AGRICULTURE IN AFRICA.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17123, 19 April 1921, Page 5

AGRICULTURE IN AFRICA.

FEEEZINa TEADE EXPANDING. The development of primary industries, in South Africa and .Uganda, was the subject of 3 statement on Friday by Mr C. W. Harrison, of Natal, who is visiting Auckland. ' During the earlj part of last year Mr Harrison completed a tour of South Africa, Rhodesia, British East Africa, and Uganda as special trade commissioner for the British Government, and therefore had ample opportunity for viewing the progress made in recent years in the development fcf the .various industries closely associated with the land^, Mr Harrison said the frozen meat industry had now been Established on a sound basis, and in South Africa alone several large companies were operating. The business was being developed rapidly, and if the present rate of progress was maintained it would soon become a factor to be reckoned with in the world's markets. Rhodesia, in the main, was eminently suited for the raising pf cattle, and many of the other provinces reared cattle on a large scale. Closer settlement as known in other countries was not practicable, and ranching was the only method by which the cattlg. industry could be profitably carried on. There were special opportunities for men with adequate means, who were prepared to work, both in British East Africa and Uganda. Th& chief drawbacks were the lack of means of transport by both road and railway. The Governments of these provinces were, however, now seriously considering the matter of spending considerable sums of money for the improvement of the roads and the railway system. When this was done a great increase in the cattle raising, dairying, and sheep farming might be looked for. Speaking with reference to thajyoo.l industry in South Africa, Mr Harrison said there were 300,000 bales of wool held privately, and, with a view to its disposal efforts were being made to find a market in Germany. The Government had appointed a delegation to visit the lattei' country, with power to enter into negotiations for the sale of the wool.

South Africa, in common with other countries, was feeling the effects of the economic depression, but fortunately the recent general election had resulted in a stable Government being established under the leadership of General Smuts. This would influence the general progress of the country, particularly in the direction of agricultural and pastoral pursuits. Irrigation was receiving a great deal of attention from the Government, and good results were consequently being obtained from growing lucerne, citrus fruits, and various other valuable agricultural products.