DEMAND FOR FARMS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20923, 13 July 1931, Page 10

DEMAND FOR FARMS.

DAIRYING LAND POPULAR.

BRISKNESS OF INQUIRY

A cheerful sign, which augurs well for tho future of tho primary industries in New Zealand, is tho brisk demand for dairy farms which has been experienced in Auckland during the past few weeks. Since Easter there has been a lively inquiry for farming properties, principally fat lamb country, and the past few weeks, which have represented the slack season in the dairying industry, have witnessed a renewal of inquiry for dairying properties.

For the most part the demand in Auckland has been for small holdings which can be obtained with a moderate outlay of capital. It is a noteworthy feature, however, that many prospective buyers have ceased to stipulate for buildings on the properties in which they have been interested.

Commenting on tho position on Saturday, a representative of one of the largest firms of land agents in Auckland said that in many cases inquirers had been quite prepared to take up back-country' farms if suitable financial arrangements could be made. In some cases sections of 50 to 80 acres had been cut off from larger properties to "meet the requirements p£ buyers, Goin» concerns were well in demand, particul irly in the Waikato, which seemed to bo <till the favourite dairying district. Buyers at present, however, were much more business-like in their methods of inquiry. Such items as interest charges, manures, and prospects of revenue from pigs and calves were carefully considered, and it was customary for the factory returns of the district to be demanded, while on occasions a balancesheet of the farming operations was asked for

There was not a great deal of readiness on the part of holders of farms to dispose of their properties. Those who were making a satisfactory living at dairying, were not anxious to realise on their assets at present, but preferred to continue the working of their properties. Increasing numbers of townspeople _ were seeking small properties upon which they might establish-their sons in dairying. The demand for farms consequently was very keen. ' -