H— 29

1929. NEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1928-29.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

Wellington, 31st July, 1929. Sir, — I have the honour to forward herewith, for Your Excellency's information, the report of the Department of Agriculture for the financial -year ended 31st March last. The season of 1928-29 may be recorded as an excellent one for our farming industries generally, as regards both production and market returns. This is reflected in the country's exports for the period, which show material increases in several leading primary products, and for the June year a total value of domestic produce only once before exceeded. Salient features of the progress of the various branches of agriculture are presented in the respective reports of the Director-General and heads of Divisions. The marked development in agricultural research and education noted last year has gained further impetus, and effective co-ordination of the practical and the scientific sides promises to be of steadily increasing benefit to our primary producers. The growing appreciation of this aid by the producers themselves is a valuable contributing factor. With increasing competition, and an outlook on the world markets which has lately become rather less assuring at some points, it is essential to still further promote efficiency, lower working-costs, and higher quality in production. The Government fully realizes the position and its requirements, and is making liberal provision, within the country's resources, for building up a good scientific foundation, combined with effective agencies for conveying the best knowledge to all sections of our men on the land. In this work the Department of Agriculture will continue to take a leading part in co-operation with allied bodies. The Department's report reveals a very wide scope of operations and a great volume of useful service. Tt is a pleasure to testify from close contact and observation that the varied work is in the hands of a good all-round team, well able to hold its own with similar departmental staffs in other parts of the world. T have, &c., Geo. W. Forbes, Minister of Agriculture. His Excellency the Governor-General.

1 H. 29.