SOUTH AFRICAN AFFAIRS.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 February 1920, Page 2

SOUTH AFRICAN AFFAIRS.

By F.lecfric Telegraph—jCoD^right.. WHEAT GROWING A FAILURE. IN SOUTH AFRICA. (Received thi.s day at 9.20 q.in.) CAPETOWN, Feb. 26. The Departmental Committee's port on wheat growing in United South Africa, states the average annual deficit is forty per cent. Owing to climatic conditions and . liability to rust wheat cannot be successfully grown ns a summer crop in certain parts. The production has almost reached its Emit. The cost of production is higher than anv other wheat growing counti ies.

Wheat will never oepupy a primary place in agriculture in South Africa, nevertheless it is capable of producing sufficient for needs of the population, even though the demands are greater than at present.

GENERAL SMUTS’ OPINION. PRETORIA, February 26. General Smuts speaking at a large and enthusiastic meeting emphasised the seriousness of the Republican agitation, and said it was unwise the attitude of the labour leaders is minimising it.

I Smuts promised drastic anti-profiteer-;n<r, sound currency, industrial conciliation measures; also reform of the railway administration by tlie establishment of joint Boards, i Smuts refused to say what he would do in the absence of a clear majority. 1 The removal of a large number of natives from the Rand iis expected shortly.

There is a great scarcity of seed wheat in the Union. Quantities have been ordered from Australia by the Government, but is expected To arrive too late for sowing.