PRACTICAL POLITICS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 5622, 23 June 1905, Page 7

PRACTICAL POLITICS.

(To the Editor “ N.Z. Times.”)

Sir—Less than five years ago the i value of the sheep and c f t ll ® re!!) Zealand was approximately £IO,OOO,UUU sterling. To-day tho value of the lesser number of sheep and cattle in the colony is quite £20,000,000 sterling. This extraordinary increase m value is , duo to the higher prices obtainable at Home for our meat since the decimation of Australian flocks by drought in 1902, and the subsequent demand from South Africa, which shortened our supplies, and forced the price of sheep to the high levels now ruling. The question is, can these high levels he maintained in view of Australia’s rapid recovery from her late drought ? AVhen tho smallness of the number of sheep that sho exported to tho Home market in any year is considered, it seems very strange that the stoppage of tin's small supply, should so greatly enhance the prices obtainable for our output. However, we have the fact before us that the value of our sheep exactly doubled while Australia was debarred from competing with us in the Homo market, and from this experience wo should consider the practicability ot arranging with tho Commonwealth a basis upon which the Home market will be fed in order to prevent prices falling to the low levels of five years ago. It is clear that, provided over-supply is avoided, high prices aro obtainable; therefore, practical steps should be taken to regulate the output from New Zealand and Australia in the interests of both, now that tho ruinousness of competition is undoubtedly demonstrated. Our politicians should take tho matter in hand at once, while the flocks of this colony and of the Commonwealth are below normal numbers. If these • flocks are allowed to increase before any regulations are made, the overflow will be so great, and the desire to sell at any price so strong, that the difficulties in the way of regulating will appear insuperable. To-day this task would he comparatively easy, because the statistical position is favourable, and our legislators will show themselves wanting if they miss the opportunity of conserving for all time tho fine value the sheep and cattle of New Zealand now represent. This opportunity to render a great national service should not be lost sight of by members of Parliament. I regret to notice that tho Premier contemplates discontinuing the African steamship subsidy, notwithstanding that this service lias largely helped to expand the value of every sheep in the colony, and that tho amount paid only covers port and stevedoring charges. Surely New Zealand cannot begrudge paying the port dues and stevedoring charges of tho fine steamers that helped to raiso the value of her live stock from ten to twenty millions of money in less than three years. Air Alassey, who claims to be tho farmers’ friend, says the service is not worth as many shillings as it costs pounds, but Alt- Alassey, like tho Farmers’ LTnon, takes erroneous, superficial, biassed views of all matters political, and though intending to be otherwise, is in reality the farmers’ worst enemy.—l am, etc.. F. T. MOORE. Johnsonville, June 20th.