THE LAND

Hokitika Guardian, 20 September 1930, Page 3

THE LAND

REMARKABLE INCREASES. “REASONABLE OPTIMISM” FOR THE FUTURE. WELLINGTON, Sept. 17. Due mainly, to improved grassland ‘farming practice and better mutual husbandry and hygiene there was a reniakable expansion recorded foi . 1929-30 in the flocks and herds of -New Zealand, and A substantial increase in the production of the main, staples of .dairy produce, meat and vvool, according to the annual report of the Department of Agriculture presented to Parliament toalay. The Hon. A. J. Murdoch, Minister •of Agriculture, comments that the reports of the * Director General and Die heads of the various divisions outline a wide range of effective work for the. benefit of the agricultural industries.

"The department,. with its strongly 'established organisation and wide resources' and experience, said the Minister, "is keeping well to the fere agricultural research and instruction. Good fundamental work is being done at many points, and in applied agricultural seiendo Now Zealand if achieving an acknowledged place. This cannot fail to assist our primary industries in the world trade competition, which under present con ditionp steadily grows more in'ease. The year has been marked by a lnor< or less heavy decline in world jirices for., the primary products which form our main export staples. It is seldom indeed that such an all-'cun' simultaneous fall has occurred, the more -commfon experience being tin balancing of one commodity agains another in market fluctuations; but although a general downward trend or reversion of values seems to be establishing itself a fair recovery in certain products, such as wool, ma\ be anticipated. While the position can be regarded with reasonable optimism it certainly calls for serious 4udv and action at every weak point capable 'of amelioration. Due provision will he made to enable the Department of Agriculture to take its full part in this respect.”

According to the annual report oi • the Director-General of Agriculture last season was marked by a serious decline in the values of export commodities with a consequent shrinkage of the national income. So far as the , increased production of gra sland products, wool, meat and butierfat, ..was, concerned the position was exceedingly satisfactory. in the five year period 1921-1925 the average annual output of grassland products 011 a standard price baisis was £3<!,G2fi,000. During the fiv e years, 19251930, the average annual value amounted to £41,456,000. The anounl 'Pf ;3 r 6aply increase for 1925-30 was ..stilAqop. • i ■

"In no qeriod of New Zealand’. 1 history has production increased t' the. extent that is taking place at the present time,” declared the report. The value of dairy produce exports represented £18,842,994 out ol a to tal export of £49,045,817. The quality of New Zealand butter had been maintained or improved. Cheese 'quality had been less- favourably i e ported upon. Due to the .unfavourable market conditions there had lieen extensive diversion in the North Island from the manufacture of fullcream cheese, and an endeavour in "some cases to ensure yield rather than high quality. The general unfavourable economic conditions and larger supplies of butter from a number of countries ' bad prevented the New Zealand dairyman from increasing his income. The larger production, however, would be helpful in offsetting the shortage due to the fall in prices, although the net balance to the Dominion showed a reduction of' £2,000,000.