RURAL TOPICS

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9126, 27 June 1908, Page 5

RURAL TOPICS

(By Agricola).

THE DROVERS' UNION. There was a good attendance of members at the meeting of the Drovers' Union, on Wednesday evening last, at which the questions in dispute with the employers were fully discussed, witnesses selected, and the case finally prepared for placing before the Conciliation Board, which is expected to meet at an early date. There are various rumours afloat, one of which is that the employers do not intend to be represented before the Board. The following proviso in the conditions as drawn up by the Union, i.e., "That an employer employs a shepherd or other person in his employment as a drover or requires him to do droving work, he may deduct from the wages payable hereunder such amount as will represent the proportion of the weekly or other wage otherwise payable to such shepherd or person for the time during whk'h he shall be employed as drover and be receiving or entitled to receive drovers' wages," is one which there is a pood leal of comment, and sjine dissatisfaction expressed, as it is considered by employees that if a shepherd is engaged on a station for that purpose that such engagement covers all duties in connection with mustering, droving and general work among sheep. This undoubtedly has been the custom in the past, the employer merely paying all expenses for meals and accommodation the shepherd may be put to during such time that le may be employed droving, on the road away from the station. THE WEATHER.

The mild, genial spell that lias been experienced in the Wairarapa appears broken, as since the passing ot the shortest day we havu Detsii visited with a combination of rain, cold, some fronts, with a considerable snowfall on the ranges. Last Wednesday morning was very wet, and,no doubt milit; te:l against a full attendance of farmers and dealers kt the weekly stock sale, bidding at which was somewhat flat;. Repoits from up-couutcy clistrhjts are to the effect that ihe roads are in a very soft condition, cutting up ar,d becoming heavy for traffic. News that icebergs have been saen in a more northerly zone thn'T is usual may accornt for the cold tl at we are now feeling

in the Dominion, unu cue biiowstorma in Australia. For as the ice cap at the Antarctic approaches towards or recedes from northern latitudes it is but reasonable to suppose that our climatic conditions will be in sympathy with such a movement. As I write (Friday evening) the weather shows signs of improvement.

WAIRARAPA PRODUCE AT PALME«.:TON NORTH.

This district has hitherto taken a very promhrnt, and successful pi. ee with exhibit;* ot' dairy products ac the Palmei'ttD i North Winter Show. The Taratahi, (Jalelield and Belvedere factories gaining numerovs prizes. Unfortunately this season their luck has charged, not throigh any want of dull displayed in ihe manufacture of the butter and cheese but in consequence of the exceedingly adverse season. Cne exhibit, that of the Taratahi Factoiv, was withdrawn through above cause, the milk supply hi ving been unsat'sfattory through ihe drought. The Daletield Factory, however, was to the fore, 'arrying oft' tv\'o first prizes and a gerond prize. Ahiaruhe is credi ted with two-third prizes, and Grey town with one thiid prize. GENERAL NOTES. Conversing with a gentleman who has-been for some time located in tl e neighbourhood of Weber, he informs me that so much country had been devastated by fire, and the rough herbage destroyed that cattle are passing through a very severe ordeal, and sadly lacking in condition. Sheep were in better circumstances, and doing fairly well. These remarks concerning the condition of cattle apply to a large extent of country throughout the Bush district, and may have a very marked effect in' diminishing the early supply of milk. If there is one thing more than another which should bring home to the dairy farmer in the Bush the necessity of growing and conserving sustenance for his cattle during the times of scarcity, it should be the experience gone through this season. Shelter of some kind should also be provided, and if nothing else is to hand it is not a costly matter to improvise cow covers made out of ordinary sacks, two thicknesses being used, the necessary straps being fixed on, and the outside of the cover oiled, which will keep out both wet and cold. The cost is only a few shillings, and the work of making the covers can be performed by any one who can use a packing needle and twine. Those farmeis interested in the breeding of stu.l sheep would do well to take note of the proceedings of the New Zealand Sheopbreeders' Association (North Island) being held in Palmerston North, ns matters of more than passing moment regarding culling of flocks are under review and discussion.