FARMING & COMMERCIAL

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 206, 26 May 1921, Page 8

FARMING & COMMERCIAL

» NEWS AND NOTES

AUCTION SALES *

FORTHCOMING FIXTURES. TODAY. Vivian Street, ■Wellington, 1 p.in.—Furniture sale (Vine and Wilson). TO-MORROW. 105 Majoribanka Street, Wellington, 10.30 a.m.—Salo of building material (Price and Co.). Upper Hutt Yards. 1 p.m.—Stock sale. 60 Lower Cuba Street, Wellington, 1.30 p.m.—Furniture sale (Price and Co.). 195 Lambton Quay. Wellington. 2.30 p.m — Property sale (Harcourt and Co.). SATURDAY. Ocean Hoad, Paekakariki. 1.30 p.m.—Sale of sections, house, and furniture (Bruce and Co.). FARMERS’” UNION SUB-PROVINCIAL CONFERENCE ELECTION OF OFFICERS From Our Own Correspondent. Masterton, May 25. The annual conference of the. Wellington and Wairarapa Sub-Provincial Districts of the Farmers’ Union was continued in Masterton to-day. Mr. W. J. Polson, president of the Wellington Provincial District, presided. During tho morning a great deal of time wag occupied, by committee business. Freezing Companies’ Charges. Mr. J. Read moved the following remit on behalf of Carterton and Tinui:— "That the freezing companies bo requested to consider reducing their charges, also the cost of freezing works manures.” Following on an address on freezing company matters by Mr. J. C. Cooper, managing director of the Wellington Farmers’ Meat and Manufacturing Company, discussion of the remit was taken in committee. Tho remit was carried. Mr W. B. Matheson. Eketahuna, moved tho following addition to tho remit: — . — • r< "That tho Associated Freezing Companies be requested to give representation at their coming conference to throe nominees of the Farmers’ Union appointed by the Dominion Executive. This was also carried. Roads and Tolls. "That the only immediate method of adequately financing the local Indies for the better construction of the more important roads of the Dominion is by means of tolls nt such places as are likelv to prove financially successful, and councils should bo encouraged to combine as far as possible in such schemes. ’’ , , Mr. C. Smith asked leave to withdraw the above remit forwarded by Wanganui SP D The Government had now taken steps which did away with the necessity for the remit. 1 , Air. A. Robinson, objected to the withdrawal of the remit. The remit was seconded pro forma, and, on being put to the vote, was lost. Tyro Tax. "That a tyre tax be imposed on all motor-vehicles for the upkeep of mam r °Some discussion arose over the above remit, which was moved by Air. Bond on behalf of the Manawatu S.P.D. Mr. Hubbard seconded. Afr AV. B. Matheson, Eketahuna. onircted to the remit on principle. Why should the farmer be asked to bear a further tax at the present timj>? Could they persuade the city people to contribate towards the upkeep of the farmers roads? , , ~ Air Dalrymple, Bulls, suggested the deletion of' the word "tyre” from the remit. A tyre tax would, lie most unfair, and would materially increase the exponses of motorists. Mr. D. Smith, Masterton, stressed the fact that the owner of a light car would damage the road less than a heavy car owner, but they-would both pay the same tax. Mr. Sommerville, Wanganui, said that a. tyre tax would be most inequitable because of the respective wearing qualities of different makes of tyres. He supported Mr. Dalrymple’s suggestion. An addition to the. remit—" Conditionally that it does not prejudice the Government promise fetr read reform legislation"—was proposed as an amendment.

Both the motion and the amendment were lost. , Sub-Provincial Districts. “That the sub-provincial districts elect their own members on the provincial executive on the basis of one to 100 members or portion of 100, whore possible smaller branches to be grouped, and the same regulations to apply.” /After some discussion it was resolved to re.fer this remit to the executive in order that a considered proposal might be brought down at the next conference. Preference to Unionists. "That this branch of tha Farmers’ Union wishes to urge on the Government the desirability of passing legislation during the next session of Parliament to do away with compulsory preference to unionists.” In moving this remit, the chairman (Mr. W. J. Polson) said it must not be thought that they were aiming against legitimate unionism. The unions in their present form had become a close corporation against the right to work. That idea, was not intended by the Act. The clause was now so operated that it created class hatred. They had only to look at the fine feeling that existed between the farmers and nonunion employees to realise the evil that would be wrought if preference to unionists operated among farm labourers. Mr. J. Livingstone seconded the remit. Mr. M'Leavey said ho thought the remit was quite the most important on the order paper. -As a man who had shearing experience both in Australia and New Zealand, he recognised good points about the principle of unionism. But labour had now got into the hands of extremists. He did not agree with Asiatic immigration because Orientals would lower the standard of living all round. No man could support himself and a family in competition with Asiatics. If the remit was given effect to it would be a bombshell to the Labour Party. They wanted a bombshell io make them realise their duty to the country. The remit was carried Exhibits of Farm Produce

Forestry.

“That this meeting arrange to have exhibits made of farmers’ produce, showing the cost of the raw material and the cost of the finished article." Mr. J. M. Whiteman (Hutt), in proposingthe remit, said that such exhibits were necessary to correct the idea of townspeople as to the relation of the price of raw produce to the price of the finished article. In Wellington, as in other towns, people thought the farmer was responsible for the high price of clothing, etc. In reality, he was not. In reply to a question' one man had told the speaker that he tjiought there was about £5 wortn of wool in every.suit of clothes, and that the farmer benefited accordingly. Farmers knew that such was far from tile actual case There was only about 9s. worth of wool in a suit. It was such ideas as this that had to bo combated. Mr. Atkins seconded the remit, and confirmed Mr. Whitomen’s statement''.

Some discussion followed as to whether the proposal was practicable, but eventually the remit was carried.

In connection with forestry, Mr. Whileman moved the following remit from Wellington:—"That this executive urges on the Government, through tho Provincial Executive, the imperative need for a vigorous prosecution of tho forestry nrrwrammo as outlined by the Minister; and’ further, that in considering the areas for afforestation the hills on the eastern Bide of the Hutt Valley should be given favourable consideration. Mr. Whiteman said that the hills mentioned in the remit -were practically barren of timber. In places pinus insigms seeds had been, deposited by wind and other agencies, and the trees that had sprung up there seemed to thrive. It would surely bo a rood plan if the Government planted the hills systematically with-pinus insignia He saw no reason why the work should not be done by the prison labour now available at Trantham and thus a large timber reserve would be b Mr 'David Smith (Masterton) seconded the remit. He strongly favoured systematic afforestation. While in M eßing<on he had often been struck by the bare ncss of the hills, and had wondered why thj were not planted with pmus insignia. . , The remit was carried. Mr. Whiteman also moied th ® * , lowing remit, which was carried: That this conference is of the opinion that where the Government enforces fencing on tL boundaries of the forestry reserves and farming lands, they should bear the cost of such fencing. Other Remits Adopted. Other remits were adopted as under:— "That the Government be abolish the duty on imported timbci, and that, the railway freights on same be brought into line with ruling for New Zealand timber. . "That this conference stronglr objects to the proposed increase of duty on American timber, also the inarcase of vfeference rates on the railway ■ "That the Government be asked, to revert to the former system of posting come tax returns to those concerned. "That, owing to the present system o paying for pressing hay at per bale, chaff cutting at per bag, and thrashing at per bag, being not conducive to good workmanship, farmers be requested, to revert to the old system of Taym cnt ,. f hay and chaff by the ton, and thrashing at per bushel." "That all motor-car and motor lorry drivers be compelled to carry a b cen ®® as to efficiency, tho same to be endorsed for inefficient driving.’ To this remit were added the following words: And that it be made compulsory for all motor lorries to carry reflectors, and for bicycles io have red discs affixed to the rear of the machine.” . , , "That auctioneers be required to give both 'the vendor’s and purchaser’s namcg when selling stock at public auctions. "That tho conference protests against the Government, being asked to compel nil people keeping poultry for the sale of eggs to pay registration fee. Remits Rejected. The following remits were lost:— "That fire loss on wool be paid co the same basis as marine loss.” At present if a farmer insures his wool at 9d. per lb., and a loss occurs, he only gets the market rate of, say, 6d.. whereas the prominin has been paid at 9d. "That this conference is of the opinion that tho Arbitration Court should bo reconstructed, so that it shall tain a representative of the pub.ic. It was resolved to hold the next provincial conference in Wanganui. Officers Elected. The following officers wer e elected for the ensuing year:— „ ■ AVellington provincial district: President Mr. W. J. Polson (Fordell); vicepresident, Mr. C. Smith (Wanganui S.P. district): treasurer, Air. John Balsillie (Palmerston North); executive, Messrs. H. Booth, A. Campbell, K. W. Dalrymple T. Currie, T. Fraser, R. Farley, D. M’Lean, G. L. Marshall, A. Robinson, C. Stuart, P. Sommerville J. M. Whiteman, J. A. APLeavey; delegates to Dominion Conference, Messrs. Gregor Al’Gregor and A. Robinson. AVairarapa provincial district: President, Air. Hugh Alorrison; vice-president Mr. W B. Alatheson; treasurer, Air. C. C. Jackson; executive. Afessrs. A. J. Perov. A. Ross, IT. H. Bunny, H. T. Tilyard, E. E. O’Nea.lo. IV. Irons A. Hu'ghan, T. B. Mason, Hugh Al'Kay, D. Al. Parsonson. J. D. Ramsden, J. H. Breniner, H. H. Nevins. At the conclusion of the conference, Mr. Hugh Alorrison moved a hearty votes of thanks to tho chairman for tho able manner in which ho had conducted the business. This was'seconded by Air. H. Vile and carried by acclamation. Air. Polson suitably responded. Air. Morrison also thanked ths delegates from the other coast for their attendance, and for the manner in which they had got through tho business. He referred eulogistically to the ‘Wellington provincial secretary (Air. W. Hunter), and to the Wairarapa secretary (Mr. David Hebenton), specially stressing the. latter’s work in organising the successful smoke concert the night before.

ADDINGTON STOCK MARKET

AN IMPROVED SALE. By Telegraph—Press .Association. Christchurch, May 25. At the Addington market to-day there was an improved sale in the principal sections. Fat and store sheep showed an advance, beef was firmer, and fat lambs maintained late rates Store Sheep.—A bigger yarding, and a considerably healthier tone. Ciood forward lambs, 10s. to 10s. 6d.;'fair wethers, 7s. to Bs. Ski.; small wethers, ss. 6d. to 6s. 9d.; cull wethers, 2s. 3d. to 55.; good ewes, 13s. 2d.; forward. 4,6, and 8-tooth wethers, 15s. 9d.; ordinary, 4, and G-tooth wethers, 12s. to 13s. 9d.; 2 and 4-tooth. Us. 6d. to 14s. 3d.; good 4, 6. and 8-tool h ewes in lamb, 15s. to 18s. 3d.j good twotooth ewes (coarse wooled), 16s. 6d. Fat Lambs.—Value's were practically the same as last week. Extra prime, 245. to 265. 3d.: prime, 19s. 6d. to 225. 7d.; medium, 16s. 6d. to 19s. 3d.; light, 12s. to 16s. Fat Shoop.—A big yarding, and an improved sale. Freezers operated nt up to 4d. per lb. for wether mutton. Extra prime wethers. 275. 2d.: prime, 20s. 9(1. to 25s ; medium, 18s. to 20s. 3d., inferior and light, 14s. to 17s. fid. Primo ewes, 17s. fid. to 20s. 6J.; n?* I }™- Gd. to 175., inferior and light, Js. to 13s. 9d. , -ill Fat Cattle—The sale opened weaklj. but improved Inter, and finished strongly Prime steers, 413 ss. to ■£!.» 10>., medium. .£9 15s. to £l3; light. £6 !5s to .£9. Prime heifers, AL l<s. 6d. to .£lO "s Gd ; ordinary, .£4 12s. fid. to .£< 10s. Prime- eow«. £7 to £l5 10s.; ordinary, .£4 10s. to .£6 15s. D.'iirv Cattle.—A strong entry, and a slack demand. Good Shorthorn; heifoTs J-21- ordinary, .£l2; good third and fourth cohere. .£l5 10-.; medium cows, -L'B 10-.: inferior, 355. to £5. ' Store Cattle.—A small entry and a poor sale. Thrce-year steers brought £5 2s. Fat Pigs.— I Choppers, 4:6 Its.; baconers, .£4 10s. io £6 (average price per lb. 7<l. to 71d.); porkers. 4-ss. to <os. (average price per lb. 9d. to 9,1 d.). Store Pigs.—Medium store-, 325. io 405.: small store-, 18s. to 305.; good weaners, 13’. to 165.; small, Bs. to 12s. Gel.

LONDON MARKETS

HIGH COMMISSIONER’S CABLED REPORT

The Department of Agriculture hag received tho following cablegram, dated May 21, from the High Commissioner for New Zealand, London:— Meat.

No material change in market. Owing to fullness of stores and slow discharge of steamers, only moderate quantity of New Zealand meat available. N.Z. mutton, wethers, new season, May 21, Bd. to 9d.; May 13, Bd, to ; May 7, Bd. to 9d. N.Z. mutton, wethers fom America, May 21, toBd. N.Z. mutton, ewes, Alay 21, 7Jd. to Bd.; Alay 13, 7|d.; May 7, 7jd. N.Z. lamb, good, demand, Alay 21, Is. 2}d. to Is. 3d.; May 13, Is. Id. to Is. 2Jd.; May 7, Is. 21d. N.Z lamb, from l America, May 21, le. Id.; May 7, Is. O.Jd. to Is. Id. Forward buyers cautious owing to stocks held by Government. Beef, chilled, fores, May 21, 5d.; May 13, 4id. to 10d.; May 7, sd. to lljd. Beef, chilled, hinds, Alay 21, 9Jd.; May 13, lOd.; May 7, lljd. N.Z. beef, ox, first-class quality, fores, May 21, 4d.; Alay 7, 4Jd. to sd. N.Z. beef, ox, first-class quality, hinds, Alay 21, 6d. to 7d.; Alay 7,6 d. to 7d. (difficult to sell). N.Z. beef, cow, no demand; sale has been made as low as 3Jd. per lb. for sides. Retail meat prices are as follow:— Alutton English, Alay 21, legs, 2s. 7d.; Alay 13, loins, 35.; May 7, shoulders, 2s. sd. per lb. Mutton, imported, Alay 21, legs. Is. 3d.; Alay 13, loins. Is. 4d.; Alay 7, shoulders, Is. 2-Jd. per lb. Lamb, English, Alay 21, leg®, 2s. 10d.; Alay 13, loins, 3s. 3d.; Alay 7, shoulders, 2s. Bd. per lb. Lamb, imported, Alay 21, legs, is. 9d.; May 13, loins, Is. Bd.; Alay 7, shoulders, Is. Bd. per lb. Beef, English, Alay 21, sirloin, 2s. 4d.; Alay 13, ribs, 2s. 3d.; Alay 7, steak, 3s. 4d. per lb. Beef, imported, May 21, sirloin; Is. 4d.; Alay 13, ribs, Is. 4d.; May 7, steak, 2s. per lb. The above quotations are not exclusively for New Zealand' meat, but in some- cases apply to all imported meat. Butter.

Good inquiry finest quality. New Zealand: Alay 21, 1925. to 1965. per cwt. (Is. BJd. to Is. 91d. per lb); Alay 13, 1945. to 1965. per cwt. (Is. 83d. to Is. 9d. per lb.); May 7, 1965. to 198 s. per cwt. (Is. 9d. to Is. 9Jd. per lb.). Australian: Alay 21, 182 s. to 190 s. per cwt. (Is. 71d. to Is. Bjd. per lb.); May 13, 186 s. to 190 s. per cwt. (Is. 7Sd. to Is. B}d. per lb J; May 7, 190 s. to 1945. per cwt. (Is. BJd. to Is. 85d. per lb.). Argentine: Alay 21, 160 s. to 1645. per cwt. (Is. 5Jd. to Is. 5Jd. per lb.); Alay 13, 160 s. to 170 s. per cwt. (Is. 5Jd. to Is. Gid. per lb.). Alay 7,170 s. to 1745. per cwt. (Is. 6jd. to Is. 63d. per lb.). Danish: Alay 21, 208 s. to 2125. per cwt. (Is. 10|d. to Is. 103 d. per lb.); May 13, 1925. to 198 s. per cwt. (Is. BJd. to Is. 9}d. per lb.); Alay 7,190 s. to 200 s. per cwt. (Is. BJd. to Is. 9Jd. per lb.). Irish (salted): Alay 21, 180 s. to 186 s. per cwt. (Is. 7{d. to Is. 72d. per lb.); Alay 13, iBos. to 190 s. per cwt. (Is. 7Jd. to Is. 8-Jd. per lb.). Irish (unsalted): May 21, 186 s. to 1925. per cwt (Is. 73d. to Is. 81d. per lb.); Alay 13, 184 s. to 1955. per cwt. (Is. *l. to Is. 9d. per lb.). Government price of butter, ex store, Alay 20 to 26: New Zealand, 1925. per cwt. (Is. Bld. per lb.); Australian, 186 s. per cwt. (Is. 73d. per lb.); Argentine, 160 s. per- cwt. (Is. 5Jd. per lb.). Cheese. Afarket irregular and* unsettled. Canadian: White, Alay 21, no quotations; Alay 13, no quotations; May 7,158 s. per cwt. (Is. 43d. per lb.). Coloured, Alay 21, 140 s. to 1425. per cwt. (Is. 3d. to Is. 3Jd per lb.); Alay 13, no quotations; Alay 7, no quotations. New Zealand: White, .May 21, 130 s. to 138 s. per cwt. (Is. 2d. to Is. ‘23d. per lb.); Alay 13, 138 s. to 140 s. per cwt. (Is. 23d. to Is. 3d. per lb.; Alay 7, 13Ss. to 1445. per cwt. (Is. 23d. to Is. 31d. per lb.). Coloured: Alay 21, 1465. to 1525. per cwt. (Is. 33d. to Is. 4|d. per lb.); Alay 13, 1545. to 158 s. per cwt. (Is. 41d. to Is. 43d. per lb.); Alay 7, 1565. to 1625. per cwt. (Is. 4’d. to Is. 5Jd per lb). Australian: White, Alay 21, no quotations; May 13, 1345. to 138 s. per cwt. (Is. 2Jd. to Is. 25d. per lb.); Alay 7, 1365. to 138 s. per cwt. (Is. 2Jd. to Is. 23d. per lb.). Coloured: Alay 21, 1425. to 14Ss per cwt. (Is. 3Jd. to Is. 3Sd. per lb.); Alay 13, 150 s. to 1545. per cwt. (Is. Id. to Is. 41d. per lb.): Alay 7, 1545. to 158 s. (Is. 41d’. to Is. 43d. per lb.). Casein Market continues weak; quotations nominally unchanged. Hemp. Alanila market is dull ami depressed. Sellers quote "J” grade, February-April shipment, £42; May-July shipment, £39 per ton. New Zealand market very weak, and nothing; doing. Quotations nominally unchanged. , Wool. Bradford, more tone to the market this week, and it is anticipated position will improve as soon as coal strike and uages adjustment have been, settled. Present quotations for tops are: —64’s (merino), Alav 21, 3s. 6d.; Ajiril 30, 3s. 2d.; April 23 3s. 56’s (halfbred), May 21, 2s. 4jd.; April 30, 2s. 4d.; April 23, 2s. 3d. 40’s (coarse crossbred), May‘2l, Is. Id.; April 30, Is. Old.; April 23, Is. Fruit. Balance of apples ex Hororata opened up in poor condition. Buyers numerous, but reticent owing to the conditions. Cox’s Orange still very wasty; Dunns top of market, second sale at 21s. to 265. per case; Scarlets, 9s. to 14s. per case; few Coxs Orange, 235. to 245. per case, but majority round about 18s.; some as low as 13s. per case.

FARMERS’ MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE ANNUAL REPORT. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Masterton, May 25. At i.b*: annual conference of the Wellington and Wairarapa sub-provincial districts of tho Farmers’ Union to-day, the directors of the! Mutual Fire Insurance Association, presented the following report and' balance-sheet for the year ending March 31: — “We are pleased to note the continued end steady progress of the association, and congratulate the members on. ths satisfactory financial position, espec'ally in view of the fact that our Tates are considerably lower than those charged by the associated companies. We have been able to place the amount of 4:750 on fixed deposit and invest 4)466 in Soldiers’ Loan Certificates, and we propose taking another 41000 out of the current account for investment. “We express our appreciation of the work of our several agents, and thank them for their .efforts on behalf of the association. “Tho net premiums show an increase of .£'s6o Bg. lid. on tho previous year. I'he profit and loss account shows a cie.Mt Ixilanco of £1866 14s. 2d. on the year’s working. The fire claims for the year amounted to 41357 2s. 10d., and are tho lowest we have had for several yeais. The premium note capital stands at .£50,199 16s. lid., being an increase on previous year of 419644 10s. Id. The total insurances amount to .£687,355 6s. 8d The net risks total 41625,589 6s. Bd. The now business for tho year totalled 4:357,352." The Accident Branch. The following report was presented in connection with the accident branch of the association:— . “The directors present the fourth annual report of the accident branch of the association, and express satisfaction thatthe business hasshown improvement, and though the claims for compensation have been the largest since the inception of this branch, we congratulate

members on the financial position. The amendment in the Workers’ Compensation ,A<jt has increased the liability of employers, and the association, in common with other companies, has had to increase its rates in proportion. “We thank the members for their support in the past, and hope that those members of the Farmers’ Union who have not given us their accident business will do so in the coming year. The net premiums for the year total £525 18s. 2d., being an increase of £ll3 ss. Id. The total claims for compensation have been £342 Is. Bd., being £lBB 19s. sd. in excess of last year. The net risks total £79,315, showing an increase of £15.268 over last year. "The present directoi-s were re-elected for the ensuing term.” FRIESIAN DISPERSAL SALE A RECORD AVERAGE PRICE By Telegraph—Press Association. Invercargill, Alay 25 The record average price of .£7O was made at to-day’s dispersal sale of C. E. Robertson’s pedigree Friesian herd. Contrary to anticipation, Australian buyers were not represented, but there was a large concourse of North Island breedera. Prices were remarkably consistent throughout. The top price was 156 guineas, paid by North and Sons for a cow of imported breeding. The same buyers paid 100 guineas for her four-months-old calf. John Donald (Wanganui) paid top price for heifer calves, giving 106 guineas for a five-months-old calf out of a heifer of imported breeding. The same price was paid for a prize-winning heifer. The calves averaged 67 guineas. Other prominent buyers were' H. R. Green (Palmerston North). S. Knight and Sons (Ongoruo), ami Thomas Secombe (Bay of Plenty). CANTERBURY SHEEPOWNERS SHIPMENT OF PRODUCE AND TAXATION. By Telegraph—Press Association. Christchurch, Alay 25. The executive of the Cantcrbnrv Sheepowners’ Union passed a resolution declaring "That the proposal to form a company to charter ships for the carriage of Dominion produce is the only reasonable scheme to go on with at the present time.” The fallowing resolution was also carried: "That this executive urge the Government to use every endeavour to reduce taxation during the next sessiorl of Parliament, and by means of raising loans or otherwise to place a share of the burden of the war on future generations, instead of, as at present, placing it wholly on the shoulders of present-dav taxpayers.” BURNSIDE STOCK SALE PRICES FATRJW WELL MAINTAINED. By Telegraph—Press Association. Dunedin, Alay 25. An unusually large number of sheep and lambs were offered at the Burnside sales to-day and considering the large supply prices were fairly well maintained. Fat cattle were also in full supply, but the quality generally was not of a high,standard. Pigs being in short supply met with a keen demand at enhanced prices. Fat Cattle.—A large yarding, 226 being penned. Prices started slightly higher than last week’s, but as the sale progressed declined to last week’s parity. Medium and light cattle were down about 15s. per head. Prime beef averaged about 325. per 1061 b., and cow beef 265. Quotations: Extra prime heavyweight bullocks, £lB to £26; prime, from £l4 10s. to £l7 12s. 6d.; medium, £ll 10s. to £l3 2s. 6d.; others, £8 upwards. Best cows and heifers, £l2; medium, £lO 2s. 6d. to £ll 10s.; others, £6 2s. 6d. upwards. Store Cattle. —A medium yarding. There was a noticeable absence of wellbred sorts in forward condition. The demand was not keen and tho prices realised were practically on a par with last week’s rates.

Sheep.—An exceptionally largo yarding, numbering 4815 head. The quality was good, among those penned being a number of extra heavy-weight show sheep. There was a fair demand for all classes, which sold at last week’s rates until about the end of the sale, whoa, values for ewes receded' by Is. to Is. Gd. per head. Prime mutton was worth 3jd. per lb., and ewe mutton under 3d. Freezing buyers did not compete so freely for heavy classes as they did for me-dium-weight sheep. Extra prime show sheep realised from 525. to 935.; extra prime heavy-weight wethers from 28s. 6d. to 375.; prime 225. to 275. ; medium, 17s. to 215.; light and unfinished sorts from 14s. ngtwairds. Prime ewes realised from IBs. 3d. to 21s. 6d.; medium, 14s. to 175.; light and aged, from 7s. npwards.

Lambs. —A largo yarding of fair quality, numbering 3456 head. There was a good demand for all lambs suitable for export purposes and prices were on « par with those which ruled at last week’s Sale/ Prime lamb was worth from 6d. to 6}d. per ]b. Extra prime lambs, 275. Gd.; prime, from 21s. fid. to 255.; medium. 15s. to 17s. 9d.; inferior, Ils. upwards.

Pigs.—A small yarding and nil classes met with good oompetition. Suckers were dearer and the average advance for bacon pigs was equal to from 7s. to 16s. per head. Values ranged from Bd. to 9d. per lb.

NELSON FARMERS’ UNION

PROVINCIAL CONFERENCE. By Telegraph—Press Association. Nelson, May 25. The Nelson Farmers' Union provincial conference adopted the following remit: “That in the opinion of the executive the rules should bo amended so that when tho time is opportune the union shall be able to take an active part in the country’s politics.” It was also resolved: "That this conference favours tho speedy formation of a producers’ shipping line, assisted by a State subsidy.”

NATIONAL DAIRY SHOW

Next month will witness tho National Dairy Show event, and already the show grounds at Palmerston aro assuming a very businesslike air. Readers are asked to note the advertisement in our columns relating to the nineteenth of the Manawatu and West Coast Agricultural and Pastoral National DairyShows. The entries, general and poultry, are due to closo on Monday, June 6. This year the ring events incluxite tho usual Wanganui-Te Aute football match on tho 'Wednesday, and on the first day, Tuesday, Scots College will play tho Palmerston North High School. Thursday, the third day, will see the pony leaping competitions, maiden hunters, open hunters, and the competition for the Watson Cup, to be competed for by lady riders. The cup is accompanied by cash sp<a;ial to the value of 4)15. On Friday there will Im tho dog trials, with .£3B to be distributed among the. winners. The remainder of the schedule contains classes for field roots, farm products, seed and grains. For the gardener there are numorou vegetable classes, also fruit and honey. The apple championship is open to the whole Dominion for tho best collection of apples. Lady readers should not miss the classes and attractive prizes for needlework and' home cookery. There aro special classes in the cookery for girls under sixteen, with entry fee at sixpence. Schedules and all information to be had from the secretary. Box S 5, Palmerston North.

COMMERCIAL ITEMS INVESTMENT SHARES. Yesterday’s quotations for investment > shares were as follow pfi)]erfl

CUSTOAIB REVENUE. Customs revenue collected nt the nort of Wellington yesterday totalled £7CEB 3e. lOd. PRICES OF COPPER AND TIN. Australian-New Zealand Cable Association; (Rec. May 25, 10.10 p.m.) London, May 24. Copper.—On spot and forward delivery. £74 is. 3d. per ton. Tin—On spot, £lBl 2s. fd. per ton; forward delivery, £lBl 12s. 6d. MINING NEWS WELLINGTON' SHARE MARKET. The quotations for mining shares yesterday were as under: — ; Buyers. Seller". • £ s. d. £ s. d. Talisman 0 5 10 Waihi 1 10 6 . ~ Waihi Grand Junction .. — 09 11 STOCK EXCHANGE. By Telegraph—Press Association Auckland, M e r K - Bank of New Zealand, 40s. 64.; Talisman. ss. 116.; Waihi. 315., 31s. 3d.; Grand Junction, 10s.. 10s. 6d. / Christchurch, May 25. fiale: Goldsborough Mort., £1 13s. Dunedin, A/.y 25. Sales: Mount Lyell, 15s. lid.; HuddartPxrber. 39a. 9d. Sale renorfed: 'New Zealand Refrigerating (paid), 275. 9d.

£ 8. d.. £ s. d. Inscribed Stock, 1939 83 5 0 inscribed Stock, 1933 91 12 6 National Bank 6 6 0 Bank New Zealand 2 6 6 " 2 7 0 South British Insurance 1 10 6 N.Z. Insurance 1 6 6 1 7 3 N.Z. Refrigerating .(£1) 1 7 0 N.Z. Refrigerating (10s.) 0 16 0 0 16 9 Gear Meat 1 11 6 — Meat Exp. (£3 12b. 6d.) .. 3 0 0 a Hnddart-Parker ford.) — 2 0 0 2 0 6 Union Steam (pref.) 0 18 0 -— Leyland-O’Brien 1 6 3 — Gates. Ltd — 1 10 0 N.Z. Paper Mills 1 6 9 WflirarRpa Farmers (pref.) 0 15 6 —— Well. Cordage — 1 1 0