AGRICULTURAL & PASTORAL STATISTICS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2594, 16 October 1915, Page 8

AGRICULTURAL & PASTORAL STATISTICS

Ponding the. introduction .. of more elaborate machinerynext year for collecting agricultural and pastoral statistics, the Department of Agriculture has again to' rely on collection through tho post for particulars in regard to the ■ mora important of our crops. Forms Lavo just been posted to occupiers, and on'.these forms occupiers . of, land are asked to make a. return, of the area, tliiit . they have'sown in crops. The hearty cooperation' of occupiers is earnestly requested by the Department, as accurate particulars of tlio area under crops aro of fundamental importance in obtaining statistics of crop'production. The most careful estimates of yields cannot but furnish misleading results as to total •production if the area on which,the calculation is based is under or over-estim-ated; The events of the past year have shown , the importance of statistics of production. The Government nrast bi guided by these figures in deciding whether an embargo on export may he lifted. . Again it tvill be on the information furnished.by statistics as to area gilder crop that an estimate can be arrived at-as", to. wliat special .arrangements, if any, will bo necessary.to provide sufficient labour for the harvest. All occupiers to whom forms Lave been sent are urged, to fill-.them up and return them, while those who have more than one acre under any one crop, and who have not received a form, should apply, to the district' agent, as indicated ill tie Department's advertisement-..