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Supervision of Fertilizer-supplies. Superphosphate. 1. General Position. —Interference with loading-facilities at Nauru Island, coupled with the sinking of phosphate-supply ships, has made it almost impossible for New Zealand to obtain anything like the amount of 373,000 tons used in the 1940-41 season. Consideration has therefore had to be given to the question of restrictions on deliveries of superphosphate. 2. Serpentine Superphosphate. —Very slow progress has been made in the marketing of this material on a commercial scale. Contracts have now been let for a supply of serpentine rock, but so far the superphosphate-works have not been far enough advanced in the construction of plant to handle the rock after delivery. Potash. 1. Importation of Potassic Fertilizers. —The capitulation of Franco during May of 1940 cut off the chief remaining source of potassic fertilizers. Since this time, relatively small quantities of muriate of potash have been obtained from the United States of America. Recently attention has been directed to Palestine as a potential source of supply and negotiations arc under way for the importation of 2,000 tons of muriate of potash. 2. Seaweed. —As an alternative source of potash it was suggested that the kelp (Macrocystis) beds on the New Zealand coast might be used. Investigations have been steadily progressing, and detailed surveys have been made of the most important areas with the exception of Cape Campbell and Tory Channel. Interim data to hand suggests that the total amount available is relatively small and, because of the location of the beds and the nature of the plant required for harvesting and drying, is likely to be high in cost. Investigations are still proceeding. General. 1. Registrations.—Registrations of primary vendors total eighty-three, while secondary vendors number over seven hundred. Certificates of registration of both primary and secondary vendors have all been issued. 2. Investigations. —The collection of further material which may be useful in the construction of a new Fertilizer Act is being continued, and investigations are being made into the constituents of fertilizer mixtures with a view to simplifying and rationalizing these as far as possible. Young Farmers' Clubs. As was to be expected because of war conditions, the Y.F.C. movement in New Zealand has faced increasing difficulties during the past year. It is estimated that,, to date, about 1,500 members are either with the Army overseas or with the Air Force or Navy ; many others, at varying intervals, have been drawn into Territorial camps. This fact, together with such handicaps as petrol restrictions has struck the movement a severe blow. Many of the clubs, either through depletion of membership or because of long distances to be travelled, have found it very hard to carry on ; the problem of transport for outside lecturers has in many cases created another difficulty. Although fourteen clubs have been disbanded and a further twenty-nine have found it necessary to go into recess for the period of the war, the majority of the clubs are still active, even with limited membership and modified programmes. At Ist April, 194-0, there were 207 clubs functioning —74 in the South Island and 133 in the North Island —with a total membership of approximately 6,000 (active members) and an honorary membership of close on 1,000. Six new clubs were formed during the year. At the present time there are nominally 1.99 clubs in existence; of these, 170 arc actively functioning, with, a membership of approximately 4,500. The Second Divisional Cavalry Regiment (Overseas) Young Farmers' Club, formed in Egypt by club members in the early part of last year, has grown in membership, the latest figures obtainable showing a roll-call of more than 100, representing members of clubs widely scattered over both Islands! Reports have been received from time to time of their activities, which have included visits to many places of agricultural interest. Copies of the Journal of Agriculture have been sent to them, and letters received show how fully this is appreciated. In an endeavour to provide the younger members of the organization —those under military age—with some definite project of an interesting nature, a scheme has been launched, through the district committees, embodying co-operation with the Fields Division in experimental work. Smallscale trial plots, embracing experiments with various crops as linen flax, wheat, &c., grass-strain, trials, and also manurial trials on pastures, are to be laid down by club members. This project will not only be of interest and value to the club themselves, but will doubtless provide the Department with some useful information, particularly if the scheme is carried out on a fairly wide scale. So far, the prospects of its success appear fairly bright. The value of the Y.F.C. movement is recognized throughout the Dominion, and, particularly among those closely associated with it, the desire apparently still exists that the organization should be encouraged to carry on. It is recognized that the clubs and tha movement generally can not only play its part at this critical period, but can assist materially in reconstruction and rehabilitation after the war.

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