COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURE.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 14 July 1917, Page 6

COUNCIL OF AGRICULTURE.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE. 1 FINANCE AND PKODUCTION." WELLINGTON, July 12. The annual conference of the New Zealand- Council of Agriculture opened to-day. Addresses wero given by the Hon. W. D. S. MacDonald and Sir Joseph Ward. The Premier was not present owing to a family bereavement. Referring to finance, Sir Joseph Ward remarked that the Government lad an enormous task to provide for requirements this year, and if the war continued, there would be a greater burden next year. He did not think the war would go on to next year. Still there must be the same adjustments made.

Hon. W. D. S. MacDonald, referring to the shiping problem, assured his hearers that the position had been really very acute, but there was now an improvement, which would enable producers to get produce away. It was our duty now to increase production, and he hoped legislation would be brought in this session to help small men to produce more. The farming community was asking the Government to have examined phosphate and other jocks for manurial purposes, but he would Temind them that there was now but one man available to do the work of experts. There was a world shortage, and New Zealand should train its own experts. Regarding wool, he said he believed it Avould be disposed of next 'season on present conditions. The president then gave his retiring address, dealing with several subjects.