anaheim-gazette 1933-05-18

82 Per Cent of Walnut Crop Marketable In 1932, Bringing $191 Returns Per Acre Cost Analysis Completed by Farm Advisor Shows Costs, Including Taxes, Were $100.34 Per Acre On Average, Earning 4.5 Per Cent Interest On Investment; Comparison Between Trees The walnut production cost analysis just completed by the farm advisor's office and reviewed by the Orange county growers who supplied the data during 1932, reveals that production costs have been materially lowered during the past four years, and returns above cash costs were the highest since 1929. Total cash costs, including labor, materials used, and taxes amounted to $100.34 per acre for the 309 acres reporting in the economic study conducted by the agricultural extension service in Orange county. The gross returns last year averaged $191.39 per acre, based on a production of 2301 pounds of nuts per acre and a return to the grower of 8.32 cents per pound orchard run. The net returns were equivalent to an earning of 4.5 percent on the average investment of $1665 per acre. Eighty-two per cent of the crop was merchantable last year, compared with only 49 percent in 1931. Climatic conditions in 1931 were very unfavorable and resulted in the poorest quality and crop of walnuts in recent years. Orchard Efficiency In comparing the high return orchards with the lower return orchards, the study showed that 55 percent of the more profitable orchards were budded trees, while 86 percent of the less profitable orchards were seedling trees. The more profitable orchards produced an average of 40.4 percent Diamond, or first quality, nuts and the less profitable only 18.7 percent Diamond quality. Labor costs, including the value of the owner's own labor, in the high orchards averaged $43.75 per acre, compared with $53.32 per acre for the low orchards. The study disclosed that the greatest opportunity for reducing labor costs lay in the reduction of the number of cultivations and furrowings out for irrigation. The minimum of soil handling may be accomplished by using the same furrows for two or more irrigations, according to the suggestions offered by Farm Advisor Harold E. Wahl. Schools Eliminate Seven Instructors (Continued from page 1) teachers, thus withholding a contract for Mrs. Esther L. Anderson, who had a permanent status due to tenure law. Restriction on kindergarten enrollment eliminates Lorene Ziegler, while Joanna T. Burgress, George Washington school teacher, is eligible for retirement, after serving 33 years, 26 of which have been in Anaheim. High school instructors getting contracts were: Principal J. A. Clayes, Vetta V. Alen, Marguerite C. Angus, Velda M. Barnes, Harry L. Burden, Mary F. Callahan, Ethel J. Caverley, Olive Cocke, Jessie N. Coons, Paul H. Demaree, Lois K. Dyer. A. Helene Ehlers, Mary P. Foreman, Richard M. Glover, Dora Gene Golder, Joseph S. Hall, Margaret Hampton, C. George Hedstrom, Lova Holt, V. Virginia Huff, Linda V. Kennedy, D. F. Lehmer, Andrew P. LeTourneau, Kathleen McFaul. Ruth A. Moore, Myrtle H., Owens, Katherine Potter, Olive M. Potter, Verna E. Rigdon, Charles H. Rinehart, Lloyd S. Ross, Deane Sue Russell, Richard Ryan, Ruth Cull Smith, Faye Kern Schultz, Minnie R. Spicer, Madge W. Sproul. Mary Jane Van Booven, J. L. Vanderveer, Bella J. Walker, Joshua Williams. With the legislative end, at least until session in July to other urgency issues wide farm organ down to the job and counting "pre-While it is too direct evaluation of the constructive sary check-up she destructive measure agricultural industry either in commit houses. Strong on defenses successfully to break down the off other bills which led effective activists and halted essential quarantine. The farm group in killing many lilies for "extravagant might have saved lands but might California farmer On the other hand lead in effecting own branch of government of agriculture orously for the and extravagance service. Two bills which havoc with Californi cottagemen, one by Robinson, Merced Senator J. M. Inn consigned to the The Robinson bill the hide and branding it practically cattle stealing. Not so far-reachi mitted the move ranch to ranch w Labor costs, including the value of the owner's own labor, in the high orchards averaged $43.75 per acre, compared with $53.32 per acre for the low orchards. The study disclosed that the greatest opportunity for reducing labor costs lay in the reduction of the number of cultivations and furrowings out for irrigation. The minimum of soil handling may be accomplished by using the same furrows for two or more irrigations, according to the suggestions offered by Farm Advisor Harold E. Wahlberg in the notes accompanying the study. A winter cover crop will furnish an economical source of organic matter to maintain soil fertility, and will help to discourage unnecessary tillage during the winter and early spring months. Set Water, Tillage Costs A review of the irrigation practice reported by the growers showed a wide variation in the amount of water applied during the year—from 10 to 56 acre inches per acre. From investigations conducted by the experiment station in Orange county walnut orchards, it has been determined that 25 acre inches per acre is the optimum usage of water by mature walnut trees. Where mature walnut orchards are using more than this amount, there is room for reducing cost of water and labor involved. The application of less than 15 acre inches is considered under the normal requirements of active growing and producing trees. With present labor costs, tillage in the walnut orchard should not exceed $7.00 per acre and furrowing $2.00 per acre for the season. The average cultivation cost reported by the more profitable group was $7.82 per acre. Harvesting costs averaged $24.70 per acre in 1932, or $1.08 per hundred-weight. This included picking, hauling and drying operations. Prompt harvesting methods will enhance the quality of nuts. Quality is also directly affected by freedom from insect infestation. Control measures are essential to the production of high quality fruit. Pest control costs averaged $14.47 per acre last year on the acreage reporting this operation. A comparison of yields in four walnut districts of California last year showed mature orchards averaged 2301 pounds per acre in Orange county; Los Angeles county 1194 pounds; San Bernardino county 1232 pounds; and Stanislaus county 1107 pounds per acre. Copies of the production and cost analyses are available upon application to the farm advisor's office, Santa Ana. Fair Nut Crop Is Anticipated In Orange County, Federal-State Service Reports Fair Nut Crop Is Anticipated In Orange County, Federal-State Service Reports Varying Weather Conditions Throughout State Make Estimating of Crops for Fruits Hazardous; Autumn Winter, Cold Spring, Less Than Normal Rainfall Tend to Decrease Production Despite unfavorable conditions a fair fruit and nut crop may be expected in Orange county and in most of California, according to a report of the federal-state crop reporting service. Because of varying weather conditions, the fruit and nut orchards represented a "checkered pattern of production," the report pointed out. "The results of the April frosts have been very irregular as to areas affected and have left varying conditions from one adjacent farm to another. Add to this combination a lateness of flower of about two weeks and there is found a less definite indication of the ultimate crop than the May cross-section usually records," the report said. Factors that have had much bearing on 1933 production have been the excessively cold weather experience in some areas, an autumn winter, and spring yielding less than the normal rainfall in most counties, and the several-scattered frosts during April that caught certain fruits in blossom or in tender stages. "However," the report said, "indications are that the total state crop of most commodities will be at least fair. It should be possible to read production conditions much more definitely by June 1." "Orchard, grove and vineyard care, to date, seems to be but little less exactingly done than other years, while the outlook for summer irrigation supplies is fair." Concerning specific crops the service reported the following: Almonds, irregular with many areas showing drops reduced by spring frosts; apples, comparable with last year; apricots, good crop indicated despite frost injury; cherries, irregular with good crop indicated; citrus, most citrus groves of Fresno county and south are carrying a good blossom; grapes, difficult to forecast because of late season but good crop indicated; Clingstone peaches, apparently escaped early frost injury, but important orchard removals have reduced the potential state crop; Freestone peaches, fair crop indicated; pears, irregular with fair to good crop indicated; plums, fair; prunes, fair, with some frost damage; walnuts, irregular late frost injury with production indicated below that of last year. Fear of Parrot Fever Lessening Having complied with quarantine regulations established to stop the spread of psittacosis or parrot fever, shipment of parakeets gradually is being resumed by California aviaries, according to the state department of public health. Releases permitting the shipment of 7,773 were signed by the department last month. The Farmer's Corner By Ralph H. Taylor Secretary Agricultural Legislative Committee With the legislative maelstrom at an end, at least until the start of the short-session in July to consider taxation and other urgency issues, California's state-wide farm organizations have settled down to the job of shifting the results and counting "profit and loss." While it is too early to make a correct evaluation of the 1933 session from the constructive standpoint, a preliminary check-up shows more than 100 destructive measures, inimical to the agricultural industry, were defeated, either in committees or in the two houses. Strong on defense, the farm organizations successfully combatted attempts to break down the trespass laws, headed off other bills which would have crippled effective action against cattle rustlers, and halted efforts to undermine essential quarantine restrictions. The farm groups were also successful in killing many ill-considered proposals for "extravagant economy", which might have saved the state a few thousands but might very well have cost California farmers millions in losses. On the other hand, agriculture took the lead in effecting real economies in its own branch of government—the department of agriculture—and fought vigorously for the elimination of waste and extravagance throughout the state service. Two bills which would have played havoc with California livestock and cattlemen, one by Assemblyman C. Ray Robinson, Merced, and the other by Senator J. M. Inman, Sacramento, were consigned to the legislative graveyard. The Robinson bill would have repealed the hide-and-brand inspection act, making it practically impossible to combat cattle stealing. The Inman bill, while not so far-reaching, would have permitted the movement of cattle from ranch to ranch without brand inspection. The attempt to place a 10-day limit on quarantine for rabies under assembly Bill 1830, by Assemblyman C. Don Field, Glendale, also failed. Inasmuch as the existence of rabies can't be determined in most cases within less than three of four weeks, this measure was considered exceedingly dangerous. Typical of other destructive bills, judged from the farming viewpoint, which failed of passage, were the following: S. B. 139 placing the state fair in the state department of agriculutre. The agricultural department is a regulatory department and its injection into the "show business" also threatened its injection into politics. S. B. 808, together with several other similar bills, which would have broken down the egg standardization program, now strictly on a quality basis. S. B. 936, requiring compulsory cooperative marketing. This would have forced farmers into specific organizations against their will and would, inevitably, have wrecked many farm cooperatives. S. B. 995, transferring laboratories of the department of agriculture to the board of health, which would have resulted in impossible administrative problems. A. B. 686, requiring the date of packing on all cans of food products; this would have made it impossible to regulate distribution of farm products to meet market demand and would not have benefitted consumers. A. B. 1214, repealing the field crop laws in the agricultural code; an example of unsound economy which might have resulted in heavy losses. A. B. 1606, creating a state department of commerce; unnecessary and especially unjustified during a period when governmental spending must be curtailed. A. B. 1846, making it a felony to destroy foodstuffs; the measure was so broad in its provisions that it would have prevented a farmer from destroying low grade products to safeguard the market for his quality produce. In-fairness to the authors of the bills listed by the farm organizations as "destructive", most of the measures probably were introduced with the best intention to place a 10-day limit on quarantine for rabies under assembly Bill 1830, by Assemblyman C. Don Field, Glendale, also failed. Inasmuch as the existnce of rabies can't be determined in most cases within less than three of four weeks, this measure was considered exceedingly dangerous. During the heat of the Inman committee's four-ply senate attack on Governor Rolph, Maryville's mercurial and colorful senator, W. P. Rich made the following observation: "The governor sent his agents out to pry into the past of all of us (five members of the investigating committee). I was one of the men the administration's agents asked questions about. Somebody was sent to Marysville to probe around and see what my past revealed. Apparently nothing was found." Well, all I have to say is that the administration's agent didn't ask the right people. I like everybody else here and elsewhere, probably have some sort of a family skeleton hidden in the closet somewhere." The senate 'dictionary', Senator Charles Deuel was called upon for another definition the other day. A speaker had labelled a certain bill "just so much bushwa." Senator W. P. Rich turned to Deuel: "Now, senator, will you kindly give the senate a proper definition of the word Bushwa?" Deuel rose, cocked a bemused eye at an expectant senate and replied: "There's no need. Any senator who's been here as long as most of you have, certainly is familiar with the connotation, conjugation and various shades of the word Bushwa." Senator J. M. Inman, Sacramento and Senator Arthur Breed, two veterans of the upper house, seldom see eye to eye—or, it appears is much love between the two. Breed was opposing an Inman motion when the latter made a cutting remark. Wheeling quickly, the Alameda solon shot back: "When you and I are on the same side, I doubt my own judgment." Trying to keep order during the final session of the usually austere and restrained finance committee was like riding herd on so many frisky colts. Senator Will Sharkey, chairman, did his Two bills which would have played havoc with California livestock and cattlemen, one by Assemblyman C. Ray Robinson, Merced, and the other by Senator J. M. Inman, Sacramento, were consigned to the legislative graveyard. The Robinson bill would have repealed the hide-and-brand inspection act, making it practically impossible to combat cattle stealing. The Inman bill, while not so far-reaching, would have permitted the movement of cattle from ranch to ranch without brand inspection, greatly handicapping farmers in their efforts to trace stolen animals. Equally dangerous to the farming industry, the Woolwine bill, exempting auto stages from border quarantine inspection, was refused passage. Drastic Changes In County Government Contemplated Under “County Home Rule” Lower House Approves Measure for Placing On Ballot in June; Contains Some Features of County Manager Plan, But Vests In People Choice of Elective Officer, Other Members Drastic and fundamental changes in the government of 49 of California's 58 counties are provided in the Chatters "County Home Rule" constitutional amendment which has passed the assembly and is before the senate for final action. If approved by the upper house, the proposal will be submitted to the people for approval. In effect, the amendment provides for a limited county management plan, and centralization of county governmental powers. Five or seven members of the board of supervisors would be elected of which one would be elected at large and the remainder by districts. The "at large" member, would be a full-time officer. He would constitute, according to the author of the amendment, Assemblyman Ford Chatters, an executive officer who would undertake a large share of the county administrative burden. District supervisors would receive no salary increase, but the executive supervisor would be paid on the same basis as the sheriff. Important would be two additional powers: One salary control and the other appointive power in all offices except sheriff, district attorney, auditor, assessor, judges and constables. Chatters said his amendment makes non-chartered county boards of supervisors comparable to a directorate of any business. Its purpose, he said, is to permit supervisors the power to govern without unreasonable restrictions. The executive supervisor will execute powers of the entire board under its direction. He would also make reports and recommendations touching on vital matters. Maybe it Happens Every 17 Years G. R. Milford of Redding hired a crew of men to remove a locust tree from his property. When he inspected the job he found the locust tree still standing, but his prize walnut tree was gone. Lubricating Oil Shipment Seized A shipment of 3,615 gallons of lubricating oil, shipped by a Pennsylvania refining company to a California chain store system, recently was seized by the state division of weights and measures, officials of which claimed the gallon cans were one pint short, and drums, one and one-half gallons under the legal measure. Committee of 14 Plan Proposes Surcharge Tax; Orange County’s Share to be $40,825 Every California Motorist and Trunk Owner May Be Called Umar Committee of 14 Plan Proposes Surcharge Tax; Orange County’s Share to be $40,825 Every California Motorist and Truck Owner May Be Called Upon to Aid in Wiping Out Anticipated Deficit of $50,000,000; Measure Would Be Emergency, Ending In Two Years Every California motorist and truck owner, irrespective of whether he owns other property or not, will probably be called upon to dig down into his jeans to help wipe out the state's anticipated deficit of approximately $50,000,000. An integral part of the budget balancing program of the "committee of 14"—the program that probably will be adopted in mid-summer, if anything is done at all—is the additional one dollar surcharge on the automobile registration fee. The additional revenue gained from this new tax would be diverted to the general fund and would total, for the next two years, approximately $4,000,-000. Orange county's share of this additional emergency tax would be $40,825 according to the latest figures of the number of automobiles, trucks and trailers in this county. The new tax would, in every sense, be an emergency measure. It would automatically terminate two years hence. Action on the "committee of 14's" budget balancing and real property relief program will not be taken until mid-summer session. Legislative leaders felt it wise to await the decision of the people to whom will be submitted in late June a tax revision program. This includes repeal of the eocalled "amendment number."—in fact, it is amendment number 30 in the constitution—which would mean abandonment of the state's traditional separation of sources taxation system. It would also include elimination of the mandatory requirements of counties to raise $30 annually for each elementary school pupil and $60 for each high school student. third vital feature would be limitation of governmental cost increase in California five per cent annually—the state limitation would be five per cent biannually—for the next two years. After that period the legislature could limit government outlay at its own discretion. Real property relief would be afforded by passing of a two per cent consumers sales tax and diverting the anticipated biennial revenue therefrom, estimated at $75,000,000, to payment of the counties' fixed charges. These are now borne by real property. McFadden Heading Round Table Group Thomas McFadden, chief speaker at the organization session, Tuesday noon was elected chairman pro tem of the newly-formed Anaheim Round Table, which will meet Wednesday noons for discussion of current events. The group is organized somewhat along the lines of Fullerton's Round Table, functions of which were outlined by P. H. (Doc) Mattner. Roosevelt Will Authorize 38 Additional Civilian Camps if Benefits Are Divided 177 Camps Already Authorized for California, But 38 More Would Be On State, Municipal or Private Lands Providing Returns Would Be Split Until Such Time As Work Is Paid For Robert Fechner, director of emergency conservation work at Washington, D.C., has wired the governors of all states outlining the terms under which the Federal government will agree to establish conservation camps on state, county, municipal and private lands, according to advice received by S.B. Show, chief of the U.S. forest service in California and regional coordinator for emergency conservation work in this state. The telegram states that President Roosevelt stands ready to approve the establishment of camps on state or private lands if the governor would give assurance that he would urge the state legislature at the earliest possible date to enact legislation providing "that if as a result of the work done the state derives a direct benefit from the sale of the land or its products, the proceeds will be divided equally between the state and federal government until the state shall have paid for the work done at the rate of one dollar per man per day for the time spent on projects, subject to a maximum of three dollars per day per acre." "The president desires," stated the telegram, "that no work shall be done on privately-owned land except as may be necessary in the public interest for regional or statewide forest protection against fire, insects and disease and, or simple flood control measures to arrest gully erosion and flash run-off at the headwaters of mountain streams. Where public interest demands work on privately-owned land for these purposes, the president requests that it be conditioned on the state assuming responsibility for maintenance of works by landowners or otherwise, and obtaining contracts with the landowners by which the state reserves the right to remove at its option and without recompense to landowners any structures or other things of removable values which may result from the work done, including products of trees planted to arrest erosion." headwaters of mountain streams. Where public interest demands work on privately-owned land for these purposes, the president requests that it be conditioned on the state assuming responsibility for maintenance of works by landowners or otherwise, and obtaining contracts with the landowners by which the state reserves the right to remove at its option and without recompense to landowners any structures or other things of removable values which may result from the work done, including products of trees planted to arrest erosion." If the state of California accepts the terms offered by the federal government, Show states he is informed that President Roosevelt is ready to give approval to 38 emergency conservation camps on state and private land in California, in addition to the 177 camps already authorized for the national forests and national parks of the state. Regional Forester Show also reports that Army officers acting under the direction of Major General M. T. Creig, commander of the ninth army corps area have examined the 177 camps in northern California and that the army has authorized their construction as soon as necessary building materials can be secured: Sequoia For- KEEP COOL THIS SUMMER OUTSIDE: 90 DEGREES INSIDE: 74 DEGREES Now, every home, office and store can secure relief from the suffering of summer heat with modern air conditioning equipment. Cool homes to live in; cool offices to work in... it's easy and just as simple as heating the same places in winter. Air conditioned homes are the envy of everyone. Offices and stores that are air-conditioned enjoy increased business and profits. There are now available all types and sizes of air-conditioning and cooling equipment to take care of just one room or a hundred. Everyone who would welcome relief from summer heat should learn about it now. Any Edison office will be glad to help you get all the necessary information. Don't hesitate to call on them. You are Invited to attend an exhibit of the latest developments in the field of AIR CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT at the LOS ANGELES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE May 22 to 29 Held under the auspices of the AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEATING AND VENTILATING ENGINEERS Los Angeles Chapter Southern California Edison Company Ltd.