GROWING WHEAT.

Southland Times, Issue 21096, 30 May 1930, Page 3

GROWING WHEAT.

To the Editor.

Sir, —I noticed in the columns of your paper of May 27, an “Ex-Farmer’s,” views on wheat duties. “Ex-Fanner” states that farmers in Canterbury sold wheat at 3/per bushel and retired on it. Perhaps they did but let “Ex-Farmer” study the items below in connection with wheat growing 30 years ago and to-day, the figures for to-day being given in parentheses:— r Mill men wages 9d and lOd per hour (1/10 per hour). Harvest hands wages 9d and lOd per hour (1/10 per hour). Mill owner’s charges (about double to-dr-l. Coal for threshing 15/- per ton (£2 5/-). Binder twine 4d. per lb (Bd. per lb). Seaming twine (dearer to-day). Food for harvesters and mill hands (double). Reaping machines £3O to £4O (£75). All other farm implements (cost double). Oils (up about 100 per cent.). Harness, covers etc (up over 100 per cent.).

Land (up by between 100 and 200 per cent.).

Horses (up about 25 per cent.)' . Accident insurance on employees to-day; never existed 30 years ago.

Interest on mortgage 4 per cent (6 and 7 per’cent.). Manures were not needed 30 years ago; to-day you have to sow £1 worth or more to get a crop. Railage on manures. Railage on grain considerably increased. Use of cornsacks Id per sack (2d.). County rates (considerably increased). Power Board rates; never existed 30 years ago etc. etc. In conclusion, Mr Editor, I would like to see “Ex-Farmer” take up farming for a hobby and grow wheat for 3/- a bushel at the present day. Instead of retiring on it like the Canterbury farmers did, he would be retiring to the workhouse.—l am, etc., A PRESENT DAY FARMER.