WHEAT STATISTICS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14784, 17 March 1910, Page 8

WHEAT STATISTICS.

SUPPORTING THE NEW. SYSTEM.

(Vbr I'NiTEn Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, March 16. At to-day's meeting of the North Canterbury Executive of the Farmers' Union tho new system of estimating the grain yields was briefly discussed. The Hon. T. Mackenzie wrote as follows regarding the executive's letter on the subject of agricultural and pastoral statistics:—" I have the honour to inform yod that this matter was very carefully considered before the system of estimated yields adopted during the present season was decided upon. In looking into tho matter due weight was given to the many representations of Farmers' Unions and other bodies to die effect that the system, previously followed was giving unsatisfactory results. The, experience of the old system had also t'o be borne in mind. After consulting responsible officers of the department, I came to the conclusion that the method of obtaining estimates from a number of "eliable and intelligent farmers, grain merchants, etc, would not only effect a saving of nearly £4000 per annum, but would give results more reliable than those previously obtained. The system referred to was therefore adopted, and, with duo respect to the opinion of your executive, I may 6ay has given satisfaction to meet persons interested in the subject. I may add that from a publication just to hand I find that the Government statistician of Tasmania has for this season adopted what appears to be exactly the same system as that used in the" Dominion." Reference was made to the previous resolutions arrived at bv the executive on the subject, which, wlie'n they were read, proved to be contradictory, the firsthaving been passed at a meeting attended by several members who were not present when the second was passed. The opinion was expressed.that the executive must appear in an unfavourable light to the Minister, to whom the resolutions were forwarded. It was decided to receive ihe Minister's letter. The Hon. J. A. Millar, Minister of Railways, telegraphed regarding the question of excess weights carried in grain sacks to tho effect- that publicity had been given to the decision arrived' at in the matter. After discussion it was decided—" That the Minister be thanked for the telegram, and informed that the executive considers that the system of imposing penalty at per truck would be eminently unsatisfactory, and suggest* that Uic"pona% (if any) should be at a tonnage rate."