H.—29

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APPENDIX. CONTENTS. , , t,. . . v w e - Page. Live-stock Division ..... . . . 8 Chemistry Section .. . . . . . . :i(i Dairy Division . . . . .. . . 15 Biology Section . . . . . . . . 4'S Horticulture Division . . . . . . 25 Hemp-grading Service .. 44 Fields Instruction and Experimental Parma Branch 29 Grain-grading Service .. ..47

LIVE-STOCK DIVISION. REPORT OF TDK DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR. The Director-General. Wellington, 22nd June, 1920. I forward herewith my annua] report for the year ended 31st March last. A. R, Young, M.R.C.V.S., Director. Introduction. In presenting my annual repent for the past year 1 may be permitted to say that, while the whole of my anticipations have not been realized, a great amount of very useful work has been accomplished by the Division, the effect of which will be felt in the present year's operations, The organization brought into being towards the close of the previous year has worked smoothly, and by the exercise of district centred greater efficiency has been maintained than would otherwise have been possible with the rapidly expanding calls now made on the Division's officers. The- scope of the work of the Division is steadily growing, and during the year it was decided to expand the avenues for conveying advice to those on the land, particularly to now settlers, who mostly comprise returned soldiers, by appointing instructors in wool and swine husbandry .respectively. Mr. 11. H. Chaplin was appointed to the position of Wool Instructor, but he subsequently resigned, and Mr. .1. G. Cook was appointed to the position. Mr. K. W. Gorringe, who has had a large practical experience of swine-breeding anil management, was appointed to the position of Instructor in Swine Husbandry, and entered upon his duties last January, He has already done, a, great amount of useful work, particularly in giving instruction to returned soldiers at the respective farms where they are receiving instruction in farming operations. Great inconvenience' has been experienced by officers of the Division on account of the lack of housing accommodation everywhere, this difficulty being particularly met with in the event of any transfers of married, officers becoming necessary. This matter deserves serious consideration at the hands of the Department, and some scheme devised whereby its officers can housed without the constant worry of not knowing the moment when they may be required to vacate the houses rented by them and without any prospect of obtaining another except under the same conditions. The staff of the Division comprises some three hundred officers, most of whom are married, and the majority of those not yet in that position are most anxious to become so if only they could obtain houses. To the District Superintendents arid Principal District Inspectors at Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, and Auckland J have to tender my thanks for loyal and valuable assistance at all times rendered, and for the energy and enthusiasm which they have shown throughout. I have also to convey to all other officers of the Division my thanks for their services during the year, rendered sometimes, I know, under difficult anil unencouraging circumstances, Conditions of Stock generally (Superintendents' Districts). Auckland District.- Following a dry autumn the winter of 1919 was entered with pastures very bare, generally, a totally inadequate supply of hay and other fodder-crops, and stock, particularly cattle, in rather poor condition. The' shortage of feed continued to become more acute as the winter advanced, with the' result that, by the end of winter the condition of stock generally varied, from poor to emaciated, according to the acuteness of the food shortage in different localities. The area, which suffered most was that north of Whangarei and Dargaville (usually good winter- country), whenheavy mortality occurred among cattle, and also, though to a less serious extent, among sheep. Proceeding south from Whangarei and Dargaville the pastures continued to improve, and in the southern part of the' province sufficient feed was available to carry the stock through the winter in a satisfactory condition. Good rains were experienced in. the early spring, and stock improved rapidly in condition, but this was followed by a very dry summer, which was broken only by passing showers right through to February. Since February welcome rains have' been experienced at regular intervals, with the- result that pasture and root crops are now in excellent condition, and good takes of autumn-sown grass and oats have been secured. All classes of stock are now in a satisfactory condition, and present indications point to an ample supply of feed being available to carry them through the winter in good order. Wellington District. -The season's rains have been well distributed over the district, and both grazing and dairying areas have prospects of ample winter feed, with the exception of Hawke's Bay and Gisborne lands, where during the summer: the severe drought affected the pastures badly, and though'good rains fell about the end of March they unfortunately came, too late to provide the, necessary growth to carry cattle through the winter months. Sheep, owing to their ability to utilize barer pastures, will not fare so badly. The health and condition of horses has been good. Horse-