778 



Corn Sales Act. 11)21. 



[Dec, 



90 per cent, above pre-war prices, the dairy farmers' position 

 would appear to be not unsatisfactory. 



The average price of potatoes remained practically unchanged 

 in October compared with September, but as the October price 

 in 1911-13 was rather lower than that for September, the index 

 number shows a sHght rise. Hay fell sUghtly in value, owing 

 principally to the marketing of this season's hay crop; the fall, 

 however, is less than would at first sight appear from the index 

 numbers, as a seasonal advance in prices is usual at this time 

 of the year. 



It is evident that in the present agricultural crisis the arable 

 farmer is the greatest sufferer, for combined with his reduced 

 prices he has had to contend with an expensive harvest and poor 

 yields, except in the case of potatoes. Dairying is much more 

 attractive, and the bright outlook for trade in sheep and pigs is 

 reflected in the demand for, and high relative prices of store 

 sheep and swine. Store cattle have been purchasable since the 

 spring of this year at 30 to 40 per cent, above pre-war rates, 

 and with feeding stuffs also obtainable at relatively low prices, 

 even the fattening of cattle would appear to be not unremu- 

 nerative. 



As from 1st January next, when the Corn Sales Act of 1921 

 comes into force, there should be an end of the varying weights 



Corn Sales Act measures by which corn and agricul- 



1921 ' tural seeds are bought and sold in this 

 country. For many years the different 

 weights recognised in different districts as equivalent to a 

 quarter or bushel of corn and other agricultural produce have 

 been a source of much confusion, and the Act provides for 

 greater uniformity in the weights and measures used in deal- 

 ings in these articles. As will be seen from the definition 

 section which is set out below the Act applies not only to corn 

 but also to meal, bran, potatoes and agricultural seeds, and after 

 the end of the present year any contract, bargain, sale or 

 dealing in any of the articles to which the Act applies will be 

 null and void unless it is made by weight only and in terms 

 of, or by reference to, the hundredweight of 112 lb. This 

 means that a contract, bargain, sale or dealing which does not 

 conform with the provisions of the Act cannot be enforced in 

 a court of law. It therefore behoves everyone trading in these 

 articles to see that on and from 1st Januarv next, all his 



