THE GRAIN ESTIMATES.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 10405, 17 March 1910, Page 6

THE GRAIN ESTIMATES.

(Per Press Association.) Christchurch, March 16. At to-day's meeting of tlie North Canterbury executive of the Farmers' "Union--Ithe' new system of estimating grain yields was briefly discussed. The Hon. T. Mackenzie wrote as follows regarding the executive's letter on the subject ot agricultural and pastoral statistics:,"l have the honor to inform you that this -matter was very carefully considered before the system of the estimated yields adopted during the present season was decided upon. In looking into the matter due weight'was given to the many representations of the Farmers' Union and other bodies to the effect that the system previously followed was giving unsatisfactory results.' The experience of the old system had also to be borne' in mind. -After consulting the responsible officers of the- -Department I came -to the conclusion ' that -the method of obtaining estimates from a number of reliable and intelligent fanners, grain merchants, etc., would not .only eifect a saving of nearly £4OOO per annum, but would give results n ore reliable than those previously obtained. The system referred to was therefore adopted, and with due respect to the opinion "of your executive I may say has given satisfaction to most persons interested in the subject. I may add that from fi publication just to hand I,find that the. Government statistician of Tasmania ' has for this season adopted 'what appears to bo 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 wore read, proved to be contradictory, the first having been passed at. a meeting attended by several members who were not present when the second was passed. The opinion was expressed thai; xhe executive must appear in an unfavorable light to tiie Minister, to whom the resolutions were forwarded J t was decided to receive the Ministers letter. The Hon. J. A. Millar, Minister of Railways telegraphed the executive regarding the question of excessive weights carried in grain sacks to the effect that publicity had been givo:l to the decision arrived at in the matter.

After discussion, it was decided, "That the Minister be thanked for his telegram, and bo informed that the executive considers that the system of imposing a penalty at per truck would be eminently satisfactory, and suggests that the penalty (if any) should be a tonnage rate.