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Hokitika Guardian, 22 September 1930, Page 4

Due mainly to improved grassland farming practice and better animal husbandry and hygiene tlTere was a renin l-kafble expansion recorded fotr 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 wool, according to the annual report of the Department of Agriculture presented to Parliament. The Hon. A. J. Murdock, Minister of Agriculture, comments that the reports of the Director General and the heads oif the various divisions outline a wide rnnge 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 fore in agricultural research and instruction. Good fundamental work is being done at many points, and in applied agricultural science New Zealand is achieving an acknowledged place, This cannot fail to assist our primary industries in the world trade competition, which under present conditions steadily grows more intense, Ihe year has been marked by a more or less heavy decline in world prices for the primary products which form our main export staples. It is seldom indeed that such on all-round simultaneous fall has occurred, the more common experience being the balancing of one commodity against 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, may be anticipated. While the position can be regarded with reasonable optimism it certainly calls if or serious study and action at every weak point capable of amelioration. Due provision will be made to enable the Department of Agriculture to take its full part in this respect. According to the annual report of the DirectorGeneral of Agriculture last season was marked by a serious decline in the values of export commodities with a shrinkage of the national income. So far as the increased production of grassland products, wool, meat and butterfat, was concerned the position was exceedingly satisfactory. In the five year period 1921-1925 the average annual output of grassland products on a standard price basis was £34,626,000. During the five years, 1026-1930, the average nnnqal value amounted to £41,456,000, The amount oif yearly increase for 1025-30 was £11,874,000. In n Q period of New Zealand’s history hag production increased to the extent that is taking place at the present time,” declared the report. The value of dairy produce exports represented 018,812,994 out of a total export of £49,043,817. The quality of New Zealand butter had been maintained or improved. Cheese quality had been less favourably reported upon. Due to the unfavourable market conditions there bad been extensive diversion in the North Island from the manufacture of fulleream 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 had 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 not balance to the Dominion showed a reduction of £2,000,000.