N.Z. PRODUCTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 August 1924, Page 1

N.Z. PRODUCTS.

DEPARTMENT'S REPORT. WELLINGTON. Any. 19. “It seems evident that this country must be prepared, in the near future, to meet inoreashiy competin'.. 11 with most of its staple exports on the world’s markets, accompanied probably hy it lower ranye of values." states '.Mr Xosworthy, Minister of Ayriotilture, in his annual report. "The self-reliant course for niectiny this position is hy increased efficiency at all points, by better farminy practice, increased output, iiiyhor quality of produce and lower cost of production, handlin':, transport and marketiny. There is also room lor yreatly extended sound co-operative effort ttloiiy the chain from producer to consiitt’er. Well ilireitcd .-eientllie research can he of yreat and far-reach-iny assistance at all points. We should not presume 100 much on the natural ad van l ayes of our country, hut build well and soundly on the fine foundation yiveu us."

The chief feature of the year was the remarkable rise in the wool marlcet. All (‘lassos of wool were in strong demand, cruss-brcds shariny in the advance even in yreater proportion than finer sorts. The £15,0(!0,IK)0 or I'Ki.COO/100 realised hy the clip, therefore, litis been well distributed over both islands.

“The export value of milk products for the past year is LTS,o0t).()l)0, chiefly representiny butter and cheese, hut also ineludiny substantial quantities of milk powder, preserved milk and casein. It is satisfactory to he able to recin'tl' further hi rye development in the herd-tesUiny movement. lirinyiny the total number of cows so dealt with lip to lot).0(1(1. "Inquiries indicate that the area sown i'n wheat in the aitlunm ol the current year is about the same as the total area sown in 192.'! and that preparations are beiny made by farmers for considerable additional sowinys in the ensuiny spriuy. There are thus yrounds for hdniuy that the total wheat area for the 1021-20 season will meet the Dominion's requirements for next year, provided a normal yield is secured. Full self-support, as reyards essontin.l hreadstulfs, is very desirable, cen-ddrred from a broad point of view. "(!'t the year’s return in wool, million. lamb and by-products combined the sheep stands out as still the londiny nrimary wealth 'producer in the Dominion’s ayricultural industry. Altoyetlier 1!)2;J-_’I will be remembered as a shecji-farmcr's year par exeellenee. ’