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1919. NEW ZEALAND.

BOARD OF AGRICULTURE (REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR 1918-19.

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

B E P 0 B T. The Hon. Minister of Agriculture, Wellington. 30th June, 1919. Sir,— 1 beg to submit herewith a report summarizing the work of the Board of Agriculture for the past year. During the period under review the Board held several meetings, besides a number of conferences with yourself in connection with matters that came before us for consideration from time to time, and the Board desire to record their pleasure at your attendance at our meetings for the purpose of discussing such matters of moment to the agricultural interests of the Dominion. Our Board was also represented at two conferences held in March and April of last year between the Prime Minister and those interested in the purchase by the New Zealand Government on behalf of the Imperial Government of slipe wool, hides, and skins. Reorganization of Department of Agriculture. Last year the Board repeated their opinion that the Department of Agriculture should be reorganized. It gives us great pleasure to know that this is now being done, and as a Board we would like to congratulate you on the active steps you have taken in this very important matter, and on having appointed Dr. Reakes as the Permanent Head of the Department. The following resolution in connection with this matter was forwarded to you : — " That the Hon. Minister of Agriculture be advised that the Board congratulate him upon his determination to reorganize the Department of Agriculture, and they learn with satisfaction that Dr. Iteakes has been appointed Director-General of the Department.. The Board are further of opinion that the scheme of organization as laid before them by Dr. Reakes is on the right lines, and they will be pleased to render him every assistance in their power to carry it out successfully." Experimental Farms. —Inquiry into Existing Working-conditions. In response to your request the Board made careful inquiries into the present working and financial conditions of the various farms controlled by (he Department of Agriculture, particularly with reg&rd to the following points : — (I.) The practical value to the farming community of the objects aimed at by the experimental work now being carried out. (2.) The conduct, of the existing general farming operations apart from the strictly experimental work, and its value to the farming community as an object-lesson in good farming. (.'!.) The suitableness of existing buildings and plant for the purposes of Government farms, from the standpoint that these farms should be object-lessons in the best farm practice in this respect. Ruakur'a and Weraroa Experimental Farms. In company with Dr. Reakes members have now visited Ruakura and Weraroa Farms, inspected the stock, and generally made themselves fully conversant with the work going on at each place as well as with the aims of the management. After our inspection we went fully into matters of

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