PRIMARY INDUSTRIES

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLV, Issue 10168, 25 July 1924, Page 6

PRIMARY INDUSTRIES

MARKETS AMD CONDITIONS. PRIME MINISTER’S REVIEW. (Special to the “Guardian.”) WELLINGTON, July 23 A brief review of the primary industries of New Zealand was given by the Prime Minister this evening. He said: The dry summer to some extent reduced the production of grass, cereals, and fodder crops, and as a consequence she output of butter was somewhat affected, but nevertheless tlie total value of the dairy produce of all kinds exported during the year was well ahead of that for the previous year, the respective figures being £lB,-576,474 and £16,207,053. The importance to the country of the dairy industry is well illustrated by the fact of its exportable surplus being valued at- cvej 18-J millions sterling. The wool clip.for the 1923-24 season was good, and in clean condition, and a marked continuous increase in prices was maintained throughout the series of sales, the average price for the season being 16d per lb, against IOJd for .the previous season. The declared value of the wool exported was £15,265,264, as compared with £11,955,50; for the previous period. The greater portion of the whole clip was sold at die local auctions, the proceeds consequently becoming promptly available to growers. It is very satisfactory to record a substantial increase in the number of cattle and sheep in tlie Dominion, and also an addition to the number of pigs, in cattle the increase is almost wholly in the dairy classes, and in sheep largely in tho breeding ewes, and in both these directions a further increase may be expected. Tho. health of all livestock has been good. Lamb and mutton have realised very satisfactory prices during the year, especially lainb, and the prospects for a continuance of good returns are encouraging. The need of maintaining our export meat at the best standard of quality must never be. lost sight of. The quantity and value of the exports of the undermentioned products were as follows, the total value under these headings showing an increase of over six million pounds for the year:—

Value. , £ Beef (frozen and salted) ... 844,18/ Mutton and lamb (carcases) 8,615,619 Other meats (including bacon and pork ... ... 382,249 Tallow •• 852,471 Casings ... .. ••• o()< jclJ Sheepskins (woolly) and pelts 1,2&4,805 Hides and skins ... *74,125 Rabbit Skins Livestock ... .... -• 100,430 Other miscellaneous items ... 33,811 Wool (bales) 15,265,264 Dafr'y Produce 18,576,4/4

Owing to a reduction in the areas sown and to unfavourable weathoi conditions during the growing period, the production! of wheat and oats shows a decrease',-, and it will be necessary to import wli*at and oats to the value of £1,250,000 before next year s harvest, is ready. . . The' prospects of the pastoral, agnmiltural, and horticultural industries of the Dominion were never better loan at present, and this, in conjunction with the high degree of intelligence and industry for which our .rural population is noted, giye very substantial ground for confidence m the Suture ot th«P Dominion. . .. FcA? the purpose of providing, young men who intend to follow agricultural and pastoral pursuits with better opporttWties for acquiring updo-date and scientific knowledge by which pipdaction: may be increased, it is intended to care Government suppnit and assistance to the establishment of at least one, and later on possibly two aorieulturat colleges under trained and competent- instructors. The necessaiy equipment will be provided to enable our farmers to compete successtully with other countries which are apparently endeavouring even now to capture* the markets oE the world so fa as agricultural and pastoral produce are concerned..