ADVANCE MADE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20120, 14 December 1939, Page 4

ADVANCE MADE

DOMINION INDUSTRY PRAISE BY GOVERNOR PERIOD OF 100 YEARS PRIMARY PRODUCTION (Per Press Association.) INVERCARGILL, this day. In formally opening the Royal Show at Invercargill to-day, the GovernorGeneral, Viscount Galway, said it fittingly culminated 100 years of amazing agricultural progress in the country. “One hundred years is but a very short span in the history of our Empire, but in that space of time New Zealand has built up an external trade which is the highest per capita in the world,” said the Governor-General. “The fertile soil and equable climate of the country have been exploited fruitfully by generations of farmers who have shown enterprise, initiative and resource. “The traditional English agricultural practices are not always successful in New Zealand, but the pioneers were not easily deterred. They adapted themselves to their new environment, and we who follow are reaping the reward of their experience and foresight. The early pioneers have given us a splendid heritage, and the time has now arrived for the closing of the first chapter of New Zealand’s history, a chapter of obstacles surmounted and brilliant achievement. Hope for Future

“Let us look forward to the new era with thoughts of hope and still greater progress.

“In the present -Royal 'Show we have animals in all the competitive classes which are a credit to their breeders and an object lesson to all who aspire to the highest achievements in animal husbandry. At a time when the products of New Zealand are wanted in greater volume than ever to meet the war-time needs of the Empire, it is well that we pay the greatest possible attention to the production of the best our soil and climate can give.

“New Zealand is a country which has in the past and must in the future exist or depend for prosperity upon the products of the land, and its future as I see it lies around the farming industry. I take this opportunity of appealing to all those in a position to do so to urge the right type of young man to take up farming for a livelihood and. where possible to lend any possible assistance until the young farmer is firmly established. “War demands a special and sustained effort on the part of every farmer, and I kno-w that the Empire’s call to the primary producers of New Zealand for increased production will be spontaneously answered. “To-day our nation is fighting for ideals of civilisation and the suppression of tyranny. Our enemies face a united and determined Empire. Let us throw all our resources into the struggle with the true spirit of sacrifice and let us dedicate ourselves with the rest of the Empire and her Allies to the cause of humanity,” said His Excellency.