WHEAT STATISTICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2923, 23 March 1910, Page 9

WHEAT STATISTICS.

SUPPORTING THE NEW SYSTEM. CIIRISTCHURCH, AiWch 16. At to : day's meeting of the North Canterbury Executive of the Farmers' Union the 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:—".l have the honour to inform you that this matter was very carefully considered before the system of estimated yieids adopted during the present season was decided upon. In 'ooking into the matter due weight was given to the many representations of Farmers' Unions and Other bodies to the effect that the system previously followed was giving unsatisfactory results. The experience, of th» old system had also to be borne in mind. After consulting responsible officers of. tha department, I came to the conclusion tha" the method of obtaining estimates from, a number of reliable and intelligent farmers, grain merchants, etc., would only effect a saving of nearly £4OOO pe< annum, but would- give results mofC reliable than those previously obtained. The system referred to was therefors adopted, and, with due respect to the opinion of your executive, f may say 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 appeal's to be 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 were 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 that the executive must appear in an unfavourable light to the Minister, to whom the resolutions were forwarded. It was decided to receive the Minister's letter. The Hon. J. A. Millar, Minister of Railways, telegraphed regarding the question of excess weights carried ir grain sacks to the 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;'suggests that the'penalty (if any) should be at a tonnage rate."