NIGHT PLOUGHING

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 110, 11 May 1932, Page 6

NIGHT PLOUGHING

N.S.W. FARMERS' ACTIVITY

(From "The Post's" Representative.) SYDNEY, sth May. In the wheat country in New South Wales there is at present' a high pressure activity never before equalled in tho history of the State. It does "not cease even when the night comes down. As the gathering dark threatens to blot out the furrows, the driver of the tractor switches on the headlights, and work goes on1 with renewed; effort. All for what promises to be one of tho best harvests in New South Wales. Experts predict that early next month about 5,000,000 acres will be under, wheat in New South Wales, and it ia possible that the record acreage of the 1930-31 season will be eclipsed. Ploughing by night is- so ncw.praci tiee, butthis year it is being employed more, thqn, ever before. "It" is'an evidence of the determination of the farmers to secure a Reasonable turnover from quantity if prices remain low. With an average yield the crop next season should total 60,000,000 bushels, but it will probably be nearer 70,000,000 bushels, according to expert estimates., The Director, "of Agriculture, in New South Wales"said 'that preliminary sut-voys-sH'owed-fKat there wouia be~a considerable increase in ' the " acreage -; of last-ye'aiy when-there waa a falling-off due to excessive rains: The general conditions at the moment pointed to one of the most satisfactory seasons for years. The soil was in an excellent state ±or good germination.

"While the Director did not anticipate any big increase in .wheat prices, lie thought there- was every possibility of inn improvement, because Russia: •owing to the failure of its crops, was temporarily out" of the world market, and conditions in Ameri(ja were not altogether satisfactory because of dry weather. His conclusions were generally supported -by other experts, who anticipated that farmers generally would next season receive a very satisfactory return for their wheat. By working day and night, it was said, the farmers were, setting a wonderful example to _ those unionists in the city who, in spito of tho bad time's were still clamouring for higher wages and shorter hours.