ON THE LAND.

Waikato Times, Volume 112, Issue 18808, 2 December 1932, Page 12

ON THE LAND.

British Hide market. —Reporting under date October 6, W. We (id el & Co., Ltd., London, slate: —Since our last, report there has been a severe setback in the value of Argentine ox hides and down to 22} cents lias been accepted, equivalent, to 4 7-1 fid. There is still unfortunately more weakness immediately ahead, and it is likely that prices may fall to 21 cents, or about 4}d, before any serious buying takes place. This fall has come about through accumulation over the last few weeks duo to ihe absence of North American and European operators; also, of course, commodity and stock markets have been unsettled, and the whole situation lias become somewhat dangerous. In certain well-informed quarters there is quite a lot of optimism, and, therefore, it is to he hoped Ih,it there will be another rally very shortly. On Ihe Continent there is a certain amount of buying, but not enough to make any effect. Nevertheless Germany is showing a good deal of attention to Frigoriflcos, and would probably take a fair quantity if there was the slightest sign of returning confidence. bn the North American markets the domestic hide position lias become easy and goes to show that the recent rise was somewhat exaggerated, and for this reason the tanners there have become nervous again and will not continue operating. While ox hides have been weak, light ox and cows have continued to hold their own to better adwmlage. Relow are to-day's quotations for the leading Frigorifico grades: Heavy ox 4 3d, light ox 4Jd. extremes i }d, 'rows 5 jd, defective ox id, defective cows -SHI. At Hie same time New Zealand hides arc available at less money. Freezer cows are quoted at but Weslfields straight run have made 4,1 d. Abattoir rows were sold at i }d, and this is about current value. Relief Labour.—The announcement that a farmer, who was said to have benefited already lo the extent of it 1000 as the result of relief work done on his property, has been refused further assistance because lie allegedly employed men on seasonal occupations, was made at a meeting of the Gisborne Unemployment Committee last week. The matter was brought up by the receipt of a letter from Hie farmer concerned, complaining that he was refused further relief labour on the grounds that men had been used for maize shelling and ensilage making. He claimed that other farmers had used labour for similar purposes, and added that lie seemed to have been selected lo provide an example. The certifying officer stated that when he visited Hie farm three men were working on a maize crib, and on the following day two were making ensilage. Tlie Board, he said, had been paying for work that the propertyowner should have paid for. The farmer had had a fair share of assistance from the unemployment funds, for Ihe Board had spent well over I'lbdO on his farm. Several speakers look exception to men being deprived of seasonal work in this way, and a motion was carried endorsing Ihe sland Liken by Hie. rerlifyimr ofii-