SOUTH AFRICA.

Otago Witness, Issue 3442, 2 March 1920, Page 22

SOUTH AFRICA.

(By Cable.) PRETORIA, February 26. General Smuts, speaking at a large and enthusiastic meeting, emphasised the seriousness of the Republican agitation, and the unwise attitude of the Labour leaders in minimising it. General Smuts promised drastic antiprofiteering, sound currency, and industrial conciliatory measures; also the reform of the railway administration by the establishment of joint boards. General Smuts refused to say what he would do in the absence of securing a clear majority in the Union Pai'liament.. WHEAT GROWING UNPROFITABLE. CAPETOWN, February 26. < The Departmental Committee's report on wheat-growing in the Union states that the average annual deficit is 40 per cent. Owing to climatic conditions and liability to rust wheat cannot be successfully grown as a summer crop. In certain parts production has almost reached the limit. The cost of production is higher than in other wheat-growing countries. Wheat will never occupy a primary place in the agriculturo of South Africa. Nevertheless, the industry is capable of producing sufficient for the needs of the population, even though the demand grows to be greater than at present. There is a great scarcity of seed "wheat in the Union. Quantities have been ordered from Australia by the Government,' but these orders are expected to arrive too late for sowing.