The Daily News. SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 1920. PRIMARY INDUSTRIES.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 August 1920, Page VI

The Daily News. SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 1920. PRIMARY INDUSTRIES.

As befitting to the importance or the Dominion's primary indus-< tries, which are the mainstay of the country, the operations of the Department of Agriculture were dealt with at some length in the Financial Statement delivered by Mr. Massey recently. Simultaneously, the annual address of the President of the Farmers' Union (SirJamesWilson)was read at the conference, and one of the most important parts of the address referred to the need for increased production to make up for what the country had lost during the year. These two pronouncements give a clear insight into the question of our primary industries, and contain much matter that should be of interest to all classes of the community. New Zealand is pre-eminently a producing country, as can be gathered from the fact that from March 3, 1915, to March 31, 1920, the total payments made to the producers by the Department of Imperial Government Supplies amounted to over 133 million sterling, while there is still to be paid over 1£ million in respect of profits made on wool by the Imperial Government. The falling off of the acreage sown in wheat, in spite of the efforts made by the Government to encourage farmers to grow the cereal, is very disappointing, especially in view of the world shortage. In 1885 New Zealand was not only able to supply,her own requirements of wheat, but was able to export nearly five million bushels, yet of late years the Dominion has been compelled to purchase wheat overseas. The shortage is attributed to the increase in sheep-farming and dairying, and though farmers may have obtained more profits through the

it is unsound policy to have to buy wheat abroad. The increase in cattle, which has resulted from the expansion of dairying, is satisfactory. Regret was expressed at the custom of killing K off calves, but that is an inevitable result of high prices for grazing land. The dairying industry has been doing well, but there are indications that higher prices will be obtained, so that the outlook may be said to be better than ever# Graziers, however, may have an anxious time. With more favorable conditions than last year the wool clip should be heavier, and prices may continue favorable. In Sir James Wilson's review of the situation the outstanding points are increased production and the need for fresh markets. "With a huge debt, and the prospects of heavy taxation," said Sir James, "everyone knows that the only way to pay our way and prepare for lower values, which.everyone expects to be soon upon us, is to increase production, and if everyone would buckle-to, production could be inci'eased." The same doctrine ha.s been preached again and again, though the prime stimulant to returned soldiers and other farmers will doubtless be that the high prices paid for land and stock render imperative that the best efforts shall be forthcoming. The suggestion that Sir Thomas Mackenzie should return to New Zealand by way of Canada and the United States so as to enable him to make inquiries as to the possibilities of trade with those countries, is well worthy of attention by the Government, in "view of the glut of meat and wool in Britain. He is particularly well qualified to do what is required. Hitherto shortage of refrigerated space has been a bar to opening up new markets, but there should be sufficient now available to meet the needs of the Dominion's producers. In one direction the busi-ness-like section of the dairying community are advancing production, namely, by devoting attention to improving the yield of butter-fat by means of high-class cows, and these are the men who will reap the full advantage of whatever increases prices that are anticipated. It is pleasing to learn on such good authority that the flocks of the Dominion have been much improved. There is plenty of room for improvement, and still will be. With better bred sheep the wool will be more valuable and greater care should be taken, besides which more attention should be paid to fattening lambs, while there is a mine of wealth in pigs. The days of cheap labor on farms are over, so that increased productio'n and higher quality are necessary if the farmers are to thjrive. A sound scheme of agricultural education will be of great help to the rising generation, and the indications are that they will need all the science and practical skill they can acquire to overcome the difficulties that the future appears to hold.

THE FARMERS' MEAT CO, The report of the Taranaki Farmers' Meat Co. for the past year should be read with much satisfaction, especially by those immediately concerned with the farming industry. The outstanding feature of the year's operations was the great increase $n the number of sheep, lambs and cattle dealt with at the works, the increase in sheep slaughtered being 14,089 over the previous year, and 35,533 over the tally for 1918, whilo the increase in lambs was 0123 oyer the preceding year. A corresponding expansion was shown iu relation to cattle, the increase over the previous year being 3105, and 5450 above the figures for 1918. This growth of business is conclusive proof of the immense value these works are to Taranaki fanners, and fully justifies the extensions made to the accommodation. To Jiave put through 92,612 sheep, 18,381 lambs, and 12,011 cattle in one season was a very creditable record. The point which will probably make the moat impression on the fanning community is that if these works had not been available, and as the other freezing works were there would have been a very serious loss, as fat stock of all kinds would have had to go back into stores, probably with insufficient feed available, while farmers and graziers would have 'been'deprived of t the money represented by the value of the animals, Without doubt the' fanners have in their meat works an asset of enormous value. Necessarily such a large concern, needs ample capital for utilising to advantage all the by-products, and in this connection it would be a wise and paying policy to enlarge the scope of operations by. erecting woollen mills, the need for which in this province is manifest. If such an enterprise is to materialise it would n'eed to be liberally supported by the public as well as the farmers. It certainly would put the coping-stone on a business that is helping so largely in the development of the resources of the province.