OFFICIAL OPENING

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2179, 18 June 1914, Page 8

OFFICIAL OPENING

THE PRIME MINISTER'S SPEECH. Tho Show was officially opened at noon by the Prime Minister. Mr. Massey said • that, he vyanted to congratulate the A. and P. Association on the very fine display'/'bolCin the quantity and quality of "the exji|bits. He had seen both the Waikato and Otago Shows before coming to Palmerston, but would not discriminate ns to which was the best of the three. Taking tho three exhibitions together they were undoubtedly a credit to the Dominion. (Hear, hear.) Speaking from some experience lie wished to say that .the show 'was not only of value educationally, but socially, for the farmer and his family came" to shows after the work of the busy Season and renewed old friendships/ Edifcationally, also, the most experienced of men could not fail to profit by a visit to the show, for the magnificent exhibits weSe an object lesson. Record Export Year. ; The Primo Minister went on to say that he desired to congratulate producers, settlers, and farmers on the splendid season which was now coming to an eiid. In his long experience ot farming ho could not remember a better season. .' It had been a good producing season,' and the prices had been good for almost every article. \"We aTe able," said Mr. Massey, "to congratulate ourselves, not only from. tho farmers' point of view, but from tho standpoint of the Dominion as a whole that the exports this year were a record in almost every article of produce." -For tho year ending. April 30, our exports had reached tho great total of .£24,233,122—an increase of One gratifying feature of this increase is that the settlers of the country are responsible for at least 85 per cent, of this total, which shows that the prosperity, of the Dominion rests on the agricultural and pastoral interests. It is, therefore, right to give, every encouragement to the primary producers." Mr. Massey proceeded to quote figures indicating increases in the individual products. These figures were as follow:—Wool, .C 7.500.000 (a big advance); frozen mutton. ,£1.905,000, increase £361.000; lamb, X 1.525.000. increase .£723,000;' beef, .JM4G,RI6; hides, .£1,211,000. increase .£118,679. Mr. Massey then, pointed out that the estimate for wool, was a conservative one, as prices in thp latter part of the season had been better than at the commencement. It was only in cereals that there had been a falling off. Turning to butter and cheese the Prime Minister pointed out;:that, for the first timo in the history of the Dominion, cheese was "in the lead. This vear'fl figures were:—Butter. .£2.140.000an increase of .£83.000: cheese, £2,195,000 -au increase of £336,091.

Great Future for Fruit. Mr. Massey went on to state that fruit was an increasingly inlportant product,, and he' was pleased to sec 9uch a magnificent display at the show. Having just been round the Dominion ho. could speak with experience on this matter, and ho was sure that, in the'next few years, it would be one of the most important articles of export. Tho area of land under orchard cultivation was increasing, prices were improving, and there was an increasing demand, especially in the' South •American cities. .In the year 1912 a total of 14,869 eases were exported, in 1913 tho total was 33,000 cases, and iii 191-1 .the,tntal had more than doubled that figure, being 85,000. He was' sure that the figures would go on doubling, and it would not be long before the Dominion would be exporting £1,000,000 worth of. fruit annually. America and the Canal. The Dominion's expanding markets were next referred to. Mr, Massey.pointed out that while, for many,years,'New Zealand had been satisfied with' Britain as the only maiket, yet, during .the past year, the removal of the tariff barrier in the United States had opened a great new market. Canada had become a valuable customer, and the opening of the Panama Canal would give access to the Eastern American ports. He had been informed' that one line of steamers intended to go through tho canal en route to England, and make Nev: York a nort of ctvll. thus giving a splendid opportunity for n» further market. Referring to the Panama Canal .Mr. Massey said'what lie would like to do" would be to' take tho three dairy shows—Manawatu, Otago, and Waikato—and make them one hi? exhibit in- San•Franci=co. (Applause.) That however|could not be done, but the Government- had given JMG.OPO to assist exhibitor?,- had arranged for free rail and Gurnet'! carriage, and they had hr Mr. Clifton an expert who would have " the goods properly ar-ran-red so that, if anyone. r!o*'red lo HI lite exhibit, Mr. Clifton would b? willinsr to act on his behalf. (Api)lause.).;.'The Prime Minister eonclwM by ;ftg<iin congratulating all conrcriKrl oii-'fe show and formally' declaring if. oServ'^'The (Mr.. Flynn M'R.inl then called foiSt.hree cheers for Mr. Massey, which wetspieartily given.