IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10130, 2 December 1910, Page 4

IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURE.

In an introductory statement contained in the annual report of the Department of Agriculture, the Hon. T. Mackenzie emphasises the fact that in this Dominion farming and the initial preparation of farm-pro-ducts occupy a position that stands easily first in importance. ■ He further "says that "if the whole of the "land, labour, and capital at present employed in this Dominion in "connection with agriculture (using v "the word in its widest sense) were "to be utilised to the best advantage, the prosperity of the country "would.be stimulated to an astounding degree." Most people who have a knowledge of the country will agree with the Minister on this point. The remarkable thing is that a Government which is ready to admit the importance of agriculture is so willing to treat the "land, labour and capital" employed in it with contempt, and to place, restrictions upon the utilization of these essentials. . If the Government had devote., half the" attention it has given to industrial questions to. developing the land, the; country would not be in the neglected condition it is ,to-cl:jy. tine r,as only to review the legislation of the past session to see hoiv shamefully the industry which stands "first in importance" is beiiig, treated. While a dozen and one tin-pot measures dealing with factories and social and industrial problems can , be discussed, the Legislature has neither time nor inclination to offer encouragement to the man upon the land. I