THE PRESENT A FUTURE OF SERBIA.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 46, Issue 14144, 16 June 1920, Page 6

THE PRESENT A FUTURE OF SERBIA.

The “Nineteenth Century and After,',-' in an interesting article, states that the way the Serbian farms were kept running by the women all the time the war was going on was surprising, in view of the shortage of farm cattle and other necessaries of agriculture. 'The natural resources of Serbia arc very much greater than the prscent state of the country 1 would lead one to imagine; and the total yield might be very much increased by more careful selection of seed, better appliances and implements and an extended use of artificial manures. There would appear to be an unlimited supply of bacon, and there are enormous flocks of sheep, though both mutton and wool are poor. Subsidiary industries, such as butter and cheese-making, egg-preserving and poultry-rearing could all be largely extended, particularly with- a system of co-operative factories. The most important wealth of Serbia lies, however, in minerals. The most valuable is coal, which exists in great quantities under easy working conditions, which, though of low calorific value, is quite suitable for local use. Copper fields are known to exist. The forests are extensive, but badly .cut about, and large areas should bo afforested. There is, however, no special national industry. Future industries will be those connected with the manufacture or preservation of native products; and the development of coal and ironfiolcls will result in an extension of iron and steel works. The whole question of development naturally depends on good government, which requires an amalgamation of the great political groups and a compromise among them —a coalition ministry.