STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 March 1918, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent) [All communications, letters, etc., lei't wltli Mr. H. J. Uoiiltioj, booHselicr, will rccclit) liroaift aitenUon J MODEL DAIRY FARM

Stratford, March 14. The afternoon was in great contrast to the previous occasion when the ground* were thrown open to the public. Then a cold, bleak breeze, witli lieivy showers, made it anything but pleasant to move round the paddocks. This afternoon the climatic conditions were perfect, and included in the attendance were several ladies. The committee, including Mr- J. W. Deem, Government representative, were very keen to show visitors over the various plots and give details of each crop. The exhibits were mainly autumn feeding, there being no less than 21 varieties of turnips pulled and ready for inspection. Each variety was labelled with the time of sewing and weight per acre. .All were free from blight and clean from "strings." Glancing at a few, "Your Own" noted that the Imperial Green Globe, sown November 30, yielded 40 tons 3 cwt to the acre. Red Paragon went 29 tons 4 cwt. to the acre. Purple Top ran the Green Globe closely in the matter of yield, 39 tons 4 cwt. This and White Egg, 38 tons 12 cwt., seemed popular varieties, judging by the remarks of some visitors. Ail growths were cut open, and showed good firm food of excellent flavor. The mangolds were all well forward. Here each plot had been treated with various fertilisers of varying weights, and those interested in farming could see for themBolves the results of this treatment. A "triking illustration of the value of fertilising is shown by one small plot having roceivod no treatment, and the dwarfed feeble growths should convince farmers that they must put something into the .wound if they wish to obtain satisfactory yields. As one of the committeemen remarked: "We have treated the grounds, and the results are before you, so it is tip to the farmer to come alotijj and see for himself what can be done." This excellent advice sliould be followed. A little more interest on the part of the fanners will be very encoimiginsr to those who have voluntarily undertaken the task of supervision, >vliHe the membership fee (os) is merely nominal, considering the ;:reat advantages that are sure to result from these demonstrations. GENERAL.

The Gun Club heid a ''shoot'' on Messrs iSiilsou and Crcen's fajm this atternov,... Competitors were present from El'thum, -New Plymouth, and a largo number of local enthusiasts liu-cd tiie traps. Details of the utrious competitions Were H'it available when these lines were peniied.

The animal picnic of the Stanley Road school was hold this afternoon in glorious sunshine. A concert and dance is being held this evening, at which several, ncii-knawn Stratiord performers arc assisting.

There is a fairly heavy charge slicel -set down for hearing at the S..M. Court 10-morrow morning.

Although the' gift auction rale has been hold nearly three weeks hack, results arc still coming to lund. The secretaries report the following additional returns: Kohuratahi (X.Z. 1,, and M- Co.): Win. (Jill, sale of heifer, ill 7s «d; J. B. McCartie (pcrX. King), sale of sheep, £1 los. .Stratford: F. Colo, two Jersey weaners. Pukengaliu (per J O'Neill): 11. W. James £1 (Y.M.C.A.). Recently a Second Division man, believing he would be required to go into camp, sold out his farm. Instead of being called up he was out of work, and to fill in the time worked in a butter factory, lie is still there, wondering whether it was wisdom to anticipate the call by selling out. seeing that the tnrmer who bought from him has since sold out at a profit of £OOO, after a few months' occupation. 'Jb.' first farmer thinks he may go to camp this month, but reckons he is £IOOO down through hi s hasty action.

•LAJHASOX'S WEEKLY REPORT. Last Saturday my usual weekly sale ttjas held, when there was a very' large attendance- A very good entry of poultry came to hand." Trices for hens, etc., were a bit low, but for ducks they were very good. I quote: Hens Is to 2s, ducks 2s to 3s, cockerells Is Gd to 2s, potatoes 7s to 8s per cwt., apples 3s to is case, pears 3s (id to 4s Od, tomatoes (very scarce) about 4d per lb, quinces 4s to 7s. grapes (choice hothouse) Is 3d to h Gd per lb. Also sold a large quantity of boots at prices satisfactory to both purchaser and vendor.

Easter is close at hand, and one wonders what to get for suitable gifts. Tnerc is nc need to worry. Von can present your soldier with (lie Ucan haircutter, the young lady with a bangle or wristlet watch, the maid with a 'book, and tho student with a fountain pen. Tlie fretful child will fret no more with a toy, and tired mother will be pleased with some of the Doultott ware, and father will forget to growl if you purchase tobacco, pipes, or cigars from C. E. James, the man for the multitude.*