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1892. NEW ZEALAND.

THE AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL INDUSTRIES COMMITTEE (REPORT OF, TOGETHER WITH MINUTES OF EVIDENCE).

Brought up 7th October, 1892, and ordered to be printed.

• ... EEPOKT. The Agricultural and Pastoral Industries Committee have the honour to report that they commenced their duties on the 19th of August, 1892, at which meeting it was resolved, " That the Manufactures and Industries Committee be asked to transfer the evidence given by Mr. John Sawers, Chief Dairy Inspector for the colony, before that Committee to this Committee." This request was acceded to, and Mr. Sawers' evidence is attached hereto. The Dairy Industry Bill was carefully considered by the Committee, copies of the Bill having been distributed throughout the length and breadth of the colony by the favour of members of the House; and the various reasons received in reply, for and against the Bill, were duly considered by the Committee, who made several amendments to the Bill, which was duly reported to the House. Mr. M. Murphy, F.L.S., Secretary of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association, Christchurch, and Mr. James E. Scott, of Dunedin, gave evidence before the Committee on the 12th day of September, 1892, which evidence is attached hereto. The Boad Boards Act 1882 Amendment Bill referred to the Committee by Order of Eeference of the 13th July, 1892, was duly considered, and, after various amendments had been made, was reported to the House. The Manure Adulteration Bill was very carefully dealt with by the Committee, who made several amendments, after which it was duly reported to the House. 7th October, 1892. Thomas McKenzie, Chairman.

MINUTES OF EVIDENCE.

Monday, 25th July, 1892. Mr. John Sawbes examined. 1. The Chairman.] What is your profession ?—Chief Dairy Instructor for the colony. 2. Have you visited the different parts of the colony?— Yes. 3. Will you be good enough to state the parts of the colony that you have visited?— The Provinces of Auckland, Taranaki, Hawke's Bay, Wellington, Canterbury, Otago, and Southland. 4. Have you made a report to your department of the results of your visits?— Yes, I have made three reports on the results of the past three seasons' work. 5. Are these reports printed ? —Yes; these are the printed reports. [Eeports produced.] 6. How many years have you been acting in your present capacity?— Three. 7. Is there anything you would like to say in addition to what is contained in these reports? Well, the report for 1892 gives a very clear idea of what I think is required to be done for the advancement of the industry generally. The principal points that appear to me to require your careful consideration are, what means should be taken to encourage the establishment of the factory system, and for the dissemination of information among the farmers as a means of stimulation. I think this can be best done by means of lectures on dairy husbandry and by ocular demonstration. I think it would be well for the Government to undertake the issue of dairy bulletins from the Agricultural Department, for the purpose of spreading useful information bearing upon dairying in all its branches, for the benefit of dairy-farmers and dairy-factory managers; also to extend the dissemination of knowledge as to manufacture by means of ocular demonstration at the factories by the employment of additional itinerant instructors. 1-L 12.