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1940. MEW ZEALAND.

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1939-40.

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

Office of Minister of Agriculture, Wellington, New Zealand, 29th May, 1940. Dear 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, 1940. The report provides a summary of the principal farming activities of the year and outlines the comprehensive and numerous functions of the Department in its work of maintaining and fostering the growth of the rural industries. That work has for its objective the improvement of both the quantity and the quality of the Dominion's agricultural products, and once again there have been achievements in several important directions. The question of live-stock research has become a pressing one in recent years, and, although the health of our animals compares favourably with the health of stock in other countries, there is a substantial wastage through disease and faulty nutrition. To meet this situation the Government embarked on an extensive research scheme, and important investigations are now under way. In the middle of the year's programme the war made new demands on the staff of the Department. It was imperative that New Zealand, as a substantial supplier of agricultural products to the United Kindgom, should make every effort to maintain, and, if possible, expand production. In order to advise the Government in its policy of increased production, I set up a National Council of Primary Production, composed of nominees from different organizations representing the farming community and farm workers. The Council has done a great deal of valuable work. Its members have placed their knowledge and experience freely at the disposal of the Government, and their advice has been most helpful to Cabinet. Immediately on the outbreak of war prearranged plans were put into operation to safeguard farmer's requirements. Surveys were made of a wide range of stocks held by merchants and others, and export trade was regulated in the interests of primary production. In this work my officers received widespread co-operation. In view of the supreme importance of phosphates in the economy of New Zealand farming, the Government decided to maintain prices of superphosphate at pre-war level. This has been done by paying to manufacturers the increased cost of raw materials used in the manufacture of superphosphate. Every assistance has been given to importers of essential farm equipment and materials, and under the administration of the Primary Industries Controller and his staff many difficulties arising out of war conditions have been alleviated. Plans are now being formulated for the approaching production season, and it will be my prime endeavour to give every possible asistance to the farmer in his task of meeting the needs of Great Britain and her Allies. I have, &c., W. Lee Martin, Minister of Agriculture. His Excellency the Governor-General.

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