EFFECT OF THE WAR.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue LXVIII, 23 September 1914, Page 8

EFFECT OF THE WAR.

WILL THE FARMERS SUFFER?

During a war such as the present, when the financial condition of every country in the world is more or less seriously affected, the fanners (and, for that matter, all men vitally interested in the products of the. land) are naturally somewhat anxious regarding the sale of their wool, meat and other products. With a view to obtaining a reliable opinion as to what effect the war is likely to have on the New Zealand farmer and the prospects of the coming season, a Hastings Tribune reporter called on Mr J. G.\ Herdman (manager for Dalgety and Co., Ltd., at Hastings).

"It is rather too early," said Mr Hei-dman, "to give an opinion. As far as stock and frozen meat is concerned, I think the farmers are going to have a good time, provided, of course, that the North Sea remains open. I think the prices for all classes of stock and dairy produce ought to be very good this season As far as wool is concerned it is very difficult to say what la going to happen. I think it goes without saying that there will be a drop in the prices of wool as compared with those obtained last year, especially in the coarser classes. The drop will, I think, be much more emphasised in the merino and haifbreds. In the North Island there is no merino, and the proportion of halfbred is very small. Even though there will be a drop, I think all classes of wool will 'get payable prices, provided, of course, that the buyers from the different countries are able to make satisfactory financial arrangements with th& bankers here. If they cannot make those rarangements, they could not buy wool, but I do not anticipate that there will be any trouble of that description at all. It is i inpossible to say, at the present junct'iire, what will be done as regards holding wool sales. We shall probably know in a few weeks' time. I see the Australians have not done anything regarding their sales yet; they have taken no action until things settle down a bib "lore. Of course, manufacturing on the Continent will be very much disorganized, and it is just a question as to Low they are going to get their supplies "here. It looks at the present time as i? America will be doing a great deal of the manufacturing, and. therefore, buying-much more largely than usual. It, is just possible that Germany may obtain their requirements through Holland. Then, again, there will probably be a big demand for coarse wool, such •■ts is suitable for soldiers' uniforms, o'-c. What the farmer will get for his iTozen meat and stock ought quite to compensate for what he will lose in the prices of wool. Ido not think there is anything serious in the outlook at all as far as New Zealand is concerned. The greatest difficulty we shall have to, contend with this season will be the shipping facilities, particularly with regard to freezing accommodation, as a number of these have been taken for troopships. This would not be felt to the same extent with general cargo and wool. There is every indication of a splendid clip in Hawke's Bay this year, and big lambings. The farmers are getting good percentages. There has been a largor; death-rate of breeding ewes this season than usual. But the^ percentage of lambs is very good, and there seems to be every prospect of a really good clip. The quality of the wool this year, as far as I can see at present, ought,to be a good deal better than last year. The clip is much heavier; that is, I mean, there is more of it."

In conclusion, Mr Herdman expressed the opinion that the prospects of the coming season appeared to be very satisfactory.