BOARD OF AGRICULTURE (REPORT OF THE SECOND) FOR THE YEAR 1917-18.

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1918 Session I-II, H-29a

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Session 11. 1918. NEW ZEALAND.

BOARD OF AGRICULTURE (REPORT OF THE SECOND) FOR THE YEAR 1917-18.

Laid on the Table of the House, of Representatives by Leave.

REPOET. The Hon. Minister of Agriculture, Wellington. Win, — Wellington, 15th May, 1918. The second Board of Agriculture, whose appointment by His Excellency the Governor was gazetted on the 10th May, 1917, held four meetings during the year—viz., 29th May, 1917; 10th to 13th July, 1917; 4th October, 1917; and 6th and 7th February, 1918. Besides having had the pleasure of a long conference with yourself upon the questions of the production of meat and dairy-produce and the storage and shipping from the Dominion of these products, in which you were good enough to give us full and confidential information on the various subjects, we have had several conferences on agricultural matters with the various associations connected with the breeding of horses and sheep, as well as poultry, andxm another occasion a long conference with the National Efficiency Board on subjects in which both Boards were interested, connected with agriculture, land-settlement, rural housing, seed-growing, &c. Our Board was also represented at the several conferences connected with the sale of butter, cheese, wool, hides, and skins when the Imperial Government purchased these products. The members of the Board interested in wheat-growing were also present at the time you met the wheat-growers, millers, merchants, and brokers at Christchurch in November last, when arrangements were made for the purchase and disposal of the coming season's wheat crop. Questions relating to the Production, Storage, and Shipping oe Meat and Dairy-produce. The Board devoted a great deal of attention to the question of increased accommodation for the storage of meat and dairy-produce in the Dominion; the prospects of shipping for these products; the policy that the Government should be recommended to advocate farmers to carry out in the immediate future regarding the holding and killing of stock; and other matters relating to the agricultural and pastoral industry generally. All these questions were exhaustively considered in conjunction with the officers of the Department of Agriculture, and after we hud had placed before us figures as to the stocks of perishable products in New Zealand, and the storage capacity available, we recommended that the additional storage required should, in the exceptional circumstances, be provided with Government assistance, as the companies concerned could hardly be expected to expend money in providing additional storage which after the war might not be utilized. Meat. —We also discussed the advisableness of taking steps to conserve shipping-space by cutting mutton carcases into two parts, and fitting the shanks of the hind legs into the chests of the carcases, thereby reducing the length very considerably. Cheese. —The question of the provision of additional cool-storage accommodation for cheese, which you had referred to us for our opinion, was also fully gone into, and lengthy interviews took place with your Department's officers on the subject. It had been urged that in consequence, of the loss suffered by owners of cheese during the preceding season, and the probable augmentation of that loss the following season through lack of sufficient cool storage at the ports, the Government should provide a considerable amount of additional storage for cheese at Wellington and other centres. The information wdiich was placed before us in connection with the matter bore out the urgency of the need for this accommodation being provided.

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Butter. —Allied with the cheese question is the butter question, and the need for accommodation for the latter product was fully considered. The importance of the butter question lies in the fact that so many small farmers are interested in it, that anything detrimentally affecting the industry would mean grave inconvenience, and in some cases hardship, to struggling settlers. Some assistance, the Board felt, should therefore be given in the case of the storage and shipping of butter. It had been represented to the Board that from 6 to 8 per cent, of the shipping-space available should be allocated to butter. Dairy Industry generally. —Bearing upon the dairy industry generally, and one vitally affecting it, is the question of experts, and this phase of the subject was gone into. It had been reported to the Board that a number of cheese experts and dairy-factory managers had gone to the war, and it was stated that the cheese and butter industries would be in a very awkward position later on if experienced men could not be retained for making these products. It was pointed out that cheese-factories and dairy companies were having a great difficulty in filling vacancies, which was now being done by the employment of boys under military age and men unfit for military, service with no experience. As a result of our deliberations of these matters the following resolutions were passed and forwarded on to you : — " (1.) That the Government should, if possible, try to secure for the carriage of butter, say, about C per cent, of the shipping-space available; and also consider the practicability of adopting some method of assisting small, dairy-farmers should they need financial help in the event of their being unable to ship their butter. '.' (2.) That the Board of Agriculture consider that the Government is in honour bound to see that all cheese is properly stored at a low temperature, both for the sake of the British Government and for the reputation of New Zealand cheese, and in support of this they would submit the following facts : — " (a.) The outlook for shipping is absolutely uncertain. " (b.) Without cool storage cheese will not keep. " (c.) Cool storage for cheese can be erected at a cost amounting to approximately 5 per cent, of the value of the product, and the storage fees paid by the Imperial Government would recoup a large proportion of the cost. " (d.) After the war this storage will probably be required in the ordinary course of trade, but even if not required for storage or for some other purpose —and of no value' afterwards, which is highly improbable —the expenditure would only mean an insurance policy of about 5 per cent, on the year's output of cheese. " (c.) In order to expedite the despatch of vessels so as to make the greatest possible use of them, a large central store in Wellington is urgently required. The Board therefore strongly recommend that storage accommodation should be provided, which, with the storage now available, would amount to a total of 600,000 crates. " (/.) That the Wellington Harbour Board having offered to commence the erection of a building for 60,000 crates, on condition that the Government subsidize the expenditure by £3,250, this offer should be promptly accepted, so that storage may be available for the incoming season commencing in September. This matter the Board regard as one of extreme urgency. " (3.) That the Board of Agriculture wish to point out to the Government that the number of dairy-factory experts has been seriously depleted, and they are therefore of opinion that no factory should be left without a sufficient number of experienced men or the output will be further restricted. They also consider that an official pronouncement from the Government should be made on the subject. " (4.) That in the opinion of the Board it is imperative, in view of the probable shortage of ships, that, additional freezing-stores be built as soon as possible, and that the Government should subsidize the building of these stores, if necessary, after consulting with the freezing companies, and obtaining from them their views as to the most suitable localit)', and the best method of financing the proposals; also that a portion of such extra storage should be made available for butter. At our meeting in October last, at which we had the pleasure of talking over matters with yourself, and when you supplied us with confidential information and figures regarding the shipping outlook, the subject was again fully gone into, particularly from the point of view of the possibility of relief being given in the matter of shipping-space, by freezing companies taking only first-class stock to lie slaughtered at the works; and the tinning of second-class fat old ewes, the necessary steps being taken to obtain supplies of tinplate for this purpose. It was .also deemed desirable to advise farmers, in view of the possible shortage of shipping, to hesitate to fatten and freeze their long-woolled ewe lambs. The following resolutions were accordingly passed and forwarded to you : — " (5.) The Board of Agriculture having gone thoroughly into the position regarding the prospects of shipping, storage of meat, butter, and cheese, &c. have the honour to report — "(ft.) That there is a serious position to face owing to the piling-up of produce in New Zealand.

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" (b.) That the prospect of shipping to transport this produce is, if anything, less promising than it was last year. The Board therefore recommend (i) that it is absolutely necessary, in order to ensure the freezing-space being occupied to the fullest extent with the primest meat, that the Inspectors in passing the meat purchased by the Imperial Government should be more strict as to quality, so that only a finished animal be killed; (ii) that to do this satisfactorily it is necessary that the number of competent Inspectors should be at least as many as last year. Several of these have been called up and are in camp, exemption having been refused. So important does the Board deem proper inspection that at least six Inspectors should be released from camp to undertake this work, otherwise the thirty-six Inspectors at present available will be insufficient. " (c.) That farmers should be warned that it may be impossible to freeze all the stock coming to hand, and that winter feed should, wherever possible, be provided to rear any lambs left over, and recommended to retain their best long-woollcd ewe lambs. " (d.) That second-class fat old ewes should be tinned if possible, and steps taken to obtain tinplates for use in this process by securing, if possible, a supply of British or American plates. " (().) That the Department of Agriculture be asked to inquire as to the available capacity for tinning meat at the various freezing-works in the Dominion, and that inquiries be made as to the price at which the British Government would be prepared to take over tinned meat in the same way as frozen meat." You have since notified us of the arrangements which have been put in train for the present meat-export season, and forwarded for our information a copy of the " Terms and conditions of the purchase of frozen meat by the New Zealand Government on behalf of His Majesty's Government of the United Kingdom." It is gratifying to note that such satisfactory arrangements have been made regarding this very important matter. Uniform Stud and Flock Books. In our report of last year we mentioned that it had been suggested to the Board that an endeavour should be made to arrange for a conference of the various flock, herd, and stud book authorities, with a view of a decision being come to, if possible, in the publication of one book where two exist at present for the same breed of animal; so that a better system might be secured of registering the purebred stock of the Dominion. The Board accordingly at its first meeting sent out to each live-stock breeding association throughout the Dominion the following letter : — " The attention of the Board of Agriculture has been drawn to the fact that there arc two stud-books in connection with draught horses in existence in New Zealand at the present time, and the Board think it is desirable, in the best interests of horse-breeding in the Dominion, that an effort should be made to consolidate these stud-books and have only one dealing with draught horses, with separate sections for each breed. " There are also two general flock-books in the Dominion in connection with sheep, ' and two separate flock-books for Romneys and Lincolns. In some cases the registered sheep in the South Island will not be admitted to the flock-book in the North Island, and it is certainly causing at the present time a considerable amount of friction and some injustice. " The Board think that in both these instances, if representatives of the stud-books and the flock-books were to meet together, some satisfactory arrangement might be made whereby this overlapping and unnecessary work might be overcome, and the Board hope that your association will take steps to send a representative to the next Conference of the Council of Agriculture to be held in Wellington in July next, when they understand the subject will be brought up by the executive of the Council for discussion." Perhaps the views of the Board will be best expressed as contained in the following motion which was brought before us : — " That the delegates of the various breed associations hold a joint meeting with the Board of Agriculture to endeavour to organize a National Live-stock Association with the objects (1) of bringing about a more uniform method of registering purebred stock in the Dominion, and (2) of preventing the shipment of animals of inferior quality calculated to bring discredit on the breeders in New Zealand." At the meeting which was held on the 12th July, 1917, representatives of the following stud, flock, and herd books were present : Draught Horse Stud-book; Clydesdale Stud-book; Shorthorn Herd-book; Jersey Herd-book; Friesian Herd-book; Angus Herd-book; Bomney Marsh Flockbook; Lincoln Flock-book; South Island Flock-book; North Island Flock-book. After a very exhaustive discussion of the subject, and in the hope of bringing the societies which were at variance together, the following resolution was passed : " That in the opinion of this meeting of representatives of various breeders' associations there should be not more than one association for each distinct breed of horses, cattle, sheep, or swine"; together with another important resolution in connection with the export of inferior sheep, as follows : " That this meeting of representatives of breeders' associations request the Board of Agriculture to ask the Government to take power to prohibit the exportation of inferior sheep for stud or flock purposes."

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Later the Board again met the representatives of (a) the Clydesdale Horse Society, and the Draught Horse Stud-book Council; and (6) the South Island Sheep-breeders' Association, and the Bomney Marsh Sheep-breeders' Association, with the object of bringing them into line with the motion as above —that there should not be more than one association for each distinct breed of horses or sheep—and fully and freely discussed matters with them. The Board have made repeated attempts to bring the two bodies together, and we have no doubt that the good sense of the breeders will eventually result in amalgamation being effected. In the ease of the flock-books, breeders show more inclination to come together, and the Council of the Romney Marsh Sheep-breeders' A'sociation have informed us, in reply to our representations that the Romney Marsh Flock-book be reopened to all eligible Romney flocks in New Zealand, that at their annual meeting in June they will recommend that that flock-book be reopened to all the Romney flocks registered in the South Island Flock-book. If this be done in a liberal spirit we hope to see an amalgamation come about in the near future. The question of uniformity in rules for flock-books has also had the Board's consideration, as the outcome of suggested rules which have been drafted by the sub-committee of the Board set up to deal with the matter. With the practice of the registration of sheep in the Dominion properly regulated it must make for the improvement of the stock and the consequent raising of the standard of the several breeds. A copy of the suggested rules will be forwarded to you in due course. Prohibition of Exportation of Inferior Sheep. This question was discussed at length with the Secretary of Agriculture and the Director of the Live-stock Division, and while the Board considered it was extremely necessarj' that some restriction should be placed upon the export of inferior sheep, it was found that this could not be done except hj legislative enactment. The matter, you will remember, also formed the subject of a conversation with yourself in which you expressed the opinion that something should be done to protect the good name of the purebred stock of the Dominion. Later you suggested in a communication to the Board that we might utilize the breed societies so that all sheep which would be exported should be inspected on the owner's property, the Government rendering assistance to enable the inspection to be carried out through the Board or otherwise. Until the joint questions of uniformity in flock-books and rules are settled the Board thought that this matter might wait, when if it still be thought necessary to introduce legislation to prohibit the exportation of the class of sheep referred to it could be gone on with. It will doubtless come up for discussion again when the Council of Agriculture meets in July next, and the various breeding societies are represented thereat. Collection of Sheep Statistics. Representations were made to the Board in connection with the collection of sheep statistics, and it was pointed out that the existing procedure was not satisfactory, inasmuch as the figures at present collected of the number of sheep shorn and the lambs tailed were published too late to be of use. It was suggested, inter alia, that the Department of Agriculture should collect the lambing returns as at the 30th November, so that they could be published at least by the 31st January, the main returns to be taken not biter than the Ist, or at latest, the 15th March to prevent over-export. It was claimed that this would enable exporters to decide how many sheep it would be safe to kill. After discussing the matter the Board decided to write to the Government Statistician and ask him whether it was possible to have the docking and shearing tallies published earlier than was the case at present, so that farmers might be in the position of knowing what the stocks of sheep are by the end of February, or by the middle of March at the latest. To the Board's communication the Government Statistician replied as follows : — " I fully recognize the importance of this information being published as early as possible, and I have given careful consideration to the matter on various occasions. "It would be quite impracticable to make a special collection of information as to sheep flocks at the end of the year as has been suggested. The collection of agricultural and pastoral statistics (in conjunction with which the present enumeration of sheep and lambs is made) is taken from the 31st January onwards, so that the results of the harvest may be ascertained. If it were possible for police officers to devote the whole of their time to this work it should be possible to publish the results in June or July, but it is always found that there are unavoidable delays in furnishing returns. There is no reason to believe that if a separate collection was made of information regarding sheep and lambs the figures would be furnished any more promptly. " But in any case, with the lambing percentages which will in future be published in the Monthly Abstract of Statistics (it is hoped in December and January) all the necessary information will be available to farmers, freezing companies, and others interested. By applying the lambing percentages to the number of breeding-ewes in each district as published in the Second Interim Sheep Return a very close approximation of the position can be arrived at —this was demonstrated bj' the close agreement of these figures last year. " There is no doubt that in normal peace-times the police would be able to complete the collection-work within a reasonable time, and that publication of the statistics could be made within two months of the time set for completion of the collection, namely : (I) North Island, end of March; (2) northern portion of South Island, middle of April; (3) South Canterbury and Otago, end of April; and (4) Southland, middle of May. It is necessary to allow the times as here set out so as to enable the actual results of the harvest in the various districts to be obtained, and to reduce as far as possible the number of cases in which estimates of the harvest results have to be accepted." *

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Earmarking and Branding of Stock. We had referred to us by the New Zealand Council of Agriculture for our consideration and support the following resolution : " That the present system of earmarking and branding is most unsatisfactory, and that the Government be asked to devise a better method of identification of stock and one less cumbersome than the present method." In reply to our request whether the system which it had been stated by the Assistant Director of the Live-stock Division of the Department of Agriculture at the last conference of the Council of Agriculture had been devised was available for our consideration, so that a recommendation might be submitted to you in the matter, the Secretary of Agriculture by your direction forwarded us a copy of a communication from the Director of the Live-stock Division explanatory and illustrative of the system, together with an adverse criticism of it by the Registrar of Brands at Wangauui. A sub-committee of the Board was set up to report on the scheme. They made an inspection of the sheep which had been earmarked by the Department in accordance with the system, and have reported that the marks were very plain and distinct, and, although at present incomplete, they were of opinion that the system was well worthy of further inquiry and subsequent trial. The scheme is one capable of giving many distinct ear-marks which would be of great convenience so far as the breeder of sheep is concerned. The principal difficulty, however, appeared to be in the case of sheep which changed ownership from time to time. This did not seem to be provided for in the scheme, and it would render the adoption of the plan rather difficult unless it could be overcome. Improvement in Dairying and in the Management of Dairy Herds. We discussed with Mr. Pope, Secretary of Agriculture, the practicability of giving instruction at Weraroa Central Development Farm in better dairying methods to both boys and girls engaged in the dairying industry on farms—for instance, the treatment of milk, feeding of cows, rationing, &c. Mr. Pope informed us that it would be practicable to arrange short courses in dairying subjects during the winter months for farmers' sons and daughters, as. suggested, with the present staff. The Board would be glad to hear in due course the success or otherwise of the experiment. Wool-pack and Corn-sack Shipments from Calcutta. The Board's co-operation was asked to take steps to expedite the arrival of shipments of wool-packs for the ensuing season from Calcutta. In the previous year the delay in the arrival of wool-packs through the vessels being taken up for the purpose of bringing coal from Australia and other work created a great deal of inconvenience. It was pointed out to the Board that some steps should be taken to ensure the earlier shipment of wool-packs in sufficient quantities so as not to cause any delay at shearing-time, as well as to ensure that a sufficient number of corn-sacks should be available for the harvest. On account of the urgency for action, the Board decided that the Hon. Minister be interviewed in the matter, and asked for the assistance of the Government in diverting a transport on its way to Australia to call at Calcutta to pick up the shipment. A deputation from the Board subsequently interviewed the Bight Hon. Sir Joseph Ward, who promised that the matter would receive the attention of the Government, and if practicable the necessary steps would be taken to give effect to the Board's representations. The Board later addressed the General Manager of the Union Steamship 'Company at Dunedin in the matter. The company replied stating that prior to the war the following sailings were maintained—viz., one early in the year and two about the middle of the year with wool-packs, and two towards the end of the year with cornsacks. Owing to the war conditions and the detention of the Calcutta steamers for running coal to New Zealand, sailings became somewhat disorganized, and the vessels had been running late on dates, consequently the steamer which should have left Calcutta about the end of last year did not leave until the beginning of this year, and the following steamer was not expected to leave until some weeks later. Owing to importers apparently not waiting for the steamer that usually carried their wool-packs, but placing their orders forward, space in the earlier steamer had been fully allocated. The company further advised that it was proposed to maintain the steamers in the Calcutta trade and to run them as expeditiously as possible. If nothing occurred to hinder the sailings, the company expressed the opinion that they should be ample for New Zealand requirements both for woolpacks and corn-sacks. It is to be hoped that nothing will interfere with the proposed sailings. " Draft " on Wool. The Right Hon. the Prime Minister wrote to the Board in reply to our representations drawing his attention to the draft on wool, stating that the War Office had advised the Government that it regretted that the abolition of draft could not be granted. The Board still hope, however, that this matter will be one of the subjects which the Right Hon. the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance will deal with when in London. The Wool Requisition. Complaint was made to the Board that butchers and farmers were receiving a price for sheepskins less than that arranged for with the Imperial Government, and instances were quoted where there had been losses of 2s. 6d. on each skin. The Board were of opinion that this was a matter which should be inquired into, and the following resolution was passed : — " That the Hon. Minister of Agriculture be written to and informed that the Board had had complaints that butchers and farmers were not receiving for their sheep-skins the price they should have obtained under the arrangement made with the Imperial Government, and that the Board were of opinion that some inquiry should be made by the officers of the Department of Agriculture, or some other officer appointed for the purpose, to see whether the trouble complained of could not be remedied."

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Importation of Phosphates. The Board was approached by the Pacific Phosphate Company (Limited) in reference to the proposed diverting of the s.s. " Whaiigape " from the Pacific Islands phosphate trade for use by the Government as a coal transport. It was pointed out that since the war started phosphate shipments from the islands had been maintained with the greatest difficulty owing to the scarcity and high cost of tonnage, and several trips with the vessel in question (which had been chartered for the purpose) then remained to be made. As the question of supplies of phosphates was of great importance to the Dominion, and the Islands are practically the only source of phosphates, except the animal-manures that we now have, it was decided that the Hon. Mr. Myers be written to and urged to take steps to see that the importation of fertilizers was not hindered, particularly in view of the decreased supply of phosphatic fertilizers imported into the Dominion last year. We are glad to say that the Hon. Minister was able to make other arrangements for the carriage of coal, and the " Whaugape's " voyages were not disturbed. Potash-supplies . At the request of the Board Mr. Aston, Agricultural Chemist, has made several most interesting experiments in connection with the amount of potash contained in fern and seaweed and in wood-ashes at sawmills, the substance of which has from time to time been published in the Journal of Agriculture. It was gathered, however, that the cost of obtaining potash, in sufficient quantities for use from fern and seaweed would be too great to be a paying proposition, and the necessity for potash in New Zealand lands generally not being so great as, for instance, phosphates, would'not justify anything being done on a commercial scale towards obtaining supplies in large quantities. In the case of wood-ashes, however, it might be profitable to apply them directly to the laud, as they contain large quantities of lime as well as some phosphate, both of which would be lost if the potash alone were extracted. Wheat. The wheat question has been many times before the Board in various phases, and our original opinion was that something over 6s. a bushel should be guaranteed to the grower. When we considered the question of price at our meeting in May, 1917, it was pointed out that the high price of wheat throughout the world, and the high price which had to be paid in Australia for the wheat obtained for the Dominion, would surely justify the Government in paying a larger amount to farmers for the next season's wheat than had been offered. It was then decided to write to you and to say that the Board hoped that after your experience of what it would cost to bring wheat from^ Australia you could see your way to make the price for the 1917-18 crop ss. lOd. per bushed o.t. instead of f.o.b. We believed this price would encourage the growth of a wider area of wheat, and be much more equitable to those growers a long distance from port selling for local use, seeing that the miller would be entitled to deduct from the ss. lOd. freight charges to the port, even though there was no intention of exporting the wheat. Under these conditions a farmer 100 miles from port would probably only receive ss. 6d., whereas one who could deliver the wheat himself at the port would receive 4d. per bushel more. We thought that if our recommendation to fix the price o.t. were given effect to such anomalies would be entirely obviated. The Government, however, having decided upon the price to be paid, the Board was quite prepared to assist them in every way to deal with the question. The farmers made a great effort to grow sufficient grain for the Dominion, although they did not think that the guaranteed price was commensurate with the risk. The crop was most disappointing, and, although with an average crop we should have grown quite sufficient on the area set aside for this cereal, the threshing returns would indicate that we shall have to import a considerable quantity to make up the deficit. The representatives of the Board interested attended a conference in Christchurch in November last, when you placed before the millers, brokers, farmers, and merchants the whole matter of the arrangements proposed to be made for the sale and disposal of the 1917—18 season's wheat to the Government. With regard to the price to be paid for the 1918-19 crop, the Board resolved — " That the Government be asked to state the price at which it is prepared to purchase next season's wheat crop, the Board being strongly of opinion that an announcement on the subject should be made at the earliest possible date. From information furnished by several members of the Board there appeared to be a strong disinclination on the part of farmers to grow wheat even at the price which was mentioned as being likely to be offered for next season's grain, this being mainly owing to the difficulty of securing adequate labour for harvesting, the disappointing results of this season's crop in many cases, together with the cost of sacks, coal, and threshing. In these circumstances it is very doubtful whether sufficient wheat will be grown next season for our own requirements unless some further arrangements are made." The Board is glad to know, however, from reports that have appeared in the Press that the matter of the next season's crop will be dealt with in a more liberal manner.

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Supplies of Rape and Turnip Seed. The position regarding the supply of turnip and rape seed, concerning which the Imperial Government had placed some restriction on exportation from Great Britain, was brought under the Board's notice by Mr. Pope, Secretary of Agriculture, who forwarded a note from the Department's Biologist stressing the urgent necessity for placing before the proper authorities the very grave results that would follow an embargo on the export of this seed from Great Britain. Mr. Pope stated that the stocks of seed in the Dominion were very low, and that representations had already been made to the High Commissioner, who had replied that there had been no trouble up to the present, but that he was watching the position very carefully. It was decided to write to you pointing out the importance of securing adequate supplies of seed, and the following resolution was passed : — " That in order to obviate as far as possible any difficulty in procuring supplies of the turnip and rape seed necessary for the Dominion's requirements, the Board of Agriculture recommend the Hon. Minister of Agriculture to communicate with the High Commissioner in London requesting him to endeavour to obtain the necessary exportation permits for the seed." Later information, however, led us to expect that there would be greater difficulty than the High Commissioner seemed to anticipate. In these circumstances the matter was treated as one of urgency, and Mr. Brown, Director of the Fields Division, and Mr. Cockayne, Biologist, were asked to attend the conference between our Board and the National Efficiency Board to go into the question. In relation to red-clover seed, which has risen considerably in price, it was pointed out that if we had the right kind of humble-bee in New Zealand we could not only grow sufficient for our own purposes, but also probably become a large exporting country. We therefore recommend that further inquiries should be made, and, if possible, importations of the red-tailed humble-bee made on behalf of the Government. At present the difficulty is that at the time when the clover is in flower the humble-bee we have here hatches out too late, and the fertilization is often imperfect. The humble-bee which does the bulk of this work in the north of England and in Scotland hatches out earlier, and would be better suited for our purpose. The white clover is fertilized by the ordinary bee, and it seems strange that while white clover is so very high-priced, and our seed ranks with the wild white clover which is in such demand in Europe, more of this seed is not grown in New Zealand. With reference to the.supply of turnip, swede, rape, and mangold seed, all the exporters of these seeds require a license before they can be exported from Great Britain. It was stated that a very considerable quantity of rape-seed was successfully grown in New Zealand, and that the difficulty with turnips and swedes is that they require to be kept through the winter and allowed to go to seed the following spring. The seed, however, does not ripen until too late as a general rule for the sowing of that season's crop. Mangold-seed is fairly easily grown, but subject to great loss through birds, as is also rape and turnip seed when ripe. Mr. Cockayne doubted whether it would pay New Zealand to grow seeds in preference to what might be considered more profitable and easy production. The members of the Board, however, seemed to think that a large proportion of the seed that was used in New Zealand could be profitably grown in the Dominion, and especially so under present conditions. As the result of that meeting it was decided— " That the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture be written to and asked to arrange for more information regarding seed-growing, to be supplied to farmers by the Department's experts through the columns of the Journal of Agriculture, such information to take the form of notifying results of seed-growing experiments and demonstrations carried out not only in New Zealand but also in Europe and other parts of the world, as well as any other information that would be of assistance to farmers in the Dominion, so that they might be encouraged to develop this industry until the bulk of the seeds required in the Dominion were locally produced." Subsequently some of the members of the Board, with myself, had an interview with the National Efficiency Board, whose information indicated that the prospect of the importation of seed was not in such a satisfactory position as had been anticipated, and a large quantity, mostly of garden seeds, was prohibited from being exported at all, and licenses for other seeds were being cut down. It was further pointed out that so far as next spring sowings were concerned anything that could be done in the way of growing seeds of the Brassica tribe would be too late for the coming spring except in the case of the later-sown crops. There was yet time to allow areas of rape to be set aside for seed, and it might be possible also to secure areas of swedes and other turnips at present growing for this purpose. This, however, may entail a spraying of these crops so as to secure them from blight during the winter. In order to ascertain the position in which the merchants in New Zealand were placed with regard to stocks, and licenses which would be granted for export of seed from Great Britain, a circular letter was sent out; by the Board to those firms who act as agents for the various seedgrowing firms in Great Britain. The replies received indicate that so far exporters in England had only procured from 50 per cent, to 75 per cent, of the orders sent to Great Britain. Some of the varieties, we presume, because of a larger supply, would be granted the higher rate, while those in scarce supply would probably only get the lower rate. The position was later discussed by myself with Mr. Cockayne, who seemed to think that it might be possible to get a further supply of the scarce seed by limiting some of the others that were not used so much, and encouraging the further growth of seeds which might be used for later sowings. The Department of Agriculture arranged with the Government Statistician for a census

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to bo taken of the stocks of turnip, swede, and rape seeds in New Zealand, showing the quantity in store, the quantity ordered for 1918, the quantity for which advices have been received that can be supplied, the quantity on the water, and usual annual requirements. With this information before us we shall be in a much better position to see how we stand and the steps it will be necessary to take to make up as far as possible any deficiency. The variety which seems to be scarce is the Imperial or Hardy Green Globe, and we understand that steps have been taken by the Department to ascertain by experiments whether it is possible to grow turnip-seed by planting turnips in the middle of March so as to allow them to run to seed the following spring, but the quantities sown will be altogether too small for the season's requirements. If the seed of this turnip is not available some other variety might be imported before it is too late. The Imperial Green Globe, Hardy Green Globe, and Aberdeen varieties, however, seem to succeed in many cases where the swedes are subject to dry-rot. A Seeds Bill. This matter was discussed by the Board with Mr. Pope and Mr. Cockayne, as we are of opinion it is one of the matters that should not be put aside because of the war. If the importation of seeds is likely to continue, the introduction into Parliament of a Seeds Bill should be brought forward as soon as possible. Mr. Cockayne informed us that he had been going into the matter with a good many seed-merchants in the North Island, and that a Seeds Bill would meet with universal approval. The following resolution was therefore passed and sent on to you : — " That the Minister of Agriculture be requested to bring before Parliament a Bill providing (1) that all imported seeds should be examined by a Seeds Inspector, and not allowed to be sold until a permit is granted that the seeds contain no deleterious weedseed; (2) that such imported seed shall, if found necessary, be recleaned, and afterwards passed if found clean; and (3) that such seeds must have a certain specified germination, and if they are less than specified they must be notified on sale." We would urge that the matter be taken up and a Bill framed for presenting to Parliament when it again meets later on in the year. Noxious Weeds, and Suggested Amendments to Noxious Weeds Act. We had another interview with Mr. Pope, Secretary of Agriculture, and Mr. Cockayne, Biologist, with reference to the matter of noxious weeds, particularly in connection with the replies which had been received to the Board's weed-census circular, also the suggested amendments to the Noxious Weeds Act which had been submitted by Mr. Pope. Mr. Cockayne informed us he was of opinion that nothing was practicable in the way of amending the Act until a weed survey, which could be conducted on proper lines through the Fields Inspectors of the Department, had been made. We might then be in a position to say whether any procedure suggested was a sound and rational one, and whether the Act should be repealed or not. A weed survey would also be of considerable assistance in determining the " biddy-biddy " question. In order that farmers generally might know what the Department suggested as a means of endeavouring to deal with this vexed question we arranged with Mr. Pope to read a paper on the subject of the suggested amendments to the Noxious Weeds Act at the 1917 Conference of the Council of Agriculture. We are also of opinion that Mr. Cockayne's proposal to carry out certain definite experiments in connection with noxious weeds —for instance, the use of iron oxide as a means of controlling them—should be gone on with. Mr. Pope informed us he was quite willing to arrange for the carrying-out of such experiments on the lines suggested by Mr. Cockayne. The following resolution was passed and forwarded to you : — " That until there is a thoroughly satisfactory survey made of the weeds of the Dominion there should be no fresh legislation on the subject. The replies to the circular sent out by the Board showed a great diversity of opinion as to weeds and the differences in the locality in which they grow. The Board suggest that the subject be again dealt with by the Conference of the Council of Agriculture, to be introduced by a paper by Mr. Pope, Secretary of Agriculture, on the subject of the Noxious Weeds Act and its enforcement; and that steps should at once be taken to have a weed survey carried out by the officers of the Department, also a series of experiments started to determine the Best methods of coping with and checking weeds." Accommodation for Married Men on Farms and Stations. Cabinet referred for our consideration correspondence between the National Efficiency Board and the Prime Minister on the subject of accommodation for married men on farms and stations. The Chairman of the National Efficiency Board had also written our Board on the subject, and the question was fully gone into by both Boards in conference. Sections 31 to 33 of the Counties Amendment Act, 1913, authorizing County Councils to erect workers' dwellings on land acquired or appropriated for the purpose, and to let or otherwise dispose of such dwellings in the manner provided in those sections, were taken into consideration in connection with the matter, but it was thought that these would not meet the case, as farmers would prefer to borrow money from a central office like the Advances to Settlers Department

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(instead of through a County Council) on the amortization principle, to be secured by a rate on the land. By this means farmers could provide accommodation for married hands; but in the case of the backblocks it would not meet requirements to the full extent, and it was thought in such cases that the village-settlement scheme would counteract the objections to isolation and the want of social amenities. Means should also be provided for the surrounding settlers to secure an area, of land in their midst if they so desire to enable a village settlement to be established. The Board think that both these matters should receive the immediate and favourable consideration of the Government. The following resolutions were accordingly passed and forwarded on to 3'ou : — " (1.) That when a. number of settlers require land in a central position for the purpose of building cottages for rural workers, the Government should take the necessary steps to obtain the land required, the applicants to undertake to erect and maintain the cottages and to repay the cost of the houses and land, either in cash or on the instalment system. " (2.) That the Government be recommended to extend the provisions of clauses 31 to 33 of the Counties Amendment Act, 1913, relating to the building of cottages, so that a farmer could borrow money (to be secured by a rate on the land for the repayment of principal and interest, such rate to take precedence of other charges) for the purpose of erecting cottages on his property for farm labourers, the loan on the land to be repaid on the instalment system in accordance with the schedule to the Act named." Settlement of Returned Soldiers ox the Land. This question has on several occasions received consideration by the Board, and we are aware that the Minister who is in charge of the Department that deals with returned soldiers is taking steps to place them on the land. We had some correspondence with the National Efficiency Board on the subject, and with that Board our members in conference discussed the various phases of the question. We were informed that the Government has handed over to a Canterbury Patriotic Society a farm of 1,200 acres in the Southbridge district for the purpose of teaching returned men the different kinds of farming, which is to be managed by an experienced man with a local committee of farmers, the idea being to pay each man employed on the farm a. certain wage according to his fitness. We had information to the effect that the Minister interested in the returned soldiers might make arrangements whereby any deficiency in wage up to a reasonable sum might he provided by his Department, so that a man who was gaining experience on the land would not be expected to work for less than a living-wage. It was the opinion of the Board that a man who could take a job from a. farmer would be better left to make his own arrangements. It was, however, thought that such farms might he established in other districts, but there still remains the partially disabled man who might desire lo gain experience in some of the different sections of farming, and the Hoard has recommended that an appeal should be sent out to the farmers of New Zealand to take such men and give them thai opportunity, as well as the inexperienced man if he would prefer to go on under a. farmer direct. The representations in the matter which the Board made to the Right lion, the Prime Minister are as follows : — " (1.) That the opening-up of Crown and Native lands should lie accelerated and carried through on a, large scale. " (2.) That the purchase of private estates should be continued, lint owing to the presold high prices for land great discretion should be used. That as to leasehold runs. as the leases fall in they should be disposed of by sale under the deferredpayment system, or exchanged under the Land Act for good freehold in suitable situation and close to settlement. "(3.) That in land-purchases the Government should utilize the organization of the National Efficiency Board, so as to obtain advice as to its suitability, its value, and the method of its subdivision — with special emphasis as to the importance of subdivision. " (4.) That while every endeavour should be made to settle a, large number of men upon the land, it: is absolutely essential that no one should be allowed to take up an area of purchased land for farming purposes under the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act, 1917, or be granted financial assistance by the Government, who cannot produce evidence from some reliable sources that he has had the necessary experience to make the venture a success; but preference to returned soldiers at the ballots should he extended for a sufficient time to enable those without such experience to gain it, and that such training can best be obtained by working for farmers. " (5.) That a strong appeal should be made to farmers, through the National Efficiency Boards of Trustees and Committees of Advice throughout the Dominion, to take returned soldiers without fanning experience to enable them to gain a knowledge of general farming-work. " (6.) That in the selection of land returned soldiers shall continue to have preference after the declaration of peace."

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Reafforestation. The subject of reafforestation was also fully discussed with members of the National Efficiency Board, and the following resolution in connection therewith was forwarded to the Right, Hon. the Prime Minister :— ' That at a conference between the National Efficiency Board and the Board of Agriculture, held on the 7th February, the question of forestry was discussed, and it was decided that each Board should again address the Prime Minister on the necessity for the creation of a separate Forestry Department under the control of a scientifically trained forester. The meeting was of the opinion that it was absolutely essential that a man trained in the science and practice of in other parts of*the world should be selected. His duty would be to develop a policy of conservation for the small remaining area of native forests now left in New Zealand, the regeneration of such portion of the country that has been covered by bush but which is now of small value for settlement, to nnderplant existing bush where suitable areas are available for that purpose, and to continue the planting of other areas throughout the Dominion with trees suitable to the soil and position. " The members of the conference were fully convinced that it would be a mistake to appoint any one but a scientifically trained forester, no matter how good the man might be. to a position involving such far-reaching effects to the Dominion. The} 7 are so fully convinced that the appointment of an untrained man would lead to failure that the opinion was freely expressed that if a suitable man was not available during war-time it would be better to defer the organization of the Department until a trained man could be obtained." Subsequently a joint deputation from the Board and others interested in forestry matters interviewed the Right Hon. the Prime Minister, who promised that a separate Department would be created to take charge of forestry. In view of the utmost importance of this question to New Zealand, we hope that immediate steps will be taken to deal with it vigorously. We are glad to note that the first step towards the above recommendation has been acceded to in the appointment of a Minister. Organizing Women Labour for Farm-work. In connection with this matter the following question was asked in the House of Representatives bjr the Hon. Sir J. G. Findlay, M.P., " Whether the Government will take immediate and energetic steps to train all women (fit for the industry and willing to be engaged in it) for farmwork, in order that that most essential industry should not be paralysed by the depletion of the ranks of farm-workers for the purposes of our reinforcemeuts." The Right Hon. the Prime Minister, in replying, stated that the question would be referred to the Board of Agriculture. The subject was fully considered by us, and advantage was taken of the opportunity to discuss it with the National Efficiency Board at a conference of both Boards. The general feeling of the members of our Board was that it was not necessary to take any steps to train women for agricultural work, as plenty of country women are qualified now to assist in connection with farmwork, and they are already doing it very extensively, much more so than is usual. The conditions of farm-life in New Zealand are very different to what they are in Great Britain, and the assistance which women can render on farms in the Dominion is more a matter of inclination than of training, except perhaps as regards dairying, in which women would certainly require training, and this they can best obtain on the dairy farm. The conclusion come to in regard to the proposal was that there did not appear to be any necessity for dealing with the matter at the present time, and the Right Hon. the Prime' Minister and yourself were advised accordingly. We are very glad to know that the Government is considering the establishment of a, Central Horticultural Station where women will be able to receive education in this science, as it is excellent work that women can undertake satisfactorily. Desirability of having Judging at Shows taught on the Experimental Farms. The desirability of having judging at shows taught on the various Government farms was brought under our notice. The suggestion was the outcome of the difficulty experienced in securing competent judges for the various shows in the Dominion. As it was an important question it was decided, before making a recommendation in the matter, to write to the Secretary of Agriculture asking what experts the Department has capable of teaching the judging of livestock on the various experimental farms. Poultry. Recognizing the importance of the poultry industry, we invited the representatives of the New Zealand Poultry Association to confer with us, together with Mr. Pope, Secretary of Agriculture, and Mr. Brown, the Chief Poultry Instructor, on various matters connected with the industry. The Poultry Association was represented by the president, Mr. Gallichan; Mr. Mumby, of Heretaunga; Mr. Childs, of Ohristoluircli; Mr. Love, of Dunedin; and Mr. Finn, of Wellington. The points dealt with were—(l) Prohibition of importation of Asiatic yolk; (2) appointment of a residential instructor in the Auckland District; (3) appointment of a Market Commissioner or Commercial Agent; (4) provision of land for returned soldiers to take up poultry-farming; and (5) stamping of preserved and cool-stored eggs. The Board could not recommend the appointment of a Commercial Agent under existing conditions, nor the stamping of preserved or cool-stored eggs, but endorsed the other three requests, and wrote you accordingly.

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Club-root and Dry-rot Disease in Turnips. As a result of our discussion with Mr. Cockayne of these subjects he read a paper containing some very interesting information thereon before the Council of Agriculture in July last, which is included in the report of the Council's proceedings. It is noted that the Department is growing a number of different classes of turnips on infected soil so as to ascertain whether any of them is proof against the disease. The dry-rot, or phoma, we are glad to see, is being investigated, but so far so little is known about it that farmers in the South Island are mostly giving up growing swedes and turning their attention to some of the varieties of turnips which yield well and are not subject to the disease. One such variety is the Imperial or Hard}' Green Globe species, the seed of which seems to be likely to be very scarce. If it be at all possible to secure good crops of this Variety in the South we think farmers would be well advised to allow them to go to sped in order that it might perhaps come in for sowing the later crops. Experimental Work on Pumice Land in the Central District of the North Island. The enormous area of land on the central plateau in the North Island, which, may be classed as pumice land, justified a further considerable amount of attention being paid to the best and most economical way of dealing with this question. It has now been shown that successful settlement can take place and good returns be secured from lands which in earlier times were looked upon as useless. Certain pioneers have done great work in demonstrating their value. Large areas possibly are only suitable for the growth of timber, but other areas which come within a reasonable distance of the railway system, or its likely extension, are clearly suitable for setting aside for settlement purposes, and the Board thought it possible that some further experiments in the way of grassing, manures, and the system to be adopted should be carried out. To that end we requested that the Department report upon the subject. Summarizing Agricultural Experiments. It has been felt by the Board that the results of a large number of the experiments were conducted by the Department and individual farmers under the control of the Department never reach the public, and the Board requested the Director of the Fields Division to summarize the experiments with a view to publishing the results frequently in the Journal of Agriculture as soon as possible after they have been obtained. Unfortunately, owing to existing conditions, the space in this publication has been curtailed, but the system which is adopted by the English Board of Agriculture of publishing in its Journal experiments of interest to farmers that are taking place all over the world is one that might with advantage be followed in this country, and we are glad to learn that Mr. Brown is prepared to carry this out as far as possible if the space is available in the Journal of Agriculture. The Board regret exceedingly that after the expediture of so much money in carrying out these experiments the results have not been completely summarized and the information widely spread through the Press and the Journal of Agriculture for the guidance of farmers. Protest against the Proposed Establishment by the Anglo-Swiss Milk Company (Limited) of a Condensed-milk Factory in New 'Zealand. This matter, which was referred by Cabinet to the Board for consideration, was the outcome of correspondence which Messrs. Murray's Limited, of Invercargill, had with the Hon. Mr. Myers protesting against a foreign firm being allowed by the Government to come in and control the condensed-milk industry in the Dominion. We had evidence from the manager of the company of such a nature as to convince the Board that the Nestle and Anglo-Swiss Milk Company intended to come to New Zealand. There was very considerable probability that the compairy in Invercargill which was now manufacturing the " Highlander " brand of condensed milk would, if this eventuated, be driven out of the trade which it had built up in this article. The company was a New Zealand company, had been established many years in the Dominion, and was successfully carrying out its business. Although there was no direct evidence, the strong presumption was that the Nestle and Anglo-Swiss Company was an alien company. It had immense capital, which was acknowledged in some cases to be alien, and the representatives when asked would not produce its list of shareholders. For the above reasons the Board thought chat if the Government had power to prevent an alien company establishing a condensed-milk factory in New Zealand which might develop into a trust it should do so, and, if not, it should take the necessary legislative action giving it the power to enable it to do so. Following is a copy of the memorandum sent by us to the Hon. Mr. Myers on the subject:— " The question of the establishment by the Nestle and Anglo-Swiss Milk Company (Limited) of, a condensed-milk factory in New Zealand has been referred to the Board for consideration. Mr. W. D. Hunt, a member of the Board, was good enough to furnish a report to the Board on the subject, with whose conclusions in the matter; the Board generally agree. " He pointed out that it was a question of policy as to whether the Government of New Zealand, in consideration of the fact (as the Board are informed) that this company has developed into a dangerous trust practically controlling the condensed-milk industry of the world—and which with its big capital may oust any local industry, and therefore would be able (as the Meat Trust has done in other countries) to control prices both to the producer and consumer —should not prohibit the company starting in New Zealand.

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The Board consider that this is a question which the Government alone can decide, but they think that very careful consideration should be given to it, and if the Government is satisfied that the company is in the nature of a trust, they should consider whether it would not be in the interests of the Dominion to take the necessary legal powers to prohibit the company from establishing works as proposed. " The Board are also of opinion that the question of the nationality of the shareholders of the company is so obscure that until the Government is satisfied that the company is a neutral or British company it should be considered to be an enemy company and permission to start manufacture in New Zealand be withheld. " The history of the operations of the Nestle Milk Trust in Australia is evidence that it is a danger to ordinary trading." Kitchener Memorial Scholarship. We were informed that through the generosity of Colonel the Hon. R. Heaton Rhodes, M.P., who had donated £1,000 as a nucleus for the purpose, scholarships to be known as Kitchener Memorial Scholarships had been established, open to the competition of sons of New Zealand soldiers who have been on active service during the present war. Although the Board itself could do nothing in the matter of subscribing, it expressed complete concurrence with the proposal, and hoped that funds would be available for several scholarships to be granted to candidates who were successful in being selected. Instructional Classes in Agriculture for Boys in Towns. Several of the Education Boards in New Zealand have been making strong efforts to afford town youths an opportunity of acquiring the elements of agricultural training, thus fitting them to obtain situations on farms. . The Board are fully in sympathy with the movement, as they feel that it is essential work if we are going to encourage the greatest of all our industries, which in the circumstances warrants a still further extension of classes of instruction in this direct ioirT Amusements-tax. on Agricultural and Pastoral Show Tickets. We had forwarded to us correspondence in reference to the amusements-tax on agricultural and pastoral show tickets. A sub-committee was appointed to wait on the Commissioner of Stamps with a view of going into the matter and seeing whether any arrangement could be come to in respect of the tax which would be satisfactory both to the Stamp Department and the agricultural and pastoral associations. This was subsequently settled as the result of an interview between the Hon. Minister of Finance and representatives of the agricultural and pastoral associations, and legislation was passed last session exempting agricultural and pastoral associations from paying the tax. Amendment of the Fertilizers Act Although there are several amendments which the Board think it necessary to make to the Fertilizers Act, 1908, the time is not opportune to bring the matter before Parliament. It is, however, hoped that a Bill will be prepared for introducing into the House next session. To this end a member of the Board has been appointed to go into the various questions with officers of the Department of Agriculture. There are other subjects of a minor nature which the Board dealt with, but which do not need to be mentioned in this report. We should, however, like to say how gratifying it is to find that the Taranaki farmers have taken up experimental work on a farm at Stratford in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture. Although most of the members of the Board have not had an opportunity of inspecting this, it gives us great pleasure to record the fact that from what we hear it is going to be of very great value to the farmers in the district. The Board is still of opinion that the Department of Agriculture should be reorganized. I have, &c, J. G. Wir.soN, President of the Board.

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