H.—29

economic problems should be prominent. The carrying-out of such a programme would fill a gap not filled by the activities of any of the organizations already undertaking investigation of farming problems. Such a programme is contemplated, and when facilities for carrying it out are available attention will be concentrated at the outset upon the following matters because of the magnitude and urgency of the problems which they present:— (1) The high-country pastoral lands of the South Island. (2) The hill-country sheep-farming land of the North Island, and especially that part of it which is subject to serious deterioration. Young Farmers' Clubs. Definite progress has again been made in the young farmers' club movement during the past year. This is apparent not only from the additional clubs and increased membership, but from the work and activities carried out by individual clubs and by the organization as a whole. Organization. —The aim during the period under review has been more in the direction of consolidating the movement rather than extending it. As would be expected, the war conditions have had an effect on activities generally, the benzine restrictions being the greatest handicap so far as club and district activities are concerned ; recruiting has also depleted club membership, and in some cases labour shortages have discouraged members from taking part in activities. Despite these factors, however, the movement is still very much alive, and, although at the outbreak of hostilities it was considered necessary to suggest that many major activities should be curtailed, it has been noticeable that in many instances they have been undertaken at the wish of the members themselves and have been very well supported. A few clubs have gone out of existence, but they were definitely units that were in a weak condition prior to the beginning of the war. It is understood that the formation of one or two new clubs in various districts is contemplated. The number of clubs has increased during the period by 20 and the club membership by approximately 1,000. At Ist April, 1939, there were 187 clubs throughout the Dominion, 71 being situated in the South Island and 116 in the North Island ; the total membership was round about 5,000. There are now 207 clubs in the Dominion —74 in the South Island and 138 in the North Island— with a total membership of approximately 6,000 (active members) and an honorary membership of over 500. The average club membership is about 29. Membership varies, some clubs having only from 12 to 20 members, others between 40 and 60, while one or two clubs are particularly strong, having from 70 to over 100 members ; the greater majority of clubs have a membership approximating 30. A comparison of the number of clubs functioning to date with those in existence in August, 1936, when the present organization came into operation, is interesting : —

Value of the Movement. —All who have come in contact with the Y.F.C. organization have been impressed by its value to the youth of the farming community and to the Dominion as a whole. The movement is also of great importance to the Department and to the individual Instructors, to whom, as a means of contact, it is invaluable. The club members are realizing more and more the value of the Department's extension work ; these young men are the farmers of the future, and they are at present taking full advantage of the assistance given by the Instructors, and will no doubt continue in later life to look to the Department for guidance in all matters pertaining to farming. Registration of Fertilizers. The registration and certification of fertilizers and fertilizer-vendors was carried out as usual during the year. The Inspector of Fertilizers paid visits periodically to superphosphate-works and other premises where fertilizers are prepared, and samples of the various fertilizers were taken and the invoice certificates examined. A good deal of correspondence was dealt with from vendors, farmers, and State officials on various aspects of the fertilizer question. In my last report I referred to experimental mixings of certain natural rock material found in New Zealand which, when incorporated with superphosphate, minimizes phosphate fixation. This was further developed during the year, and it appears that the product designated " silico-superphosphate " may prove to have considerable value. Owing to war conditions many difficulties are arising in connection with supplies of fertilizers, and there are matters of greater moment for attention than the normal duties of an Inspector of Fertilizers. The industry must be kept under constant review, and everything possible must be done to serve the fertilizer needs of the Dominion with the object of having adequate supplies available for users,

31

August, 1936. To Date. j Increase. Number of clubs— South. Island .. .. .. .. .. 59 74 15 North Island .. .. .. .. 27 133 106 Total number of clubs .. .. .. 86 207 111 Total membership .. .. .. 1,900 6,000 4,100