PROOF OF PROGRESS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 210, 6 September 1927, Page 5

PROOF OF PROGRESS.

FERTILISERS ON FARMS. INCREASED RAILWAY TONNAGE. RELATIVE TO BUTTERFAT PRODUCTION. "Fertilisers nlso play a most important part in the Dominion dairying industry," said a well-known Waikato man who is interested in butterfat production to a ''Star" representative this morning. Ho was discussing the remarks of Mr. W. M. Singleton, chief of the Dairy Division of the Department of Agriculture in which the latter had said the increase per capita had doubtless been favourably influenced by the extension of milking by machinery.

''In my opinion." the Waikato man continued, "if it had not been for the greater application of manures and lime, the 192.5-26 record would not have been accomplished. Gire the good cows better feed and attention and you will get the best results." These remarks led the "Star" representative to make inquiries from railway officials concerning the quantities of fertilisers which had been carried on the railways the 40 per cent reduction on manures came into force. The figures are illuminating and give ample illustration of the use farmers are making of fertilisers in relation to the production of butterfat.

From August. 1926, to March, IJV27, the manure tonnage carried on the Xorth Island railways increased by 86.000 tons and in the South Island by J 2,000 tons. From April Ito the end of July in 1027, a further increase of 65,000 tons in the Xorth Island and 9000 in the South was shown.

The total increase during the last twelve months in the Xorih Island was 154,000 tons and in the South 21.000 tons. There has also been an increase of 4000 tons of lime carried during the same period. This latter commodity i≤ conveyed free for the first 100 miles.

During the year ended March 31, last. 442,000 tons of fertilisers were conveyed over the X'ew Zealand rail wars.

For the five months of the current financial year ISS.OOO tons Lave already been carried.

It was pointed out that the reduction of 40 per cent on the railage freight had meant an amount of £55,610, of which the farming community has had the benefit.