FARMERS’ INCOMES

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29767, 9 March 1962, Page 14

FARMERS’ INCOMES

Objections To Survey f N.Z. Press Association) DUNEDIN, March 8. The publication by the Statistics Department of the results of the sample survey of sheepfarmers’ incomes for the year 1959-60 could tend to be misleading, said Mr W. Malcolm, Dominion president of Federated Farmers, today. The sample survey dealt with farmers with an average flock of 1590 sheep. “The most recent figures available show the total number of flock owners at 41340. dbout 24.000 of whom own fess than 1000 sheep.” he said. “The returns of sheep flocks will further confirm that about 8000 sheepfarmers own between 1000 and the sample figure of 1590 “The properties covered tn the sample survey, each with a large capital investment, will now be approaching the end of the 1961-62 season," said Mr Malcolm. “While I have no great desire to question the motives of the department in choosing this as an appropriate time to publish the results of a sample survey so sadly out of date. I must point out that the findings, as published, ignore both the decline in present prices and the adverse climatic conditions so widespread throughout New Zealand.** Average Rate Of Pav ♦ NZ. Press Association) WELLINGTON, March 8. The average ordinary time hourly rate in all industries surveyed in October, 1961. was 4d an hour more than in October. 1960. increases ranging between l|d and 6d an hour in the majority of industries, states the “Labour and Employment Gazette” in its current issue.