Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1928. RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 49, Issue 68, 31 December 1928, Page 4

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1928. RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT

The Prime Minister iu liis New Year message stated that there were good grounds for predicting a prosperous period in 1929, a statement that will be endorsed by all who are not given to view life from its darkest side. The year now fast drawing to its close has'on the whole been a good one for all sections of the community, including the primary producers, on whose wellbeing the general condition of the country finally depends. It is .therefore fitting to make a brief survey of the situation as it affects the farmer. Generally speaking, good prices have ruled for all classes of produce, though the peak of recent years has not been reached. This, as a matter of fact, is a cause for congratulation rather than regret, for though in individual cases extremely high prices may be advantageous at the moment, to the community as a whole in the long run they "are the reverse. A period of high prices gives to commodities a value that cannot be maintained, and when the peak is passed the reaction is in ratio to the previous advance. The wheat-grower, though he expressed some dissatisfaction with the prices offered for his crop, should have had a profitable year as a result of the good average yield, as shown by the official threshing returns. As to the future, he should have some measure of protection under the sliding scale of import duties, while if the Wheat Pool fulfils the purpose for which it has been formed, he should benefit in the marketing. As regards wool, the season must be considered as satisfactory, for though the high levels of recent years were not reached, prices were good at all sales, with the tendency toward firming. The present season's sales do not indicate any considerable weakening of the market, and there is every prospect of payable returns. The grazier also obtained prices for his mutton and lamb, especially the latter, and if the present ratesi continue for any length of time he should have no cause to complain. In this County dairying does not occupy the relatively important position it does in other parts of the Dominion, but it nevertheless contributes a substantial quota to the economic stability of the community, and it is gratifving to be able to record that in this division also production and values have been in favour of the farmer. The great need of the County now is seasonable weather to bring the crops to maturity. Pastures have a sufficient reserve of moisture to carry them over a spell, and if the cereals- are enabled to overcome the setback that resulted from the recent rains there will not be a section of the farmmo- community that should have reason to view the advent of the New Year with anything but cheerfulness. And a good year for the farmer means a corresponding bright one for the | dweller in the town.