GRAIN YIELDS.

Evening Post, Volume LXXIX, Issue 64, 17 March 1910, Page 3

GRAIN YIELDS.

THE EXCESS WEIGHT QUESTION. {BX TELEGRAPH — PfIESS ASSOCIATION.] CHRISTCHURCH, 161 h March. At to-day's meeting of the North Canterbuiy executive of the Farmers' Union, the new tystem of estimating the grain yields was biiefly discussed. The Hon. T. Mackenzie wrote at follows regarding the executive's letter on the subject of agricultural and pastoral statistic*: — 'I have the honour lo inform you that this matter was very carefully considered before the system of estimated yields-, adopted during the pietent season, had been decided upon. In looking into the matter due weight was gncn to the many representations of the Farmers' Union and other bodies to the effect that the .sy.stem previously followed wa> giving mihati'Mactory results. The experience of the old system hnd also to be borne in mind. After consulting tlib responsible officers of the department, I came- to the conclusion that the method of obtaining estimates from a number of reliable and intelligent farmers, grain merchants, etc., could not only effect a saving of nearly £54000 per annum, but would give results more reliable than those previously obtained. The system referred to uah therefore adopted, and, with due respect to the opinion of your executive, I may say has given satisfaction to .most persons interested in the subject. I n«y add that, from a publication just to band, I find that the Government statistician of Tasmania has, for this season, adopted what appears to be exactly the same system as that used in the Dominion." It was decided to receive the Minister's letter. The Hon. J. A. Millar, Minister for Railways, telegraphed :— Regarding tho question of the excess weights carried in grain sacks, lo the effect that publicity had been given to the decision arrived at in the matter. After discussion it was decided— "That the Minister be thanked for hi* telegram, and- be informed th«t the executive considers that s system of imposing a penalty at per truck would bo eminently unsatisfactory, and suggests that the penalty (if any) should be on tonnage rate."