ON THE PLAINS.

Shannon News, 18 November 1924, Page 1

ON THE PLAINS.

CANTERBURY PROSPECTS BRIGHT. Seasonal conditions in Canterbury have fieen so good of late that growers of wheat and other agricultural . produce anticipate <a phenomenally good seaso'a, especially in view of the open market conditions, stated a southern visitor to a "Times" representative yesterday. The merchants are happy because of .the return to the old order of marketing, and (few hesitate to affirm that wheat values will soar higher than ever.: The Government has lifted the duty on imported wheat meantime, allowing a certain quantity to come in to. meet requirements, but it will be re-amposed at the end of February, and; "open" conditions will ensue the Government no longer having control, lumber's of merchants have expressed ,the opinion that it will be necessary to reinforce • the duty v a month earlier than is proposedv for the reason that New Zealand's harvest will, under existing conditions, be early this season. , ' The Canterbury farmers were never more at ease regarding prospects for the season, states our informant. Since the dry spell broke ideal growing conditions have prevailed. The oldest settlers state they have never before experienced a winter and spring 60 mild. During the past two months plenty of rain-has fallen; and:the law of averages is working put well. Providing the Government does not revise its decision regarding control—which is extremely unlikely—.the price of grain will appreciate considerably. Last year the crops were by no means payable, small yields (made so by the unfavourable weathers) being the general order. The supply was readily cleared and the fcoming season's wheat will find a bare , market. Owing >to the disappointments of last year, there is a smaller acreage of wheat to be harvested, but the prospects are that the aggregate yield will be greater. Of course many untoward things might happen 'twist now and harvest time to affect the position, the most feared of all being a series of "old man" nov-westers. For the first tinie for many years New Zealand has Lad to import oats. iAbout half-wxv through the season large quantities were brought from Canada and a fair quantity from Aus tialia. The prospective abundant harvest in New Zealand will doubtless change the position and cheaper supplies will be available. The New Zealand demand for Australian oats was ascribed by a northern business man recently as being' one of the factors }n < the firming of prices in the Commonwealth. It is contended in the South that this had little or. nothing !to do with the position. The world's parity, was mainly responsible, this being high owing to certain European countries reporting unfavourable conditions. America and Canada, which are always large cereal | exporting countries, also reported that prospects were poor. These facts have caused high prices quoted in the world's markets.

All things being more or less equal why does the North. Island go to Australia for various produce when .the South Island has the goods for sale ? Thsis question is frequently asked at Farmers' Union meetings, while merchants' market reports often ascribe a weakness in certain prices. as due to the Northern demand slackening- in favour of Australian '• stuff. Many Canterbury farmers avow that they cannot 'get" the ways of the (Auckland merchants, who 'seem to be the principal "offenders" in overlooking the South Island. Of course, it is conceded that during the last season or two the South Island hasbee"n unable to meet demands, and /that the Northerners have had to look further afield for supplies. Nevertheless, it is felt that in normal times the Southern growers are neglected to an unwarranted extent. South Island supplies of oats being short last year, the Northern merchants" had to look to outside sources. What little there was to, be had in Ihis country was at a premium. In former years the bulk of the North Island's trade, particularly as regards wheat, chaff and potatoes, went to (the South Island, and it is hoped that the heavier supply probable there this season will have the effect of swinging the trade back.

When Southern farmers aTgue about the NortESrnera' heavy patronage of outside sources, the economic aspect is fully emphasised. They contend and rightly so, that the effect of sound money going to Canada and Australia has been most injurious to the exchange position. For the sake of tne (country's finances the,hope is cherished that the North Island will endeavour to keep the money circulating aii the Dominion.