GREYTOWN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 September 1938, Page 7

GREYTOWN

OBITUARY. (“Times-Age” Special.) The death occured at Napier Hospital on Wednesday of Mr Frank L. Tocker, aged 45 years. Born at Greytown, the late Mr Tocker served in the Great War, leaving with the 6th Reinforcements. He was employed by Dalgety and Co., Ltd., in Wanganui, before going to Napier some 15 years ago. He leaves a widow, a daughter, and one son, Mr. Harry H. Tocker, Napier. The Rev. Cecil Tocker (Invercargill), and Professor A. H. Tocker (Christchuch) are brothers. The death occurred at the Palmerston'North Hospital on Thursday of Mrs Isabella Annie, wife of Mr. Wilfred Winton Kidd, of Greytown. The late Mrs. Kidd was the fourth daughter of the late Mr and Mrs A. F. Merlet, of Greytown. She is survived by a husband, three sisters (Mesdames Focker, Te Awamutu, and Halliday, Patoka, and Miss I. Merlet, Paekakariki), and one brother, Mr. E. Merlet, of Featherston. Miniature Rifles. The following are the scores in last night’s competition, handicaps included: — A grade.—R. Tilson, 100; J. Yeomans, 100; A. Robinson, 99; G. Rhodes, 98; T. Morgan, 98; H. Gray, 98; R. Eaton, 97. Badge winners: R. Tilson, J. Yeomans. B grade.—R. Hood, 99; Miss J. Morgan, 99; Miss C. Gray, 99; Miss L. Gray 99; Miss A. Gray, 99; T. Gray, 99; N. Eager, 99; Miss G. Gray, 98; Mrs. Tilson, 98; B. Bailey, 98; R. Ingley, 97; G. Gray, 95; G. Knight, 89; A. Morgan, 89. Badge winner: R. Hood. Need for Improvement. The approach to the Greytown railway station is a disgrace to 4he authorities concerned. The pot holes in the road leading to the station make car drivers take to the grass at the side of the thoroughfare. The platform is so rough that it is practically impossible for a railway barrow to be used, and above all, the sole lighting consists of one lamp in the office. Personal. Mr. H. Walden, J.P., of McMaster Street, left to-day for Island Bay, where he will be the guest of his daughter, Mrs. E. G. Thomas. FAT LAMB PRODUCTION INSTRUCTIVE ADDRESS At the meeting of the Greytown Young Farmers’ Club on Wednesday, Mr R. J. Tilson, of Papawai, gave an interesting and instructive talk on “fat lamb production” to a full attendance of members. Mr Tilson is well qualified to talk on the subject. His father is a well-known fat lamb producer, and has won several trophies at the recent shows. Fat lambs are either bred for the local butcher or for export to the Home market, he said. To start fat lamb breeding successfully, one must have a good foundation, and this means a good even line of ewes—not too long in the neck, short in leg from knee up, and with good barrel and length. The rams need to be well-sprung, low set and active. The Down-cross is the type of lamb preferred. The ram must be well shaped and bred, as nine times out of ten the lambs throw back to the ram. Romney ewes are considered better tnan Southdowns as the latter are inclined to be lazy. It is a big mistake to have ewes too fat, especially at lambing time. The lamb most suitable for the home market is the lamb of about 29 to 32 lbs, although these are not often placed in tne show ring, they come out on top at Home. The local traders usually ask for lambs of 401 b or so. The lambs for market are usually drafted in November, and are then termed “milk lambs,” and these have practically eaten no grass. The pasture for ewes should be short and sweet, mostly rye-grass and clover —sub-clover, ryegrass and cowgrass had been tried but were not successful in many cases. Rotational grazing following cows is of advantage. It is recommended to watch a fat lamb judge at a show as it is usually his private business to deal with fat lambs, and one soon finds out what type and style a judge prefers. From the judging at the works and in London, one may gather what is the ideal type for the fat lamb trade. After the address a discussion took place on various points raised. Mr R. Ingley moved a vote of thanks to Mr R. J. Tilson, the motion being carried by acclamation.