MASTERTON SHOW

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 122, 16 February 1921, Page 10

MASTERTON SHOW

DISPLAY OF GOOD QUALITY STOCK

SHEEP, CATTLE, DRAUGHT HORSES AND PIGS JUDGED

By Telegraph.—Special Reporter.

Masterton, February 15. Masterton was en fete to-day on tho occasion of the opening of the thirtyfourth show of the Masterton A. and P. Association, which is undoubtedly the premier show on the eastern side of the range. The weather was perfect, and for a first day the attendance was good. 'The flags on tho stands were nt half-mast on account of the death of Mr. John Kilminster, who for many years proved a most efficient caretaker of the grounds, and who met his death in a tragic manner while engaged in his duties early this morning. Amongst the visitors were several stock breeders from the South Island, and the Government was represented by the Hon. D. 11. Guthrie, Minister of Lands. The grounds were looking particularly well, the lawns being beautifully green. The additional buildings provided proved a great convenience. The entries did not quite reach the number which came forward last year, when a record was established. The principal falling off was in cattle and sheep, while several exhibitors who had entered their stock failed to send it forward. It is to be regretted that very little stock was sent from the Manawatu side of the range, as the Wairarapa has been well represented at shows in that district. It is understood That the difficulty in procuring railway trucks had something to do with this, and one exhibitor, who had his.. stock at Dannevirke, wqs unable to get them further. The day was taken up in judging sheep, cattle, draught horses, pigs, etc., and the work was got through fairly expeditiously. Taking the stock all through, the quality was good, and most ot the animals came forward in excellent condition. But in a district like the Wairarapa more competition might have been expected, and there wore very few fresh aspirants for honours. The Lincoln sheep were a very good lot and much better than those seen at any of the shows on the other side ot the range this season, the champion ram and ewe of Bland Rayner being particularly fine animals, true to type, ot splendu symmetry, good constitution, and well woolled. The Romneys on. the whole were a 'very good section and brought out strong competition. In many classes it was noticeable that most of thel breeders present had stuck to the old sty le ot Romneys, which experience has shown are more satisfactory than the ‘ improved” breed. The sheep shown- by D• Perry and Son, H. Rayner, W. H Booth, and Q. Donald were nil good specimen, of the breed. Southdowns were a sma I W H. Broth, Of Carterton (whose sheep were also of undoubted quality). With the demand for light sheep, there can be no doubt that Southdowns will be mo e in request, and the competition tor th breed at the recent ram fair out T. O. Haveock had no "PP'p*™" in Corriedales. but lii« sheep would ho d their own anywhere. Tho paucity of the competition in the farmers sheep c ass is regrettable, as good prizes a e offered on purpose to encourage smell to bring their sheen for competitionThe freez’ng sheep ela«es were well contested, but the quality was not amt .. good as might have- been nnd even the lambs were not a”"* ™ £ the standard of those sem at recent shows. Th« butchers’ classes included some well-finished heavy sheen and lambs the throe placed wethers in the heavy class scaling 2161 b., 2031 b., and 1911 b. resppctively. In cattle purebred Shorthorns were n much better section than nt mos.- shows this rear, and Sir Walter Buchanan repeated his Feildinu success by taking the Championship in both male nnd female Tho section was a very strong one so fai n« onalitv was concerned, showing thn+he best blood available has lieen secured bv breeders in this district. Hereford* though not a large class, were very good so far as quality was concerned the prizes bring divided between G. IMoore (Wanganui) nnd S. M l Kf T zl * /Woodlands). The la(fer won the bull rhamnionshin and the former the. cnamnionship in cows. Tn Po llod-Angus Burling Bros. (Masterton) had the bulk of the entries, and secured nearly all the prizes with cattle of rcallv good quality. They look both male nnd female, championships. nnd bent their opponent out of si"ht Competition was not strong in Ayrshire.*, but tho quality nil round was good. .Torsevs were a fair entry, but smaller than nt other shows this year, nnd tho quality was below that nt Woodville. The best cattle were shown by W. H. Booth (Carterton) and fl. H Phillips (Dannevifke). They divided the honours, but the former tobk both championships. The competition in Friesians was practically a duel between the Bloomfield and Clunv Farm Companies, the former taking both championships and most of the prizes. Milking Shorthorns wore o. small section, in which quality was not conspicuous, nnd if was disappointing that S. Bolton’s (Woodville) entries did not come forward. Both championships fell to Mrs. Walls (Hastings). Dairy cattle ware also a small section, and the quality was only ordinary. The fat cattle section was robbed of a good deni of interest by- the non-aniviil of T. A. Dsgican’s (Rongotea) rottie. which were such a? picture at the Daunevirke show. There were a number of well-finished cattle with a few really prime Herefords nnd some good Shorthorn carea=ses suitable for freezers The entry of pigs was small, with little competition, but the quality on the whole was’good.

G. 11. Perry and Co. had a magnificent entry of grain and seeds’ in every class in tho calalogue, but met no competition, and, therefore, received all the awards The grain and seeds were all well grown free from weeds, and were excellent samples. The Algerian oats and barley were particularly good. The seeds were all grown locally. There was a snrijl entry of dairy produce, but the quality- all round was good. Several ring competitions were got off, and were watched with interest. To-morrow will be People’s Day, when the judging of horses and competitions will be continued. PRIZE LIST. SHEEP. Lincolns.—Ram, over 33 months: Bland Rayner, 1; William Perry and Son, 2. Rani,: over 21 months and under 33 months: Bland Rayner, 1 and 3; W. Howard Booth, 2. Rani, over 12 months and under 21 months: William Perry and Son, 1 and 2. Two rams, over 12 months nnd under 21 months: Bland Raynor, 1 and 2. Ewe, over 21 months: Bland Rayner, 1 and 2. Ewe, over 12 months and under 21 months: Bland Rayner, 1; \V. Howard Booth, 2. Two ewes, over 12 months and under 21 months: Bland Rayner, 1; W. Howard Booth, 2. Ewe lamb: F. M. Reynolds, 1; Bland Rayner, 2 and 3. Pen of five two-tooth flock i.'ins: Percy Bros., 1 and 2.

Romney Marsh.—Ram, over 33 months: William Perry and Son, 1 and 2. Knn. over 21 and under 33 months: V iiiiam Perry and Son, 1 and 2. Ram, over 12 and under 21 months: William Perry • nd Son, 1 and 2. Two rains over 12 and. under 21 months: William Perry and

Son, 1; G. E. Allen, 2. Four ranis, over 12 and under 21 months: David Smith, 1; W. Howard Booth, 2. Horn lamb: N. G. Rayner, 1; Q. Donald, 2. Ewe, over 21 months: W, Howard Booth, 1; G. E. Allen, 2. Ewe, over 12 and under 21 months: William Rayner, 1; G. E. Allen, 2. Two ewes, over 12 and vndor 21 months: G. E. Allen, 1; William Rayner, 2. Ewe lamb: G. E. Allen, 1; N. G. Rayner, 2. Pen of five two-tooth rams: David Smith, 1 and 2. Farmers’ Classes.—Four ewes, over 21 months: W. E. C. Tylee, 1; J. P. Perry’, 2. Two ewes, over 21 months: W. E. C. Tylee, 1; J. P. Perry, 2. Four ewes? under 21 months: J. P. Perry, 1. Two ewes, under 21 months: J. P. Perry, 1. Four ewe lambs: J. P. Perry, 1. Two ewe lambs: James Fisher, 1; J. P. Perry, 2. Five longwool or longwool cross ewes: B. V. Skeet, 1 and 2. Freezing Sheep—Wethers or maiden ewes, longwool or longwool cross, suitable for London market: W. E. C. Tylee, 1; Estate lateo J. Strang, 2. Down longwool cross, wethers or maiden ewes, over 21 months: Groves Bros., 1 and 2. Down longwool 'cjross, wethers, under 21 months: William Perry and Son, 1; Estate late J. Strang. 3. Down longwool cross, maiden ewes, under 21 months: Estate late J. Strang. 1; W. Strang, 2. Down longwool cross lambs, in the wool, suitable for London market* Wairarapa Training Farm, 1; B. V. Skeet, 2. Down longwool cross lambs, shorn, suitable for London market: William Perry and Son, 1; Miss Maxine M’Laren, 2. Down long, wool cross lambs, between 331 b. and I, suitable for London market; Wairarajia Training Tarin. 1; B. V. Skeet, 2. Down longwool cross tegs, not less than 5611>.: Janies Fishor, 1; Miss Maxine M'Laren, 2. Longwool or longwool cross wethers, over 21 months and about 651 b.: Murdock M'Leod, 1; Estate late J. Strang, 2. Longwool or longwool cross wethers, under 21 months, suitable for London market: Miss Maxine M'Laren. 1; B. V. Skeet, 2. Longwool or longwool cross maiden ewes, under 21 months; Miss Maime M'Laren, 1; W. E. C. Tylee, ° Longwool or longwool cross lambs, bi the wool, suitable for T.ondon marketi IV E. C. Tvlee, 1 nnd ‘J. Classes for Farmers not Working More than 500 Acres.—Four wethers, Down cross: K. A. Morris, 1: R._ J. Clark, .?.. Four ewes, Down cross: K. A. Morris, 1 and ° Four wethers, longwool cross, dead weight 651 b.: Mrs. H. Holmes 1 and 2. Four ewes, longwool cross: Mrs. H Holmes, 1 and 2. Down cross lambs: B V Skeet, 1; Mrs. H. Holmes, 2. Longwool’cross. lambs: K. A. Morris, 1; RoyClark, 2. .. Fat Sheep—Four wethers or maiden ewes. Down or Down cross: James Fisher, 1 Four Imnbs, Down or Down cross: William Perry and Son, 2: James Fisher, 3 Four wethers or maiden ewes, longwool or longwool cross: B. V. Sheet, 1; James Fisher. 2. Four lambs, loimwool or longwool cross: A. K. Morris, 1 and 2. Heaviest single wether or ewe, under 18 months: James Fisher (2161 b. 1 ; H. J. Cooper (2031 b. 2 r '" thep ; anv age: Maurice Knowles (3‘1.i1b.), 1. Miss Mabel Perry (3001 b. 2. Heavirot ewe any age: James Fisher and 11. W. Kempton (2661 b. equal, 1; James lusher (2651 b. 2. Heaviest lamb, ewe oi wether: James Fishcv. 1; A. K. Morris, CATTLE. Purebred Shorthorns.-Two-year bull: Uir Walter Buchanans Greenlull Royal Duke 1 Yearling bull: Sir Walter Piiehnnan 1 : W. Howard Booth, 2. Bull calfi’w. Howard Booth, 1; Sir Walter Buchanan. 2.. Three-yenr heifer: Walter Buchanan, 1. Two-year heifer: g- Walter Buchanan, 1. Yearling heifer: l. Walter Buchanan, 1 and ~, W. Hou ar B pu’ebrod nereford.«.-Yearling bulb r’e'w 1 , ’ if fnnt- G F Moore. 1; Donald G- - ; ponald M Fonz ’ '■ G F Moore, 2. Two-year G F Moore 1; Donald M'Kenzie. r tifeA o G. F. Moore. Donald M T>enzie. -• i. G F MooX : 2.' D TX' F. ’Moore, 1: James Bros., 2- _ Two . Tear hull• r r nTm ’ 1 Mnngntete Stud Farm, 2. ThreeW- Moore. 1- Two-year boifer h Mangat Me Stud Farm 1. VearIrog heifer: Mangatete - w. Moore, 2. Heifer calf: A. M. Bar r ßurobred 2 Jersoys.-Biill over three IV tt Booth’s Ironmaster, IH. w-n. ‘ 1 -Rrnnk 1. Two-year hull: T. Dbron’s Ferns ’ Golder’s King, 6217. 1; W H. Booth’s Alfreds 2. 1 carling bull vr it Booth 1; c. E. Keene. 2. Bull calf - T. Dixon, 1: AV. M- Clark 2. Cow in calf or in milk: AV. IT. Booth. 1 and 2. Three-year heifer: Al. H. Booth, 1 and 2 Registered heifer in milk and robed since 8 July L 1918: H Housego Phillins 1 and 2. Two-year heifei : H. Hou’ego Phillips. 1 and 2 Yearling heifer- AV. H. Booth. 1; H. Housego Phillip o , 2. Heifer calf: W. IT. Booth, 1; T. Dixon. 2. Purebrod Frisians—Bill! over .Tiree vears: Bloomfield Farm Comnnny s Brentwood Domino Dutchland, 1. ThreeYear bull: BloomfiMd Farm Compaq's Brentwood Domino Laddie, 1. Two-year bull: Clunv Friesian Farm Company s Cluny King of Rock 1 = Company’s Domino Earl of Bloomfield,-. Yearling bulb. Bloomfield Farni Comnanv 1- L. Donald, 2. Bull calf: Bloomfield Farm Company, Cluny Friesen Farm Company. 2. Cow in calf or in mflk: Bloomfield Fann Company, 1. Two-vear heifer: Bloomfield Farm Com' n-'nv 1 Yearling heifer: Bloomfield Farm Company, 1 ; Cluny Friesian Farm Company, 2. Heifer calf: Bloomfield Farm Company, 1 and 2. Milking Shorthorns.— Two-year bull: Mrs -J Wall, 1- Yearling bull; G. W. Deller estate. 1; Mrs. J. Wall. 2. Cow in calf or in milk: Mrs. J. Wall, 1. Twovenr heifer: Wairarapa Training Farm, 1 nnd 2. Yearling heifer: G. W. Deller estate, "1 and 2. Heifer calf: G. W. Deller estate, 1. Dairy Cattle.— Three-year heifer: V. Billington, 1; E. Newland, 2. Yearling heifer: AV. Moore, 1; V. Billingtexi, 2. Three yearling heifers: AV. Moore, 1; V. Billington, 2. Fat Cattle.—Bullock, any age: C. F. Moore, 1. Cow or heifer, any age: Donald M'Kenzie, 1; Burling Bros., 2. Three-and-a-half-year bullock: G. F. Moore, 1; J. W. Buchanan, 2. Two-and-a-half-year bullock, J. AV. Buchanan, 1; G. F. Moore, 2. Three-nnd-a-half-year heifer; P. H. Nathan, 1 and 2. Best shop bullock: G. F. Moore, 1; C. J. Bennett, 2. Two bullocks: J. AV. Buchanan, 1. • Two three-aiid-a-half-yoar heifers; C. J. Bennett. 1. Two bullocks, most suitable for freezing: G. F. Moore, 1 and 2. Three three-year bullocks: J. AV. Buchanan, 1; G. F. Moore, 2. Three two-year steers: J. W. Buehanan, 1 ; G. F. Moore, 2. Three yearling steers: G. F. Moore, 1 and 2 DAIRY PRODUCE. Butter in boxes for export: Riverbank

.Dairy Co., AVoodville, 1; N. Nikolaison and Son, Ormondvillc, 2. Butter for local consumption: N. Nikolaison and .Son, 1; Konini Dairy Co., 2. Farmers’ fi-esh butter: Thoy. Dixon, 1. COMPETITIONS. Saddle Trot.—J. Percy’s Jack, 1; R. Stange, 2. AValking Horse.—J. MTntosh’s Star, 1; J. Jugg’s Red Seal, 2. Pony Jumping, 13 to 14.2 hands.—Guy Booth’s Scout, 1; J. Ford’s Cigaretta, 2. Pony Jumping, under 13 hands. —A\ 7 . H. Donovan, 1; J. M. G. Hasty. 2. Maiden Hunters.—Mrs. A. Nurm’s Akitio, 1; R., M'Kay’s Malshine, 2. Hunters’ Jumping, 12st. —Mrs. D. G. Riddiford’s Dugald, 1; F. Sand’s Hailstorm, 2. CHAMPIONSHIPS. SHEEP. Lincolns.—Ram and ewe: Bland Rayner. Romneys.—Ram and ewe: N. G. Rayner. Southdowns. —Ram and ewe: J. Knight. Corriedales. —Ram and ewe: T. O. Haycock. CATTLE. Purebred Shorthorns.—Bull and cow: SirjAValtcr Buchanan. Herefords.—Bull: D. M'Kenzie. Cow: G H. Moore. Polled Angus.—Bull and cow: Burling Bros. Ayrshires.—Bull: A. M- Harris. Cow: AV. Moore. • Jerseys.—Bull and cow: W. H. Booth. Friesians.—Bull and cow: Bloomfield Farm Co. Milking Shorthorns. —Bull and cow: Mrs. J. AVall. Fat Bullock—G. F. Moore. HORSES. Draughts.—Stallion and mare: Donald’s Estate. Gelding: A. Tocker. CUPS AND POINTS PRIZES.. Cooper Silver Shield, for most: points in Lincolns. —Bland Rayner. Perry Silver Cup, for Romney Marsh. —W. Perry and Son. Allen Rose Bowl, for Romney ram lamb—N. G. Rayner. ' Wheeler Memorial Shield, for best Romney ram bred in New Zealand. W. Perry and Son. Buick Silver Challenge Cup, for best Southdown ram lamb.—J. Knight. Matahiwi Cup, for pen of 2-toot.h longwool or longwool cross ewes in farmers’ classes. —V. V. Skeet. Tyler Silver Challenge Cup, for most points in freezing classes.—AV. E. C. Tvlee. New Zealand Shipping Company’s Silver Challenge Cup, for most points in freezing classes. —K. A. Morris. Sims-Cooper Challenge Cup, for most points for sheep classes. —J. Fisher. Brancepeth Cup, for yearling Shorthorn bull.—Sir Walter Buchanan. J. Strang Cup, for champion Shorthorn bull—Sir AValter Buchanan. W. Strang Silver Cup, for Shorthorn cow. —Sir Walter Buchanan. Murray-Roberts Cup, for yearling Hereford bull. —D. M'Kenzie. J. Strang Cup, for champion Hereford cow.—G, F. .Moore. DaTzicll Cup, for champion Hereford bull.—D. M'Kenzie. M'Kenzie Cup, for most points In Hereford classes. —D. M'Kenzie. James Cup, for yearling Hereford heifer.—G. F. Moore New 'Zealand Hereford Breeders’ Association trophies.—Yearling Hereford bull: M'Kenzie. Yearling heifer; D. M'Kenzie. E. Creswell’s special prize, for Polled Angus, cow and calf. —Burling Bros. Burling Bros.’ trophy, for most: points in Polled Angus classes.— Burling Bros. Dixon Cup. for most points in Jerseys—W. n. Booth. New Zealand Friesian Association’s .Gold Medal, for most points in Friesian classes —Bloomfield Farm Coy.

GOODRICH RUBBER COMPANY. At the Goodrich stand on the show grounds may ho seen the famous Silvertown cord tyres. A Ford one-ton truck was recently drawn one mile on a wheel to which had Been attached only a cordlayer from one of these tvres. When the test was completeci the cord was still intact and the inner tube undamaged. Stivertown, tyres have been used for more than twelve months on Messrs. Fly and Young’s mail cars, and despite strenuous tests provided by country roads have given every satisfaction. Silvei-lown tvres are made not merelv of layers «f fabric, but of sturdy cable colds, each cord being rubber-covered and ruliberimpregnated. These cords are thus made so resilient and so sinewy that internal friction (burning out inside)—the greatest, destroyer of ordinary Tyres—has been effectually reduced. Never content with anv single improvement, Goodrich dj' ie experts are always investigating and recording working data with a view o keeping die Goodrich fabric tyre as near perfection as changing demands require. Not willing to trust to laboratory theory alone, the Goodrich Rubber Company have a special fleet of cars tonring the roads of America im order to obtain the most, reliable of te-sts-actual road tests. —Advt. AUCTION §ALES FORTHCOMING FIXTURES. TO-DAY. 157 Lambton Quay, Wellington, 10 30 am. —Furniture sale (E., Johnston and Co.). Waikanne Yards. 12 noo H-“^ to /' lt _ -Sale Randwick Road. 1 of dflirv herd (H. E. L ei «bton). Featherston Street, Wellington. 2-30 p.m. Property sale (Bethune and Co.). TO-MORROW. Solway Show Grounds. Masterton, 9.45 a.m. Upnor m Hvtt <l . lfl V 3o f a.in. — Furniture sale IS^Lombton 1 Quay. Wellington, Qqla mschinerv Johnsto*! and coj. 26 S Roa n d. ry Hnitaitai, 11 a.m.-Furm-ture sale (Hodgkins Carver and CoJ. T-;per Hutt. Yards, 12 noon.-Stock B «’e. Wanganui, 12 noon.—bale of leases (John Wanganui, 12.30 p.m.-Sale of horses nnd contractors’ plant (Freeman JacHEon). 195 iambl.-m Quay. Wellington. 2.30 p.m. Property sale (Ila-court and Go.). FRIDAY. Ohau, 10.30 a.m—Sale of stock and implements (Jonlin, Stallard and Carmichael). Featherston Street, Wellington, 1 p.m.Sale of books (Bethune and Co.). Solway ram and ewe Fair. LIVE STOCK SALES The N.Z. Loan and Mercantile Agency Co Ltd., Palmerston North, report:—At our Rangiotn sale on Monday, we had a moderate yarding of both shcop and cattle The attendance was poor, and the entry changed hands at prices below recent sales. We quote :-Cull lambs, b.f., 6s Id to ss. 6d.; cull lambs, woolly, 3b. to 45.; cull lambs, shorn, 3b. 9d. to be.; piinntv cows, £2 10a., £3. -£4 to £4 2s. 6d.; f ra Snd f cows, £5 £6 7s. 6d. to £7; cull cows, 13s. 6d. to 325. 6d.; bulls (potters), M The° JLZ. Loan and Mercantile Agency Co Ltd., Dannevlrke, report as follows on the annual ram fair, held on Februu—.A lull catalogue of all classes of rams came-forward, the total entries comprising 1200 head, each firm being restricted to 200 rams. Flock Lincolns were the first to be offered, nnd competition was fairly good. This was on account of the fact that only about one-fifth of the number came forward, as compared with last year’s entries. More Romneys came forward than at last year’s fixture, and nrices ware considerably below those realised at that sale. Blaekfaeed rams were in fair demand, but breeders generally find fixed ’ definite reserves, and consequently most of the rams were passed in We quote as follows—Flock Lincolns, rorount Percy Bros.. 91 to 31<rns.; Flock Rompeys, on account George M Kenzie Sens.; on gcrount G. E. Yule. 4igns.; on account N. P. Nielsen. 5. 4)gns.; on acconrit H Gorringe 7. 6), sgns.: on aero nt G. E. Allen, 91gns.: on account J. Batchelor. 4gns.: on account W. F Jaeob .nJ Sion 61 41gns.: on account I Bntelioior 4 P- fnns.: on account W. IT. Buick, pens •' 'sonthdowna, on account Norman Rnvn’er. 10. 93gns. T-1- I'e- Zealand Loan nnd Mcrcai'til" Tn Folldin"- rnnort for' the -rok endlnpFebruary ri.i-r-At Anlti on Tuesday we had n mod vnrding of sheen but lew cattle. We sold few pens at auction, ven-

dors' ideas being above outside markets, but wo made a fair clearance after the sale, llane lambs. 155.; very fair store lambs, 95., 10s.. 10s. 6d., Ils.; medium lambs. 65.. 6s. 3d.. 75.. Bb.: small 2-tooth ewes. 125.; small 2-tooth wethers. 13s. 6d. At Feildina on Friday wo had a good yarding of both sheep and cattle. All cattle were difficult to sell, and lew prices ruled. Sheep sold more freely than of late, but on a lower basis of value. Rape lambs were in strong demand. Two-tooth wethers, good. 205.. 20s. 6d.: 6-tooth to f.m. ewes, 16s. 6d.; forward f.m. ewes, 15s. 5d.: mixed-age Shropshire ewes. 255.; b.f. lambi. 16s. 6d.; white-face medium lambs, Bs. 9d., Ils. 6d.: small lambs, 45.. 6a.; forward cows, £5 145.: store cows. £2 10s„ £3 135.: 3-year discoloured bullocks, £6_B.s. Tho New Zealand Farmers’ Co-op. Distributing Co., Ltd.. repo’ - f as follows:—At our Mangawea sale a yarding. of over 2000 sheep, comprising principally of lambs, came forward to a good attendance of buyers from Palmerston North, Marton, and Taumarunul districts. Competition was not brisk, but we disposed of the bulk of dur yarding as follows:—Good wether lambs. 10s. 9d. to Us. 6d.; medium do., 7g, 7d. to 95.: m.s. rape lambs, to lie. 6d.Fcu* lambs. 55., ss' 9d.. 6s. 2d, to 6s 8d

COMMERCIAL ITEMS INVESTMENT SHARES. Yesterday's quotations for investment shares were as follow:— Buyer*. Seller*.

CUSTOMS REVENUE. Customs revenue collected at the port ot Wellington yesterday totalled £3123 17s. sd. EXCHANGE RATES. Australian-New Zealand Cable Association. (Roc. February 15. 5.5 p.m.) London, February 14. Foreign exchange rates are ouoted as follow: —Paris, 53.60 francs to £1; Stockholm. 17.40 kroner: Christiania, 21.75 kronor; Berlin, 222 marks: Montreal, 4.42 dollars; New York, 3.89 dollars: Calcutta, 16Jd. to rupee: Yokohama, 293 d. to yen; Hong-kong, 291 d. to dollar. PRICES OF METALS. /Rec. February 15. 10.55 p.m.) London, February 14. Copper.—On spot, £7l 2s. 6d. per ton; three months, £7l Bs. 9d. Lead.—On spot, £2O 15s. per ton; three months, £2l 12«. 6d. Spelter.—On spot. £24 15s. per ton; three months, £25 15s. Tin.—On snot. £172 2s. 6d. per ton; three months, £175 15s. Silver.—Bars, 35§d. per ounce standard. MINING NEWS WELLINGTON SHARE MARKET. The following quotations were recorded in the mining market yesterday:— Buysr*. Seller*. £ «. d. £ o. d. Waihi (cum.) 17 6 19 3 BRADFORD WOOL MARKET (Rec. February 15, 5.5 p.m.) London. February 14. The Bradford tops market is most quiet, especially home trade quotations. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn CANTERBURY GRAIN AND PRODUCE MARKET By Telegraph.—Press Association. Christchurch, February 15. In the Canterbury grain and produce markets business lias continued as dull as it could possibly be,; in fact, merchants state that for this time of the year they have not known it to be so slow for many years back. In view of the state of the market, farmers are mostly occupying themselves with harvesting operations in preference to visiting tho city. The farmers are still waiting for wheat prices to be fixed) by the Government, and until this is done there is not much likelihood of business being done to any extent. A few lines of ryegrass have been changing hands, but the demand Tor this is not by any means keen. With regard to cocksfoot, new season’s seed is now being offered, but there are no buyers just yet, nor are producers anxious to sell at the present price. About £4 is the price offered for potatoes on trucks, which is not at all, to the liking of farmers. Onions are not being sought after very eagerly. Orders from the North. Island for onions and potatoes have been few and far between lately. Forward buying is not being nearly so much indulged in as in previous years. Among other causes the general financial stringency is considered to have a lot to do with thin state of affairs. THE FRUIT CROP OFFICIAL REPORTS. The following were the fruit crops reports forwarded, to the Horticultural Division of the Department of Agriculture at the end of January by the DepartniMit’s inspectors:— . Auckland South.—Strawberries finished; good crops iHid fair prices. Peaches and European plums: Light crop. Japanese plums: Generally heavy. Apples: Medium to heavy. Pears: Light to medium. Early sorts apples being marketed freely with fair prices. Tomatoes doing well, every appearance of very heavy crops; market good. "Waikato. — Apples: Average crops, prices good. Apricots: Finished. Lemons: Crops set well; very promising. Nectarines: Now being gathered; prices very good. Peaches: Patchy crop; prices good: very little ripe rot. Pears: Bon Chretiens now being gathered; leKauwhata crops good, others patchy. 1 lums: Only medium. Plums (Japanese): A little heavier than anticipations. Strawberries: Finished. Tomatoes: Crops very, good; prices good; very little disense. , , . Hawke’s Bay.—Gales raged on two days during the month, and took a toll ot from 5 per cent, to 10 per cent, of the crops. Mid-season varieties suffered the most. 'With the later varieties, though not much fruit was shed, the damage to foliage will no doubt have a. serious effect on the crop. Small fruits have been harvested. Stone fruits now being picked are light. Nelson.—Apples: During the . month Beauty of Bath, Gravenstein, and Duchess of Oldenburg have 'been gathered. Duarrenden, Codlin’s, and Cox orange ■pippin are about ready for picking. Apricots: The harvesting of a small crop has just been completed. Cherries: This crop is over for the season. Nectarines and Peaches: A very light crop is maturing satisfactorily. Pears: A few early sorts have been gathered; Williams’ Bon Chretien nearly ready for picking; good progress is being made by ' the main crop. Plums: Wickson, Burbank Blhe Diamond, and greengage are 1 being gathered; a fair crop is maturing. Strawberries: The season for these berries is now over. Tomatoes: The glasshouse crop is finished; the harvesting of the outside crop is at its height. Motueka.—Apples: Gravenstein vane, ty picked and marketed at good prices. Considerable quantity Cox s Orange ready for picking for expon). Other varieties locking well. Dunn’s Favourite crop very light. Jonathan and other varieties fair to light crops. Black spot infection very l>ad on apples and pears. Gooseberries: Over. Lemons: Looking well. Nectarines: Looking well. Peaches: Picking. Pears: Crop fair lig'ht. Plums: Picking. Plums (Japanese): Light crops, picking. Raspberries: Chops light. Strawberries: Dry wea-

ther shortened first crop. Tomatoes: Good crops, picking. Walnuts: Fair. Marlborough.—Apples: Early varieties showing good colour, light crop. Apricots: Rather light. Cherries and gooseberries: Over. Nectarines: Light crop. Peaches: Lig'ht crop. Pears: Fair crop; lighter than average. Plums: Light; Plums (Japanese): Medium; heavy in places. Tomatoes: Prospects of a good crop. Walnuts: Very fair crop. Leaf roller and woolly aphis are again very bad - . Other pests are fairly well under control.

Otago (sub-district, Central Otago).— Apples: Very light at Earnscleugh except in a few instances. In other localities medium to good. Young orchards at Ripponvale and Fruitland.* will pick more than hitherto. No black spot to be seen in this district. Apricots: With the exception of a few orchards the crops have only been light to medium. Cherries: Good crops have been obtained. Gooseberries: Good. Nectarines: Some good crops maturing where conditions have been favourable. Peaches: Early varieties 'have been light, late sorts fair to medium, in a few instances good. Trees damaged by green aphis, now putting on new foliage.” Pears: Medium to good. Plums: Light to good, according io situation Plums (Japanese): Light to good according to situation. Strawberries: Light, now about finished. Tomatoes: Getting well forward, just commencing to pick. Walnuts: Good.

Otago. Sub-district Teviot.—Apples: Present indications point to an average crop. Black spot is slight, Sturmers at present being the worst affected. Apricots: A good crop of clean fruit being gathered, though some orchards were fairly light. Cherries: Good crops secured Tn most'-'orchards. Gooseberries: Good crops picked. Nectarines: Medium to good. Tn some instances much thinned by green aphis. Peaches: Early varieties very patchy, much of the fruit not so good as usual owing mainly to green aphis, trees now recovering their foliage. Late sorts fair to good. Plums: Medium to good. Heavy crops being gathered in some orchards. Plums (Japanese): Good crop. Raspberries: Small crop, matured quickly with hot weather. Strawberries: Very light. Tomatoes: Very few grown. Walnuts: Very few grown.

Canterbury.—Apples: Crop slightly below average. In sheltered localities fruit ibadly scalded on January 3. Cox’s Orange Pippin dropping badly in some places. Black spot prevalent where spraying neglected. Apricots: A medium crop now on the market. Quality good. Cherries: Crop, now finished, , Gooseberries: A good crop until January 3, when at least 50 per cent, were cooked by the sun. Nectarines: A good crop. Peaches: A-medium crop. Quality coming on the market good. Pears; A good average crop. Black spot prevalent where spraying neglected. Plums: A good crop. Early varieties now coming on- the market. ' Plums (Japanese): A medium crop. Raspberries: This crop has suffered during the dry spell. The quality below that of other years. Strawberries-. Crop now finished. Tomatoes: Hothouse, a good crop; now on market. Outdoor, a fnir average crop. In some localities badlv scalded by sun on January 3. Walnuts: A. good crop; at present very free from disease. .

A s d. £ s. d. Ins Stock. 1958, 1959 87 o 0> —— 5} p.c. Inscribed, 1933 ... 89 15 0 — War Bonds, 1938 87 0 0 War Bonds, 1925 — 96 0 0 5 p.c. P.O. Stock. 1927 ... 88 0 0 . — Bank Australasia R3 0 0 — National Bank 5 13 6 5 16 0 Bank N.S.W - - 32 10 o Bank New Zealand 2 7 0 Union Bank 12 3 6 12 5 6 Well. Trust and Loan... — 6 2 0 Christchurch Gas — 6 0 0 Well. Gas (pref.) 0 16 0 0 17 0 N.Z. Befrisreratinir (£1) . — - 2 0 6 N.Z. (10s.) — 1 0 0 Gear Meat 1 12 6 I 16 0 Moat. "By port - C£5) 6 0 0 Meat Ea. (£3 12s. 6d. pd.) —— 4 10 0 Huddart-Rarker (ord.) ... 2 0 9 2 2 0 Kaiapoi 'ftoollen 1 7 0 1 8 6 Mostriel .Woollen 5 0 0 — Wellington Woollen —- 10 0 0 Taupiri Coal 0 17 0 0 18 0 Westport Coal 1 7 0 1 8 0| f.erland-O'Brien Timber — 1 16 0 N.Z. Drue 2 19 0 N.Z. Paper stills 1 8 n Walrarapa. Farmers —— 6 5 0 Well. Cordaae 1 0 6 1 1 3