profit for the year amounts to £46,503. The directors propose to pay a dividend of 9 per cent., and to carry forward £6507. The net profits for 1916 were £49,424. Tho tompany's usual dividend ib 10 per cent, on the ordinary shares and 6 per oent. on preference shares.

MINING NEWS

WELLINGTON SHARE .MARKET. The quotations yesterday for minin* Shares were as under:— . ' Buytrn. Sellers. £ s. d. £ s d Talisman 0 9 6 — Wail »' • ; :... 117 9 118 5 Grand Junction 01311 - SYLVIA. REEFS,' LTD. For tha week to February 16 the mine manager reports :-"Korth cf main crossout the drive on the reef was advanced ?ft. The reef •Jβ about 2ft. wide, and there is a heavy flow of water coming out or the face. The- crosscut into ther footwall was advanced Bft.; the country is rather nrm. In the south end one stope is mine on the main reef: the ore is well mineralised On the TUV. reS the quart" is small, but carrying nice minerals." STOCK EXCHANGE. ' , Dunedin, February 2C Sales: Huddarl-Parter, £1 16s. Gd.; New Zealand Refrigerating, £2; Mount Lyel £l la. 6d.; Waihi Grand Junotion, £14 Sβ! Auckland, February 20. Sales: Auckland Gas, 19b. 6d. STANDARD INSURANCE GO. The annual report of the Standard Fire and Marine Insurance Co. states that for the year ended December 31 the net income tor the year amounted to £136.797 Us 5d.. and th,- expenditure to £113,947 Us 8d leaving u balance of £22,850 3a. 95 (n which has to be added Hie balance carried forward from last year. viz.. £8500 He 10d., making a total of £31.350 15s. 7d. From this amount an interim dividend was paid in June lvt amounting to JSSCOO. leavine an available balance of £26,350 15a, 7fl which the directors have dealt with in the following manner:—To reserve fund £10.000; to guarantee and provident fund £1200; to property depreciation, .£<CW The directors recommend that the balance be appropriated an follows:—To pay a dividend for the half-year endinc December 31. 1917, at the rate of Iβ. per share £5000 to carry forward to neit year, £9lf<j 15a. 7d. Full provision has been made in the accounts for all ascertained losses to the close rj the year.