H.—'29a

6

New Zealand-grown Lemons. —Rough uncured local lemons formerly often placed 011 the market gave a bad reputation to the New Zealand-grown fruit. Growers have been encouraged and assisted to cure, grade, and properly pack their lemons before marketing. It has been demonstrated that when this is done —as it is in countries which ship their lemons to New Zealand —the local crop is equally attractive. This ideal has made much progress among lemon-growers, and the central packing and curing sheds are effecting a great improvement in this direction. Pear-midge Parasites. —The insect pest known as the pear-midge has done serious damage in pear-orchards, particularly in the Auckland and Nelson Provinces. As a result of inquiries the Department was enabled to introduce into the Dominion a parasite which at the present time gives every promise of controlling the midge. This will be a boon to those growers who in the past have been unable to secure a reasonable crop of fruit. New Varieties of Grape-vines.—Contrary to the general opinion, grapes can be grown outdoors in almost all districts in New Zealand, provided a proper selection of varieties is made. The Department has imported new varieties from Europe and America to make such' selections more readily possible. Tobacco-growing Industry. The cultivation of tobacco-leaf has been very profitable to the few engaged in it, and their success led to numerous inquiries from various parts of the Dominion. An instructor in tobaccoculture has been appointed, and those interested have been supplied with suitable seed and directions for making tests of their land and climate for this crop. There are indications that a considerable area in many localities is suitable for this class of production. In many instances it is the poorer class of land, which has otherwise very limited possibilities of becoming profitable. In 1926 tobacco-growers were producing more leaf than the local demand required, and approached the Government for assistance to test the London market. For this purpose samples of graded leaf were obtained from London, and a guarantee was given for a parity price with the local market. Although this test shipment was of limited dimensions, a very useful report was obtained, which will be of great assistance when the time comes for developing the export trade. Publicity. Results of or progress reports on the Department's work in all branches continue to be published for the information of farmers and others in the New Zealand Journal of Agriculture. Large numbers of leaflets and bulletins covering a wide range of agricultural subjects are also printed and distributed gratis. Organization and Functions of the Department of Agriculture. Following is an outline of all the principal activities of the Department under the DirectorGeneral, Assistant Director-General, Divisional Directors, &c. Live-stock Division: — Investigation and control of diseases of animals. Inspection of live-stock, meat, slaughterhouses, and town-supply dairies. Rabbits and noxious-weeds inspection. Animal husbandry and advice to stockowners ; instruction in poultry-keeping, pig-rSising, and wool-growing. Operation of live-stock quarantine stations. Inspection of shearers' accommodation. Registration of live-stock brands. Wallaceville Veterinary Laboratory. Dairy Division :—- Instruction in manufacture of butter, cheese, casein, &c. Inspection of dairy factories and factory-supply dairies. Advice regarding formation of co-operative dairy companies, and factory buildings and plant. Grading of dairy-produce for export. Supervision of herd-testing associations, C.O.R. testing of purebred dairy cows, official herd tests. Registration of dairy factories, &c. Horticulture Division: — Instruction in fruit-production ; horticulture advice ; viticulture. Direction of experimental orchards. Inspection of orchards, vineyards, nurseries, and imjrorted fruit and plants. Instruction in beekeeping ; inspection of apiaries ; grading of honey for export. Advice regarding orchard shelter, hedges, &c. Registration of orchards, nurseries, and apiaries. Te Kauwhata Horticultural Station.