SLUMP HAS PASSED.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4579, 27 June 1923, Page 4

SLUMP HAS PASSED.

MINISTER AND THE F4RMEBS. In replying to the toast of “Ths Agricultural Department” at the smoke concert, held at Palmerston. North in connection with the National Dairy Show, the Hon. W. Nosworthy, Minister of Agriculture, referred to the fact that a couple of years ago the country was in the midst of one of the worst slumps the Dominion had ever experienced, and it, would have been a most sanguine person who would have dared to prophesy the wonderful change in matters as seen to-day. As Minister of Agriculture during the period of stress he had come to the conclusion that there was no better Department in any country in the world, and no better staff of officers. The Minister said it was most satisfactory to note that the recent shortage of sheep from which the Dominion suffered was now being made up. During the past five years the decrease had amounted to nearly four millions, but he was now glad to be able to announce that the interim returns for the year showed an increase of 706,605, of which 6'32,,238 were in the North Island and 74,367 in the South Island. This proved conclusively that the ■ tide had turned, and there was every reason to hope that the increase would continue. Mr Nosworthy said that it was useless to talk greater production when they had not the means to get it. What the Dominion r,eally required was cheaper money, and plenty of it. However, money was governed by the law of supply and demand, and with the brighter outlook in the world, the advent, of a stabilised peace, and the downward trend pf interest, he believed that money would be attracted to New Zealand in quantities. The amount of money which had been tied up in America for the last few years was only making that country poor, unless it was used for some practical purpbse. Any encouragement his Government, could give by reducing taxation to improve the outlook and prosperity of the country would be given. They must have ample labour and a plentiful application of scientific manuring to pastures to make their production greater. As yet the lands of the Dominion had only been scratched over the surface, but with the application of more scientific methods of farming he believed that in a short time our exports would be in the region of £lOO,000,000 per annum. However, it would be necessary to practice the greatest thrift and economy, and with continued energy the future of the country would be assured.

Dr. C. J. Reakes, Director of the Department of Agriculture, also responded to the toast; and said that last season had been one of exceptional output of dairy produce, but the work of the Department had been handled well. The • Minister was correct in saying that they had only scratched over the surface so far as the possibilities of output were concerned. The Department had stressed the point thai the poor yielding, unprofitable cow must be eliminated and replaced by a more profitable animal to bring about the increased yield. The tendency of yield was upwards, and now about 1601 b per cow, but if only the milking cows were included it would be about 1871 b. From what could be gathered, the actual yield per cpw i i Denmark, .counting all dairy animals, was only in the vicinity of 1901 b per cow, and with more attention to herdtesting there was no reason Why New Zealand should not soon surpass that.