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Show Exhibits The Division is responsible for the general organization of departmental exhibits at summer and winter shows and during the year a very comprehensive exhibit was staged at twenty shows. Because a considerable number of shows were held on the same dates, it was impossible to cover many centres with the main exhibit, but wherever possible a local exhibit was staged by the Extension and Horticulture Divisions. A modified exhibit was staged at a ploughing competition and six farm schools in North Auckland. The exhibits proved of great interest to the farming community. Farm Engineering The demand for the services of Farm Machinery Instructors has increased and advisory work has been carried out by farm visits, radio talks, articles in The New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, lectures, and demonstrations. A number of farm machinery inventions have been reported on and a low-volume spray equipment design evolved for farm construction at low cost. Farm safety precautions in the use of machinery have been studied and arrangements made to collect information on the causes of serious accidents on farms so that farm safety advice information may be expanded. The Farm Forestry Officer has continued regional study of farm plantations in the Bay of Plenty, Northland, and Mid-Canterbury. Advisory work has covered Journal articles, visits to farms (at the special request of local Instructors), lectures to farm schools and Young Farmers' Clubs, and the preparation of exhibits at winter shows. Planting plans have been prepared for the Winchmore Irrigation Station, Flock House Farm of Instruction, and Invermay Agricultural Research Station. Rural Sociology The research project on " Housing in Vincent County " has been completed. The project on water-supply for farm houses in South Canterbury is nearing completion and a study of farm housing in Ashburton County has been commenced. Extension work in the Home Economics Section has been carried out by means of articles in the Journal, lectures, radio talks, and demonstrations. Seed-production The quantities of the various pasture and crop seeds harvested during 1949 have shown little variation from those saved the previous season. The total yield of short-rotation rye-grass seed was the highest to date and reveals the wider use being made of this grass. The level of cocksfoot-seed production is still low and has led to a shortage for local requirements, with no seed available for export. An exceptionally large crop of chewings fescue was harvested in 1949, the figure of 5,250,000 lb. being half as great again as the highest yield of the five preceding seasons. The production of chou-moellier seed has further recovered to a point where the locally grown seed is sufficient to meet requirements. The fluctuation in production of turnip and swede seed is caused largely by adjustment of the acreage sown in accordance with stocks of seed on hand, a full supply of seed of a comprehensive range of varieties being available. Contract Growing of Seeds. —The programme of multiplying under contract nucleus lots of seeds supplied by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research has been maintained. \

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