TASMANIAN FARMING FACES HARD TIMES

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 230, 17 December 1927, Page 1

TASMANIAN FARMING FACES HARD TIMES

A GLOOMY PICTURE PREMIER PRESENTS SCHEME By Cable.—Press Association. — Copyright. HOBART, Friday. A gloomy picture of the present condition of the agricultural industry in Tasmania was painted by the Premier, Mr. J. A. Lyons, at an agricultural conference at Launceston. Mr. Lyons forecast that a big effort would be made by the Government to improve matters, and outlined a comprehensive scheme of agricultural education. He said a significant feature of the agricultural situation was the decline in the number of small farms and a tendency for holdings to become aggregated into larger holdings, with a consequent decrease in the number of farmers. The steady loss of farm workers was a serious matter for Tasmania. REGENERATION PLAN '”We are faced,” said Mr. Lyons, with a declining production, a loss of population, a reduction in the number of farms, and economic difficulties This will reduce the standard of agriculture and check improvements, and tn many cases will permit farm lands .bf vert to a state of nature. The Government realises ihat Prosperous agriculture is necessary we lfare of the State, and, with , 3 object in view, it has formulated Plans to assist farmers. Specialists in all branches of farming will be appointed to advise farmers.” —A. and N.Z.