"UP AGAINST IT."

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 69, 23 March 1931, Page 4

"UP AGAINST IT."

BAY OF PLENTY FARMERS

RAIN BADLY NEEDED

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

TE PUKE, Saturday. An advance of lid per lb was made yesterday by the Bay of Plenty Co-op. Dairy Association, Ltd., resulting in the distribution of £15,633 to suppliers. Butterfat received during February totalled 343.322 lb, whereas 354,5711b was received during February of last season, and £20,531 was advanced. The total paid out this season for eight months equals £102,094, as against £164,288 for the corresponding period last season. The butter manufactured to date this year is 1361 tons, which is in excess of last season's output by 48 tons, equivalent to 3.65 per cent, butter manufactured for eight months last year being 1313 tons.

Farmers are at present expressing anxiety for their herds, which are*rapidly drying off. The weather of late has been exceptionally dry, and pastures are taking on a parched appearance. Water on high areas is so scarce that dairy farmers have, with their herds, migrated to the vicinity of running streams and rivers, where they are residing temporarily in tents. Pioneer farmers state that this has been the driest season for many years. Not only with reduced prices for butterfat, but also smaller returns to the factory, farmers are finding difficulty in making ends meet.