The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20 1933. THE FARMERS’ LOT.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 December 1933, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20 1933. THE FARMERS’ LOT.

The dairy farmer in particular will be ■disappointed with, the turn of the Home market of late in regard to New Zealand produce. In April of this year prices were as low almost as at present, but there was a- steady' rise and by 'September, the price had increased to over 100 s per cwt. There was a brief hopeful outlook, but since then there has been a declining price, and now the rates approximate the low figures of April. It seems difficult to account for these fluctuations satisfactorily. The quality of the butter is believed to be excellent, and it is an Empire product. Yet continental butter rules higher—some much higher. Patriotism does not appear to enter into the trade. It is not the glutting of the market, for other brands from other countries have not suffered as the New Zealand article. The cause, seems to be the vagaries of the buyers, who knowing the supplies will he ample, “bear” the market as it suits them. The Home farmer has his grievance against the Dominions for glutting the market, and there are efforts to enforce control despite the understanding. It would appear that there is a deliberate effort *to force the position. Just at present the northern hemisphere is encountering a severe winter, and that will affect continental supplies, and the overseas stocks should be relieved and so assist to lift the price. A measure of control in export is proposed, but it is difficult to say wliat will he done with the added stocks in the country. Production is increasing, and something will require to be done,' or the lot of the farmer will be more serious still. The ldgh price of wool will help a few and attract others to sheep-farming, but this will not be an immediate aid. The many who grow a. few pigs are being encouraged to extend their operations, and there is the promise of a fair return, be-

cause of more stable i:ir.:T;c: coir-litious

at iioiue. The export of pigs has begun already and the Coast will send forward a large aggregate this year. It will be some small set-off for the dairy-farmer. Lambs are going lo command better prices due to the increase in wool, the prices for which, continue to be well sustained. But the plight, of the dairy farmer is going to be the problem for the country. When the dairy season elided in July last, the. records of product-ion established in - each of the past two seasons, was exceeded by a substantial margin. The increase on the gradings " T as nearly .23 'per cent. The gradings in 1931 totalled 97,031 tons of, butter; 1932, 104,211; and 1933, . 127,799 tons. That increase promises to be 'maintained. Up to September, Lie quantity graded was 17, <SO tons, as against 13,156 tons for the corresponding period of the previous year, it will be seen therefore that the position grows nior.i difficult. The price having sagged to a low ebb, it is due now in the ordinary course to rise, .and as the new season butter is arriving Home, and will be in increasing quantity, the jump would be most acceptable. The best informed people have been confounded by the present drop, which was contrary to their expectations. That seems to indicate some unusual forces Tiad to be. contended with. There are those who believe that the high rate of exchange has depressed the values unduly, and doubtless there is some truth in that. Exchange is to stand for the present exporting season according to a Government statement, Which does not suggest relief - under that head. However, now that the price is so depressed, the swing tho other way is clue, ant] its corning will be a great relief ,