15 [Nov., 1919.] Improvement of the Dairij Industry. 673 



by the aid of these societies, or through associations formed on similar 

 lines amongst the business people in each dairying centre. 



Colac has set the example in thus forming and carrying on a herd- 

 testing association; and that this is being run on right lines is shown 

 by the Avidespread interest being taken *in the work. Not only is there 

 great interest shoAvn in the herd-test by local residents, but there have 

 already been some eighteen inqniries froni districts all over the State 

 in regard to the worTcing of these tests. This shows the movement is 

 growing, for it can be said to their credit that very few inquiries, 

 j)rompted by mere curiosity, will be found emanating from any rural 

 community. " J^o inquiry, no interest," is usually the rule. 



This Colac association has now been in existence three years, and 

 has gained in popularity meanwhile. Its working system is simple 

 in the extreme. The cash cost to the dairy farmer is, for a 40-cow 

 herd, about 2.5s. for the outfit of scales and bottles, and an annual sub- 

 scription of 2s. 9d. per cow to cover cost of testing and secretarial work. 

 Each member of the association takes his own samples on one regular 

 day — two milkings — in each month, and the samples are carried free 

 to the factory where the testing is done. The testing officer of the 

 association, who is paid £200 a year for his services, is provided with a 

 room, steam, and other working conveniences by the Colac Dairy Com- 

 pany in its factory premises; and from there all the returns are 

 forwarded to the farmers as soon as made up. All necessary printing 

 and stationery are provided by the Department of Agriculture free of 

 cost. One specific instance of the value of this work is contained in a 

 report showing that a herd of 60 cows has been culled down now to 45 

 head, yet the owner this past year obtained 1,500 lbs. of btitter-fat more 

 than formerly, and besides has been saved the labour of dealing with 

 the fifteen unprofitable cows. " Better cattle, better feed, " should be 

 the motto of every dairying conimnnity. Systematic fodder-growing, 

 herd-testing, stud bull selection, and economic feeding of dairy cattle 

 will enable nearly every dairy farmer in the State to considerably 

 increase his income. Departmental advice and instruction on all these 

 matters are available where required, and all that is needed is the 

 interested local effort. Properly organized dairy improvement associa-' 

 tioDS is the great need in the dairying districts throughout Victoria, 

 and their fonnation would soon bring about definite advancement in 

 farm profits. 



There has been a sudden and unprecedented incursion of flying-foxes 

 into the Albion Pai*k (N'.S.W.) district, the batg having taken up their 

 abode in a deep gorge at Croome, known as " Foxes Gully." The foxes 

 are so ravenous that they are devouring- half-grown peaches. The local 

 residents are banding themselves together to deal with the foxes in their 

 haunts, where they hang from the branches of the trees in the daytime. 

 An application has been made to the Grovernment for a supply of am- 

 munition to enable the gunmen to attack the pest before the orchards 

 are ruined. The early appearance of the flying-foxes is said to be due 

 to the dryness of the weather inland, which has forced them coastwards 

 in search of food. 

 17045.— 2 



