PRIMARY PRODUCE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 168, 15 June 1928, Page 4

PRIMARY PRODUCE.

SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE,

WHAT THE FIGURES REVEAL. WELLINGTON, June 15. The extent to which production lias increased was the subject of an interesting reference by tiie Prim© Minister during his address at .the town Hall last night. .. ~ “Much political capital, said Mr Coates, “is attempted to bo made in the cry that men are leaving the land. To lend colour to their statements, the peak year, 1922-23, is chosen by our critics. If we go back just one year to 1921-1922, we find that the decrease in the five-year period to 192627 is only 2596 instead of 13,591; and further, that this decrease of 2596 was entirely due to a decline in tho female numbers of 3092; the males actually show an increase of 396. _ Now, wo must remember the increasing use of electricity and machinery; and, further, the economic pressure bearing upon the man of the land. If a farmer employed six men, and by the use of machinery or co-operating with tho neighbours he can reduce his employees to three, he will do so. It is tho natural economic course adopted by every industry But I think the best answer to such statements is met by saying, ‘Well, how is it that production

is not falling?’ And undoubtedly, if the statement was borne out, reduced production would be the result. “Far from this being the case, production has increased, as the following figures will show :

“It should be that cur population lias risen from 664,800 in 1890 to 798,470 in 1900; and to 1,081,344 in 1912; whilo to-day it stands at 1,450,000. • “Tho essential and satisfactory point to note is that whatever evolution is taking place, production in our staple commodities is increasing, and our credit stands higher than ever. Ono has only to mention the tremendously successful flotation of our recent 4$ per cent, loan in London to indicate* tho liigh-water mark at which our national credit-stands, and this surely is a tribute to the sound administration of the Dominion’s affairs. During the years ended March 31 last, tho number of sub-divisions of Crown lands were 1913, comprising 460,500 acres, -while for the ten years ending the same date there were 16,943, sub-division comprising 5,307,000 acres.”

1923. 1927. Increase Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Butter 1,260,140 1,456,573 205,433 Cheese 1,141,460 1,492,792 351,332 Frozen meat 3,043,910 3,364,966 321,055 Bales. Bales. Bales. Wool 613,308 645,254 31,946