8.—15 a

8

(11.) Net Returns for Two Years.

(12.) Lambing.

(13.) Mortality.

(14.) The seasons throughout the year have been favourable to the breeder, although not altogether to the grazier. Spring and the early part of summer was excessively moist andstock did not fatten as well as usual. Autumn proved damp m Waikato and other Nor h Island dis tricts where the Board has holdings, and at one time I feared our young sheep^ might inconsequence have to face the winter with a somewhat impaired constitution The fine weather, however, of the past month or two has mended matters, and it is expected they will winter well. Walter G. Foster, General Manager. Approximate Cost of not given; printing (1,410 copies), £ 7 6s.

By Authority: John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9ol. Price 6d.]

1901. 1900. Net Return „,„.-.. at Port of Shipment Average Net Weight. (exoluding ineur- per Lb. ance). Net Weight. Estimated Net Return at Port of Shipment (excluding Insurance). Average per Lb. rreasy Icoured Lb. 1,730,996 148,709 £ 37,756 4,068 d. 5-23 6-56 Lb. 1,501,583 132,744 £ 33,600 3,872 d. 5-37 700

At 31st March, 1901. At 31st March, 1900. Ewes to Ram. Lambs bred. 1 Percentage. Ewes to Ram. Lambs bred. Percentage. 105,517 82,649 78 88,987 73,802 83

Shy Cattle. \ep. 31st March, 1900. 31st Maro :, 1901. 31st Marol , 1900. 31st March, 1901. Dead and Missing. Per Cent. Dead and Missing. i Per Cent. Dead and Missing. Per Cent. Dead and Missing. Per Cent. 25,833 8-83 14,455 60 552 2-70 J 304 1-73