9 



* 



It cannot be maintained that the results of the campaign 

 to supply the contending parti* 1 * in tlie late conflict have 

 attained the amplitude reckoned upon. 



11' we study our statistics of agriculture generally, 

 and those of other countries as much as the vague details 

 published allow judging, we soon come to the conviction 

 that alongside our calculations of some five years back 

 realisation has resulted signally deficient. 



The more we study the matter the more it becomes 

 evident that either we have grossly overestimated our 

 capacity for increased production, or we have sadly over- 

 calculated the extent of the promised increases in value. 



In the first case despite all the steps taken, the enthu- 

 siasm of the epoch, and the undoubted bright prospects 

 which were held out for increased cultivation of our 

 land, the total area under cultivation has actually de- 

 creased: after five years of unparalleled prosperity we 

 are actually worse off than before. 



We have cultivated as usual and reaped as usual; 

 that is to say, we have harvested more, possibly, but not 

 because of our labours but because we have been favour- 

 ed with exceptionally good farming years: we have had 

 our turn of fat years after those which normally follow 

 the lean. 



In only one detail have we steady increases to show 

 as regards cultivation, that is in maize: unfortunately 

 maize has been steadily decreasing as a profitable invest- 

 ment for rural energies for a long time. 



But we have the increased value of our products 

 to compensate: this is true, but at the same time it has 

 been accompanied by a like rise in the costs of produc- 

 tion. 



AGRICULTURE versus LIVE STOCK. 



If we turn to the statistics of exportation, we find 

 that the total value of our exports has increased some 30 

 per cent., during the last five years. 



But the increase is distributed very irregularly, the 

 greater part corresponds to the pastoral industry, in 

 which is included, besides the values attributed to meat 

 exports, those corresponding to skins, wool, etc. Agricul- 

 ture includes wheat, oats, maize, linseed and other ce- 

 reals. 



If we compare their respective positions over the last 

 five years, the conclusions are surprising, 1913-14. Total 

 value in gold of cereals exports 300 millions approxima- 

 tely : Animal products 200 millions. 1918-9, Agricultural 

 products 200 millions, Animal Products nearly 400 mil- 

 lions. 



