COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURE.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 July 1924, Page 4

COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURE.

AN NT AI, MKETINO

WKI.I.INTTON. July lb

Tin* annual nicotine ui' tin* Now Zealand Council of Agriculture was opened to-day, Mr \Y. J’erry presiding. The Minister of Agriculture (Mr Xosworthv; said that the council, during the ''hole of its existence, had kept clear of party politics, and he thought it was a. good thing for all. He understood that the I loyal Agricultural Society would take over the functions of the conference in future, and that was a progressive step. The first Royal Show "as to ho held at Palmerston North next .spring, and he gathered that its success was assured.

Mr Perry said that the past year had proved a record one as far as total Values of New Zealand farm produce we’re concerned, hut this had been obtained by high values rather

than by an increase in quantity, with one. notable exception, that of dairy produce. Another year of equal prices would put many a farmer into a sound position again. lie stressed the fact that farmers should improve their methods tegarding the lands farmed. More intensive methods wero required. The Council adopted the following resolution : "That the present educational facilities for persons desiring to engage in rural o< 11] ations are hopelessly inadequate end that it is desirable that mi investigation of the matter he undertaken by a special Commission.” l’oloie this motion was put? the council lieu id an address by the Professor of Agriculture tit Victoria College, in which In* said that oilier countries were streets ahead of New Zealand in agricultural education. The following remits were carried :

“That the method of using unimproved values as the basis ol luxation be abolished. That the Covernment valuers, when making valuation of fatm lands he compelled to give a report setting forth how their valuations are arrived at. such capital valuation on farm lands to he computed on a prodti: ing basis, also that owners should he notified "heif valuers "ill visit their farms for the purpose of making a valuation.” (Waverlev). ••That owing to the shortage and high prices of timber, the (lovei iiment he urged to remove the import duty on all timber. That the railway freight on imported timber he brought into line, with New Zealand timber rate.” (l-'eildiiig).

“That the rutile; once draws the attention of the .Minister of Hallways to

the unfair practice of charging passengers .attending A. and I’, shows by excursion lares up to fifty miles, and asks that excursion fares he made available t.i passengers travelling to A. ami I’, shows from any distance”

(Master ton >. “That the (invernment lie urged to reduce the fieight charge cm stock travelling to and from agricultural shows” (Stratford). “I hat the Minister for Hail ways lo roqucs'iocl to run trains on show day at

one* clay excursion rate's” (Timaiu). “That i lie Minister for Railways lie urged to grant stockmen in charge of show stock reduced railway lares from any centre similar to those granted to show judges.” (Hawke’s Hay).

It "as decided that in view of the runliimcd spread of foot and mouth disease in England. and ‘the gr; vc danger of it being carried into the Dominion. the Department of Agriculture be- urged t<> investigate every channel through which it might he introduced into New Zealand. That most stringent regulations he framed and enforced. and that the penalty now imposed is inadequate in propoitiou to the- enormous financial loss which must follow even a minor outbreak in New Zealand.

A '-cite n| thank. I ; lb. Henkes ami Ins department for the work they had ajicuclv done was carried unanimously. It was resolved that the (lovernmcnt I-.' asked to carry out experiments with regard to the extei ininalinn of rabbits, especially in regard to die most suitable poisons. (Canterbury!.

“Tluil the (Icivernment’s attention lie called to t lie serious spiead of the lilaeldierry pest on Hereiniinga Plain." (I law l;e.s’ Hay i. “That " here back c ount ry glasses have weakened and gone out and the ground i.i covered with fern and soc.-cind growth some practical method of instruction be given to occupiers tlial will assist to re-establish pasture by the introduction of simanle grasses.” (Wnvei ley). “Thai the (ioverameot be asked to pay one ball' the cost of erection and repairs to a honndaiy fence where (lovernineiit property bounds on soldier .settlers” (h'tbiding). “That the protection of opossums lie withdrawn” < Vnirnrapn).