TARANAKI CONDITIONS.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 August 1922, Page 6

TARANAKI CONDITIONS.

INFLUENCE OF PRODUCE MARKET'S. PROGRESS OF SETTLEMENT. The annual report of the Commissioner for Crown Lands for Taranaki for the year ended March 31 last is as follows: Conditions and Progress of Settlement.—As anticipated in my last report, another disappointing year has to be reported on, and stabilisation of this district’s *primary exports, although apparently coming slowly, is still doubtful. The high prices obtaining for butter very badly slumped, and many factories in the finest producing part of the season had to be content with a pay-out of 7d per pound. There is no doubt that a heavy stock of previous season's butter, bought for home marketing at enhanced rates and the sale thereof withheld owing to a desire to at least realise on the cost, was a great factor in keeping prices at such a low standard. In the last month of our financial year the position somewhat improved, and the possibilities of a third to one-fifth payment seem more assured. There is another phase of the butter industry that must not be overlooked, and that is that though the very much increased output owing to a favorable season will largely assist towards an increase in the money received, yet tests are not so good—more milk, but lower tests —and prices are on a lower basis. The wool and grazing industries have had similar experiences. To expect that the extremely high prices of the boom would continue indefinitely was absurd; and, conversely, it is just as unreasonable to assume that the present low prices will prove to be permanent. It is pleasing to note that although the upward tendency in wool has not been very marked still it is very heartening to those engaged in the industry. Sheep-prices are also hardening and it is very reasonable to assume that the short-sighted policy of slaughtering Jambs for freezing—more particularly ewe lambs —will soon deplete the flocks of the district. There is no doubt there is still a hard winter to face, but the prospects seem much brighter; but what many an ordinary settler —as well as a soldier one —cannot do is face a depression after going on a property with the cheery optimism that prices for staple products would always remain at the record prices of a year or two ago. This especially applies to the grazing industry.

Revenue .and Arrears.—The revenue figures, considering the size of the d:striet. are again heavy, the freeholding nf leases under the West Coast ‘'ottlement being largely responsible. 'Exclusive of returns in connection with returned soldier work the sum of £153.038 was hanked for the year . The arrears are heavier than previouslv hut everything possible was done to collect them.

Land Remaining for Selection.—The lands comprised under this heading are, in the main, grazing sections, and the prospects of selection nf f hese are negligible while the price of beef remains as at present. However, several sections previously restricted to soldier select'on have not been taken up at date. The proclamation has now been revoked, and it is proposed to offer them for general selection at an early date.

Lands Opened for Selection.—Tn the main, offerings have been for sokl’ers. but owing to the conditions prevailing there has been a disposition not to take up land until the position became more normal. Testates totalling eleven sections, of an area of 2.428 acres, have been placed on the market, one of these being for discharged soldiers only, while the residue of land offered was mostly wayhack sections not previously selected. There have been several sales of education reserve leases, but the areas have been small, and the slump has retarded their selection.

Freeholds and Cash Lands.—These have been, in the main West Coast Settlement Reserve leases, and there Is no doubt that had financial arrangements been more satisfactory these totals, though large, would have been exceeded.

Land Board Work.—Although there has not been the rush of previous years, owing to the partial discontinuance of soldier advances, the work has been heavy owing to the consideration required to meet cases where the slump has impaired the general working of farms. In many cases relief has been sought by advances on stock or the postponement of overdue instalments and rent. The number of soldiers’ applicants dealt with was 871 : ordinary transfers. 116; miscellaneous items, applications approved, and general. 272; total 1;259.