DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Hokitika Guardian, 6 September 1928, Page 4

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

THE ANNUAL REPORT. WELLINGTON, Sept. 4. Prefacing the annual report of the Department of Agriculture the Minister, the Hon, 0. J. Hnwken, points out in reviewing the past season that a good account can bo given of almost every branch of farming. Ho says that with the help of pasture top-dressing there seems no reason why our flocks, which increased by one and a third millions during tho year, should not reach the thirty million mark in tho near future- The country’s dairy herds are again on the up grade in numbers, while herd improvement is steadily gaining ground. The chief feature in tho arable section was the • increase in area under wheat, with a high average yield which should render the Dominion more than independent of wheat importations for some time to come.

The Minister concludes with references to the growing importance of honey and fruit production, with a declaration that the development of a strong force, of small holders supplementary to larger scale rural industries,As eminently desirable. THE STATE FARMS.

It is mentioned by the DirectorGeneral of Agriculture that the State farm is steadily improving its financial position. The total expenditure excluding permanent salaries, but including nil expenditure on the farm, training college and other educational work, was £8937, while the total re-' ceipts were £93-17. Tho position is better than tho figures represent, as the expenditure includes the cost of improving pastures, fencing and water supply. Tlie poultry section having been remodelled is showing a profit. There are thirty-five students in training. Wcraroa State farm in the Manawatu cost £5174, including experimental work, and total receipts were £6140. It is suggested that this farm should he completely commercialised anil tho overhead costs greatly reduced, as it has served its purpose as an experimental area.

The New Zealand commissioner on the Phosphate Commission controlling Nauru and Ocean Islands reports that the output last year was 501,915 tons, of which New Zealand took 124,270 and Australia the balance. There was also, a, delivery of 42,940 tons from other Pacific Islands to make up New Zealand requirements. This year’s needs are expected to absorb 207,000 tons, and options have been secured on outside supplies to keep up the delivery. The commissioner, while mentioning the continued favourable condition of the freight market, suggests that to maintain this a good rate of discharge in Dominion ports is essential. Material improvement lias bean effected at Auckland and conditions at Lyttelton are satisfactory, but at other ,ports there is necessity for better facilities for the discharge of pjioephate in hulk, a matter which ram well lie considered by the authorities in view of the increasing quantities handled. As the product is sold at a flat rate ill all ports it is desirable to bring tho rate of discharge to a uniform level of efficiency. Herd testing last season covered return i from. 170,151) cows, representing 13 per cent, of tire dairy herds. Investigation of farm economics by officers of the Fields Division will shortlv enable a survey of over 2°o dairy farms in the Waikato and Taranaki districts to bo published.