226 Agricultural Gazette of N.S.W. [Mar. 2, 1920. 



Moss Vale. 



The monthly meeting was held on 9th January, a good attendance being 

 recorded. The programme for the coming year was fixed and arrangements 

 were made for the branch making an exhibit at the Moss Vale Show. 



Quaker's Hill. 



The members of this branch, at a meeting on 10th January, discussed 

 several methods of creating increased interest amongst farmers. It was 

 decided that, in addition to a vigorous canvass for new members, a series 

 of competitions be held — one each meeting — and a general exhibition of 

 produce, combined with a social evening, at a comparatively early date. 



Samples of maize seed supplied by the Department have been divided 

 amongst ten members, each of whom (on a ] re-arranged date) will sow a 

 small area, according to his own ideas of cultivation and manuring. Keen 

 competition is expected. Small parcels of wheat and oats supplied by the 

 Department last year were sown by members. All report indifferent results 

 with the wheat, but in every case Sunrise oats did excelleiitly. 



A challenge is issued by the branch to any centre within the Blacktown 

 shire to a competitive exhibit of prcduce at the first show to be held by the 

 newly-formed Blacktown Agiicultural Society. 



Stratford. 



A meeting was held on 10th January, when fourteen members were 

 present. 



General business was followed by discussion of the question (taken from the Agri- 

 cultural Gazette) : " What method do you adopt in keeping your cream cool in order to 

 produce choicest grade butter V 



Mr. Wknham expressed the opinion that cream should always be allowed to cool 

 thoroughly before being mixed with other cream, and it should alwaj^s be kept covered 

 with mosquito net and covered around with Avet bags. Mr. T. Germon favoured keeping 

 cows away from stagnant water-holes, and the addition of a little coarse salt to the 

 cream to keep down fermentation. 



Mr. H. Perrin considered that each quantity of cream separated should be cooled 

 separately and stood in tubs of water. He also believed in strict cleanliness throughout. 

 By adoption of this method Mr. Perrin said he was able to produce all superfine butter 

 for the year 1919. 



Mr. E. Gresham said he cooled all cream by standing it in water and then mixing it 

 in the can and stirring regularly. He favoured cows having access to running water, 

 and thought that a large percentage of second-grade cream was due to cows grazing on 

 swampy lands. 



Mr. P. H. Deards believed in mixing cream in the can after it had cooled. Cans 

 should always be wrapped in wet bags and all parts of the separator perfectly cleaned. 

 By this method less than 3 per cent, of second-grade cream was produced. 



Toronto. 



The annual meeting of this branch was held on 2nd December, when the 

 retiring office-bearers were re-elected for the ensuing year. The report 

 showed that the past year had been oue of useful activity, several valuable 

 ])apers having been read and officers of the Department having given lectuies 

 and demonstrations of most helpful kinds. Visits had been made to the 

 properties of several members with profit. The balance-sheet showed a 

 healthy credit balance to carry forward. 



