SOUTHLAND AGRICULTURAL NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3511, 28 June 1921, Page 10

SOUTHLAND AGRICULTURAL NOTES.

(Frtoxi Ocb Own Courcspondknt.) What constitutes the true value of land is a question still freely discussed in farmin'l' circles. It is generally considered that much depends upon its productive capabilities and certain conditions which make il possible for these to be taken advantage of to the full. The question opens up a wide field for discussion. It would occupy too much spjare to enter fully into the question, but a few remarks on some generally prevalent feature may not be out of place. In farming there is very much that resembles gambling, which is not entirely confined to the racecourse. The farmer’s life is almost a yearly struggle against great odds. He wagers his time and money, his labour and life, against (ho weather, insect pests, labour, inefficiency, and marketing conditions. Then middlemen seem a necessary evil, almost controlling his affairs in general, whether he will or not. Farming prosperity lias not resulted so much from

productiveness as from speculation, and the great amount cleared upon land which had been sold, and eounded so big in 1919. Farmers whose land is clear are not so badly off financially, but speculating farmers are going to have a bad time in paying their debts on decreasing incomes. If the war had continued longer, higher prices would have been got for everything. Neither farmers nor the people generally have been exercising thrift for the past few years, but have been s;>enjing lavishly the money so easily earned. Just think of the prices which both store and fat stock and grain—in short, everything—went up to, and it is easy to understand why spending has been on such a lavish scale. We are approaching hard times, with prices and conditions coming back to just where we left them. Let us hope nothing like panic may overtake us, and if our financial system is strong enough this may be avoided. We have some grounds for believing the future for meat and wool, prospectively at. least, is improving. Those who do not depend upon grain, meat, and wool absolutely to meet all charges generally stand out longest in trying times, and come out most successfully in the long run. Also on farm 3 not depending entirely upon dairying, but just ordinary fanning operations m the above-named primary products, cows, pigs, and poultry can be worked to meet what may be called secondary expenses, such as household and others. While there is no general movement in any class of stock, where there is any at all it is in forward wethers and cattle that, will fatten quickly, and yield a quick return. Very prime wethers, also prime cattle, are in fair demand. It is also a little encouraging to find oats of first quality being readily quitted at a slight advance. There is a belief that more may be wanted for the north than Southland can supply. Many are on the lookout for seed, and some are holding back from disposing, in the belief that a strong demand may set in at any time. There must have been a heavy agenda at the last annual general meeting of the Southland Farmers’ Union. The amount of remits and tonics brought under discussion could not possibly have been fully dealt with. Though one might think the Southland League may have assumed some of the functions or the union, there is a distinctive difference in what they each undertake, nor do they seem to overlap. While both bodies seem to have little difficulty- in forming country branches, the greatest difficulty has been experienced in keeping such alive or even in taking sufficient interest in matters vitally affecting them. Some country branches of the Farmers’ Union are being resuscitated, and some are being formed in districts where none previously existed. The annual meeting of the Southland League is announced for the 30th, and the report and balance sheet have been issued. The league as now constituted has dispensed with branches, and instead has got 36 public bodies in Southland affiliated, with repreMntatnißs und subscribing a sum total of *640. ihe object and function of the league are set forth in the report as follows:—“Ihe league is a non-political sooety formed to deal with any matter arising within the area which uses or may hereafter use the port of Bluff as its main port with which it may be expedient to deal bv united public action. To co-operate with an\’ organisation in securing the advancement. and expansion of Southland by the creating and fostering of improvements in roading, railway, postal, shipping, arid general commercial facilities. To further the establishment of holiday and recreation resorts. To take such other means as will tend to encourage tourist traffic, education, public health, sport, mining, forestry agriculture, etc.” Omitted to mention there is a membership of over 130, and open to ail who care to subscribe annually a membership fee of £1 Is.