11 Feb., 1918.] Nhill Agricultural Society C'otnpetition. 



71 



average for a like period. I give these figures for what they are worth, 

 but am satisfied that they aJSFord silent testimony of the comparative 

 efficiency of your modern agricultural practices, and show a meritorious 

 exhibition of solid progress. 



Details : 



Note. — It is interesting to note that in the drought year of 1914 the average 

 yield of Lowan was higher than that of either Borung or Kara Kara. 



THIS YEAR'S COMPETITION. 



Results. 



Turning now to the competition itself, I would like first of all to con- 

 gratulate the whole of the competitors on the splendid crop^ and fallow 

 shown. Excessive wet has placed some in an unfavorable position, and 

 they are to b© commended for the public-spirited action in entering under 

 these conditions. 



In Section 1—" Best Exhibited Half of Farmers' Wheat Crop " (not 

 less than 75 acres), I have placed the competitors in the following 

 order : — 



1st. Mr. Robert Blackwood, Kiata East 

 2nd. Mr. C. H. Roediger, Lorquon 

 3rd. Mr. John Collins, Woorak 



94 

 93 

 92 



The results were generally in favour of summer fallow, heavy dressings 

 of superphosphate and the use of select -bred pedigree seed. 



Mr. Blackwood showed some exceedingly heavy crop, compricing 

 Currawa, Penny and Federation. The whole crop was very level, true 

 to type and free from disease, but there were wild oats present. On 

 the day of judging, the Currawa, though very heavy, showed no tendency 

 to go down; but I was sorry to notice, when passrang four days later, 

 that portion of the crop at least was likely to go down. However, as the 

 judging must be made on the appearance on the day, Mr. Blackwood 

 lost no additional marks. 



