EFFECT OF THE WAR ON FARMING

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2808, 28 June 1916, Page 8

EFFECT OF THE WAR ON FARMING

DEPLETING THE FLOCKS AND HERDS. Tho, war demand for food and clothing jupplies the keynote for the report of the Agricultural Department presented to tho Houso yesterday. The resulting great surplus from this demand, says the report, has provided the farming- industry with; means for development* at a "limef when dependence on outside topital might,have proved futile. Tho buoyancy of the national revenue has enabled State expenditure on agricultural advancement to bo well maintained. Our primary products may bo legitimately regarded as munitions of war, aud money, spent by • 'be State in promoting production'is in .■fleet helping to win the war. Last seasoil in general was favourable," but Canterbury suffered from drought, whicli affected .the wheat yield, but, owing to the increased-' area sown, sufficient was 1 linrvested . to-supply : the country's, needs: It lvas'regrctted'oii national grounds that tho wheat growers were favoured neither by yield nor market, and the hope was expressed thSt tho area sown this year would not be vitally reduced. Touching on pastoral subjects, the opinion is expressed that tho cropping capacity of the country could be increased by care. The year's wool clip was satisfactory, and a remarkable expansion in tho frozen : meat industry . was recorded. A. serous aspect of the- meat industry, continues the report, lies in tho . continued over-slaughtering of young .stock—females in particular.. Data recently collected shows that this practice is oil the increase as regards fjie cattle, while 1915 sheen returns show a heavy decrease in breeding ewes. The Keen demand and high prices are responsible, v but in the meantime our (locks and herds are being unduly depleted, aud increasing difficulty is experienced in securing suitable'.stock for new country. This latter fact is the gravest side of the matter, owing to its far-reaching effects in the - economy of settlement'and on tho. country's ' future .production of meat,, wool, etc. Definite action appears to be necessary to check tho practice referred lo in' the general interest, and an opportunity may perhaps be found in the present controlled state of the meat ex--rort trade.

" The improvement of herd testing lias continued in the North Island, and tho first one Ims been started in the South Island, which has so far Jagged behind. The fruitgrowing industry ■ and other branches of tlifl Department's work have received due attention. • . .

Messrs. li. 'Warden (Blenheim) and IT. Stiunnnnd (Wellington), have been appointed judges for the forthcoming Masterton poultry show. Lambs .' have already made their appearance in son)e parts of the Wairarnpa.

Never, has. the demand for clear-headed constructive thinking in business been eo urgent as it is'right new.' We are living in a progressive age, and must take advantage of all up-to-date methods. It is in savings from waste of any description that, money is madoUo-day, and by concentrating one's efforts on all details of our business we claim to bo able to produce reMts for our many cream suppliers. Y/e want more cream. Can you supply us? Further particulars, Wanga-' uai Fresli Pood Co.—Advt

"' Machinery taken care of lasts twice as long. Those Milking Machines and Engine now lying idle should be: thoroughly overhauled. Let I'arton undertake the job. Expert work and very low charge aro, sureties. Call or write for details. A. J. PA RTON, Plumbing Works,. Pembroke Street, Carterton—Advt