DISTRESSED DAIRYMEN

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 5, 7 January 1922, Page 7

DISTRESSED DAIRYMEN

OUTLOOK IN WAIKATO

(By Telegraph. —Own Co-respondent >

HAMILTON, this day,

While the dairymen of South Auckland have experienced less distress probably than any other section of the farming community during the financial stringency, they are now beginning to feel the effect of the slump. Those hit hardest are, of course, those who bought m at inflated values when produce prices were high, but, now that a serious drop has occurred, are unable to meet interest on mortgages. Stories are told of men "throwing up the sponge," and simply walking out, and leaving their farms, mortgages, and weeds. There has undoubtedly been such cases, but the percentage is not great, although it is highly probable that the number will grow unless the markets improve.

; A prominent official of one of the largest concerns in the province says i that, of seven thousand farmers on their hooks, not a single instance of walking out had been notified. At the same time, he knew many were pressed to their very limit.