Arizona republican., 1919-05-28
REPORT IN CONDITIONS
 BUSINESS AND
 AGRICUL TURAL
General Situation Improved Throughout Twelfth Dis trict, According to New Official Report

A report Of the general business and agricultural conditions in the twelfth federal reserve district has been issued ny the Federal Reserve bank, of San Francisco, which may he taken as an indicator of the progress being made nr thc western states.
 The report embodies comparisons be- tween tho states of the district as well as of he district and the United States ss a. whole. in business and agricultural activities
 Tt is stated in the report that agri- cultural prospects have suffered some what from the lack of moisture during tbe past month although throughout inc district as a whole. winter and spring wheat barley, oats and rye made satisfactory progress and are at present in good condition. In all ir gated districts the water supply has been reported completely adequate
 The apricot crop in California, in many sections, will not average more han so per cent of normal. Lemon pickines, however, continues, and an unusually heavy crop will be shipped despite considerable losses due to frost.
 Livestock and Hay Good
 Dry weather has been favorable for alfalfa hay in Arizona and California, where the first crop has been cut. In other states of the district alfalfa has also done well, and there will be ample leed on the ranges in practically all , sections except in parts of Nevada, oregon and Idaho. where rain is badly needed. Livestock, generally, is in good condition. Preliminary reports from the principal centers indicate that the number Of calves and lambs this sea- son will be from 10 to 20 per cent greater than last year. Shearing is general in Washington and Oregon. as well as advanced in California, and is nearly completed in Utah and Nevada. The wool is on the whole better in quality and greater in quantity, due to the mild winter conditions
 Manufacturing and industry have been active in most of the centers of the district. Wholesale and retail trade are good and collections vary from good to fair Much uncertainty as to the future of shipbuilding. the princi- pal industry of this G1<Srict, has arisen from rumors of contemplated cancel lation Of contracts by the government. This, however has not retarded cur , rent production. It has been reported that the government will allow yards Co take contracts to build ships for foreign governments and this is ex- pected to increase shipbuilding activity on the Pacific coast.
 Labor Situation Clearing
 The number of the unemployed in the district has been reduced to a minimum except in Utah. and farm la = horers and skilled shipyard mechanics are still in demand. Returned soldiers and sailors are being placed withoug delay. Government reports say that a arm labor shortage is expected within he next few weeks.
 All workers in Arizona are employed with the exception of a few Iaborers m mining camps. There is a shortage 'f skilled wOrllmen in mines. mills and melters. The percentage of farm Ia . ror supply, farm labor demand and per cent of normal is higher in the iwelfth district than the percentage ol he entire United States.
 Commercial failures in the sever states Of the district during April. 1919 Nas moro than 30 per cent less than fol he corresponding month in 1918. There were II failures in Arizona during April 1918, and in April l9io, ther5 were only two. Interest rates range from jl2 to 6 per cent. In the agricul- tural districts the rate is ' per cent
 Cotton Prospects Excellent
 Cotton prospects in Arizona are ex- r@llont and preliminary estimates place he total acreage for he state at 11n.- oo' compared with 92QO0 acres lae- 'oar and 4t,0o0 acres two years ago Inc acreage of Egyptian or Ions
 upic. is approximately 10000. com narcd with 120C0 last year. when 36.