Notes. 611 



The Drought Commission. 



Followiug- a resolution by Parliament last session, the GoTern- 

 ment has decided to appoint a Commission to inquire into the best 

 means of avoiding losses by drought. The scope of inquiry will be 

 wide, the terms of reference being as follows: — 



1. The methods by which losses to farmers owing to periodic 



droughts in the drier parts of the Union may be prevented, 

 either by public or private action ; and in particular 

 wliether anj' changes in faiining methods are necessary 

 for this purpose. 



2. Any improvements in farming conditions generally such 



as the provision of more water, prevention of soil erosion, 

 and any other matters which have a close bearing on 

 point 1. 



3. The methods by which indigency arising among the farm- 



ing community in consequence of such losses could best be 

 dealt with. 



4. Thorough investigation into the dilferent ways of producing 



feeding by the cultivation of various grasses, etc. 



The Commission will consist of Mr. H. S. du Toit, Dry Land 

 Agronomist, as chairman, together with a chemist of this Depart- 

 ment and an officer of the Irrigation Department.' Tliere will be 

 also two private members, namely Messrs. Gadd, of Middelburg, 

 Cape, and Kolbe, of Bloemfontein. 



The Commission proposes to visit the drier parts of the Union 

 which are subject to recurring droughts, and in view of the great 

 importance of the matter, it is trusted that farmers and others will 

 render the Commission all assistance possible (when in their par- 

 ticular part of the country) by placing before it their views and 

 experiences, which will be most welcome. It is hoped that with the 

 co-operation of the farming community, the Commission's inquiries 

 will have beneficial results of the highest moment to farmers, and 

 mark an epoch in the advancement of agricultural South Africa. 



Sale of Live Stock, Grootfontein. 



Despite most inclement wea'ther, the sale of live stock at the 

 Grootfontein School of Agriculture. Middelburg, Cape, on the 2r)tli 

 August, resulted in fair prices being obtained. There were sold 4 

 donkeys, 4 Friesland bulls and 8 cows. 3 Hereford bulls, 3 Shorthorn 

 bulls, 3 Tasmanian rams and 2 ewes, 20 Wangauella rams and 13 

 ewes, 3 xingora rams. 2 Karakul rams and 15 ewes, and a number of 

 poultry, totalling £2596. 12s. 6d. 



Export of Eggs. 



The quantity of eggs exported last year amounted to 16,180 cases, 

 and provision is being made for the export of a limited number again 

 this season. Owing to the high cost oi poultry feeds it is not antici- 

 pated that the trade can be increased to any extent in the immediate 

 future, but it is important that an oversea outlet should be provided 

 for the surplus, and also that tlie trade already established should 

 be maintained. 



