ESTIMATING GRAIN YIELDS.

Mataura Ensign, 17 March 1910, Page 2

ESTIMATING GRAIN YIELDS.

i'HE MINISTER'S JUSTIFICATION. I'Kit IJN'IIIiD MtKhS ASSOCIATION CHRISTCHURCH, March 16.' At to-day's meeting of tho North Canterbury Executive of tho Farmers' union dm new system ol estimating ;raiu yields was briefly discussed. The lion. T. Mackenzie wroto as lollows:— I "Regarding tho executive's letter on the subject of agricultural ■ind pastoral statistics I have the honor co inform you that this matter was very carefully considered before tho system of estimated yields adopted during the present season was deckled upon. In looking into the matter, due weight was given to the many representations of tho Farmers' Union and other oodies to tho effect that tho system previously followed was giving unsatisiactory results. The exi>ericnee of the old system had also to be borne in mind. After consulting responsible officers of the Department, I came to tho conclusion that tho method of obtaining estimates from a number of reliable and intelligent farmers, grain merI'hnnts, etc., would not only effect a -laving of £-i0()0 per annum, but would live results more reliable than those previously obtained. The system referred to was therefore adopted, and, with due respect to the opinion of your executive, 1 may say it has given satisfaction to most persons interested in the subject. I may add that from publications just to hand I find that the Government Statistician of Tasmania has for this season adopted what appears to he exactly the same system as that used in the Dominion." Reference was made to the previous resolutions arrived at by the executive on the subject, which when they were read proved to bo contradictory, the first having been passed at a mooting attended by sevoral members who were not present when the second was passed. T!k> opinion was expressed that the executive must appear in an unfavorable light to the Minister, to whom the resolutions were forwarded. It was decided to "roewre" tha-Mm-lster's letter.