STOCK MARKETS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 7 August 1926, Page 10

STOCK MARKETS.

PROMISING PROSPECTS

BIG SCHEMES MOOTED

The cynic, observer of men and tilings in general, is inclined to say that tlie farmer is the one person who is never satisfied. Something could always be better and that, in regard to tlie present position, though a little time back he was praying for rain, he is now' getting too much and that a little more sun would be a help. No doubt that is practically true, but actually the weather has, with only a few brief spells, been fairly mild and favourable. In addition South Taranaki is so situated that, this fact, coupled with its light porous soil, enables the countryside to quickly throw off the effects of very heavy rain and, in a comparatively short space of time, to be asking for more. However, it must be admitted that a lessening of the rain and some more sunshine would actually suit the season and be a distinct help to the dairy farmers in particular and a factor in the stock markets generally. In regard to cattle, the last advices from the southern centres, though telling of a slight drop, recorded a tine entry in all classes with fairly good prices and a good demand. And the entries at Addington arc recorded as coming from various parts of the Dominion, indicating that northern holders are making use of the markets in the south. Both for fat and store cattle there was a good inquiry, while for dairy cattle slightly better values were secured. These indications arc fairly certain to be reflected in this as in other districts so that prospects are not at all bad. And with the pastures coming ahead as they must with the liberal rainfall, the position looks sound. Pigs, fat and store, are reported in the south to have shown an increase and to have met with a keen competition that promises well for the coming season. It is probable that the pig industry generally will show much devekq>ment in the future. Farmers are becoming more alive to the possibilities, and are being urged on by the experience of other countries where much more is made of the industry. Last week’s Home reports show a fairly good position in the dairy world, with a steady market for cheese and butter in fair demand. The quoted prices, however, are only moderately good. They seem to compare fairly well with those received by the produce from other dairying countries. The very latest advice states that there is a hardening in the market for cheese which is satisfactory and is reflected in the rising a shililng or two in the wholesale market.

The position is strengthened, too, by tlie. prospects of better financial arrangements for farmers in the near future, either from the Bank of New Zealand scheme for long-dated loans, or from the scheme which has been drawn up on the report of the commissioners who went overseas to inquire into rural credits system. The report is in the hands 6f the Government, and, according to .Mr Poison's remarks at the Farmers’ Union Dominion Conference, is so satisfactory that he sees no reason why it should not go through this session. With 1 his .scheme and with the passing of the Dairy Control Amendment Bill anil the early assumption of control, there look likely to be great developments in the dairying world, with results that one will sincerely hope will be of the utmost benefit to the markets tor the dairy farmer on whom the Dominion so strongly relies.