FARMERS’ DIFFICULTIES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3867, 24 April 1928, Page 21

FARMERS’ DIFFICULTIES.

RESEARCH INTO QUALITY OF STOCK.

WELLINGTON, April 20. A conference of those interested in the subject of rural economic research has concluded its preliminary deliberations in Wellington and recommendations have been prepared for submission to the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. Special attention was given to the considerable losses suffered by the farming community through stock failures and deficiencies, a subject which was commented on by the acthig chairman of the

Research Council (Mr Q. Donald), at ite last meeting in the following terms: — ■“ The extent of the-total economic loss occasioned by stock failures and deficiences is scarcely realised by some economists, and the difficulties now attributed to high land values might in reality pr° v e to be caused by the shortcomings of the stock at present on farms rather than by the high prices paid for the land.” LARGE STATION SOLD. . GISBORNE, April 21. A large station property at Tangihau, Ji miles from Gisborne, comprising 15,157 acres, with 18,000 sheep and 1900 cattle was offered at auction to-day. Bidding started with an offer of £lll,OOO, and after ® J )a , use a hid of £115,000 was put in on behalf of the mortgagee of the Bank of Australasia to whom the property was knocked down. DAIRYING IN THE WAIKATO. A PROSPEROUS SEASON. . HAMILTON, April 21. Despite the worst drought in 20 years the payments to Waikato dairy farmers for tho season are far in excess of those of last season. Tho amounts distributed by 11 leading companies show the following totals : —To Marh 31,-this season, £3,754,569; last season, £3,174,128. The heavy spring yield compensated for the drop during the drought. Since the breaking of the drought the pastures have recovered splendidly. 1 hough the March yield of butter-fat is below that of the corresponding month last year the higher rates per lb give a better financial return.