The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-03-18
Some of the principal contributions to
the results, taking cumulative figures
with comparisons, were:
Iron Ore situation.

Bankers as we'll as mining men with
an Idea of economies are giving some
thought to the fact that, while the min
eral situation has many satisfactory
features, there are others not to be
viewed in that light. For instance, of
the total OF iron ores which went to
Canadian blast furnaces in 1918, only
~ per cent came from Canadian mines.
The Wabana deposits of Newfoundland,
worked by Canadian companies. have
saved the situation for the steel pro-
ducers on the Atlantic seaboard, having
contributed about 100000 tons Of ore
TO Canadian furnaces since they we're
first opened UP In 1896. Importations
from the United States In the same
period amounted to about $500, 900 tons.
But the Wabana mines, while operated
for the benefit of Canada. are not Cana
dian mines, and It is argued that there
arc important deposits OF Canadian ore
susceptible of profitable working, pro-
vided research work to the solving Of
metallurstcal problems growing out OF
complex ore bodies Is properly directed.
Similarly 1t Is estimated that with large
deposits of coal awaiting development,
there Is economic loss In the importa-
ton OF coal valued at upwards of S71.-
100000 last year, or about two-thirds
OF the total consumption. In other d.
rectlons. such as the development OF
nickel refining In Ontario and the ex-
tension of copper refining in British
Columbia, the consolida ton OF metal
lurgical activities within the country is
making more satisfactory progress.
Farm Values Increase.
The effect OF high prices for agri-
cultural products is seen to some slight
extent in the Dominion Bureau OF Sta
tistics compilation OF the average value
OF farm land, improved and unimproyed,
In 1918. In a summary issued last week
the bureau places tho average value per
acre, including barns and other farm
buildings, at SAG an acre in 1918,
against s44 in 1917. SAL in 1916, $40 in
1915 and s3S In 1914. The increase
In average value over the period OF high
war time prices Is therefore a little
more than 20 per cent The average
value per acre IN the Western provinces
changed but slightly In the year. Mani
toba showing S32 against sS1, Sas-
katchewan s29 against $26 and Alberta
SIS against S27.
Accompanying this summary of farm
values Is an estimate that the total value
OF farm live stock in the Dominion was
s1,32s, 1861 900. as compared with S1,102.-
$4,000 in 1917. an increase of upwards
or 224,o0O,OOO, or slightly more than
20 per cent. The bureau admits that
part OF the increase probably is due to
change in the method OF collecting
statistics, but there is other evidence TO
show there has been a healthy increase
In live stock figures for the Dominion
despite the attractions OF marketing
cattle at wartime prices.
That part of the increased profit on
production on the farm has been alb
sorbed in the higher costs of operation
Is statistically supported by the show
ing that average wages for farm help,
including board. rose from ss4 in 1917
10 $40 a month In 1918, this COMPARE
son being based on wages paid in the
summer season.