FARM AND DAIRY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 57, 28 July 1914, Page 6

FARM AND DAIRY.

That the hawk is sometimes a friend to the farmer was shown by the following remit from Otago, which was before the Farmers' Conference recently: "That the union protest against destruction of hawks in rabbit-infested country, as advocated by the Acclimatisation Society.'' Mr. Begg, who proposed this motion, said that hawks were of benefit to farmers, and their destruction would be a very serious thing. Mr. P. Mcehu.ll said he came from a country which was at one time infested with rabbits, and hawks were tlie principal elemeot that brought about their destruction. It "would be better to see all the salmon destroyed in the rivers than bc.o, the hawks exterminated. The motion was withdrawn ,by consent. The. dairy industry lias made substantial progress in the iMasterton district during the, past season, all the factories having handled a much greater supply of milk than in the previous year (reports the Times), Great progress is still anticipated in the coming season, and moat of the factories will be enlarged in order to cope with the increased supply of'milk. The cheese industry has shown great expansion in the Forty 'Mile Bush during the 'season justiclosed. Two new co-operative companies have been formed during the past few months, and additions are being made to several factories in readiness for next season. The output of cheese factories in South Wairarapa increased about 20 per cent., compared with the previous season.

FARMERS AND THE RAILWAYS. REQUESTS FOR IMPROVED j FACILITIES. j "There seems to be a great lack of Sympathy between the Railway Department and the local bodies," said a delegate to the Farmers' union Conference at Wellington, when railway matters were under consideration. The conference passed the following resolutions: — Carriage of Lime.—'That the Govejnineirt be- asked to convey agricultural lime from the nearest available squrce of supply, upon the railway and distance free, in lieu of the 100-mile limit of free railage, as at present." Carriage of Metal.—"That the Government be asked to grant better facilities for the carriage on the railways of metal to local bodies, such as special trucks for metal carriage, and a special train for metal carriage only." Hiring of Trucks. —"That users of trucks on the Government railways l>e granted the right of hiring by tne truck and loading same with all classes of goods or stock they may require, provided that no inflammable or explosive goods be carried." Shortage of Trucks.—"That the matter of shortage of trucks on the railways lie again brought under the notice of the Railway | Department." Carriage of Pigs.—"That the Government for health reasons provide hooks in roadside trucks for the carriage of pigs to the city markets." Burning of Grass.—"That it lie brought to the notice of the Government that the burning of rank grass along the railway line is done at a time when there is great risk of damage to the adjoining pastures, and that this union considers sufficient care is not exercised in faiiming the grass."