H.—29a.

10

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.