JUGGLING WITH HOPE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 206, 31 August 1936, Page 6

JUGGLING WITH HOPE.

IN THE VEGETABLE MARKET. (To the Editor.) The frequent vegetable gluts which occur seasonally are to a certain extent due to unorganised business principles. For instance, if there is a definite shortage of any vegetable one season then there is a tendency to excess planting of that particular vegetable next season. This juggling with hope makes it difficult to estimate; crop production. According to tile judgment of gardeners, large areas of° land devoted to certain crops suitable to the season are for some reason not planted again the following season. This being an age of specialisation, it cannot be considered advisable for the market gardener to vary his decisions in such a manner. In regard to weather conditions, the three main risks are wind, frost and heat. Shelter belts are of utmost importance in protecting young growing plants against the effect of winds, which come at all seasons. Concerning frosts, I have seen in parts of Sydney where the winter is sometimes quite severe, acres of land protected along the rows against frost by hessian covers. In England and on the Continent similar precautions are taken to protect the early crop on the field. Here, generally speaking, too much is taken for granted because conditions are considered more favourable, the point is that they are not favourable enough. Finally, the dry seasons. Irrigation is by no means a new science, and if millions of acres can be developed successfully hy irrigation, surely ■small, market gardens can come under its influence. It appeal's to me that scientific equipment can answer for most weather conditions and reduce the uncertainty to a reasonably low level. Market gardening to those who are in it for life as a means of building a home, beautifying their surroundings and creating a profitable occupation where speculative gains are not sought has proved to be on the average as (good an occupation for many Europeans as can be found in many walks of life. Unreasonable gluts affect them adversely, and the matter is one for internal scientific development as well as market control in order that the home builder would be protected in liis occupation. Some action will have to be taken, but it will prove a lengthy task to put on a workable basis, but it can be done. JOHN PARR.