Council of Agriculture

Hokitika Guardian, 21 July 1922, Page 3

Council of Agriculture

AV ELLINGTON, July I!). The animal conference of tlie New Zculand Cotmeil of Agriculture commenced to-dav. There was a. la rot* attendance of delegates from all pails of the -Dominion.

In hi. review of tin* past year and statement of the outlook so far as the ]>: unary prodmcrs were concerned, the president. .Mr G. !. ..Marshall, said one mi lit s •• with (onlidenco' that the proposals now were considerably heiuv than twelve months ago. however, durin*r the interval many good fellows had lost their farms, their homes, and their savilifts and many others dene wonderinn whether they would he able to round the corner. Local taxation in the form of country rates and levies for hospitals had increased enormously of late years, and were now heavy burdens on Ihe land.' The successful establishments ef the Royal Show for New Zealand was the most important subject before tlie conference at the present time. Export trade in stud stock was reviving and hope was expressed that the conference would give a, lead to the establishment of a IT" central representative of all land users. Addressing the Council, the Minister for Agriculture. Mr Nosworthy said that he thought that he could honestly state the position from the agricultural and pastoral standpoint had improved very considerably, but we were not likely to arrive at a period of national prosperitv until such time as the cost of production could be brought within reasonable limits, amd until taxation i otdd be adjusted more satisfactorily, The dairy industry had had a record season, lambing showed a high percentage, the wool clip was good, tin* wheat crop heav'’ and the outlook lor wool very promising. Mutton maintained satisfactory values hut the heel depression continued. The health of the New Zealand livestock bad boon maintained at the usual high level. ( Dnirv cattle had increased substantially but sheen showed a big decrease of one million in this year’s interim returns. This was perhaps the most unsatisfoc- , tory feature in the agricultural situation and called for serious consideraI tion. The freezing and export of lamb ! had reached a record level this year, i and the Meat '’reducers’ Board bed i already acocmplislied good work in coiij neetimi with ffeigbt rates and freezing j charges.' It was satisfactory to note i that the freezing works and other cool 1 stores will commence the new season j with clear floors. The rabbit nuisance . j problem was serious, and effective operation of tlie Act was hampered by I the high commercial value of tlie skins. ; : A conference °f all the interests would I j appear to be the best preliminary for j ! dealing with the position in a practical , ! way. . ! ! Mr Nosworthy continued that the (>o ! vernment had agreed to take all first ! class milling wheat at a fixed price. I There was more damaged wheat than j anticipated, and the Government would j have to consider the best course to take ' with respect to second grade wheat. He thought Armour and Coy. would not conduct their business on lines satisfactory to Dominion farmers. The am- ' bition of the Government was to pull - the eountrv through its present difficulties and put the country on a sound wicket. mm